I've owned my Z for about a year now. When I first bought it I had a garage in which I could fix/restore it myself. However, I've had to move into a large metro area and don't have that luxury anymore. Now, I'm trying to figure out how to work with repair shops. The biggest problem seems to be their ability to get parts. If they can get them, they are much more expensive (often 4x the cost of zcarsource.com for example) and take a much longer time to ship. What's more, they are often reticent to allow me to supply the parts even if I suggest they charge me a fee for the privilege. Does anyone have any relevent experience which could help?

Thanks!

Pretty simple. Find a Z specialist. They're out there. They will know how to source parts that are off the grid or the usual suspects for where to grab parts otherwise (motorsport auto/black dragon/etc.).

Reach out to your local club and they'll hook you up.

Shops don't like to let you bring your own part because they don't want to be deal with issues related to defective parts. If you make it very clear that you will not hold them responsible for part defects, they will likely work with you. In other words, if they install your part and it turns out to be defective, then you agree to pay them to install another one again and again until you finally bring them a part that isn't defective.

On the other hand, if they supply the part, and it's defective, then it's on them to keep putting in another part until they get one that isn't defective. This is why most shops only use the highest quality parts they can get, from a reputable supplier that they trust.

Since your in Alexandria, I would try Banzai Motorworks in Upper Marlboro, MD which is near Andrews AFB. Also Eiji of Datsun Spirit is in Manassas.

- Mike

Thanks a lot for all of the input. I'm going to call Banzai!

I know from experience, when dealing with body shops, NEVER tell them you're in no hurry. You won't see your car for months.