psdenno

Mike, You're right about the sun, so I got out of the desert for the summer. Much cooler here in Lake Arrowhead and it helps the lucid thinking process Dennis

The "Rule of Thumb" tends to be that you NEVER get back what you put into a restoration either stock or restomod. Maybe 50 cents on the dollar if you're lucky. The finished product may be priceless to the owner, but not to potential buyers. Your query asks for a tangible answer to an intangible question. You'll get opinions, but no definitive answers, and as they say, "Opinions are like belly buttons. Everybody has one.". Soooooo, while it's a thought and debate provoking question, there is no answer. You're comparing unequals with too many variables. In reference to the V8 Zs in the pictures above, the real answer to your question is that they may or may not be worth more than a nicely restored early Z. It's in the eye, and wallet, of the beholder. Dennis

Horse trailer...of course......why didn't I ever think to look for a vintage Z in a horse trailer? Seems like a logical place to store a car.......especially if you keep your horses in the garage.

Have you tried to clean it up and lube the pivots? Not much to it. If that doesn't work, a Z in a wrecking yard would be your best bet unless someone is parting one out and can ship it to you. Dennis

I always thought they were like socks in a dryer and just disappeared forever.

What's also cool is coordinating their performance at an air show. I had the opportunity to do that last century at the air base where I was stationed. The term Prima Donna comes to mind when I think about their requests/demands. Each had to have a brand new Pontiac Trans Am waiting next to the spot where where they would park their planes when they arrived at the base. They landed, taxied to their parking spots, deplaned, jumped into the Firebirds, and sped away. Special accommodations, meals, and fawning masses awaited. They're very skilled pilots and very full of themselves. Military rock stars. Dennis

Outstanding transformation! Almost as good as the one the aliens did on your wife Dennis

Hi Carl, Thanks for responding. I didn't catch that you already had the new knob when I read your post. How's the wood grain/color and feel of the shape of the knob compared to the original? Dennis

Also, the shift pattern emblem is cloisonné (enameled metal), not plastic, as the originals were on the early cars. I'll be interested in hearing what you think of it when it arrives. Certainly looks like a viable alternative at a fairly reasonable price. Dennis

A little rough around the edges for that asking price. Seller does seem proud of the front end, however, based on the number of pictures. I'd pass. Dennis

It doesn't look like anything is in need of immediate attention. Your "starting point" looks like what most of us wish our "finished" project looked like. Dennis

Looks good! Do you plan to leave the tail light surrounds body color? Dennis

Take time to look at the door gaps on both doors when they're closed. Look especially at the gap on the latch side of the door. If the Z is sagging in the middle, the gap will be tighter at the top than at the bottom - a sure sign of weak structure reinforcement. Hard to tell from the posted pictures. Nice looking car, however. Dennis

He who hesitates is lost. Jump on it. Dennis

2000 GT based on tail lights, missing square access panel on front fender, and small rear/side marker light. Dennis

Not a Cheetah - they were fiberglass and wouldn't rust like this mystery car. Although it has styling similar to the Cheetah, the hatch and side window are not part of the Cheetah design. I know what it's not, but not what it is. Dennis

Nice insight for those who approach a similar project. The little bits and pieces add up and usually aren't factored in prior to taking on a project. Thanks for posting! Dennis

In the picture through the driver's door, the dash appears to have numerous cracks on top. For whatever reason, no pictures of the left side of the car. Some things to consider: What's your restoration budget? How much of the work can you do yourself? Do you have access to a parts car, local Pick-A-Part, or wrecking yard that has Zs? A quick inventory indicates you'll need: New bumpers Bumper mounts Outside marker lights Windshield chrome trim Steering wheel New center radio/heat control panel Radio Seat covers Door panels Assorted door pieces, window cranks, lock knobs, inside release trim Carpet Possibly a new center console Inner & outer shift boots Outside body emblems And, all the things you discover needing fixing and replacement along the way Just those items could be a few thousand dollars depending on how sourced. Depending on how big a project you're willing to take on, you may want to keep looking. Let us know what you do. Dennis

Picture shows tach needle at 3000 rpm. That either indicates the engine runs or the tach is stuck. Dennis

A little pricey when you consider $14 for shipping and assumes the grille and tail light finisher have the same color and finish. Dennis

In 1970, one could buy an almost new XKE for about the price of a brand new Z. I passed on the XKE because I was about to move out of the country For a while. When I returned in 1971, I bought the Z I still own. Not sure I would have held onto a Jag for 43 years - or could have afforded to keep one that long. Dennis

Welcome to the Group! Always good to see another '71 added to the list. I've been driving mine for about 43 years and hope to get a few more years of fun out of it. Dennis

That's the article. It should raise Craigslist Datsun prices in SoCal for a while and probably shake a few Japanese cars out of storage sheds, back yards, and garages. Dennis

There's a great article on the front page of the Los Angeles Times Business Section today. The focus is on the increased interest in collecting Japanese cars and the subsequent jump in price - there's that old supply and demand thing again. The 240Z is mentioned a few times in the article, along with 510s, the 2000GT, a Celica, and the rotary Cosmo. Importers are quoted. Dennis

Never thought I'd be one to say this........but, did you bother to type "damper oil" in the search box in the upper right corner of the page? Search is a wondrous tool and opens the door to a wealth of collected knowledge. Dennis