psdenno

Interesting to see a 43 year old $30K "rare" Datsun listed on Craigslist. I tend to think of CL more as a shopping venue for low cost bargains. Anyone here buy a Z on Craigslist in the past? Dennis

Aircraft fuel tank sealant would do the job, but if the tank fill hose is springing one leak, it may be wise to put in a new one before a larger problem develops. Dennis

How much do you plan to spend? I tend to agree with the earlier comment suggesting that you buy something safe & reliable and consider the Z as your 2nd "fun" car. Dennis

They are from early Zs. There's currently a pair on ebay with the bid at $60 and Buy It Now at $100. They often sell for less than that depending on condition and if the mounting studs are still in place. Dennis

What's the date of manufacture on the ID plate located on the driver's door jamb - or the VIN? Dennis

Looks like the beginning of a good project! I note a few missing pieces like the bumpers, bright trim on the windshield and hatch glass, windshield wipers, hood emblem, and the emblem that covers the ventilation hole that appears to be filled in on the upper rear quarter - nothing that will keep you off the road if you can find a place to hang a front license plate. No visible holes through the body sheet metal is a big plus. The other good news is that everything that appears to be missing is fairly easy to get from vendors, a wrecking yard, or ebay - albeit at a cost a bit above your $100 budget mentioned earlier. Power on with getting that Z back on the road! Dennis

Nice job! Looks like you achieved matching the look of the Mazda dash as intended. With it in place in the car, how's the view of the instrument pod from the driver's seat? Dennis

The reserve hasn't been met, yet, so I suppose the "bidder" could run it up by bidding against himself to just under the reserve price and then safely stop bidding. Gotta love ebay auctions. Dennis

The Z may look dirty, but the seller says the title is clean. Dennis

The 3rd picture. I'll try to get a picture of mine posted for you - sorry for the delay. Dennis

Good luck with your $100 "get it running" budget. It appears that the mechanical fuel pump has been removed and blocked off - indicating an electric pump somewhere in the system. You may need a new pump after 20 years of sitting. However, since the seller said it ran perfectly 20 years ago, you're probably good to go. At a minimum, plan on changing all filters, all fluids, a few hoses, spark plug wires and distributer cap, probably a brake cylinder or two, I could go on. Having done this after my '71 Z sat for 15 years, I could really go on. Good luck with the process and keep us posted. Always nice to see another '71 back on the road. Dennis

My error if they're round top. I plead "old eyes". Dennis

The first '71 Z ad sports what appear to be flat top carbs, an aftermarket outside mirror, and velour upholstery as part of its "restoration". Dennis

Perhaps, a "behind the barn" find. Or, discovered just outside the garage to use the seller's "Garage Find" term. That exterior has seen some weather over the years. Dennis

Reminds me of a "made in Japan" one man nylon mountain tent I bought about that same year. The owner's manual for setting it up was titled, "Erection Instructions". Subtile differences in meaning sometimes make it past the proofreader. Dennis

Bye! Dennis

Check link below, post #122: http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/open-zcar-discussion/48220-reproduction-s30-parts-nla-5.html It appears there will be another source for the tail light chrome strips - perhaps with posts. Competition benefits everyone! Dennis

A few of the things that would concern me and lead me to ask questions, or move on, are: No bumpers Where are the front turn signals? Engine compartment paint overspray Why no radio, but has antenna How recent is exterior paint and what does it hide? Dennis

Double post deleted. Shame on me.

I second the suggestion to change the steering rack bushings - especially if the rough steering feel happens only at certain speeds. Have you ruled out the 25 year old tires, flat spots and all, as the cause? Dennis

You're welcome. Dennis

I'm away from home for the long weekend, but can try for a picture next week. Dennis

No hatch vents, holes in the steering wheel spokes, circular outside vent openings covered by round chrome emblems, tool compartments accessed through hatch doors in the cargo area floor, radio antenna vertical rocker switch, Summer/Winter flap on air cleaner snorkel as it came off the showroom floor. Dennis

Good question. My 4/71 Z came with the "D" caps. Dennis

The original ARA bracket is made of 3/4 inch wide unpainted galvanized steel. There is a screw hole at each end (rounded ends not square corners) for mounting to the side of the engine compartment and another screw hole at the crest of the arc on the bracket. Not sure why that's there as you wouldn't put a screw into the dryer. Hope that helps with your scavenger hunt. Dennis