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Oiluj, Especially a seven year old copy of the WSJ Hence, my observation that the car information was quite dated and perhaps not of value except in an historical sense. I wasn't slamming the article, only pointing out it's timeliness and, perhaps, lack of applicability to current trends. I agree that any positive Z press is a good thing. Hugs, Dennis

Just like I don't track my investment portfolio or make my stock buying decisions by using a 2004 copy of the WSJ, I probably won't put too much value in their 2004 240Z advice other than as an historic perspective. But, it is fun to revisit the outlook at that time. Dennis

The story carries a Dow Jones 2004 copyright that implies news from the past. So, as they say on Wall Street, "Past performance is not a guarantee of future results". I was, however, pleased to see that my Avanti also made the list. It tends to be appreciated by the automotive public about like the Z. Dennis

Welcome to the group! Enjoy the wealth of information in the message archive and let us know when you pick up that next Z. Thanks for doing what you do in Afghanistan. Dennis

Close substitutes are available from several sources including Harbor Freight with some bin searching and driving around. However, the "real thing" is readily available, doesn't cost a huge amount compared to some of the things we buy for our Zs, once in place fits right and doesn't get changed out very often, so why not just buy a bag of the real thing from MSA - unless it's the thrill of the hunt? Yes, I understand that looking at the cost per piece makes the real thing look like a rip-off. But, the fit is perfect, not just close, and they're still available. Just my 2¢, not looking to argue. Dennis

I've had American Collector for years with coverage on several cars. If you can live with the driving limitations, the rates are good and the one claim I had was handled without drama. Dennis

Nice find! Welcome to the group. Dennis

Welcome to the Group! Enjoy your Z project and be sure to ask lots of question if you get frustrated during the process. Dennis

You may have a change of heart after you take it for a drive in August. My Z sat for 15 years. I went through all the systems to bring it up mechanically and did a "driveway" fix on the rust. The repair cost was about twice what I paid for it when I bought it, new, off the showroom floor. Every time I drive it, I'm glad I still own it. Fun car + Great memories = Keeper. Dennis

Typically, the daily temps reach over 100º every day from June to early October here in the SoCal desert. They're usually 110-115º this time of year. Even with the A/C on, I haven't experienced vapor lock with my '71 Z. The only mods on the car are a bigger radiator and aux electric fans that come on with the A/C. Prior to getting my current Porsche 914-6 which has carbs, I had a 914-4 with fuel injection that was easily vapor locked. A wet towel on the fuel lines helped with that car. Slow stop & go traffic on hot pavement was deadly - had to keep the air moving through the engine compartment. Dennis

Just make sure your Tetanus shots are up to date before digging into it. Looks like a good parts source. Dennis

I'll add my vote to those who said, "Get it running, sell it, go shopping for a "fixer" Z. Or, make your offer to trade on your local Craigslist. Dennis

A $1,000 clock is probably no more a case of "wasted money" than a $10,000 paint job, IMHO. At least with the clock you know what time it is BTW, let me know where to find that $1000 Rolex you mentioned. I paid 4K for mine. Sometimes we all spend waaaay too much for silly things that make us feel good. Dennis

Since you asked. My first impression was.....fried egg, sunny side up, at speed. But, if self expression and personalization are important, go for it! I'm sure we've all done things to our Zs that make others wonder. Dennis

Do you get any "buzz" sound at the electric pump when power is applied - or just silence? Have you tried tapping the electric pump with a hammer in case it's just a little stuck from sitting three years? Dennis

Fuel filter, binding accelerator, speedometer error.....pick one. Dennis

Can't go wrong for $22. the hatch strut is worth almost that much Dennis

Lots of references to the process on the "net" and in other car forums. The general thoughts seem to be that you can achieve an acceptable result, far cheaper than spraying, labor intensive, there is a learning curve, results and level of satisfaction may vary. Let us know how it turns out if you give it a try. Dennis

And if those seven remedies don't get you through the day, remember what Charlie Brown used to say: No problem is so big that you can't run away from it. Dennis

I just happen to have a new, still in factory wrapper, one here in my office awaiting installation on my '71. As others have said, soft and flexible like a radiator hose. Dennis

If there is already some body filler on your car, there's a good chance the chemical stripper will soften it so you'll have that issue to deal with also. I've used stripper on a car and it's not necessarily an easy alternative to sanding. You'll need to make sure areas you don't want to strip are protected from the chemical stripper - like the engine compartment and a few hard to get at places around the door openings. If they get chemical drips or runs, you'll be in for much more work trying to touch up. I'm not sure I'd use stripper again. I've heard of people removing all the paint with razor blades and that intrigues me. I'm not suggesting you shouldn't use stripper, just be aware of what can happen and read up on the process. Dennis

In the order I added them after buying my Z in 1971.... A/C Front air dam Rear window louver for hot climates Dennis

I've always liked a kill switch for the electric fuel pump, although when I leave the car for an extended period, I remove the rotor from the distributor. With a pump switch, the engine cranks, maybe fires, dies and doesn't fire again. Bad guys move on to a car that runs. Dennis

Welcome! From the looks of the pictures you posted, you've taken on quite a "learning project". Keep us posted on the project as it progresses and tap into the collective knowledge base on this forum if you get stuck or frustrated. Dennis