psdenno

I haven't heard of successful recharging, but there are lower priced alternatives to replacing the factory hatch strut mentioned in earlier forum threads. I popped for the factory replacement shortly before learning about the aftermarket replacement that, if I remember correctly, was about 20% of the factory cost. Dennis Dennis

Well, that's one way to get to the front of the line quickly. Dennis

Since your Z is almost 40 years old, take a look at the flexible filler neck the runs between the gas cap and the tank. Easy to replace now. Dennis

Thanks for helping another '71 see the light of day. Keep us posted on the progress. Dennis

When you notice that no new car has been painted that color in over 30 years. Dennis

The starting bid looks more like an appropriate ending bid based on the pictures and the amount of work needed. I wonder how high the reserve price is - like maybe $501. Dennis

Welcome to the Group! There were quite a few aftermarket suppliers for all of the early Z performance items ranging from springs to spoilers to exhaust systems. An active "cottage industry" developed to support owners who wanted to change the look or performance of their cars. As for impacting value.......do you want a pristine original garage queen show car, a tastefully appointed driver, or a race car? Dennis

You may be just exchanging one salty doom for another, but at least you won't have to shovel snow out of the driveway before heading to the beach. You also might miss the burgers at Grandma's by the lift bridge on the way to the beach. Good luck with the project! Dennis

Welcome to the Group! Is the A/C still functional? It will come in handy while you're driving the wheels off in PHX. Dennis

Welcome to the Group! Always glad to see another '71 being put back on the road. Are you sure you want to leave Duluth for Florida? You'll miss skidding your Z down Mesabi in December Dennis

Have you checked the new fuel filter to make sure it hasn't clogged with tank debris? Have you pulled a fuel line at the carb to make sure gas is getting that far? Dennis

High beams or low beams? Dennis

Always a good feeling to solve Z problems and get back on the road. Stay stoked! Dennis

Sounds sort of like the dash cap solution, but stamped instead of vacuum formed. I'm guessing the labor, dies, and stamping press will bring the price near the $150 price mentioned in the other solution mentioned above. The vendor for replica early Z lenses that are currently available could probably provide a more cost effective solution if willing to sell just the chrome strips. Certainly, this is a part many of us would buy if the quality and price were right. Dennis

Welcome! Dennis

In an effort to show that it is a Small World after all, a couple pictures of Joyce can be seen at this link if you scroll down the page. http://www.prendergastlibrary.org/friends/ The question remains....will she return? Dennis

Hopefully, Franceso has a sense of humor and is quietly amused by all the analytic responses his initial message generated. Either that or he's put his Z up for sale and is making plans to buy a different Japanese car and move along to the Miata Forum in hope of connecting with fewer owners with too much time on their hands. Dennis

Hi Franceso and welcome to the group. Glad to have another '71 original owner in the mix. To answer your questions, which I've numbered above.... 1. Possibly some of each, generally owners responding based on their experiences. 2. It will range from VERY to HARDLY. Your job is to evaluate and use what you can. 3. Possibly, but probably not. You can send a personal message through the forum for direct contact. 4. Responses often come in minutes. But, days, weeks, and months are not unusual. 5. Discounts on parts, member ads, FREE help and emotional support, and the ability to tap into thousands of years of actual owners's Z experiences. What could be better? Dennis

Also, a typo on the "Caution" decal - "it's" should be "its". It's that possessive or contraction dilemma that often rears its ugly head for the rest of your life after leaving second grade. Check spelling on "vehical" on the 3000 decal - should be "vehicle". Dennis

Buy and enjoy while you can.....the Aliens may get tired of your "real" wife and bring her back. Dennis

It ALWAYS pays to take a little time to shop around. Dennis

Welcome! Good luck with the search. Dennis

And so the adventure begins.......... It's always nice to have a paper trail, or a Melnick trail in this case, on an old car. Dennis

Thanks for posting the pictures - makes me want to get back to work on my Z. Dennis

Sorry....duplicate post. Dennis