psdenno

Difficult, or impossible, to find parts for early Zs would be at the top of my list. Dennis

If you ask for help and then ignore the advice, soon, you will find that people will stop offering you advice. If you throw down on the Zs of those who offer advice, soon, you will find that people will stop offering you advice. Take this advice for what it's worth. Use as you see fit. No need to respond, I'm no longer following your posts. Dennis

As I've mentioned to you three or four time previously........... Buy a Haynes Datsun Z manual - $15 well spent (less than 5 gallons of good gas). Questions like this one are answered and even accompanied by pictures for those who don't like to read. Dennis

Use a feeler gauge and be sure about the points setting -- sometimes, close enough is NOT close enough. Timing may also be an issue. Since you're going through everything, may as well take the time to bring it up to spec and then you can rule out possible causes with a bit more certainty. Dennis

Since you've changed the battery, plugs and the wires (don't forget the wire from the coil to the distributor) the coil would about the only thing you didn't mention. Dennis

Just lock the doors and turn off the lights - you shouldn't experience any problems for that short dormant period. Dennis

Firing order is 1,5,3,6,2,4 with distributor rotation being counter clockwise. This is where that $15 Haynes Manual can come in handy. I'd also start replacing all rubber lines & hoses before running the car. If the tank has been sitting for more than a while, you may want to drop it and have it cleaned before filling & running. Did you change the fuel filter? Make sure you're getting "spark" and the fuel pump is pumping when you do get the tank sorted out. Your carbs probably need a little TLC, too. Keep us posted and let us know when you're having copious amounts of fun. Dennis

Fender flares are worth considering if you like the look - they cover/replace the rusted areas nicely. Fiberglass bumpers aren't too expensive as replacements for the damaged originals. Don't forget to spend $15 on a Datsun Z Haynes repair manual - money well spent considering what lies ahead for you. It will help your get through maintenance you can do yourself and indicate when to leave it to the professionals. Dennis

Nice project! Keep us posted on your progress. Do you have a plan? Dennis

Buy it! How else can you have so much fun and meet such interesting people for just $500? It's probably worth more than that in parts. Dennis

The NHTSA also maintains a site that enables searches of Federal Recalls by make, year, and model. http://www.nhtsa.gov/ Nothing listed for my 1971, but 1970 & '73 have safety recalls. Manufacturers are supposed to keep a record of cars fixed following a recall. Not sure if they're off the hook after 35 years or so. Dennis

Out of curiosity, is there a premium price on a ZZZAP car over any other Z of the same year? If so, how much more is a ZZZAP worth? Dennis

I've done three of them - I-70, Florida Keys, and PCH. None in the Z, but PCH was a weeklong drive from LA to the Redwoods in the 914-6, 10 years ago, with about 25 other 914ers. If you have the chance, don't miss PCH north of San Francisco, or La Honda Road off of PCH south of Half Moon Bay - some of the best driving curves I've seen. Dennis

Are you able to hear a "hum" or feel vibration to indicate the pump is working? Is the filter you used a "one way" uni-direction unit installed to allow fuel flow in the proper direction? Dennis

Fortunately for us "Magnet Wielders" most Z bodywork gurus looking for a quick sale don't have your skill in applying the magic putty. Just like a a Phillips screwdriver isn't the only tool in my toolbox, neither is the magnet my only tool for determining the structural soundness of a well used car. Sorry to hit a nerve with my comment and attempt at answering revlis240's question, "who knows what rust they just painted over!". Dennis

Or an EXternal combustion engine! Dennis

Pumps are not too expensive, shouldn't drip gas, and are easy to change. Consider buying a new one or taking the opportunity to upgrade to an electric pump. Dennis

A buyer with a magnet usually knows where the Bondo is hidden. I always take one of those flexible credit card sized fridge door advertising magnets to slide along the body panels. It won't scratch the paint and will drop like a rock when it encounters Bondo or fiberglass under the paint. It's always fun to see the look on the sellers face when that happens Dennis

Have you checked to see if you're getting power at the glass grid connections? How is the condition of the glass grid - any breaks? Dennis

Interesting observation - almost too perfect. The ad does say, "19,500 original miles fully documented original everything", however. I'm sure there's a great story behind the car - like why it racked up only 19,500 miles in five years before being stored and why the owner isn't posting the ad instead of a "buddy". It's also interesting that the number of miles on the odometer and the asking price are exactly the same - 19,500. Using that pricing model, my 1971 one owner 240Z is now for sale for $112,654 Dennis

Nice fix... similar to what I did with mine. Dennis

That's probably the smartest way to go when you find buyer resistance at a given price. Drop it a little at a time until it gets into a potential buyer's comfort zone - while hopefully still priced in your comfort zone. You know that when a buyer does turn up, he'll try to beat the price down even further. You've got a good car and you can sell it on its virtues. Be strong, there's a buyer out there somewhere Dennis

If you use "Raid" or a similar product, be sure to spray some down any pathways to the interior like the rear quarter air vents and any openings in the engine compartment firewall. Just leaving it uncovered in the sun with the hood open will make the Z less attractive to the ants than when it's under a dark cover. Unless, of course, they're flesh eating African ants Dennis

"Not running at the moment" and "Rebuilt Break Master Cylinder" make it sound like a steel..... or is that steal? I think the "Full body kit" is the funky front fiberglass facade and the rear bumper delete option. Hard to sell a "not running" car as more than a parts car. But, one person's worst nightmare is often another person's sweetest dream. Dennis

Just like with cell phones, toilet paper, and car clubs, it starts with just one and then someone either thinks they have a better way to do it or they get a mad-on for the inititial group and they come up with new spin on the original. It's not too painful to internet hop from one forum to another and eventually, you'll find one or two that become your comfort zone. I base this observation on almost 30 years of managing a Porsche 914 organization, both off and on line. Welcome to the group, hope you find it comfortable - I do. Dennis