psdenno

Covercraft is at the top of my list. I used to be a distributor for them years ago - still have a few assorted Porsche and Studebaker covers in the storage shed. Avoid waterproof covers as they tend to trap moisture on the inside of the cover and that plays all kinds of games with painted as well as exposed metal surfaces. A good poly-cotton cover allows trapped moisture to escape and is quite durable when used outside. They are also gentle on the painted surfaces. Wash the cover from time to time to get dirt/dust/sand out of it which can scratch the paint. Covercraft has custom fit patterns for just about any car and will even custom make one for you if your Z has the extended ZG nose or an exceptional rear spoiler/wing. My '63 R2 Avanti and '70 914-6 are snug in their Covercraft covers as I write this. Dennis

I chose the MSA kit a couple months ago when I replaced the old York compressor, all the plumbing, and the interior unit that had been installed since 1972. I'm pleased with the kit and was driving it yesterday in 95 degree heat with the windows up. Cool. Dennis

I appreciate the 2¢ worth. I'm a bit afraid of what the insurance increase is going to be and can remember what it was like to be 16 with a set of keys and no parents in sight. The Z will most likely be "occasional use only". My wife is concerned about the safety aspects of a 37 year old car and I'm concerned about keeping him away from the Porsche in the garage. Your point was well made. Sorry about the thread hijack. Dennis

The door and hatch seals had solidified and crumbled like a graham cracker. Suspension rubber survived a little better and gets by for now. I'm currently doing body work getting it ready for paint. Then it's on to carpet, upholstery, or new seats, and replacement of the rest of the rubber seals. My son turns 16 in a few weeks and had his first experience with a stick shift today, courtesy of the 37 year old Z. When he gets his license, the plan is to let him drive it. I may want to hold off on paint in light of that. Dennis

I went through the same process with mine about a year and a half ago. It had been stored here in Palm Springs for about 15 years and only driven a few times in the 10 years prior to that. Time and heat had done in just about everything made of rubber or containing fluid. Replace everything noted in the link above, belts, clutch & brake cylinders, shock inserts, fuel lines, all fluids. After I did all that, mine fired right up - with carbs that were last adjusted sometime during the final quarter of the last Century. The Z is an amazing, and forgiving, car. Have fun with the one you're bring back! Dennis

Part of the charm of the early headlight surrounds is the you can easily fix them with a little fiberglass cloth and resin when they crack or when a stud pulls out. They tend to be more forgiving than the later metal style IMHO. Dennis

1963 Supercharged Studebaker Avanti R2 1970 Porsche 914-6 Plus assorted spare parts, fenders, tools, and other automotive residue.

Game over?

I set mine to midnight...or was it noon? I can't remember. Dennis

Score! Keep us posted on the work you accomplish. Dennis

Way to go! Keep chipping away at the issues and before you know it, you'll have good looking, good running Z. Advice is FREE here, so don't be shy about asking if you run into any problems. Dennis

With all respect for Mr. Brock, wouldn't spoiler + scoop be spoop, not spook? Dennis

To help us help you decide, how about a little more information? How much storage space do you have? Do you have the skills to fix it yourself? Do you have the budget to support the needed repairs - known and unknown? As others have said, anything can be fixed. But, is it worth the cost & effort? Dennis

I realize that your main issue is being able to direct the air flow more effectively, but have you also done some of the other things that make the existing setup more efficient - like heat insulation in the passenger compartment and rear deck area and a rear window louver to block the greenhouse back window. As a SoCal desert dweller, I know those two changes made the AC seem twice as effective on my '71 Z. If you're not big on the rear louvers, a tinted window helps greatly. Good Luck! Dennis

If Palm Springs isn't too far out of the way, Mike at Autobahn West has done great mechanical work for me on my '71 Z as well as a couple Porsches over the last 20 years. Good work, reasonable price. Dennis

Is that a genuine, period correct, deerskin driving glove I note in your picture? Dennis

Sure, you can join in, but remember that the one with the newest Z buys the first round. Dennis

The clear headlight covers are a very nice finishing touch and add to the build era Jag XKE copycat look. I have a set on the shelf waiting for installation. Dennis

Cosmic coincidence - As I was reading this, I looked out the window and saw a '48 Studebaker cruise by. Palm Springs is home for old people and old cars. Dennis

I agree. Whether it's a Scarab or a 1966 Mustang GT 2+2, it could be built in my garage with parts "off the shelf". And it would look just like the real thing. All someone needs is a little time to research the bits and pieces needed to build the classic. The paper trail tells the tale. Dennis

Still waiting to hear what Scarab153 got back from the seller on on ebay in response to his email. Dennis

Palm Springs is a nice destination for a group drive, although not today - it's going to be about 112 degree here. Dennis

AC was an aftermarket add-on for the early Zs. I added an ARA unit to my '71 in '72 and it worked well for years. Just this week I had a new AC system with all modern components installed on that same car. It's possible to find an AC system on a junked Z or there are several sources for the new kits. New AC systems run about $1,000 plus installation. In 1972, I paid $325 for the AC unit and installation. This week I paid $650 for just the installation. Inflation! Dennis

Looks like a great project starter. Keep us posted on progress. Dennis

Thanks! Dennis