Matthew Abate

I just picked up a '73 restoration project and am looking for some good Z books (this is my first Datsun). Does anyone have any recommendations? So far I'm looking at these: How to Restore Your Datsun Z-Car https://www.amazon.com/dp/1931128022/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_11Ovvb0AAQRTR How to Rebuild Your Nissan/Datsun OHC Engine: Covers L-Series Engines 4-Cylinder 1968-1978, 6-Cylinder 1970-1984 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1931128030/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_C4Ovvb1GA93K6 Essential Datsun Z 240Z to 280Zx: The Cars and Their Story 1969-83 (Essential Series) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1870979516/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_w5Ovvb17NTV8C Haynes Datsun 240Z, 260Z, and 280Z Manual, 1970-1978 (Haynes Repair Manuals) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0856962066/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_95Ovvb0RSM84Q

Hi everyone, I just picked up my first Z, a 1973 project car that's totally disassembled but seems to be complete, and was originally Orange. I'll be bringinging the car back to original condition, with perhaps a performance modification or two. This is my second restoration, but my first import and my first Datsun, so any tips for noobs is much appreciated!

As soon as I get it in my hands; it's in transit.

Thanks for the advice everyone! I ended up passing on the 260Z and, after almost buying serval times, ended up finding a 1973 240z (Orange!) that is restorable (and runs!!) for less than the 260 would have cost me and in better condition (!!!). I'm officially part of the club, an will start posting my process as soon as she arrives.

That's what I haven't figured out. Ideally, I would have a stock early 240z and a tricked out rest mod 280z. That isn't going to happen due to space and spouse. The issue is that I've found 260s a few times and they sit in a great area for me. I feel like they shouldn't be customized (especially the ear lies) but they require performance mods to be comparable to the other cars. I think I'll just end up hunting for a 240 and go stock. Most of the guys I know who have older cars regret the modifications after a while and wish they had gone for a restoration, so I have that in the back of my mind.

I think the thing that has me hung up is the price. If it were $2,500 I would probably have it in my hands by now.

I haven't seen anything around that has solved this conundrum for me, so forgive me if this is a topic that has been beaten to death, but I have found an early '74 260z near enough to me that the cost to buy and ship it will come to $3,750. It seems to have a complete interior, but will need a new dash and carpet. The paint will need to be completely redone, and the engine is not working. I plan to go see it on Saturday, but I'm hesitant, because I'm on the fence about 260zs in general. If it turns out to be truly rust and dent free, would you go with this, or would you hold out for a 240z? I feel like if I found a 240z I would restore it, and if I were to do a resto-mod I would just go with a 280z in order to save money and start from a better performance position. This car is the worst performing Z in stock condition and begs to be updated, but I feel like modding a 260z would be a mistake if I wanted to try to get a good return on it someday (I know you aren't supposed to do this for resale potential but I can't help but go there in my mind). Thoughts?