Family member interested on this Z

[Z fan]

Will like to see the opinions from this forum for my step son , he is very interested on this Ebay listing > Datsun Z Series Z | eBay thanks in advance .

[zKars]

It is actually a 73 model. The VIN, lit pull knob hazard switch, intermittent wipers indicate that pretty clearly. Would need to see the build date on the drivers door tag to confirm. There have been lots of legitimate year "adjustments", just check that ALL VIN's match. Dash, door tag, what's stamped in the firewall above the brake booster, and if there, on the engine bay tag.

Would need to see receipts to see how they spent $12K on the engine, and to see who did the work.

The asking $$ is not crazy, but likely somewhat high. Depends heavily on the actual underlying rust condition and quality of the current body work and paint, and overall quality of what has been done.

[djwarner]

For the price they are asking, you would think they would have cleaned the over spray on the passenger side of the dash. The color mismatch on the glove box door is another. Makes you wonder what a close inspection would show. Also no underbody shots.

Overall the car presents well - it only makes the exceptions stand out all the more.

[Zed Head]

Used car dealers generally set the price high, but will negotiate. Looks like they're selling the lime-green paint job, from the pictures. Paint jobs are often used to hide rust and damage. A true Z car person would know to talk about rust but there's only one word on the eBay ad about it - "No Visible Rust". A flag.

Here's more on the seller - Smith Motor Group: Used Cars, New Cars, #1 Auto Dealer in Paso Robles

[siteunseen]

maybe it's the camera's angle but the gaps on the passenger's side of the hood and hatch look wider than the driver's side

[Zed Head]

The back hatch door is sitting high also, like it's been removed and installed without adjustment. The e-brake handle seems high. Pick, pick, pick. For $20K though, every detail matters.

Is it normal to have the HLS30- highlighted in white and the numbers not or is that a replacement VIN plate? The rivets look new.

Maybe the VIN is in the registry database. I don't know how to get in there.

I see no Build Date in the eBay ad either.

[Zed Head]

Just for fun. From the ZHome site - Classic Z Car Register It's in between.

HLS30135263

VIN:HLS30 134607
Production Date:11 / 72
Color Body /Int :Green / Black
Orig.Eng.Number:l24 141960
Owner:Jeff Galbraith
City/State/Cntry:London Ontario, Canada
IZCC Member#:
Comments:Full Restored
e-mail:[email protected]
Date Registered:23 Feb 00




VIN:HLS30 137283
Production Date:12/72
Color Body /Int :112 Lime Green & Black
Orig.Eng.Number:L24 143973
Owner:Curtis & Marge Daniels
City/State/Cntry:Saskatoon, SK - Canada
IZCC Member#:4200
Comments: [70K original miles,original paint]
e-mail:[email protected]
Date Registered:25 June 02

[psdenno]

A little rough around the edges for that asking price. Seller does seem proud of the front end, however, based on the number of pictures. I'd pass.
Dennis

[Carl Beck]

HLS30 136078 is also 11/72

So - given that it is a "Street Mod" - with some issues or Red Flags. It would take a knowledgeable 240Z enthusiast to do a personal inspection. As mentioned - no pictures of the underside..blacked out engine compartment etc Reasonable offers if it checks out that the body/sheetmetal is good etc - - - what $12K to $14K? If one really loves the color and the modifications?

I think they will have a hard time finding a buyer - it was on EBay last March as well. From St.Cloud, FL - now in San Luis Obispo, California.

FWIW,
Carl B.

[Zed Head]

They put 11 more pictures on the dealer site - 1972 Used Datsun 240Z Z at Smith Motor Group Serving Paso Robles, CA, IID 12120598

Some underneath. Looks like a regular muffler in place of the anti-resonance pipe. Hangs a little low.

[SteveJ]

It doesn't look like much was done under the car such as bushings, etc. The trim pieces are missing on the door. The engine bay has the lazy black paint job. The seller is asking too much money for the effort put into the car.

[Carl Beck]

OK - so I'm seeing a top surface color change, blacked out under the hood and pretty much a untouched undercarriage. Not seeing all new bushings etc. That and a souped up engine… I'm not seeing anything close to a $20K 240Z.

Would anyone put a $12K racing engine - in an engine bay that looks like that? Wouldn't you at least replace the passenger pull handle, and rechrome the driver side door panel? If your going to pull the engine and repaint the whole car - wouldn't you have rebuilt and repainted the suspensions bits/pieces.

No - I'm not seeing anything close to $20K.. Not saying it is a bad car - just way over priced.

FWIW,
Carl B.

[Zed Head]

Didn't notice the missing pull handle on the driver's door. It also has the classic purple stripe of worn off plating.

That exhaust system really looks bad the longer you study it. Piling on...

[Z fan]

Good observations made , interesting to know that this Z has been on both coasts Fla/Cal, please continue the opinions , they are making us to see a clear prospective , this forum is classy .

[Carl Beck]

Hi Z Fan:
Maybe if we knew a little more about the specific things that interest your step-son; about this Z or any others, we could offer better perspectives/advice. For example, does he just like the looks of it - or does he have more interests in the engine/power etc.. Maybe it is just close to him. Does he want a car that he can work on himself or does he want a finished car ready to drive/enjoy?

FWIW,
Carl B.

[Z fan]

^^^ He basically wants a done Z , he has the means to pay good money . Looks, performance and quality work a priority , he is open to some body mods but likes the stock look of the early Z. A clean cabin and A/C a critical factor.

[Carl Beck]

Hi Z fan:
That is helpful - and he should be able to find what he's looking for. One just can't be in a hurry. Really well done and ready to drive 240Z's don't come up for sale on the open market too often. Many times the best cars change hands privately. Club members that know other club members who have nice cars - often buy them as soon as the owner mentions a desire or willingness to sell. So if he is anywhere near a Local Club - always good to get to know some or the other members.

good luck,
Carl B.

[Persimmon240]

Much as I don't want to jump onto this scrum but the one rotor (at least) looks like it needs to be turned (or replaced). You know what they say about rotors... one good turn deserves another - or some such thing. That overspray on the dash (both sides!) really demonstrates a lack of attention to detail that would make me want to question all of the details.

[siteunseen]

I e-mailed the guy about the over spray, "Reflection. No overspray." So the rubber weatherstripping around the window frame is reflective.

[olzed]

There is evidence of a fairly lazy paint job by the lack of paint to the underside lip of the fender, also the underside of the front valance. Also there is blistering to the quilted covering on the trans tunnel. Probably from heat.

[Z fan]

Thanks for the input, this Z is no longer on the radar, as mention above hunting for a done Z, the best tool is not to hurry.

[Zedyone_kenobi]

I know it is gone, but is it really that hard to vacuum a car out before taking pictures!!!