Datsun 240Z advice
Discussion
Can anyone offer any advice or know where tree is one of these for sale.
Looking to buy one but really need to research as could be costly if I get this wrong.
Going to go to Z Farm to have a talk with them but any other advice greatly welcomed.
Am looking to buy car for my son so need a really good one.
Thanks.
Looking to buy one but really need to research as could be costly if I get this wrong.
Going to go to Z Farm to have a talk with them but any other advice greatly welcomed.
Am looking to buy car for my son so need a really good one.
Thanks.
I hope its not his first car as he'll destroy it if he's anything like I was at 18 !! maybe not
Anyway they have classic status so you will have to pay for a good one, here is a nice example
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C165276
Anyway they have classic status so you will have to pay for a good one, here is a nice example
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C165276
LancerG said:
I hope its not his first car as he'll destroy it if he's anything like I was at 18 !! maybe not
Anyway they have classic status so you will have to pay for a good one, here is a nice example
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C165276
HiAnyway they have classic status so you will have to pay for a good one, here is a nice example
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C165276
Thanks for this.
Wanted advice about the cars really but thanks for pointing me in this direction.
They have no traction control which is a big issue but he is sensible so think he would be ok.
Only wanted to spend 12 -15K but you never know, they may haggle?
Hello there,
For that kinda money if it's for your son you can get a pretty decent machine.
RHD versions are very rare and if you find one, make sure you go and view it with a magnet. They are prone to rust and a lot of people have done a heck of a lot of bodge jobs on these cars thinking they can sell them on. Check the typical rust places, floor plans, battery tray, arches, underneath rear tailgate, corners of windows.
Also check that the weather rubber seals are all good. However nice the machine is, for some reason on some cars, they suck back the exhaust fumes. Having no perished rubber seals helps combat this.
What do you want to know? As a daily driver, I'd step aside. As a weekend toy for fun, it's perfect.
I have an imported 240z from the states. It's been dry stored so hardly any rust. It's kept in my garage for now till I have all the required parts and money for a full restoration.
The L24 is a very simple engine to work on and with an engine bay that size, you can do what you need to do.
Heck, people drop V8's in there and I've seen pictures of someone who has installed a big BMW V12 in there too.
I would haggle, that car has been on sale for at least 9 months iirc.
Thanks for this.
Wanted advice about the cars really but thanks for pointing me in this direction.
They have no traction control which is a big issue but he is sensible so think he would be ok.
Only wanted to spend 12 -15K but you never know, they may haggle?
For that kinda money if it's for your son you can get a pretty decent machine.
RHD versions are very rare and if you find one, make sure you go and view it with a magnet. They are prone to rust and a lot of people have done a heck of a lot of bodge jobs on these cars thinking they can sell them on. Check the typical rust places, floor plans, battery tray, arches, underneath rear tailgate, corners of windows.
Also check that the weather rubber seals are all good. However nice the machine is, for some reason on some cars, they suck back the exhaust fumes. Having no perished rubber seals helps combat this.
What do you want to know? As a daily driver, I'd step aside. As a weekend toy for fun, it's perfect.
I have an imported 240z from the states. It's been dry stored so hardly any rust. It's kept in my garage for now till I have all the required parts and money for a full restoration.
The L24 is a very simple engine to work on and with an engine bay that size, you can do what you need to do.
Heck, people drop V8's in there and I've seen pictures of someone who has installed a big BMW V12 in there too.
I would haggle, that car has been on sale for at least 9 months iirc.
MrCrazy said:
LancerG said:
I hope its not his first car as he'll destroy it if he's anything like I was at 18 !! maybe not
Anyway they have classic status so you will have to pay for a good one, here is a nice example
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C165276
HiAnyway they have classic status so you will have to pay for a good one, here is a nice example
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C165276
Thanks for this.
Wanted advice about the cars really but thanks for pointing me in this direction.
They have no traction control which is a big issue but he is sensible so think he would be ok.
Only wanted to spend 12 -15K but you never know, they may haggle?
Thanks aston boy for response.
Reason for purchase is that insurance is relatively cheap, believe it or not.
We have looked and it was a choice between a 300zx or a 240z, the 240 looking like it would be the better prospect in terms of a better car and also holding its value better.
Went to the Z farm and they do some really good restorations, the shells coming from the US and being rebuilt into rust free UK cars.
Looking to buy around June time and was looking for any reasons why not to buy from other owners experience - kind of buying with benefit of hindsight if that's makes sense.
I have learned that triple carburettor upgrade not really worth it as not really that much gain in performance.
My eldest just wants something a bit different which is why we have sort of decIded a 240 would fit the bill.
Thanks again
Reason for purchase is that insurance is relatively cheap, believe it or not.
We have looked and it was a choice between a 300zx or a 240z, the 240 looking like it would be the better prospect in terms of a better car and also holding its value better.
Went to the Z farm and they do some really good restorations, the shells coming from the US and being rebuilt into rust free UK cars.
Looking to buy around June time and was looking for any reasons why not to buy from other owners experience - kind of buying with benefit of hindsight if that's makes sense.
I have learned that triple carburettor upgrade not really worth it as not really that much gain in performance.
My eldest just wants something a bit different which is why we have sort of decIded a 240 would fit the bill.
Thanks again
Z farm are known for being at the forefront in restoring old Z cars in the UK.
I would purchase the S30 over the 300 anyday but then again, I'm bias about it as I have one. I prefer the classic shape and lines of the car.
At the time I was looking at S2000's / RX7's to Exige. Something for the weekend which I could have some fun in and visit my local racetrack (Rockingham) when at home. I stepped back and had a think outside the box and the 240 came to mind.
As for holding their value, yes indeed. This is if you keep it in it's natural state without adding any mods.
Triple carbs sound epic, if you're happy with it's power or maybe want a little bit more and want to keep the original engine, this is the route to go down. If you're desperate for more power, maybe look to transplant a L28 turbo?
As I mentioned before, the killer on these cars is the rust. If there's rust, you'll need to chop it out and make sure there is none left before you go forward further.
I had a chat with the owner of Z-farm as he wanted to buy my car and restore it for a client but I resisted as I knew I'd regret it in the future.
I got my car from a chap called William Gallier, he imports them time to time and is very fussy about the quality. He will not import junk. His main work lies in willy jeeps.
If you do decide that you need more power, you can always make a hybrid! These machines have a huge bay, like I said, someone has fitted a V12 in there! I'm personally looking for more power as I have no intention of selling this at all and like you, when I have kids, they'll have a car to tinker with and get a hand-me-down.
SR-20, 1-2Jz's, RB 25/6's, VQDE/HV, V8's and all sorts are popular.
If you want to go balls out get some inspiration from rocky auto. Just type, 'rocky auto' into google and click on images.
Let me know if there is anything else you need info on....
I would purchase the S30 over the 300 anyday but then again, I'm bias about it as I have one. I prefer the classic shape and lines of the car.
At the time I was looking at S2000's / RX7's to Exige. Something for the weekend which I could have some fun in and visit my local racetrack (Rockingham) when at home. I stepped back and had a think outside the box and the 240 came to mind.
As for holding their value, yes indeed. This is if you keep it in it's natural state without adding any mods.
Triple carbs sound epic, if you're happy with it's power or maybe want a little bit more and want to keep the original engine, this is the route to go down. If you're desperate for more power, maybe look to transplant a L28 turbo?
As I mentioned before, the killer on these cars is the rust. If there's rust, you'll need to chop it out and make sure there is none left before you go forward further.
I had a chat with the owner of Z-farm as he wanted to buy my car and restore it for a client but I resisted as I knew I'd regret it in the future.
I got my car from a chap called William Gallier, he imports them time to time and is very fussy about the quality. He will not import junk. His main work lies in willy jeeps.
If you do decide that you need more power, you can always make a hybrid! These machines have a huge bay, like I said, someone has fitted a V12 in there! I'm personally looking for more power as I have no intention of selling this at all and like you, when I have kids, they'll have a car to tinker with and get a hand-me-down.
SR-20, 1-2Jz's, RB 25/6's, VQDE/HV, V8's and all sorts are popular.
If you want to go balls out get some inspiration from rocky auto. Just type, 'rocky auto' into google and click on images.
Let me know if there is anything else you need info on....
MrCrazy said:
Thanks aston boy for response.
Reason for purchase is that insurance is relatively cheap, believe it or not.
We have looked and it was a choice between a 300zx or a 240z, the 240 looking like it would be the better prospect in terms of a better car and also holding its value better.
Went to the Z farm and they do some really good restorations, the shells coming from the US and being rebuilt into rust free UK cars.
Looking to buy around June time and was looking for any reasons why not to buy from other owners experience - kind of buying with benefit of hindsight if that's makes sense.
I have learned that triple carburettor upgrade not really worth it as not really that much gain in performance.
My eldest just wants something a bit different which is why we have sort of decIded a 240 would fit the bill.
Thanks again
Reason for purchase is that insurance is relatively cheap, believe it or not.
We have looked and it was a choice between a 300zx or a 240z, the 240 looking like it would be the better prospect in terms of a better car and also holding its value better.
Went to the Z farm and they do some really good restorations, the shells coming from the US and being rebuilt into rust free UK cars.
Looking to buy around June time and was looking for any reasons why not to buy from other owners experience - kind of buying with benefit of hindsight if that's makes sense.
I have learned that triple carburettor upgrade not really worth it as not really that much gain in performance.
My eldest just wants something a bit different which is why we have sort of decIded a 240 would fit the bill.
Thanks again
Can't help you on finding a particular Z but there tends to be a slow but steady flow of Z's though Pistonheads, Autotrader and E-bay.
Often when a car is available then it will be mentioned on www.zclub.net but that site isn't working for me right now, hopefully a temporary aberration.
As previously said, buy on the quality of the body over the mechanicals, a lot of mechanical bits can be sourced in the UK via www.mjpauto.com and other traders.
To get some rarer bits you have to to the states for sites such as www.zcarsource.com
The main advantage of triple webber carbs over the original Hitachi pattern SUs is that all the parts are available in the UK
To drive they are pretty safe, my Z was my first rear wheel drive car and you have to be pushing it to make the back move out on you, also you will feel and hear it so clearly when it does go that applying a dab of oppo will stop any hassle before it gets out of hand. If the kid can control a go kart with the rear moving about then there will be no issue with a Z.
The steering and gearbox can be a bit heavy but you get used to that quickly and feel more modern than most other 70's cars.
More of a shocker from a modern car perspective are the brakes which are fine for what they are, but if you aren't used to having no-ABS then get in a bit of practice on emergency stops so that you know what to do when the fronts lock up (and they will).
Hope you find a good one and enjoy it.
Often when a car is available then it will be mentioned on www.zclub.net but that site isn't working for me right now, hopefully a temporary aberration.
As previously said, buy on the quality of the body over the mechanicals, a lot of mechanical bits can be sourced in the UK via www.mjpauto.com and other traders.
To get some rarer bits you have to to the states for sites such as www.zcarsource.com
The main advantage of triple webber carbs over the original Hitachi pattern SUs is that all the parts are available in the UK
To drive they are pretty safe, my Z was my first rear wheel drive car and you have to be pushing it to make the back move out on you, also you will feel and hear it so clearly when it does go that applying a dab of oppo will stop any hassle before it gets out of hand. If the kid can control a go kart with the rear moving about then there will be no issue with a Z.
The steering and gearbox can be a bit heavy but you get used to that quickly and feel more modern than most other 70's cars.
More of a shocker from a modern car perspective are the brakes which are fine for what they are, but if you aren't used to having no-ABS then get in a bit of practice on emergency stops so that you know what to do when the fronts lock up (and they will).
Hope you find a good one and enjoy it.
Edited by JPBailey on Friday 11th January 20:17
Edited by JPBailey on Friday 11th January 20:19
Many thanks to everyone for advice.
Thought I would update and let you know that we eventually bought a car from The Z Farm.
We got a 260Z that has had Duncan's magic worked on it. Engine bay is concourse but whilst good, I think the interior will need a little bit of work on it.
Looking forward to collecting on Sunday.
Thought I would update and let you know that we eventually bought a car from The Z Farm.
We got a 260Z that has had Duncan's magic worked on it. Engine bay is concourse but whilst good, I think the interior will need a little bit of work on it.
Looking forward to collecting on Sunday.
MrCrazy said:
Many thanks to everyone for advice.
Thought I would update and let you know that we eventually bought a car from The Z Farm.
We got a 260Z that has had Duncan's magic worked on it. Engine bay is concourse but whilst good, I think the interior will need a little bit of work on it.
Looking forward to collecting on Sunday.
I see this car is back up for sale again through the Z Farm (its in the classifieds here). MrCrazy, if you read this, may I ask why this got moved on again? IMO it was a very good car overall, having seen it at Donington (could do without the remote central locking though!).Thought I would update and let you know that we eventually bought a car from The Z Farm.
We got a 260Z that has had Duncan's magic worked on it. Engine bay is concourse but whilst good, I think the interior will need a little bit of work on it.
Looking forward to collecting on Sunday.
richiep said:
MrCrazy said:
Many thanks to everyone for advice.
Thought I would update and let you know that we eventually bought a car from The Z Farm.
We got a 260Z that has had Duncan's magic worked on it. Engine bay is concourse but whilst good, I think the interior will need a little bit of work on it.
Looking forward to collecting on Sunday.
I see this car is back up for sale again through the Z Farm (its in the classifieds here). MrCrazy, if you read this, may I ask why this got moved on again? IMO it was a very good car overall, having seen it at Donington (could do without the remote central locking though!).Thought I would update and let you know that we eventually bought a car from The Z Farm.
We got a 260Z that has had Duncan's magic worked on it. Engine bay is concourse but whilst good, I think the interior will need a little bit of work on it.
Looking forward to collecting on Sunday.
Have sent a PM but for those that are curious, we have bought a mint 240z from Duncan at the Z Farm.
Looks like he is getting some bad press - may I ask why?
I take it that the derogatory comments made by r69bp has been removed?? Would have been good to understand what was behind them.
For the record, I have found Duncan at the Z Farm to be a nice guy to deal with, albeit a bit difficult to contact at times. I put this down to the fact that he lives where mobile phones don't work
I have just purchased my second Z inside of 6 weeks from Duncan at the Z Farm and would recommend him to anyone. I have found him to be a man of his word and the quality of work from him impeccable.
This is based on my experience but from the many that I have spoken to before making the first purchase, the overwhelming message from all was that the Z Farm was a good and reputable place to go.
Duncan, you never know mate, that red 240Z rally car you have would look good in my garage!!
Tony
For the record, I have found Duncan at the Z Farm to be a nice guy to deal with, albeit a bit difficult to contact at times. I put this down to the fact that he lives where mobile phones don't work
I have just purchased my second Z inside of 6 weeks from Duncan at the Z Farm and would recommend him to anyone. I have found him to be a man of his word and the quality of work from him impeccable.
This is based on my experience but from the many that I have spoken to before making the first purchase, the overwhelming message from all was that the Z Farm was a good and reputable place to go.
Duncan, you never know mate, that red 240Z rally car you have would look good in my garage!!
Tony
I don't know if a 260 coupe is as good as a 240 but I saw one today at www.MR911.co.uk
Sounded quite nice for an old car.
http://www.mr911.co.uk/cars/datsun/120y/260zcoupe(...
I don't know any thing about the car but thought it might help.
Night.
Sounded quite nice for an old car.
http://www.mr911.co.uk/cars/datsun/120y/260zcoupe(...
I don't know any thing about the car but thought it might help.
Night.
MrCrazy said:
Went to the Z farm and they do some really good restorations, the shells coming from the US and being rebuilt into rust free UK cars.
Hi'MrCrazy',Can you please explain how the above process works exactly? How can a 'shell coming from the US be 'rebuilt into a rust free UK car'?
Surely a US 'shell is always a US 'shell, even if you convert it to RHD? What happens to the chassis number?
PZR said:
MrCrazy said:
Went to the Z farm and they do some really good restorations, the shells coming from the US and being rebuilt into rust free UK cars.
Hi'MrCrazy',Can you please explain how the above process works exactly? How can a 'shell coming from the US be 'rebuilt into a rust free UK car'?
Surely a US 'shell is always a US 'shell, even if you convert it to RHD? What happens to the chassis number?
AstonTony said:
PZR said:
MrCrazy said:
Went to the Z farm and they do some really good restorations, the shells coming from the US and being rebuilt into rust free UK cars.
Hi'MrCrazy',Can you please explain how the above process works exactly? How can a 'shell coming from the US be 'rebuilt into a rust free UK car'?
Surely a US 'shell is always a US 'shell, even if you convert it to RHD? What happens to the chassis number?
'MrCrazy' wrote: "...the shells coming from the US and being rebuilt into rust free UK cars".
The bodyshells of these cars carry their 'identity' ( the combination of a chassis prefix and a sequential body serial number, engraved into the firewall of the bodyshell at birth ) so the 'US' 'shell will have it's own distinct identity. Same situation for the 'UK' cars.
So exactly how does a ( presumably? ) rusty UK car suddenly become a "rust free" UK car using this 'US' bodyshell? If the 'US' bodyshell is used, is the original chassis number / identity retained ( in which case, how is it suddenly a 'UK' car? ), or is the 'UK' chassis number / identity retained ( in which case, how is it the same car? )?
I wonder if 'MrCrazy' really can explain it?
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