SeanDezart
Well-Known Forum User
Careful, this topic might be better kept off line and just to PMs !
What do the big brothers say ?
What do the big brothers say ?
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Just buying a Z
- Thread starter ZHead
- Start date
ZHead
Well-Known Forum User
Hi ZBirdy,
I thought they were very good, very friendly and professional and the quality of their body work is good so I have no doubt that you will be extremely pleased and impressed with your car when it is built. They have undoubtedly built some superb cars as seen by the pictures on the walls of their office, this goes for Ferraris and Aston Martins as well as Zs. They won best in show at European level with two of their Zs coming first and second. I was so impressed that I would have happily had them build a car for me too.........However .....
what I want is more of a classic car with modern underpinnings so very fast, very tight handling etc. When we discussed things and I tried to go into detail I felt the answers were a little vague like "suspension mods will be £2000". The only info I got was that they would use Bilstein suspension. "When I asked Dave Jarman I got list of components, who makes them, what each bit does and why, how much each bit costs and how much it will cost to fit.
None of this thread is intended to decry the top quality workmanship of Fourways at all, merely a new guy saying "this is what I want, please help me find the best place and people to deliver it". As the current best race engines and suspension are delivered by Dave Jarman and the current top rally cars are built by Lawrence Evans, those are the guys I have been steered towards by more experienced Z Club members. It is very much horses for courses depending on what any given individual wants from their car. One big added factor is that I live in Shropshire, a very very long way from Kent, the guys I will ultimately use now are much much closer - Coalville is about an hour and a bit away.
I saw a very very tasty metallic green car, a rally car, a bright orange one sat outside but that was about it - were any of them yours ??
I am going to photograph and document the whole thing from start to finish, times, dates, costs, components etc so I have a complete trail of where the car came from, how it got here, who did what, why certain decisions were made etc. Maybe a little anally retentive but I will have this car for a very long time
Have you thought of doing similar with your car build ?? WOuld make interesting reading in 10 years when you have a quiet afternoon - you could relive the excitement all over again. I know I will.
So basically in summing up what do I think of Fourways ? Very good, very friendly, very professional but maybe not the right people to build the type of car that I want. They will put together a top quality standard type car that you will love to bits for many years - I am convinced you will be delighted with what you get.
Any advice if I could give some from what I have learned in the last couple of weeks ?? Come up with a written specification of what you agree mechanically and what you agree financially - this would not be specific to any restorer at all, just general common sense. (I missed this bit entirely - it was pointed out to me by someone who's judgement I trust). I will have a specification drawn up for the body, the engine, the suspension etc. No one can ever be disappointed then, everyone knows what has been agreed.
When will yours be ready ? Mine will probably not be done until the middle of next year :-(
I thought they were very good, very friendly and professional and the quality of their body work is good so I have no doubt that you will be extremely pleased and impressed with your car when it is built. They have undoubtedly built some superb cars as seen by the pictures on the walls of their office, this goes for Ferraris and Aston Martins as well as Zs. They won best in show at European level with two of their Zs coming first and second. I was so impressed that I would have happily had them build a car for me too.........However .....
what I want is more of a classic car with modern underpinnings so very fast, very tight handling etc. When we discussed things and I tried to go into detail I felt the answers were a little vague like "suspension mods will be £2000". The only info I got was that they would use Bilstein suspension. "When I asked Dave Jarman I got list of components, who makes them, what each bit does and why, how much each bit costs and how much it will cost to fit.
None of this thread is intended to decry the top quality workmanship of Fourways at all, merely a new guy saying "this is what I want, please help me find the best place and people to deliver it". As the current best race engines and suspension are delivered by Dave Jarman and the current top rally cars are built by Lawrence Evans, those are the guys I have been steered towards by more experienced Z Club members. It is very much horses for courses depending on what any given individual wants from their car. One big added factor is that I live in Shropshire, a very very long way from Kent, the guys I will ultimately use now are much much closer - Coalville is about an hour and a bit away.
I saw a very very tasty metallic green car, a rally car, a bright orange one sat outside but that was about it - were any of them yours ??
I am going to photograph and document the whole thing from start to finish, times, dates, costs, components etc so I have a complete trail of where the car came from, how it got here, who did what, why certain decisions were made etc. Maybe a little anally retentive but I will have this car for a very long time
Have you thought of doing similar with your car build ?? WOuld make interesting reading in 10 years when you have a quiet afternoon - you could relive the excitement all over again. I know I will.So basically in summing up what do I think of Fourways ? Very good, very friendly, very professional but maybe not the right people to build the type of car that I want. They will put together a top quality standard type car that you will love to bits for many years - I am convinced you will be delighted with what you get.
Any advice if I could give some from what I have learned in the last couple of weeks ?? Come up with a written specification of what you agree mechanically and what you agree financially - this would not be specific to any restorer at all, just general common sense. (I missed this bit entirely - it was pointed out to me by someone who's judgement I trust). I will have a specification drawn up for the body, the engine, the suspension etc. No one can ever be disappointed then, everyone knows what has been agreed.
When will yours be ready ? Mine will probably not be done until the middle of next year :-(
DJZ 60
Well-Known Forum User
Hi,Zhead.That was by far,the best & most accurate post I've ever
read on this Forum & it is self explanitory in the difference between a restoration inclusive of minor change's(left to right) &
a car which is built as a 'special', with upgrade's that are tried & tested offering the ultimate in what's available to make the classic
Z shape run & achieve modern demand's,& performance qualitie's.
DJZ 60.
read on this Forum & it is self explanitory in the difference between a restoration inclusive of minor change's(left to right) &
a car which is built as a 'special', with upgrade's that are tried & tested offering the ultimate in what's available to make the classic
Z shape run & achieve modern demand's,& performance qualitie's.
DJZ 60.
SeanDezart
Well-Known Forum User
ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL that any restoration has a firm goal in mind - what do you want to finish up with !
Very wise to share these thoughts with this forum and listen to the experience gained (sometimes from having done the wrong thing) !
Also useful is to determine your budget !!!
Very wise to share these thoughts with this forum and listen to the experience gained (sometimes from having done the wrong thing) !
Also useful is to determine your budget !!!
ZHead
Well-Known Forum User
Budget Schmudget - it's gonna hurt
I always had a clear vision of what I wanted and thanks to you guys I now understand where I can get it. Just have to scrimp and save and check down the back of the sofa for unnalocated coinage.
Back to the leather......... anyone had a dash retrimmed ? Must be an awful job because the clocks need to fit in afterwards. Might not be possible, just asking in case anyone has the answer.
Cheers
Andy
I always had a clear vision of what I wanted and thanks to you guys I now understand where I can get it. Just have to scrimp and save and check down the back of the sofa for unnalocated coinage.
Back to the leather......... anyone had a dash retrimmed ? Must be an awful job because the clocks need to fit in afterwards. Might not be possible, just asking in case anyone has the answer.
Cheers
Andy
Thanks ZHead for a complete and honest opinion, yes its great to hear individuals views, now i realise how useful these pages are.
The metallic green 240 you saw, I would think belongs to Geoff of Fourways, and yes, a stunning looking tool it is too. Such a fantastic ad for his business, I fell hook line and sinker as i bet most do. My 240 will be ready soon after Xmas I should think. Its been painted in Nissans Metallic Nordic Blue, and is looking pretty cool too.
Ive found the chaps at 4ways very professional, they obviously know their stuff, and like you i was well impressed with the pics of the finished products. I quite agree Zhead, you so have to budget, know your goals, your spec requirements etc, I too have commissioned other classic projects. Without a clear vision you may as well walk into a pit of starving lions.
I have gone with 4ways for their expertise, reccomendations, and locality, thats it really, to be honest i didnt know them from Adam, and you dont normally do you? Price wise, well i new it wouldnt be cheap, and I was quoted 14k for the standard car, im paying extra for mettalic Paint, chrome bumpers being sourced from Japan, (£££ Dont ask) 6 pipe stainless exhaust set up, etc etc. Trying to justify this is sometimes hard, especially when you read so often in the magazines that a concourse 240z will set you back £8k, (COME ON! really, I will take 3 Please!! And heres a great topic for another Forum) But if you look at it from the new car off the ferry perspective, or an old blighty jam jar its a cheap deal.
I have as you advise been taking plenty of stage photographs of the rebuild, even down to the restoration of a set of period alloy wheels off another 240, to be fitted to my car. Im thinking of sending it all off to the magazine, but hasnt that been done to death, or do you chaps think its worth bleating about another restoration? Still cant bloody wait for the day i get a one-way taxi to 4ways to collect the goods. Thanks for the interesting topic.
Zbirdy.
(Don).
The metallic green 240 you saw, I would think belongs to Geoff of Fourways, and yes, a stunning looking tool it is too. Such a fantastic ad for his business, I fell hook line and sinker as i bet most do. My 240 will be ready soon after Xmas I should think. Its been painted in Nissans Metallic Nordic Blue, and is looking pretty cool too.
Ive found the chaps at 4ways very professional, they obviously know their stuff, and like you i was well impressed with the pics of the finished products. I quite agree Zhead, you so have to budget, know your goals, your spec requirements etc, I too have commissioned other classic projects. Without a clear vision you may as well walk into a pit of starving lions.
I have gone with 4ways for their expertise, reccomendations, and locality, thats it really, to be honest i didnt know them from Adam, and you dont normally do you? Price wise, well i new it wouldnt be cheap, and I was quoted 14k for the standard car, im paying extra for mettalic Paint, chrome bumpers being sourced from Japan, (£££ Dont ask) 6 pipe stainless exhaust set up, etc etc. Trying to justify this is sometimes hard, especially when you read so often in the magazines that a concourse 240z will set you back £8k, (COME ON! really, I will take 3 Please!! And heres a great topic for another Forum) But if you look at it from the new car off the ferry perspective, or an old blighty jam jar its a cheap deal.
I have as you advise been taking plenty of stage photographs of the rebuild, even down to the restoration of a set of period alloy wheels off another 240, to be fitted to my car. Im thinking of sending it all off to the magazine, but hasnt that been done to death, or do you chaps think its worth bleating about another restoration? Still cant bloody wait for the day i get a one-way taxi to 4ways to collect the goods. Thanks for the interesting topic.
Zbirdy.
(Don).
STEVE BURNS
Club Member
certainly not done to death
always a different slant to any tale and remember there are a lot of new members who havn't read any of the previous restoration stories
always a different slant to any tale and remember there are a lot of new members who havn't read any of the previous restoration stories
DJZ 60
Well-Known Forum User
Hi,Don,Steve's right I wanna read,see pic's of your car as well as Zhead's & also Fourway's will do a great job on your car,so
It's all good news.Everyone has different taste's in colour of car,what engine set up,wheel's etc,the list goe's on.
Every owner's car is special,& I think that's beauty of it ,We all
appreciate & love Z's,..........Cheerzzzzzzzzzzz.....DJZ 60.
It's all good news.Everyone has different taste's in colour of car,what engine set up,wheel's etc,the list goe's on.
Every owner's car is special,& I think that's beauty of it ,We all
appreciate & love Z's,..........Cheerzzzzzzzzzzz.....DJZ 60.
ZHead
Well-Known Forum User
I agree ZBirdy, We are all interested in and enthusiastic about Zs so any info that can be picked up from a rebuild is useful - what you had done may affect choices made by other Z Club members, me included.
Apart from that, having a classic car restored is actually something quite special so why not shout about it ?
Apart from that, having a classic car restored is actually something quite special so why not shout about it ?
Hi Grolls, Ya saw me car eh.
Sounds like you were impressed then, hang on, let me adjust my hat its getting a little tight.
Was there anything you disliked? Its ok im thick skinned.
Any comments from the blokes at 4ways.
Sorry zhead for interupting your thread.
zbirdy. (Don).
Sounds like you were impressed then, hang on, let me adjust my hat its getting a little tight.
Was there anything you disliked? Its ok im thick skinned.
Any comments from the blokes at 4ways.
Sorry zhead for interupting your thread.
zbirdy. (Don).
grolls
Well-Known Forum User
zbrirdy, well you asked for it!
i dont like powder blue
should have uprated the brakes
should have uprated the suspension
six branch needed
tripple carbs needed
2.8 or 3.1 needed
lim. slip diff needed
uprated box needed
leather trim is better than plastic
i did notice a slight twist in the chassis but hey it will go round left hand corners great!
na only joshing, it looks peachy! and i think there will be many jelaus z owners out there.as for the staff passing comments on there customers or cars THEY DONT its bad for buisness, well thats the impression i get!oh and im not green with envy just stick your head in a bucket of ice cold water that should stop the swelling ....lol
i dont like powder blue
should have uprated the brakes
should have uprated the suspension
six branch needed
tripple carbs needed
2.8 or 3.1 needed
lim. slip diff needed
uprated box needed
leather trim is better than plastic
i did notice a slight twist in the chassis but hey it will go round left hand corners great!
na only joshing, it looks peachy! and i think there will be many jelaus z owners out there.as for the staff passing comments on there customers or cars THEY DONT its bad for buisness, well thats the impression i get!oh and im not green with envy just stick your head in a bucket of ice cold water that should stop the swelling ....lol
Ooo said it was powder blue anyway, and i ordered that twisted chassis special, so i can see any mr plods round the corner. DAMN dya think ive wasted me dosh.
Mustav been my z though, dont think there are any others in there in NORDIC blue, thanks for the comments/laughs guys.
Zbirdy. Incidentally, were you shown the green job in a seperate garage away from the main garage?
Mustav been my z though, dont think there are any others in there in NORDIC blue, thanks for the comments/laughs guys.
Zbirdy. Incidentally, were you shown the green job in a seperate garage away from the main garage?
ZHead
Well-Known Forum User
Lawdy Lawdy Lawdy what to do ???
Body 100% sorted. Car is in the container in the US and will have a UK 1971 240z bulkhead put in, efectively "re shelling" a UK car.
Suspension sorted - no prizes for guessing Dave Jarman is the best....... BUT......
Got taken for a spin in Dominic Frataroli's car and fer ****s sake does it go !!!! Considering it is fitted with a period engine Dave Jarman has worked genius, I have never been in a 240 with a period style engine like it. Awesome.
The rub comes because I am used to 300+ftlb of torque in my every day car (chipped BMW 530d sport) and so I want more and more torque. I am really keen on the idea of a chevy conversion. Those that know such as Mr F tell me it is great and works well, others tell me it kills the spirit of the car and should be avoided like the plague.
Does anyone have a V8 chevy conversion they could take me out for 10 mins in please ? Ususal bribes of beer and lunch are of course de rigeur standard. It is difficult to make a choice without knowing what the car ACTUALLY feels like with a chevy lump in.
ANother question for those that know (Mr F in particular because I have pictures of your old V8)..... Can you get all the power and torque down onto the road without the modern gizmos such as traction control ??????
This is the last decision point...... which engine. I was convinced I would want a straight six but having been in one fitted with the definitive engine, awesome though it is, I am not sure it is what I want in a road going car.
I want huge torque, very very fast acceleration (5 secs to 60 or sub) but the ability to potter around and burble along in a civilised fashion if I want to.
As usual, straight between the eyes advice would be much appreciated. It has helped immensely so far.
Muchas Gracias
Andy
Body 100% sorted. Car is in the container in the US and will have a UK 1971 240z bulkhead put in, efectively "re shelling" a UK car.
Suspension sorted - no prizes for guessing Dave Jarman is the best....... BUT......
Got taken for a spin in Dominic Frataroli's car and fer ****s sake does it go !!!! Considering it is fitted with a period engine Dave Jarman has worked genius, I have never been in a 240 with a period style engine like it. Awesome.
The rub comes because I am used to 300+ftlb of torque in my every day car (chipped BMW 530d sport) and so I want more and more torque. I am really keen on the idea of a chevy conversion. Those that know such as Mr F tell me it is great and works well, others tell me it kills the spirit of the car and should be avoided like the plague.
Does anyone have a V8 chevy conversion they could take me out for 10 mins in please ? Ususal bribes of beer and lunch are of course de rigeur standard. It is difficult to make a choice without knowing what the car ACTUALLY feels like with a chevy lump in.
ANother question for those that know (Mr F in particular because I have pictures of your old V8)..... Can you get all the power and torque down onto the road without the modern gizmos such as traction control ??????
This is the last decision point...... which engine. I was convinced I would want a straight six but having been in one fitted with the definitive engine, awesome though it is, I am not sure it is what I want in a road going car.
I want huge torque, very very fast acceleration (5 secs to 60 or sub) but the ability to potter around and burble along in a civilised fashion if I want to.
As usual, straight between the eyes advice would be much appreciated. It has helped immensely so far.
Muchas Gracias
Andy
Tony 260Z
Club Member
My next Z (not that I'll be getting rid of the one I've got) will be a 240/260 bodyshell with a small block chevy. Brand new, straight out of the crate with 300-350 completely effortless horsepower and torque to pull out treestumps (and more available!). No complicated electronics. No complicated turbo's. Fitting kit available off the shelf. Tried and tested. The old "KISS" theory being applied 'cos I don't have the time/grey cells for anything too complex. Not too worried about handling, so long as it goes like stink in a straight line!
Oh yes, and the V8 sound. Music to the ears
Oh yes, and the V8 sound. Music to the ears
SeanDezart
Well-Known Forum User
Grolls, if you're gonna splash out - do it right and be satisfied !
Tony, if a Zed is wanted for straight line speed, it's not a Zed you want !!! Zeds were made to go around corners mate ! A euro Scarab is a nice uncomplicated idea - I'm with you there, no electronics, turbos etc and loads of 'talk' but it's a poor use of a Z not to enjoy the twisty bitz !
Tony, if a Zed is wanted for straight line speed, it's not a Zed you want !!! Zeds were made to go around corners mate ! A euro Scarab is a nice uncomplicated idea - I'm with you there, no electronics, turbos etc and loads of 'talk' but it's a poor use of a Z not to enjoy the twisty bitz !