Avocado Green 1972 UK RHD 240z Project

Rushingphil

Club Member
I'll join the chorus - don't do a bare shell, bare metal restoration. Targeted, high quality metalwork repairs, glass out external respray (and engine bay, etc.) but try not to mess with stuff that doesn't need it. Where the original paint is still decent outside might give a reasonable base for repaint (i.e. you may not need a total bare-metal strip on the external panels, just flattening, sealing, etc. of areas not requiring repair). The major advantage you have with that car is what you see is what you get - there's no litany of previous hack job repairs and overdose of filler. So not a lot of stuff that needs removing through blasting/dipping etc. As for bolt-on parts and trim, that can be a running restoration. Whip the engine and trans out during the bodywork phase and give them a cosmetic and service parts do over.

This could be a superb standard-spec UK car when done. You've done great buying it. Despite me liking my Zs "spiced up" a bit, I'd love a car like that just to restore as close to standard/period correct as possible and enjoy it precisely as that.

Hi Richie (I'm guessing that's your real name!),

Many Thanks - The more I hear that plan of attack, the happier I am - seems to make it a lot more manageable for me - I can work on it bit by bit, plus I think you're right about stripping the engine and transmission out - will make working on it a lot easier - especially as I intend to replace all the fuel and brakes lines - also easier to refresh the engine etc. I think I'll get the engine up to temp and do a compression test first though - see how healthy it is! It's certainly not very tight at the moment. Both rocker box and sump gaskets are leaking, but I guess that's to be expected. I imagine all the seals and gaskets will need replacing - as well as the timing chain etc etc etc !

I'm certainly intending to keep it as original as possible, although I don't think it's got the original suspension - they are height adjustable Japanese things that Fourways Engineering fitted, or so I was told.

Can't wait to get stuck in! I enjoy participating in the forums so will be putting plenty of posts up!
 

Albrecht

Well-Known Forum User
I'm certainly intending to keep it as original as possible, although I don't think it's got the original suspension - they are height adjustable Japanese things that Fourways Engineering fitted, or so I was told.

They are the classic LEDA conversion that Fourways Engineering used to fit for customers. They are shortened tube, oil-filled dampers with adjustable spring collars. Not a bad fast road setup (I used to run a set on one of my cars) and they last half past forever too.

I would run them as-is if I were you. Maybe just a lick of paint?
 

Rushingphil

Club Member
They are the classic LEDA conversion that Fourways Engineering used to fit for customers. They are shortened tube, oil-filled dampers with adjustable spring collars. Not a bad fast road setup (I used to run a set on one of my cars) and they last half past forever too.

I would run them as-is if I were you. Maybe just a lick of paint?

Many thanks - that's reassuring- really didn't want to go through the route of putting 'standard' dampers back on!

Will be giving them a good lick; of paint as well EXTRA:)
 

Rob Gaskin

Treasurer
Staff member
Site Administrator
Alan, was that the LEDA suspension that you sold to me at about the turn of the Century?
 

Rob Gaskin

Treasurer
Staff member
Site Administrator
Thought so. It did me proud as track suspension i.e. smooth surface - it was brilliant. However on bumpy roads the dampers were slow to 'recover' (even with 250lb springs) so the rear wheels could spin-up.

My Bilstein suspension on my blue 'rally' car is so good on bumpy roads - highly recommended for road use.

I guess the suspension that guys fit now is really good too (and adjustable).
 
Thought so. It did me proud as track suspension i.e. smooth surface - it was brilliant. However on bumpy roads the dampers were slow to 'recover' (even with 250lb springs) so the rear wheels could spin-up.

My Bilstein suspension on my blue 'rally' car is so good on bumpy roads - highly recommended for road use.

I guess the suspension that guys fit now is really good too (and adjustable).

Leda is now under new ownership and would be a much 'better' proposition than BC/GAZ as their dampers are now properly matched and designed.
 

Rushingphil

Club Member
They are the classic LEDA conversion that Fourways Engineering used to fit for customers. They are shortened tube, oil-filled dampers with adjustable spring collars. Not a bad fast road setup (I used to run a set on one of my cars) and they last half past forever too.

I would run them as-is if I were you. Maybe just a lick of paint?

Took a quick picture of the suspension tubes and they are marked as 'AMPCO' Japan - are these what LEDA used then for their upgrades?

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Rushingphil

Club Member
Made a start on the restoration - little by little:) Nice and supple.

Not much to go now :rofl:
 

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Rushingphil

Club Member
When we brought the car down, the back of the trailer ended up covered in petrol so there was obviously a leak from somewhere, and since it's been in the garage it hasn't got any better!

Therefore decided to take the tank out and investigate; Filler pipe and main vent pipe badly split and stiff as stiff things. Tank itself is in pretty good condition. I had planned on doing an internal fuel tank resto as per Tyroguru's excellent write-up, but I actually don't think it needs it. Just need to try and clean out the rust on the bottom somehow.

Even the straps are salvageable.
 

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Albrecht

Well-Known Forum User
Took a quick picture of the suspension tubes and they are marked as 'AMPCO' Japan - are these what LEDA used then for their upgrades?

Yes, they are - as Rob has mentioned - the OEM strut tubes (AMPCO was a Nissan subsidiary). LEDA simply used to cut them down, add the threaded sleeve for the lower spring perches, fit their dampers inside and job done.

I remember Fourways also offering a budget 'coilover' conversion with adjustable platforms which used cartridge type dampers.
 

Rushingphil

Club Member
Interesting, has the same filler as the 240.

Hi, ??? It is a 240 or am I missing something please?
Yes, they are - as Rob has mentioned - the OEM strut tubes (AMPCO was a Nissan subsidiary). LEDA simply used to cut them down, add the threaded sleeve for the lower spring perches, fit their dampers inside and job done.

I remember Fourways also offering a budget 'coilover' conversion with adjustable platforms which used cartridge type dampers.

Many thanks for the clarification EXTRA:)
 

Rushingphil

Club Member
I’ll get my coat, reading two build threads at the same time the other being a 2+2.

LOL. I know exactly how you feel. I read lots of threads and then can't remember which is which! Keep meaning to make up some sort of spreadsheet so I can easily re-find the info I'm looking for!
 

Rob Gaskin

Treasurer
Staff member
Site Administrator
LOL. I know exactly how you feel. I read lots of threads and then can't remember which is which! Keep meaning to make up some sort of spreadsheet so I can easily re-find the info I'm looking for!

When looking for info in Threads do you search the appropriate Forum and then the specific section? Perhaps you are meaning 'Rebuilds and Restos' only?
 
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