I can't wait any longer

M

mrradiodj

Forum User
For the past six years or so I've been trying to restore a 2 seater 260Z. Things have moved along in fits & starts as they do, but I just can't see the light at the end of the tunnel.

A promotion looming at work gives me a company car allowance although I don't need to travel much for the job, and the wife has agreed what a good idea it would be for me to buy a twin turbo 300. (top girl)

I suspect this may have come up before but I'm looking for any advice going that can help me in my quest to drive a Zed again. What should I look out for, what do I want or want to avoid? Do they all come with the toys? (air con, cruise, elec seats etc etc) Should I avoid the imports? I've seen a company online called group 20 in Southampton, is it true that parts are hard to get for imports?
So many questions????

Any help I'd be most grateful...............

Cheers all & A Happy New Year

Matin.
 
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Check out the www.300zx.co.uk forum for cars for sale and the FAQ section for what to look out for when buying a Z32.

Buying a Zed from a trader, i think that you have to be very careful, i looked at about 10 from traders and i took about 15 print-offs with me telling me what to do when buying, what to check for and diagnostic checks, only 3 traders had the time for me to do all the checks, but i bought from an enthusiast and touch wood nowt's gone wrong with her yet.

Best of luck mate, and have fun.

Rich
 
If you are buying an import then make sure the relevant conversions have been completed and that the car is UK legal...other than that I have had 2 import 300 TT and they are great! Mr F (MJP) will be more than happy to sort you, or your friendly local garage, with any spares that are needed!! happy hunting.

Rick
 
Think i've found my car...... 1990, uk car, tt red, 108,000 miles, fsh, leather, cruise etc. only 2 probs, slight vibration i can feel through the seat, could be something propshaft related & my insurance company wants over £900 a year (39, no points, garaged at night, full no claims etc etc...) any help on thoses two???
 
Vibration is often related to the propshaft centre bearing, which is rubber mounted. The rubber hardens and eventually splits. The vibration usually comes in two "phases" - about 40mph and then again at about 80mph. In bad cases the universal joints may also need rebuilding (specialist job).

On a U.K. car check carefully for evidence of rust - particularly ahead of the rear wheelarch on the under-sill area and front crossmember. Also, brake lines and suspension components will probably be looking quite rusty now.

On all old Z32s, check condition of the silicone filled tension/compression rod bushes at the front and the four subframe mounting bushes at the rear. The rear ones will be an expensive replacement! Look for evidence of sticky fluid around each bush - don't assume this is from an oil leak above.

Is the car auto or manual? You will wish for a manual eventually....

For insurance, try the advertisers in the Z Club magazine or contact Pete Parmenter for some up to date ideas.
 
Try Lifesure for insurance http://www.lifesure.co.uk/

They definitely insure 300ZXs - even imports - and IIRC only accept the *ahem* more mature driver. My premium (for an import) is half what you've been quoted.

There's a list of ZX friendly insurers here http://www.300zx.org.uk/insurance.htm

In addition to what Mike says about propshaft vibration, it might also be the rear gearbox mount or a combination - see here for unfinished story http://www.netcomuk.co.uk/~webster/gio/propvibes1.html

HTH - Gio
 
Sorry but £900 and your 39, no points etc, i'm 29 i have a ban on my liecense (bike, big wheelie, Arsey copper) it's garaged, quite a lot of mods (all declared) and i'm only paying £700 and something.
If it is a UK car try

www.adrianflux.co.uk

They were the cheapest by far for me.

Best of luck mate

Rich :D
 
it might also be the rear gearbox mount
Click to expand...

I've never seen a seriously worn rear gearbox mount on a Z32, but almost every car has some sort of propshaft issue, even if only hardening of the rubber mount around the bearing. The advice is often to change both, as propshaft vibration will undoubtedly put additional stress on the rear gearbox mount.
 
Originally posted by Mr.F
I've never seen a seriously worn rear gearbox mount on a Z32
Click to expand...
How about this one? :eek:
gboxmntcomp1.jpg
gboxmntcomp2.jpg


but almost every car has some sort of propshaft issue, even if only hardening of the rubber mount around the bearing. The advice is often to change both, as propshaft vibration will undoubtedly put additional stress on the rear gearbox mount.
Click to expand...
From my vast experience of 1 (one) ZX :D that makes sense to me :p
 
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