Off the road since 1985

TimCumbria

Forum User
I recently purchased a 1975 240z, which has been off the road in a barn since 1985. It is now in a different barn, but dry and well protected. It was checked by Fourways Engineering (before I bought it) and needs a total refurbishment, but is basically sound.
I can't repair it myself, as the work is too extensive and I don't have time (though I would love to). I need advice on whether i should sent to Fourways (my original plan) or use a local restorer (in Cumbria), as I plan to have my son do work experience restoring the car, and it would help if it were local. I am concerned about sourcing of parts (notably front headlight assemblies, and interior trim) more than quality of repair, as the local guy is good. Is there anyone you would recommend to give advice here?
I'm not a member yet, but will join when I start the repair work.
Tim.

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neil240z

Club Member
That will be a 260z if its 1975, the 240z ceased production in 1973, you will be able to source parts and advice of many experienced members on here, I would get quotes from your local chap as four ways will be expensive but if you and your son can do basic work like stripping the car yourselves, it may save a fair bit on labour costs. Good luck with the project.
 

TimCumbria

Forum User
Neil,
Thanks. My error. It was registered in Feb 1974. The log book shows the car as a 240z with engine capacity of 2393cc. I reckon it was registered few months after they ceased making the 240z, so it should be one of the last made. Maybe I will spend a month helping to strip the car to save on labour. It would be fun to do.
 

Rushingphil

Club Member
Hi Tim and welcome to the world of Zs.

I would strongly suggest stripping the car yourselves. Take lots of photos and catalogue everything. I also made a list of every step I did in dismantling things. That way:

You know how it came apart/ goes back together
Can refurbish each item in your own time
Don't run the risk of parts being lost or broken at the repair shop

Read lots of threads on here so you'll know what's involved - your car sounds like a similar project to mine. Get a thread going and post lots of pics :thumbs:

Fourways have a great reputation but are expensive - £100ph I believe. We don't know the extent of the work involved yet, but it will run into the £10s of thousands.

I prefer the idea of keeping it close to home so you can keep an eye on the progress and

Great idea to try and get your son some work experience on the restoration if the shop will allow it!!

NB. Introduce yourself on the New Members section at the top of the forum :)

Phil
 

Mr.G

Club Member
If funds permit then I don't think you can go wrong with Fourways, they have been involved in the Z scene for many years and have a built a good reputation.

If you want to get your son involved then finding a reputable local restorer sounds like a good option.
 

TimCumbria

Forum User
Phil,
Thanks. The local repairer has already met my son and is OK with him being the apprentice. My son is pretty keen too. I live in Singapore and the local guy lives near my house in Cumbria, and was recommended by a repairer from just up the road in Singapore! I have seen photos of his restoration of a Mk1 Ford escort, including replacement of the complete front end, inner wings and all, and it was clearly good work.
I'll sign up shortly and introduce myself, but the repair won't start until 2021.
Tim.
 

Turn & Burn

Club Member
Tim, I’m in Cumbria too, as is Paul Henley (also on the forum), we’ve both done fairly major rebuilds, but in different styles. When the lockdown ends it would be easy enough for me or both of us to drop in and have a look. If it’s only headlights you’re on a winner, but it will soon get really expensive if it’s body panels or floors, inner wings, chassis rails etc.
 

TimCumbria

Forum User
Thanks T&B,
The car does need floors and some inner wing work , but the outer panels are mostly ok, and where not I have some parts already. I'm fully expecting a full stripdown and a very expensive repair. I reckon it will take a year or so. The worst bit is likely to be closing up the hole left by the fitting of a sunroof, which is a travesty in my view!
Where in Cumbria are you? I am near Keswick. I might try and see your car in the summer and seek advice then. I live in Singapore, but hope to be over in the summer.
Tim.
 

Turn & Burn

Club Member
Thanks T&B,
The car does need floors and some inner wing work , but the outer panels are mostly ok, and where not I have some parts already. I'm fully expecting a full stripdown and a very expensive repair. I reckon it will take a year or so. The worst bit is likely to be closing up the hole left by the fitting of a sunroof, which is a travesty in my view!
Where in Cumbria are you? I am near Keswick. I might try and see your car in the summer and seek advice then. I live in Singapore, but hope to be over in the summer.
Tim.
Whitehaven for me, so only 20 mins away. The roof is quite a big job, I’ve done a replacement, time consuming job. Be good to meet up and have a look. Cheers Andy
 

SeanDezart

Well-Known Forum User
I would always reccomend someone local to you so you can drop in and check on progress, ask and answer questions during the restoration. Don't rely on telephone calls and emails at distance.
 

MaximG

Well-Known Forum User
It may well be a late 240 it may have just taken some time to be registered. Easy way is get some pictures posted up mainly the rear end to confirm.
 

Rushingphil

Club Member
Phil,
Thanks. The local repairer has already met my son and is OK with him being the apprentice. My son is pretty keen too. I live in Singapore and the local guy lives near my house in Cumbria, and was recommended by a repairer from just up the road in Singapore! I have seen photos of his restoration of a Mk1 Ford escort, including replacement of the complete front end, inner wings and all, and it was clearly good work.
I'll sign up shortly and introduce myself, but the repair won't start until 2021.
Tim.

Lol. I lived in Singapore for a year back in 1971. One of the best years of my life; still have plenty of fond memories. Unfortunately I was only 11 and couldn't afford a 240z :rofl:
 
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