Should I develop an interest for Z's?

[SeanDezart]

Now, now Mr Patmore - don't break the truce ! I think Zed the Red has answered you although perhaps this topic for your case should be entitled "should I develop a sense of humour ?" beacuse the wrding of that ad. was a direct toungue in cheek jibe at a previous post in which Zed the Red participated (strongly with a water-tight case, well, as much water as a UK Z can hold, much like the Top Gear Rover 3500) !
Despite what you might have read, no-one has offered me anything for the car (hardly surprising) and in fact, I'm currntly debating (there is a thread somewhere to that effect - ZG something) whether or not to restore it to a track-day status on UK plates of course.

Zed the Red - it takes all sorts - if 500 people imported lefties into the UK, there would still be enough of you gents left to restore the genuine UK 240Zs so they wouldn't fade away - there would just be more Zs on the road !

And a soldier returning home with one leg might still be a sildier and wearing a medal but he's no good back out in the field anymore..............

 

[Ian Patmore]

Now, now Mr Patmore - don't break the truce !

Blimey, a truce, missed the war, is that the one by yourself and a wet paperbag??!!:lol:


Sean, seriously, even if you decided to spend the time and money on that rust bucket, still probably cheaper in the long run to convert a car from the States?

 

[Zed-the-red]

Ah Sean.. Yes you have a point.
But.. Is a Spitfire a Spitfire if its been restored? {we are talking the plane not the car!} On the matter of the Solidier returning to the front line. He can still point a gun.
Getting back to this chaps post..
I do think in my opinion its a LOT less work with a good shell. I would agree that an original unwelded shell would be a preferable basis. But the only ones are LH or if you want to spend mega bucks then a good one from Oz.
But. I have bluecol antifreeze running through my veins. To me it's not right. It's just not. Provenance, history, rust. The fight against adversity. British pluck. Maybe I am a silly stuck in the mud UK dolt.
Its just the gut wrenching, tear jerking, teeth gritting satisfaction of after seeing the rusted hulk struggle into the garage. To have life renewed into the tired old bones and see them live again.. if I did not save them then they would have been scrapped long ago. Gone forever. zip nada..

Thats a good saying put the zip in your Z.. anyway. either way. we are only talking metal and the way its put together.

 

[grolls]

Now, now Mr Patmore - don't break the truce ! I think Zed the Red has answered you although perhaps this topic for your case should be entitled "should I develop a sense of humour ?" beacuse the wrding of that ad. was a direct toungue in cheek jibe at a previous post in which Zed the Red participated (strongly with a water-tight case, well, as much water as a UK Z can hold, much like the Top Gear Rover 3500) !
Despite what you might have read, no-one has offered me anything for the car (hardly surprising) and in fact, I'm currntly debating (there is a thread somewhere to that effect - ZG something) whether or not to restore it to a track-day status on UK plates of course.

Zed the Red - it takes all sorts - if 500 people imported lefties into the UK, there would still be enough of you gents left to restore the genuine UK 240Zs so they wouldn't fade away - there would just be more Zs on the road !

And a soldier returning home with one leg might still be a sildier and wearing a medal but he's no good back out in the field anymore..............

Lets hope you don't loose a leg one day Sean so the rest can cast you aside as no good!!!!......before you post again think how those with one leg would feel after reading your post!

 

[SeanDezart]

Sean, seriously, even if you decided to spend the time and money on that rust bucket, still probably cheaper in the long run to convert a car from the States?

Once again Zed the Red has answered you - it's a genuine UK car, Grolls' wounded soldier who derserves a medal and a comfy chair by the fire and besides, the US is not the answer to every Zs' problems - it was just another export market like the UK, like France.............

But Zed, your comparison to a Spit rings true -a bit - it is such a pleasure to have goose-pimples when one hears that engine and sees one victory waving in the sky with the little puff of unburnt fuel....knowing that they are so rare. But that's like if stateside, there were hundreds of them and cheaper/quicker to bring one home than repair the wreck found in Farmer Giles' field........like I said, horses for courses - the principle is to have more Zs on the road.................now, who wants to save the 280ZXs - rattle, rattle goes the tin money pot - spare a sheckle for an old, ex-leaper !

Oh sorry Grolls, what would I say if I met one ? "mmppfmpfg" and spit out my tongue ?

Don't laugh - it's a crime and if it aint, someone'll sue you or this forum for slander !

LIGHTEN UP everybody !

We're supposed to be famous for our humour 'cept it aint politically correct now.

 

[JonC]

I'm delighted that my initial newbie question has elicited such great responses. It's revealed to me a couple of contentious areas, 2+2 vs 2only, import vs UK.

For me, I would rather spend a year with the mig, some hammers and dollys, restoring an otherwise scrapped Z, than import and convert just to be on the road sooner. That's just me.

That said I have become extremely wary now that so many have mentioned poorly aligned body(structural)/chassis. I think buying a car that was bent out of all use would be the biggest fear. Do these cars get out of shape from 40 years of collisions, or does the rust turn them into jelly? Is it the uni-body, the chassis rails, or both?

 

[SeanDezart]

For me, I would rather spend a year with the mig, some hammers and dollys, restoring an otherwise scrapped Z, than import and convert just to be on the road sooner. That's just me.

It's also to be on the road for longer.......but that's just me.

 

[JonC]

"It's also to be on the road for longer.......but that's just me."

It must be just you, because my repairs stay repaired. In fact with diligence protection can be far better than 1970's out of the factory measures.

 

[SeanDezart]

Ok, point taken - let's meet up in ten years' time - then discuss.

 

[JonC]

You're saying that an original LHD will be in a better condition after 10 years use on UK roads, without any additional protection, than a car that has been properly repaired with new metal and modern anti-corrosion measures?

Sorry I'm not looking for an argument, but similarly treated metal (and starting in the same state) will behave the same whether new or original. If you improve the protection of an original car it will be the same as a properly repaired one after 10 years, if not the properly repaired one will last longer.

 

[zedhead260]

JonC - Seans idea of welding up a car is slapping a bit of plate over the top of everything else.

 

[Ian Patmore]

Sean,
Yes, it is a UK car, but you are forever saying to new comers not to bother with rusty UK cars, and buy a rust free, why would this car be any different?

 

[JonC]

JonC - Seans idea of welding up a car is slapping a bit of plate over the top of everything else.

That explains it. Obviously neither properly repaired nor long lasting.

 

[JK240]

Hi Jon C

Have a look at this link, 260 2+2, without re-reading the thread from the beginning I think you said one of these would do. Too far down south for me to even consider going to the auction for, and I have decided +2 is not for me I am gonna find a 240 (if it kills me)

Barons Auctioneers

 

[Mr Ex]

Hi Jon C

Have a look at this link, 260 2+2, without re-reading the thread from the beginning I think you said one of these would do. Too far down south for me to even consider going to the auction for, and I have decided +2 is not for me I am gonna find a 240 (if it kills me)

Barons Auctioneers

No I wouldn't bother with a 2+2 either unless you've a load of baggage to carry around with you besides you need power steering with a 2+2.

 

[JonC]

I haven't decided yet, in no hurry so don't have to.

 

[jay28]

I haven't decided yet, in no hurry so don't have to.

Dont discount the 2+2, Have a drive of every model if you can, ive driven both 2 seater and of course my own 2+2 and the 2+2 is every bit is fun, despite what others on here might say.

 

[SeanDezart]

You need P/S even with a 240 with wide tyres !

 

[jay28]

You need P/S even with a 240 with wide tyres !

I have to agree

 

[SeanDezart]

You're saying that an original LHD will be in a better condition after 10 years use on UK roads, without any additional protection, than a car that has been properly repaired with new metal and modern anti-corrosion measures?

Sorry I'm not looking for an argument, but similarly treated metal (and starting in the same state) will behave the same whether new or original. If you improve the protection of an original car it will be the same as a properly repaired one after 10 years, if not the properly repaired one will last longer.

No Jon, I'm saying that a US shell (never welded, never an accident etc, etc), properly stripped, prepared, rust-proofed and painted will last longer in better condition than a UK car. I'm not looking for an argument either (Ian P. is and I'll reply to that in a moment) but I don't agree with your last sentence.

Sean,
Yes, it is a UK car, but you are forever saying to new comers not to bother with rusty UK cars, and buy a rust free, why would this car be any different?

I said before Ian - horses for courses, there are those here that want to repair rusty UK cars - I have one - do I bin it or..................?

My preference is to get a clean US shell and that is the advice I give after having had a UK one, restored it and it going bad on me.

Maybe this is a reflection on one or two UK restorers and shouldn't be taken as indicative of every UK restorer and I confirm that I haven't tried 'em all : you tarnish UK engine builders without having tried 'em all and have gone stateside for your satisfaction - what advice do YOU give to somone who wants a performance Z engine, particularly if it's a stroker ?

But you're still missing the point - IT WAS (and is) a joke, a jibe towards a particular thread - teh wording, the timing - everything - can we move on please and be less pedantic - it's off-topic. If you feel SO strongly about this, let's discuss via email (or do you need an audience before which to shame me ? I lose your motive in these questions.