Discussion
I've been looking around for a project car and I've always abolutely loved the Datsun 240 Z but I don't really know a lot about them. Did they sell in UK (i.e. RHD version)? The only ones I've seen for sale are in the the US.
Anybody got comments on their suitablility as a project car for a total novice?
Cheers,
Neil
Anybody got comments on their suitablility as a project car for a total novice?
Cheers,
Neil
I would say go for it then 
The mechanicals are pretty simple, but you may well hone your fabrication skills
This is <a href="http://www.ntsearch.com/search.php?q=time&v=55">time</a> comsuming but not that expensive, buy/borrow a good mig
>> Where abouts in the UK are you ??
>> Edited by Incorrigible on Wednesday 14th April 15:23
The mechanicals are pretty simple, but you may well hone your fabrication skills
This is <a href="http://www.ntsearch.com/search.php?q=time&v=55">time</a> comsuming but not that expensive, buy/borrow a good mig
>> Where abouts in the UK are you ??
>> Edited by Incorrigible on Wednesday 14th April 15:23
neil.b said:
From memory they did a 240Z and a 260Z and the uprated versions were called Samariah's.
They were pretty reliable but like all Datsuns of that era rust was a problem.
Don't like the 260 though. Ruined it IMHO.
Bodywork rust or chassis? Or (gulp) both?
Again from memory although the 260Z was in the same body as the 240Z it was allegedly slower for some reason.
I had a Datsun 180B SSS around the same time and remember that Datsun used a very thin sheet metal for the panels and not treated all that well consequently rust was a problem not sure about the chassis though.
I think it would be a fantastic project as you dont see many around these days and IMO are a lovely looking car.
The 240Z was the original Z-car and had a 2.4 litre straight 6 engine in a 2 seater RWD body. The later 260Z and 280Z got heavier and were 2+2 I think?
I do like them, but you don't see many of them over here, though they were sold as RHD.
A few years ago Nissan rebuilt and sold as new about 20 of them in California for some sort of anniversary.
I do like them, but you don't see many of them over here, though they were sold as RHD.
A few years ago Nissan rebuilt and sold as new about 20 of them in California for some sort of anniversary.
Incorrigible said:
I would say go for it then
The mechanicals are pretty simple, but you may well hone your fabrication skills
This is <a href="http://www.ntsearch.com/search.php?q=time&v=55">time</a> comsuming but not that expensive, buy/borrow a good mig
>> Where abouts in the UK are you ??
>> Edited by Incorrigible on Wednesday 14th April 15:23
Derbyshire.
ZR1427 said:
I think it would be a fantastic project as you dont see many around these days and IMO are a lovely looking car.
Oh yes, gorgeous. I found this one while searching;
http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/4/web/496000-496999/496289_2_full.jpg
Which is a bit OTT (its a US car) but the lines are just stunning!
I always remember them like this,
www.cardomain.com/memberpage/378473
Very reliable ,simple and with loads of gadgets for its time.
www.cardomain.com/memberpage/378473
Very reliable ,simple and with loads of gadgets for its time.
ZR1427 said:
I had a Datsun 180B SSS around the same time and remember that Datsun used a very thin sheet metal for the panels and not treated all that well consequently rust was a problem not sure about the chassis though.
I had a 160J SSS which was great (tended to rust a bit if not looked after, though). Never ever seen another one anywhere.
Go for it!!!
I did and have been spending money ever since
All on good stuff that is!
I paid just under 5k for mine, it's got a sound chassis and a recent engine rebuild. Few bits are a bit tatty but it runs fine. You can of course buy a dog for a few hundred quid and spend thousands or by a concourse for 10k and never drive it.
Get over to the Z Club forums:
www.zclub.net/index.php
There's bugger all difference between an early 260 and a late 240 apart from the engine - bigger in the 260 but less tune due to emmissions.
BTW the Cheshire PlainZ monthly meet is tomorrow and there promises to be some very sorted examples on display. It's at some pub I can never remember the location of but somewhere off the M56. Give Steve Kemp a bell - 01782 518992 - he's the club membership secretary, lives in Biddulph, Staffs. If you're from the west side of the Derbyshire it might be worth coming and checking the meet out.
Cheers,
Rob
I did and have been spending money ever since
All on good stuff that is!
I paid just under 5k for mine, it's got a sound chassis and a recent engine rebuild. Few bits are a bit tatty but it runs fine. You can of course buy a dog for a few hundred quid and spend thousands or by a concourse for 10k and never drive it.
Get over to the Z Club forums:
www.zclub.net/index.php
There's bugger all difference between an early 260 and a late 240 apart from the engine - bigger in the 260 but less tune due to emmissions.
BTW the Cheshire PlainZ monthly meet is tomorrow and there promises to be some very sorted examples on display. It's at some pub I can never remember the location of but somewhere off the M56. Give Steve Kemp a bell - 01782 518992 - he's the club membership secretary, lives in Biddulph, Staffs. If you're from the west side of the Derbyshire it might be worth coming and checking the meet out.
Cheers,
Rob
I'm only a stone's throw away (and currently have loads of time on hand due to being out of contract 
) so if you want a 2nd eye to cast over any possible cars I'd be happy to help.
Don't know a huge amount about the Datsuns, but if you are considering other cars I know a bit about TR6's and a LOT about GT6's ! (restored 2)
) so if you want a 2nd eye to cast over any possible cars I'd be happy to help. Don't know a huge amount about the Datsuns, but if you are considering other cars I know a bit about TR6's and a LOT about GT6's ! (restored 2)
I owned a 240Z more then 20 years ago, I loved the car, it was my first 2 seater although I did fit a mate in the back parcel shelf from time to time.
the car had good speed and handled well. I did have to weld up lots of the car including part of the chassis, the paint did not last long either, but I recommend the car for sheer fun. - good luck
the car had good speed and handled well. I did have to weld up lots of the car including part of the chassis, the paint did not last long either, but I recommend the car for sheer fun. - good luck
240Z was released in the UK in about 1972. Around 1976, the engine was enlarged to 2600 to cope with emissions requirements in the US but it had smaller valves so the engine was slower and inferior. The 260Z 2+2 followed allowing two small seats but spoiling the roofline from a flowing line to a kinked line.
The 280Z became the boulevard cruiser designed more for the American market with more weight and more emissions stuff. the increased engine size was to try and pull it along. The 300ZX was a boulevard cruiser too and I believe there was a turbo version.
Early stuff rots badly.
The Samurai versions were done by an independent British tuning company.
The 280Z became the boulevard cruiser designed more for the American market with more weight and more emissions stuff. the increased engine size was to try and pull it along. The 300ZX was a boulevard cruiser too and I believe there was a turbo version.
Early stuff rots badly.
The Samurai versions were done by an independent British tuning company.
Gassing Station | General Gassing [Archive] | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff