A&Q about 350Z
Q:
My late 260Z is pretty original. Original paint, interior, and so on; and in pretty good condition considering its age. Not rusty and so on; it has spent its life as a garaged, and pampered little thing; even when apart for 12 years!
So, I got the idea it would be nice to use all original parts, including all the little water hoses with the fabric covers. However; these are so expensive that it may just not be practical. One little (maybe 4" long) hose which takes water to underneath a carb, costs $35 PLUS tax and a ride, and takes a month or two to get!
It seems that, dearly as I love my little Z car, replacing old hoses with original ones might cost as much as the car is worth!
My car is old enough that most of the original hoses are rotten and I have been chasing water leaks and using whatever heater hoses I have on hand. I have stopped the leaks I think; but originality is lost.
Any thoughts on this?
ToadtownZ
A:
Any car will cost more in parts than it is worth.
If you want to make a "show car" then that is what it will cost.
If you want to make your car drivable, then don't sweat the details and use common hose.
A:
I talked to a Mustang restored. He paid $1200 for an original spare tire that was stamped "BLEM". Said it caused the only points he lost.
Anyone can drive a new car.
A:
It depends on what you want to do with it. Are you going to show it in car shows or do you want the original fabric covered hoses just to say you have them.
If in a car show just to show and not be judged, most people will see that it is a very nice original car and appreciate it.
I sat get the hoses that will let you take it out and let you enjoy the car on the road.
--Denver 6-29-1999 1st post.
82 280zxt 4 spd auto
73 240z--lsd, cv axles
ferget donations, I'm into blackmail.
spindle pin puller for sale.
I can't believe some people spend $15 on shifter bushings in the B trans
A:
Though originality is nice, the problem with restoring an old classic car with orginal parts is that once it's restored, you will be afraid to drive it. You will be in constant paranoia. Also, like a show car and all supercars, it will sit in a garage and suffer a slow death. What a pathetic life for a car...any car. I cannot stand people who do that.
Cars are meant to be driven, so I say don't sweat the details on common wear out replacable items.
When you die, remember, your kids will probably sell your things because they just want the money, not your hobby.
********************
1975 280Z (Stock)
303 Emerald Green
A:
I agree with these guys..a good friend of mine restored a 67 Chevelle SS and I didnt even get to take a ride in it...I dont see the point in havin a car you cant drive and enjoy...
1976 280z 2+2 - Risen from the dead - garaged since 1988. Pallnet Fuel Rail and guage - ES rack and front bushings - 260Z 4Speed - Arizona Z Car Clutch - H4 Lights - Lots more to come...
A:
It's a matter of how you're going to use the car. If it's a museum piece then you have no choice but to use original components. If you're going to drive it then you need to use modern components which will make the car easier to drive and more reliable for road use.
1971 240Z
"Fear is exciting for me." -Ayrton Senna
A:
McMaster-Carr also carries braided hoses. McMaster.Com.
I'd check them out price-wise if I was at that stage yet.
'73 240z, sitting 16 years in garaged storage...Spring 2005 endeavor...
Twin Cities, Mn
A:
dont be a pussy, you bought the car to drive it, now drive like theres no tomorow!!!
----------------------------------------------------
1981 n/a 280zx
1952 m38a1 jeep willy's
1971 fairlady 240z
95 300zx N/A
72 240z
A:
As someone once told me at a car show (concourse) do you want to spend $40,000 for a $20 trophy?
Or do you want to enjoy the car?
Trailer queens and on-of-kind's have their place - but -
can you realy afford it and enjoy it? for how long?
The joy is the trip not the distination.
Besides - you have to dust and polish trophies.
Buy a dozen whole sale and have them engraved how you want. In a few years who's going to dispute you didn't win them?
Ed and Jeanne's
ZXelda 1981 280 ZXT: ZXena 1990 300 ZX
1941 Buick Special Sedanette (Betty)
1956 Dodge Royal (Dorothy)
1971 Buick Riviera (Rita)
1975 Ford F-150 Stepside (Fiona)
1992 Firebird (Frieda)