Is this 240z saveable? Or destined for part out?

1/11

Hi all, I was wondering your guys’s honest opinion and advice on what you would do on this 1973 240z I acquired.

For context, this is the second Z out of two that I had purchased from a distant relative whose late husband owned the cars. The first was complete, and is being mechanically restored by me. I am told now that the house where this second Z is stored is looking to be sold within the next few days, so it needs to leave ASAP. So here lies the crossroads: Does it make sense to sell it whole? It’s no series one, and obviously has floor pan issues as well as missing a title. The alternative is to rent a trailer, take it apart/cut into parts, and pay storage. I want to be realistic here given the time frame and condition of the car.

Attached is some pictures I was able to get this evening of the car and everything I could find Datsun related. I am digging it out its grave in the morning. Thanks guys!

in Datsunby SomeoneJustFarted

124

97%

2mo

evildky

2mo

Definitely “saveable”. Is it worth the cost, well the depends. Do you want to own two cars? You could probably sell it off in pieces for the maximum return but you may not have the time. I’m sure someone would be willing to buy at some price but your location will have a big impact on value. A rusty car in CA or TX has little to no value, but in the rust belt this is pretty typical and there are few cars to choose from.

SomeoneJustFarted

2mo

This is in Louisiana and I appreciate the comment on a rusty car in the south which is exactly what I was thinking. I see 73 240z’s in similar condition sit on marketplace for weeks down south-add to that no title and being a roller-I have no space or need for a second Z.

3MJB

2mo

I don't see any major rust... if the underside is clean, send it. definitely worth a resto, even if you don't go balls to the wall on the interior/paint.

[deleted]

2mo

Save it.

Do not cut it up.

Do not part it out.

There are people who want it for restoration. So you could make some money!

Bonvo1986

2mo

I fail to see why you would even think its a parts car thing is nicer then most

2AMCAir

2mo

Nice than my project 73. Dibs on the dash if part out.

Hanziiii

2mo

Was gonna say this Z is in nicer shape than my fuckin Mk6 Jetta

Swimming-Ad658

2mo

Real asf mine was crumbling🤣

slow_stig

2mo

Are those two sets of mikunis? Those alone are worth grabbing to rebuild or sell. I haven't looked in a while since refinishing my Z but those weren't cheap in any condition last I checked.

SomeoneJustFarted

2mo

Can you explain how Mikunis are so special? Is the triple webers not more popular? I am embarrassed to admit I thought these were triple webers.

q3ded

2mo

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/complete-mikuni-44phh-triple-carb-setup/

JSanctity

2mo

Amazing

slow_stig

2mo

Are there any names or markings on the intake manifolds you know of? They look generic and aren’t familiar to me but short runners like on the one set are definitely not common anymore.

It’s an easy mistake to make, their castings and the location and shape of certain parts are the tell.

Those carbs haven’t been made for years now. Arguably the closest thing you can get to a new would be a set of OER carbs for almost twice the price of new Webers. A lot of people swear Mikunis are the best running side draft carbs ever when they’re dialed in but are now much harder to find parts and jets for or restore. But really invested collectors or purists would pay top dollar for a complete set depending on condition and completeness. I think when I bought my engine around 2016 a running set was like ~2500 from Datsun Spirit. So I’d kill for a set of serviceable mikunis with a period manifold for my attempt at a period resto-mod.

Are they really worth what most people would pay for them over much easier to maintain webers compared to the real performance difference on a street car? Probably not. Are mikunis the choice for a vintage racer? Absolutely.

I bought webers and a Harada manifold for my car and LOVE them. But if you have the chance to get those for nothing it would be crazy not to.

Edit: I just saw the BAT auction link if you have two sets of carbs and the matching set of manifolds that’s unbelievable.

rundwark

2mo

As someone who’s run multiple sets of Mikuni PHH’s, OERs and Webers: the Mikuni’s are far superior to the new Spanish Webers and new OERs in tolerances and overall quality.

It’s a night and day difference in how well the cars run with Mikuni’s on them.

I haven’t touched the carbs on my Z for over two years (it’s a 3 liter with rebuilt triple Mikuni 44PHH’s), my 510 with a high strung 2 liter and brand new Weber DCO48/SP’s never runs the same for more than 5 minutes.

They are worth the premium. Save both sets until you do some research on them. You might want to keep one set for your Z and know what the second set is worth before you try to sell it. They look like they were never used since the last time someone rebuilt them, you’d fetch a good price for them..

2litersoffun

2mo

Those don't look like mikunis. But also, that car is in great condition. Me and dad have saved several in Louisiana also with the biggest issue being the rust on the roof and by the grate for the windshield. You could sell this. Might not be locally but there are buyers for 240s

Not_thee_Lawyer

2mo

I don't see two sets, I believe the one set is a Dellorto/Webber and the other set looks like OER.

SomeoneJustFarted

2mo

Solex Mikuni is marked on both, I was told today one was 40mm with the short runners and “Nismo” for the ones with the long spacers? I will obviously do research before making a move to sell.

Not_thee_Lawyer

2mo

Can we get some pics? or casting numbers, from there research can be done to figure out when they are from and so on.

Naught2day

2mo

Looks better than the one I have been working on. As far as title goes, not sure where you are, but you can get a bonded title, bill of sale, or apply for an abandon title.

SomeoneJustFarted

2mo

I am native to Texas, where the process to get a bonded title for the first-more compete car was a very straight forward process. This car is Louisiana which if anyone familiar with the state is extremely unfriendly to cars with no title-further complicating things.

Naught2day

2mo

I am in Texas as well, that's why I thought about bonded title.

2litersoffun

2mo

Bought my mk1 cabriolet in Texas and the guy didn't give me all the info, I would have been able to get a new title in Louisiana but it would have cost me an extra $300.

Instead I tracked his mom down on Google (because he never transfered the car into his name) and get her to email the rest of the information he didn't give me so I ended up not having to retitle the car. We have options in this state, it's just through hoops.....

SomeoneJustFarted

2mo

It is absolutely a complicated process I hear you, in this case the previous owner passed away decades ago with no paperwork trail to follow or any idea if he had titled the car when he bought it. For example the first Z out the garage still had 1987 Texas plates and registration in the system.

2litersoffun

2mo

I had the same situation happen with a truck that had been purchased back in 80's. The family bought it and never transfered the title and just used it on their farm. After they passed the son left it to rot till he passed. We were able to get it transfered, but we had to pay all the back taxes from 2 other people, it was $650 back in 2001. As long as Louisiana can get paid it's usually a go with vehicles. Like stated before, I'd bring the Death certificate and even the Z that you are restoring title showing u already have 1 of them.

Unless it's a boat. U can just trash a boat if there isn't any paperwork cuz they definitely won't help u there.

Good luck!! It's a cool car with lots of potential!!

Xpmonkey

2mo

Literally prefect condition. No shit. That car was loved.

eddirrrrr

2mo

If you don't I might lmao. Fuck yeah that thing is savable

SomeoneJustFarted

2mo

I don’t mean to get people upset on here, I understand we are all VERY passionate about these cars. Me personally saving it is out of the question unfortunately, time and space for a second Z car is improbable and the first Z as I mention in the post that I winched out of the same garage nearly 2 years ago is nearly mechanically restored. I should rephrase to ask, is it ECONOMICALLY feasible to sell whole or parts? Would you personally if you already had your Z car and this fell on your lap what would you do?

stompy1

2mo

In your situation, I'd definitely part it out. Like other have said, I take and carbs have value.. and many people are looking g for parts. I ended up buying a whole car just to get some parts off it. Then sold both together later.

Second-Officer-Alex

2mo

That dash looks brand new! And those TWO SETS OF CARBS!!! I know others offered, but if you're not interested, feel free to message me with the info!

shamalamanan

2mo

That is a Diamond in the ruff. Mine had a worse body.

Apprehensive_Use1906

2mo

It's not that hard to get the title if there is a death certificate. Just need to fill out a form at the DMV. You can do all the leg work for your distant relative. If you are not willing or able to do that you would drop the price significantly and sell it, making sure the party who is purchasing is aware of the issue. I would not cut it up. Even if someone took it and merged it with another basket case that they have the title for, it would be worth it. I had to cut up a 63 ford and I still regret it.

2litersoffun

2mo

This^

82yukonXL

2mo

I’ll buy it if I was you

frMocha

2mo

If you know someone who knows to work with rust repair that's an easy car to get rebuilt. One of those that would take more time than money

ChangeMyPOV

2mo

Hey, I just saw this post on Facebook marketplace! I’m only about 5 miles away from you, may swing by and dig through the pile this weekend.

Whizzleteets

2mo

Fun and easy to work on. Have increased tremendously in value.

Small V8's fit like a dream and are an absolute blast to drive plus they are good looking.

peteskeet43

2mo

Is this a joke

hambonelicker

2mo

It’s savable, those triple carbs tho are high value these depending on brand and size of the throttle. The carbs could be worth thousands! The car in this condition as a roller could be worth 3-4K with a title. I’d save it, get a title then sell it.

bigivey

2mo

Screw that - SAVE that thing!!!!

jcosta89

2mo

Definitely not saveable, but let me know where I can pick it up. 🤣

johnjbutterworth

2mo

Is it savable? Anything is with the right amount of money and time. Do you have ample of those that matches your interest? That’s up to you.

Have I seen worse Z’s? Yes I have, is this one terrible. No, not necessarily. Dash looks good although I do see a minor crack. The intake looks great.

It’ll need some welded panels, new interior, badges, trim, paint, engine work or new one maybe trans too. Hoses, possibly electrical. Tires.

If you’re motivated to do all that than I say yes restore it. Otherwise you’ll have to go through the process of parting it out, which will make you more money, but will take more of your time in the long run.

Datsundude76

2mo

Better then what's available in my state

the-lonerwolfx

2mo

How much do you want for the whole car my grandfather would love one he used to own multiple a long time ago

SomeoneJustFarted

2mo

If you’re local to Lafayette come check it out! I don’t want to violate any rules throwing prices as that was not the intent of the post.

the-lonerwolfx

2mo

Ah gotcha and aw I just saw another comment from you and your in Louisiana. I'm in Canada lol

mattebe

2mo

would love to take it off your hands, what are you looking for all the parts?

SomeoneJustFarted

2mo

Local to Lafayette? I’m here we can talk. Or DM me.

ak4756141

2mo

Without a title on the car there’s 2 options I can see.

Turn it into a parts car (which isn’t ideal)
Strip it and build it to be a track car or drag car

bmx13

2mo

I have a rustier hunk o shit I trust to daily drive when my dailies are both broken. Don't part it out, you've got someone's dream parked there.

jalapeno-grill

2mo

Yup, sell it - to me. I have one which started in the same condition and I love keeping things as stock as possible. If someone holds onto something this long, garaged, in this condition they would have preferred it to be as original as possible. But seriously, if you are looking to sell it what would you want on a short turn around?

RegeneratingCan

2mo

Anything is saveable if you have enough $$

Boeing_757-200

2mo

Coming from someone in the rust belt who only ever sees these come up for sale after turning to dust in a field this is for sure a saveable 240z

Necessary-Panda536

2mo

Those two sets of carburetors alone are worth around $10k

ZeppyZ

2mo

Only a fool would part this out. The car and triple mikuni carb sets are a minimum 10k altogether. There's probably other high dollar items stored around there (radios, antenna, etc) to look for too.

Actual_Algae4555

2mo

Let me get those carbs how much?

Little_Ad_758

2mo

Interested in a set of carbs to get mine going if you decide to part out 🙏

fakeryz

2mo

Dont part that out iv tried to save cars alot worse than that

The_Gordon_Gekko

2mo

Look here Dr. Ferney get off your hind quarter and just put the car back together.

maroubramick

2mo

Save it. Looks good. Fuel pump and brake and sorted.

landrover97centre

2mo

It doesn’t look terribly rusty, I’d say it’s in better shape than ones I’ve looked at in the passed, I’d kill for this 240

cap7ainskull

2mo

You can fix her bro do it

Affectionate_Total99

2mo

Definitely saveable, unless you play to pay someone to do all the work, then you’ll be in for a pretty penny depending on what you’re aiming for. However if you do the work, slap it together, get her running good, you can enjoy it tastefully. A lot of us need to come to terms with the fact that full restoration just isn’t realistic nor necessary.

In most places if you can get a previous registration you can apply for a title and there isn’t much of a process, just pay some moooney.

Affectionate_Total99

2mo

I’ll also add, if it’s yours.. take that shit home lol

PatientNo6243

2mo

Sell the car whole with enough parts to assemble. Then you can sell the parts. Parting out a car requires the space to store it because that takes time. The car is worth way more in parts but like you said you don't have the space. On a side note I'd be interested in the mikunis. Can you read the numbers on the butterflys on the engine side? I may even buy both sets. Thanks.

SomeoneJustFarted

2mo

A preliminary look suggests 40 Mikinuis for the short runner set and I was told “Nisimo” 44s for the second? I am likely taking it to someone who can rebuild it and tell me what I am dealing with before offering to sell

Not_thee_Lawyer

2mo

No such thing as "Nismo" 44s. the rebuild will be around 1k for each set.

jackhosford

2mo

Op I sent you a pm I’m in Louisiana with my datsun!

MrMinstro

2mo

Looks very solid and a lot of possibilities. Some hard work and elbow grease will need to be done but I’m sure it’ll be worth it. I had to do quite a bit of work on mine and I love it. If you’re looking to sell one of those carb/intake sets lmk ;)

SomeoneJustFarted

2mo

Good morning guys, I’ve got the entire contents of the garage open to the public this weekend if anyone is really looking to shop for parts or the whole Z. The marketplace ad and address is on facebook Lafayette. Thanks for the advice guys, I am going to try to part with it whole for the weekend so hopefully someone can save it if they would like.

Again I want to stress I have another 240Z-this orange car and all associated parts came as a package deal.

Genobee85

2mo

I’ll gladly take those carbs and runners~

Griffin_Mackenzie

2mo

It's criminal to part one of these out

BrilliantNaive9108

2mo

I'd save it if I had the resources

BrilliantNaive9108

2mo

I'd save it if I had the resources

Prof_Fluffybottom

2mo

That one is very salvageable, even if it's in the rust belt. I'd love to have a pice of that, only a shame I'm half way across the globe atm. Been looking for a new project.

Substantial-Car-9058

2mo

Definitely save-able? It looks like it’s in great condition. Just needs a lot of piecing together

sillysided

2mo

The dash board looks mint

User deleted comment

2mo

SomeoneJustFarted

2mo

Lafayette

Not_thee_Lawyer

2mo

DM me.

mythicavanger

2mo

Dash is not cracked its a queen

Traditional_Ad_4148

2mo

Put it back together

SpaceTravelop

2mo

Is the title going to be in your name? If so, we could talk about buying it. I'm in Texas.

ZealousidealTouch894

2mo

I’ve seen a car half returned to Mother Earth that was saved . Anything can be saved if your pockets are deep enough

11steve2292

2mo

U definitely gotta keep her

Myriadix

2mo

As a guy from the rust belt state of Ohio, this thing is immaculate! I see the primer on the rear hatch, but that's easy surface stuff. The seats will def need re-done, but it looks like everything is there. Pack it all and sell the whole thing if you can't keep or work on it yourself. Really beautiful car, even in pieces.

7six2FMJ

2mo

Shits trash. I'll give you tree fiddy for it.

Thrillaxing

2mo

They should all be saved and that one looks pretty complete. Only thing is budget is your limit.

PRIESTOFDEATH420

2mo

Everything is savable. The question is do you want to put the time and money into it?

ColeWWWebb

2mo

I’ll trade you my running and driving Integra for it