G'day .. new member, old bloke from Kernow.

[Brokenstick]

Thought daughters had forced enough web info into me for safe passage through forums an' stuff. Now not so sure .. just hoping this post works.
Did manage to contact another member, so I reckon there's a chance.
I'll happily rebuild most things mechanical, but these interweb shenanigans confuse the cr*p out of me.

Based in floating Cornwall, ex Big Healey pilot hoping to return to the straight six, 3.0 litre, rear drive, no roof brigade ... searching for pre-facelift Z4, but it turns out they have electrics, chips an' things.
Done lots of reading, but would appreciate any, specific to the breed, buying guidance .... also, feedback on this SMG paddle shift malarkey ... nice idea, but I assume there are problems.

Oh, incidentally anyone with a 3000 Mk1 or Mk3, for Z4 money ... please, please get in touch.

Thanks, hopefully, in advance.

Rick.
BTW ... jam on first.

[MikeyH]

Hi Rick, welcome to the forum, always loved the look of the big Healey but never had the money to buy one.

[inkey$]

Officially welcome, Rick.
...and mine is still for sale - now reduced to pay for that train fare
viewtopic.php?t=142057

[Mr Tidy]

Hi Rick and welcome aboard.

From what I've seen the SMG can have issues and if they do it usually seems to mean the fix is expensive.

Z4s don't seem to suffer any more issues than other cars of their age although cooling systems, specifically split expansion tanks, are quite common. They can suffer oil leaks from cam-cover gaskets and oil filter housing gaskets.

Electrics aren't usually too problematic but you can get all sorts of random warning lights appearing if the battery is getting tired.

Crucial for the Roadsters is that roof motors get drowned in water from the roof drains. There are a few members on here who can sometimes revive dead ones but will also relocate them out of harm's way into the boot for sensible money which is a good preventative measure so it's worth looking to see if it has already been done. If not your nearest roof guru will be near Bristol.

Anyway good luck finding your straight 6 RWD car - and let us know how you get on - especially if it's a Healey!

[Brokenstick]

Hi Rick, welcome to the forum, always loved the look of the big Healey but never had the money to buy one.

Thanks for the greeting .. much appreciated.

Paid £385 for our Mk3 ... in the early 70's! Yes .. I really, really, really do wish I'd kept it! Nothing like barrelling along with the good old iron lump firing once every telegraph pole ... always got out with the left trouser leg smouldering from the exhaust.
If y'all get the chance .. go test drive one .. you'll do a Robert Johnson.

Regards.
Rick.

[Brokenstick]

Officially welcome, Rick.
...and mine is still for sale - now reduced to pay for that train fare
viewtopic.php?t=142057

Thanks for the official flag waving .. always like an excuse for a pasty.

Trying to sort out the Forum PM thingie, so's I can organise a massive transcounty expedition across the Tamar to your outer limits of civilisation .. where are thee? Kent? That's very much abroad, so I'm informed.

Bear with me, Inkey$ ... I'm on the case.

[Brokenstick]

Officially welcome, Rick.
...and mine is still for sale - now reduced to pay for that train fare
viewtopic.php?t=142057

Thanks for the official flag waving .. always like an excuse for a pasty.

Trying to sort out the Forum PM thingie, so's I can organise a massive transcounty expedition across the Tamar to your outer limits of civilisation .. where are thee? Kent? That's very much abroad, so I'm informed.

Bear with me, Inkey$ ... I'm on the case.

[Brokenstick]

Hi Rick and welcome aboard.

From what I've seen the SMG can have issues and if they do it usually seems to mean the fix is expensive.

Z4s don't seem to suffer any more issues than other cars of their age although cooling systems, specifically split expansion tanks, are quite common. They can suffer oil leaks from cam-cover gaskets and oil filter housing gaskets.

Electrics aren't usually too problematic but you can get all sorts of random warning lights appearing if the battery is getting tired.

Crucial for the Roadsters is that roof motors get drowned in water from the roof drains. There are a few members on here who can sometimes revive dead ones but will also relocate them out of harm's way into the boot for sensible money which is a good preventative measure so it's worth looking to see if it has already been done. If not your nearest roof guru will be near Bristol.

Anyway good luck finding your straight 6 RWD car - and let us know how you get on - especially if it's a Healey!

Many thanks for the welcome ... and wisdom!

I'd clocked the roof motor and cooling system problems, it's the dirty fingernails underneath/suspension stuff that's always awkward to determine/diagnose when you're considering a purchase and really, really do NOT want to report to your other, and considerably better, half that you could just possibly have bought an oily, rusty, noisy, wet money pit.
It has been done!

Am looking at the logistics of a trip to see Inkey$ Zed .. our nearest relevant train station is 50 odd miles away!
Thanks again.
Rick.

[inkey$]

Trying to sort out the Forum PM thingie, so's I can organise a massive transcounty expedition across the Tamar to your outer limits of civilisation .. where are thee? Kent? That's very much abroad, so I'm informed.
Bear with me, Inkey$ ... I'm on the case.

All good, Rick. I'm currently based in Kent/SE London (Blackheath).