So you married guys out there, is your wife one of those types that just hates you wasting your days away out in the garage doing all those "useless" things you do to the god awful car that is just a piece of junk? Does she hate you constantly going back and forth to the parts store, watching ebay, ordering crap....Well mine is, well, was till today!!
So I will not lie, the last 5 or 6 months or so I have been addicted to working on my 1971 Z. Its been my hobby, my dream, my relaxation. Everyday I get home from work and before I do the whole "I love you routine", I simply do the "Has anything came in the mail??" routine. Constant arguments over bills being paid or me being able to buy another necessary part for my car lol. Relentless arguments of me justifying I worked that overtime so I could spend a few more bucks on the car. Basically we can just end the drama here and I can say it clearly, "She hates that god darn car!"
But today was different....I finally talked her into learning how to drive a manual and I decided to take her around some backroads here in CO. It was a fine day for some fast shifting out of my beat up 72 driver, and trust me, thats the only way I know how to teach it. So we ventured out into some safe areas because frankly I was a tid bit scared of just pulling out of the driveway with her driving. As we drove out there I could feel her excitement of working the clutch and actually working a car, not just putting it in auto and pushing the pedal.
After about 3 or 4 arguments because Im annoying her about "getting on it", she finally let loose! I was actually amazed at how easy she learned how to drive a manual, I know when I was younger it took me a little bit to actual get that whole feeling down. Before I knew it she was tearing thru gears and chirping gears like no other. Sexxxxxy!
Climax to my story--> it actuall scared the hell out me when happened. Now for our drive, this is my driver/beater/parts/I really dont give a crap about car if it means her having fun. I realllllly made her push the limits on a long deserted stretch and this is how it went...I pumped her up to the point that this car is a fine built Japanese work of art and could handle anything she could offer. I persuaded her to rev that motor to max and basically let loose. And she did, it wasnt pretty, I thought for sure halfshafts and all kinds of stuff was left behind. How dumb of me to expect her to pretty much believe me. It was too late, I already drilled her in fast throttle crazy shifting. She was pretty much on her own, either cause she just instinctivly knew what to do or because she wanted to blow my motor up for bitching at her for the last half hour. She let loose in first, I yelped at her to "shift", cause I knew the motor was beyond spent and ready for 2nd, I started yelling instantly to go to 2nd. Work it! Work it! And she did, and to my surprise, we basically fishtailed halfway into the other lane before we caught proper traction and chirped the hell out of it into 3rd with some 1972 beater action that could make any man proud! To my fear as well as thrill, I instantly told her to rev it more and do that again! Blam, a 3rd gear chirp that made me proud. So we settled into 4th and just chilled down the road, hell we must of been hitting 80 or so before we tapped 4th which made me proud for her and my piece of crap 1972 Z.
So we drove home with me talking about how the parts of the car actually work, to the best of my knowledge of course. We came in the house, and I can see in her eyes "she felf it". I instantly took advantage of that good feeling, like any solid man would, and asked her if I could take my parts down to the shop to get some work done on. She said yes!!!!!!!!!!
So in conclusion, for my 1971 Z, block and head are currently being done now and all is well in my household. The funny thing about this whole ordeal and what is to be expected in the future is....does she really think shes going to drive my other baby once its rebuilt??? I dont think so!!!

Very inspirational indeed. Sounds like you need to build one just for her now! Paul
'77 280Z
'72 510 Wagon with Ka24de conversion
'68 1600 Roadster
'74 MGBGT
'96 Nissan Maxima GLE
www.paulbrewyet.com
www.groups.yahoo.com/lazclub

>I can see in her eyes "she felf it".
It's great when she felfs it.

hate to tell you, but she learn to shift driving my zed months ago. :)
high on life

"does she really think shes going to drive my other baby once its rebuilt???"
YES and if you ever expect to get laid again after it's all done I suggest you let her!!!!!!! LOL
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12.804 @ 107.26 mph on crappy street tires with Dual SU Powered 2.9L Stroker!
ZCAR.COM member since Aug 1998

I really hate to say it, and is why I lableled the topic for you married folk, But something happened there that I havent seen in a little while!. LOL zhead240, funny, but yet so much delusional. As an old comedian once said, take my wife, please!.
z32d00d: awesome, out of the 1000 or so words I wrote you picked out the one single word I happened to misspell. You sir are linguistically gifted.

>z32d00d: awesome, out of the 1000 or so words I wrote you picked out
>the one single word I happened to misspell. You sir are linguistically
> gifted.
Thank you, thank you, I'm here all week. More seriously though, I felf bad for making fun of you.
Post Edited (Oct 27, 3:17pm)

I guess this is why I am still single...of course I am an antique dealer...I take my girlfriend shopping for antiques all the time...lol
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...

Laufing at your response, z32d00d!!!!!
Yeah, my wife "doesn't get the whole Z" thing either. She hates it.
1983 280ZX N/A: 98% rust free, 118,000 actual miles.
1982 280ZX Turbo. $250 Parts car that was better than the rustbucket.
1983 280ZX Turbo. Hopeless rust case. The more I fixed, the more I found.

you guys are anal retentive...this is NOT the "secretarial pool" forum....bad speling iz alowed...lol
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...

Dude, you're giving me false hope. My wife still thinks the Z is a white trash sports car. ***Sigh***
'79 280zx (gone - head-on collision)
'73 240zt - currently in pieces

Yep, my wife hates the Z as well.
She must hear me talking to it late at night...
--------------------------------------
1990 300zx NA
- Custom Exhaust
- JWT Pop Charger

>you guys are anal retentive...this is NOT the "secretarial pool"
> forum....bad speling iz alowed...lol
It's in fun, we all make typos. :)

um do you married guys wash dishes?....it helps to level out the tension in my experiences...
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...

yeah I know Z32dood...back in high school I SWORE I would never need typing class or algebra...they make ya take algebra however...I could have used the typing class more....lol...I STILL never use algebra..
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...

Author: kcathometaz
Date: Oct 27, 3:33pm
um do you married guys wash dishes?....it helps to level out the tension in my experiences...
------------------------------------------
Yup sure do and you are right!
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12.804 @ 107.26 mph on crappy street tires with Dual SU Powered 2.9L Stroker!
ZCAR.COM member since Aug 1998

Author: kcathometaz
Date: Oct 27, 3:33pm
"um do you married guys wash dishes?....it helps to level out the tension in my experiences..."
Yes, I also sweep, mop and other manly duties around the house. She just hates the car.
'79 280zx (gone - head-on collision)
'73 240zt - currently in pieces

thats a bummer robrob...my condolences...:(....
Ya know the problem with women is they are many times "hobbyless". Everybody needs a hobby or something...
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...

i tought my wife to drive my 76 and she hates it even more now. becouse its was not like driving her 99 blaser. i tried to explain, its a 76 SPORTS CAR not a 99 lowend luxury suv. didnt work she just thinks that its a money pit and totally useless. one day i hope that i can say that "she felf it"
NEW76280Z
If Common sence is so Common, why do so many peaple not have any have it?
1976 Datsun 280Z My DD
1986 Chevy C-10 My baby
1997 Dodge 1500 Club Cab Ram Momma's Truck

NEVER buy a car from Wobbles. Sounds like a prolonged history of abuse....
" ...fast shifting out of my beat up 72 driver, and trust me, thats the only way I know how to teach it."

72n032s, Im sorry, perhaps you have an attachement dissorder, Im more then willing to talk to you about it, if you feel so willing.
Post Edited (Oct 27, 4:56pm)

for 22 years and have had the Z for about 2 years. I wanted a Z back in the early 80's when they were very popular, but out of reach for this country boy.
Now that our sons our leaving the nest, we have time to pursue our hobbies that have been on hold for the last 20 years due to family commitments.
She is in to horseback riding and I have my Z. She has driven it on many occasions and even admits to enjoying the ride. The Z did leave her "kinda stranded" at the grocery market back in the summer. She had mistakenly been using an old Chevy truck key on her keychain to start the Z. On this particular day she decided to lock up the car to run back into the store for something she forgot. Well the truck key would not open the doors and she could not get into the car. I always lock the hatch and she couldn't get it open either. Anyway, she called, I left from work to help her out. When I arrived she still insisted she had the Z key and that something was wrong with the stupid locks. This was no time to argue, I took the messed up "Z key" from her chain and gave her mine. We never spoke of the incident again.
She is a trooper, we are going on a Z Cruise tomorrow with our Smoky Mtn club members and riding thru Cade's Cove. She never complains and always puts up with my Z Mania. She always supports my cruises and get togethers with other Z owners. She even encourages me to do things to improve the cars looks or performance.
Yes, I am very thankful for my spouse.
Successful marriage is always 50/50 and lots of give and take. I hate riding horses, but she finds great enjoyment and relaxation going on trail rides. So we swap out our weekend activities and take advantage of both of our hobbies. We have come to realize after all these years that it really is important to enjoy the time spent together and make it Quality time, no matter what the activity.
I am very lucky!!!!!!!!!! I have a Z habit and a wife that supports it!!!!!
Last weekend we were cruising up the Interstate and came to an open section of I-40. She looked at me and said "C'mon, open this thing up and drive it like it is supposed to be driven!". Fellows, it don't get no better than that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Remember, there are only 2 kinds of married men.................. those that do what their wives say and LIARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!hehehehehehehehehehe
78 280Z Daily Driver
All original, Stock engine, Auto Trans w/factory A/C, 205,000 miles, new suspension and bushing kit, under primer and saving for a paint job.......
83 ZX w/T Tops, purchased 4-20-06, 122K miles, Son's restoration project

GT McCann, that Cade's Cove is very nice, my wife and I rode through there on her 240sx on our honeymoon this past december. very very beautiful but my wife wanted to see bears, too bad they were sleeping.
also agreeing to do some house duty helps with the money pit 77. she will complain but she gets a grin that won't wash off when she is rowing the gears on a sunny day. i'm not sure i want her shifting it at 5 grand on a rainy day, lol. i don't think the yard would be the same without a z in it. hope i never know that feeling. and she does need a hobby.
82 NA 5 spd
77 4 spd

You're proud to teach the "Correct" way to drive which, in your opinion, involves wide open throttle and slamming transmissons and high revving every shift. The proper gear change is a tire chirping gear change, apparently.
If I have an attachment disorder, I'll remain uncured without your intervention, Wobbles. But thanks for your concern.

Always good to see 72n03Zs aka justinrhenry putting in his 2 cents..........
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12.804 @ 107.26 mph on crappy street tires with Dual SU Powered 2.9L Stroker!
ZCAR.COM member since Aug 1998

See my sig.
She doesn't drive at all, but several are HER cars including the truck.
I do 85% of the cooking I have to grocery shop - she never knows what we need but she comes with me to drive me crazy.
We wash only our own clothes (men - never ever do your wife/girlfriend laundry it can get you killed if you ruin something).
I keep the lid down on all the toilets. That's easy - I let her have 9 cats and wet cat in toilet taught me real quick to keep the lid down.
We keep separate bank accounts and buy together whats needed together.
Oh - she gets to name the cars.
ZXelda was named before we got back to the lot I bought her from. ZXena too.
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)

"We wash only our own clothes (men - never ever do your wife/girlfriend laundry it can get you killed if you ruin something)."
-----------------------------
Man, never a truer word has been spoken!!! LOL
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12.804 @ 107.26 mph on crappy street tires with Dual SU Powered 2.9L Stroker!
ZCAR.COM member since Aug 1998

I bought my 75 280 in April or May of this year. I traded a 71 GMC 3/4 4X4
for this fun little car.
Before I bought it I showed to my wife and all she could say was "it's a two seater there is no place for my girls" We were in the GMC at the time...Not much more room..lol
I bought the car when she was out of town...Not a smart move, but hey I had been looking at this car for a long time I had been to all the web sites I had part books from MSA, Black Dragon and thought I would get better gas mileage. and it would be so much fun, So anyway one day I talked her into driving Zahara for the day She ran it out of gas..lol
Shortly after that I came home to a empty house. She now lives in Arizona and I'm in Denver.
75 280

G'nite, now.

I learned that there need to be 2 Z's in our house, and I conveniently made mine with a very heavy clutch pedal...lol. She's also scared to death of my car, but she loves her 280zxt 2+2!
---------------------------
James Roraback
1983 280zxt 11.39 @129.38 - FOR SALE
ZCAR.COM member since Nov 1999

Hey James why are you selling the Z??
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12.804 @ 107.26 mph on crappy street tires with Dual SU Powered 2.9L Stroker!
ZCAR.COM member since Aug 1998

"She had mistakenly been using an old Chevy truck key on her keychain to start the Z." - I have misplaced my key. So lately I just use my pocket knife. The key was broken off about half way down and was just for show in the indignation switch anyway. I may be mistaken, but believe by now any first gen Z key will start any other first gen Z with the original switch still in it.

"I may be mistaken, but believe by now any first gen Z key will start any other first gen Z with the original switch still in it."
---------------------------------
Not the early 70-71 models with the old Volkswagen style key.
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12.804 @ 107.26 mph on crappy street tires with Dual SU Powered 2.9L Stroker!
ZCAR.COM member since Aug 1998

(We keep separate bank accounts and buy together whats needed together.) Erzelda
Interesting..make me wonder if a contingency plan should be in effect. you know, like loosing job for long or ability to work/make money etc. ( I know is not your case but there is lot of kids in this site..)
Have you shared the left lane today?

NICE STORY!
I try to integrate my wife into my project, but I can see the reluctance in her eyes. She's pretty good at letting me spend time in the garage.
I took her to the Tail of the Dragon (Z Dayz) last spring, hoping she would get the Z bug. She actually had a good time, and predicted correctly who would win Best In Show, which was a red 240 modified. Now, the Dragon just flat out scared her, so I know not to do that again!
I made ONE mistake recently: I told her how much I've invested in parts so far, and it exceeded the cost of the car! oops. I haven't even begun the full resto yet!!!
Thanks for the humor, guys!
02/1976 280Z
An amateur trying to restore the Z. I should have taken the blue pill!

I took my wife and youngest son to the Z DayZ event this year as well, driving the tail was fun until the crotch rockets starting ripping up the dragon all around us. The wife didn't care for that at all. She actually enjoyed the crispy runx thru the curves with the Z's, but the bikers stunts made her feel very uneasy.
She picked the best of show winner as well, it was a very nice mod rod!
Maybe next year the weather won't be a total wipeout like it was this past year. The Dragon is not near so fearful when it is dry and the weather is nice.
She also knows to the dollar how much I have invested in the Z. We do the "whats good for the goose is good for the gander" thing when it comes to money spent on hobbies. Everytime I get a new toy, she gets a new toy. Hey! it works!
After our Z run thru the Cades Cove yesterday with the Z club, all she asked for was dinner at Chili's and about an hour of shopping in Turkey Creek.
78 280Z Daily Driver
All original, Stock engine, Auto Trans w/factory A/C, 205,000 miles, new suspension and bushing kit, under primer and saving for a paint job.......
83 ZX w/T Tops, purchased 4-20-06, 122K miles, Son's restoration project

Norm-
It's time for a new project. I'm building a 240z for the NHRA pro import class. WE'llsee how far the l motor will take me, but eventually I know I'll be swaping it out as I'll need something that can run around 1500hp to be competative.
By the way, I like the part in your sig. about being a member since 98...I think I'm going to put it in mine as well.
To all others...
Remember if your wife isn't happy, you rarely will be either. Find some way to involve her in your project. Even if it's as simple as looking through paint books to find a color you both like.
---------------------------
James Roraback
1983 280zxt 11.39 @129.38 - FOR SALE
ZCAR.COM member since Nov 1999

GT_McCann,
Did I meet you there at the car show at ZdayZ? We were both a couple of last minute entries when we found out there was hardly any representation of the 280s. Your car still had the primer, right? I own the light blue 76.
02/1976 280Z
An amateur trying to restore the Z. I should have taken the blue pill!

Hey James that would be awesome to have a 1500 HP 240Z!!! WOOHOO!
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12.804 @ 107.26 mph on crappy street tires with Dual SU Powered 2.9L Stroker!
ZCAR.COM member since Aug 1998

still is.............the car will probably be in primer till winter sets in here on the Plateau.
I have a couple of other projects that have fell into my lap. My oldest son's F250 needs a clutch kit, my youngest son's ZX needs some work on the fuel system, wife's T-Bird needs tune up and tires..............
So, time and funds have gone other directions.
Oh well, my Z is mechanically sound, just waiting for the icing on the cake.
Hopefully, come spring and the next Z DayZ, the 78 will have new skin...............if not, I will be easy to spot!
78 280Z Daily Driver
All original, Stock engine, Auto Trans w/factory A/C, 205,000 miles, new suspension and bushing kit, under primer and saving for a paint job.......
83 ZX w/T Tops, purchased 4-20-06, 122K miles, Son's restoration project

wow, there are some people here that have issues. why post something that picks nits and doesn't add anything at all to what was said, other than to hear your own wind? thanks for the story wobbles, worth the read. some of you other people need to grow up, jeez!

t5turbo - with all due respect - never assume -
I've been lucky (20.5 years same job) Jeanne worked same place for 14 years and got in wrong department - fired for bull manure - and been in and out of jobs for the last 3 years
most jobs just folded ) the company).
Now she is back where I work - The Methodist Hospital - but through the back door - she actually works for a NASA Space Medicene Research group (receptionist - not great pay - but the group impresses people) funded by Baylor Medical College.
Anyway - the separate accounts were to keep bookkeeping straight and me out of trouble (impulse buyer).
Jeanne regrets teaching me how to use eBay - and has changed the entry code a couple times to keep me out.
I do send $100 dollars a paycheck to her savings account - to keep me from spending it without thinking and that is for combined household stuff and taxes. She's really good about not spending money.
It works for us.
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)

Author: erzelda
Date: Oct 30, 2:46pm
"She's really good about not spending money."
-----------------------------------------------------
Young men take note to the above statement!!!
That will be WAY MORE important than looks after a few years of marriage!!! LOL
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12.804 @ 107.26 mph on crappy street tires with Dual SU Powered 2.9L Stroker!
ZCAR.COM member since Aug 1998