Looking to Purchase a 77' 280z

[lwha]

First post but I figured I would get the best help here. I have stumbled upon a 1977 280z running on a Chevy 350. I messeged back and forth with the owner and we are setting up a time this weekend for me to stop by and check her out. I am here asking if there is anything in particular I want to check with a 350 swap, and what in general I should check on the car. So far my list is as follows:

 

Check for rust

    -Floor pans "in/out"

    -Frame Railes "undersides"
    -Rocker Panels.

    -Battery Area

    -Trunk/hatch latch

 

Check for a straight frame.

Make sure tires are good, and one is not more worn than another "as to indicate a frame issue."

Check for saggy hinges.

Check how she cold starts

 

If you'd care to look at the pictures they can be found here:

 

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/cto/4391918949.html

 

Any help or comments on price/what to look for, words of wisdom, etc... would be great! I'm 22, and infatuated with classics that can be 'beefed up' so to speak. I've had my eyes mostly on corvettes of the era' but for this price range with what looks like a new or built engine I don't think I can find a better deal. The images show the body in generally good shape to my understanding.

 

This will only be a summer car, and definitely not a daily driver, I've got my sedan for that...

 

Thanks a lot!

Edited April 17, 2014 by lwha

[Mike kZ]

It looks good. Take it for a drive, point out anything you don't like, and start at $5000. You should be able to buy it for $5800 - $6000.

[YoSammyT]

Looks really good to me. Sounds like you know what to look for.

[z240]

Just one comment. There is no such thing as a rust free Datsun. Low rust, sure, no rust, uh-uh. Have a very very careful look. Undercoating, the tar mat on the interior, dirt, bad lighting, all hide rust real well....