Zetsaz

That's what I was thinking... It needs new paint obviously, but on a project I would repaint no matter what. Literally, the only thing concerning me right now is the rockers and doglegs having to be replaced. I know I can find panels, but I'm not sure how difficult the work would be for me and my dad, and I have no clue how much it would cost to do it in a shop.

Been a while since I posted. I'm currently looking at buying a '75 280z as a project car. I was curious about whether or not you guys think it's worth buying. Guy offered it to me for $400, before he decides to scrap it for $350. Here's the details The good: -Running engine -Clutch replaced a few years ago (needs to be bled properly, no pressure right now) -Exhaust is almost new, was in a shop being worked on to pass inspections for a while before they decided to stop throwing money at it. -No rust on the wheel wells -No holes in the floor panels -Interior is complete -Glass is in excellent shape -83k miles -Dashboard is slightly faded but has no chips or cracks. Near perfect condition -All lights etc... operational. The bad: -Rockers and doglegs will need to be replaced, they're pretty rusted, few holes -Floor panels have some rust, but it seems to be surface and mostly on the underside -Two pinholes in driver side door -Carpet and seats are torn up a bit -Missing stereo -Dented passenger side headlight bezel -No bumpers (fine by, I would shave rear and get a 240z style bumper up front anyway. -Might need new batter

Ah yeah... smog checks. I hadn't thought about how that would affect the price. I'll keep looking around here, just because I know a few good deals pop up every now and then, but I'll definitely be looking in CA and AZ. Now that I remember, a couple summers ago I worked with the Utah Conservation Corps and I have a few connections to wildlife and fire jobs. I may be able to get a job in Cali for the summer doing firefighting. Not a bad time to look around I guess.

Nah, I think that's actually completely accurate. I was looking through some of the other pics I got. When I was on the phone with the guy I had the impression that the suspension had had some work done and the interior was in good shape (aside from the carpet being torn out, which wasn't ignored of course). That and I was kind of expecting the body to be a little more complete at that price. Passenger fender will either need to have some welding done, or be replaced. I have absolutely no problem working with interior. In fact I enjoy it. If I replaced the carpet myself, even without a kit, I would have fun. Sound proofing, POR15 on floor boards, you name it. But patch work isn't exactly something I can do well. When the guy said there was no rust and the body was in solid shape, I was expecting better than the follow up emails I got. My brother and I will work on an engine or some interior/audio stuff and painting all day long, but any body work that takes more than a couple days terrifies us. Guess it's back to waiting for the right one to show up. I'll be in Vegas for a few days next month, so I might keep an eye out in the Arizona area. I'm also probably visiting my dad's uncle in El Paso, TX over the summer, so I'll probably start taking a look there as well. I've actually seen a couple Z's in good shape there.

That's kinda what I was thinking. The guy is incredibly helpful too. He says he'd rather sell it to me than some other people that have seen it since he knows I can appreciate it more. I'm gonna try offering $600 (Father's approval since he's helping with the project... though he still doesn't like the project idea).

Just talked to the guy. Aside from a paint job and interior work, all it needs to be up and running is the engine and tranny, clutch and driveshaft. Knowing that, do you think this would be worth ~$750? If not, how much would you offer?

I've been looking through it quite a bit. It's pretty sick. (Though to be honest I would have been perfectly content with what you started with too. haha) Definitely one of my favorites. Eventually I'd like to do something like that, but since I'm incredibly inexperienced I plan on starting with an L28ET.

Never would have guessed. But I guess the 240z is in higher demand, so I assume it's for more than just the lighter weight and bumpers haha. Still have no idea what to offer the guy. I was fairly stoked about it at first until I saw the pictures. Honestly, I would still be excited anyway since I think doing some carpet and interior work would be loads of fun. Especially getting the audio done right now. The only concern I'm having, is I have no idea what's missing mechanically. I know the driver door won't open from the outside (an easy fix that I've done on tons of cars), dash will need a cap obviously, new seats, new shift boot and possibly a new console. (Can't tell if it's just dusty or completely faded to gray, can you just paint them? haha) Aside from that, I really don't know what's there. I would be replacing the engine and transmission anyway, but I don't know how much else I'll have to be buying. No clutch transmission or drive shaft. That's why I come here to ask. EDIT: The 260z seems to have sold anyway.

No kidding, but the 260z needed some "body work" on the rocker and some other things and the guy wouldn't send me pictures. I don't know if there's a ton of rust, or it needed to be replaced or if it just had a dent in it. No idea what condition the floor boards were like and the guy never got me the pictures he said he would. Not that it couldn't be a better choice, but from a business perspective the guy isn't being very helpful. I could get the interior and paint done for $500 + the $700 the guy wants. That's $1200, how much is a decent L28ET swap? $700? $800? That's $2k right there with a better engine and basically the same body. (Aside from the body kit) I would take the 260z if I had the money right (if the guy would help me out by showing me what kind of condition the rest of the car is rust-wise. I have 2 pics to go off). But this is just another alternative. Rust free body for super cheap, then dump my own engine into. Just another starting point for me to consider if the price is right.

Not sure what to think of it... Headlights would need replacing, haven't seen the rear lights. Made a list of what would be needed to get the body in the shape that I would like. Carpet (done by myself): $30-$50 depending on the type of carpet I buy. (Not planning on buying a kit... way too much) Front lights: $50 Seats: ??? Seat covers: $40 POR15: $40 $180, plus the eventual dash cap of $150 = $330 Knowing that, is the chassis worth buying? If so how much would you offer?

I take it all back. Found a '75 280z. Paint is pretty much gone from sitting in the sun, same with carpet. But the whole interior is in tact and there's almost no rust on the car aside from some on the floor pans. (Obviously) Included is a Chevy 350 engine, not tranny or anything though. Dropped the price to 1k for me since he would rather it go to someone who's interested in the car. Roughly $700-$800 for just the chassis, but he's sending me pics later so I can decide and then make an offer. I'll be posting pics to see what you guys think.

Good Lord. O.O That's expensive. There's no way that can't be had for less with a little searching. That just seems like so much. I'd just go for the RB25 at that point. I still haven't decided. I may go the 1JZ route. 1JZ-GTE (Buy it now, 2.3k USD. Everything included) Edit: or even this one.

FRONT SUMP WITH MANUAL W58 RWD TRANSMISSION, WIRING HARNESS, & AUTOMATIC ECU Front sump... but I was thinking it would be closer to this. I don't plan on using the GReddy transmission or the R154.

Oh, definitely. I get excited thinking about what I would do while working on the engine and the interior, and I haven't even found a car that I'm buying for sure. haha Do you happen to know about how much the JZ engine swaps cost? Not for anything extra, just to get the stock turbo engine/transmission/ecu in the car and running.

Actually it's slowly becoming that since I don't think I'll be buying this particular car, but I'm glad you asked. I actually just started a thread on that here. But, I'll sum up what I want to do. The car itself would just be a project car, and eventually maybe a daily driver. As time goes by it'll probably end up as a weekend car. Engine-wise, I'm not looking to do anything extremely fancy since I'm mostly just gonna be using it in town. I want to do some sort of a L6 conversion. The L28 isn't a bad option or a rebuilt L28ET, but since my dad is helping with part of the funding and work, I'll more likely be going with a Toyota 1JZ or 2JZ conversion. He's seems much more willing to help me out with that because he's had a good experience with Toyota engines and he likes how reliable they are. That and I've heard good things about those engines here. Interior, I'll probably due some sound deadening and custom audio stuff. (A am going to be a music teacher after all... what good would my car be if I didn't have good sound? ) Not too concerned about seats, but I know there are tons of possible swaps out there.

Reserved

I'm starting this as a personal resource for Z project stuff and for ideas on my own project. (When I get a Z that is. For know I'm satisfied with learning as much as I can). This isn't really a project (yet) which is why I'm posting here, and it's more as a benefit to myself and others, as I plan on compiling this first post into ideas and links for information regarding multiple aspects of a Hybrid Z. I was doing a page on LibreOffice, but I figured I'd write it all out here and get some feedback from a knowledgeable community. Feel free to provide it on anything that you'd like. This is what I have so far, and it's by no means final. I'll change the text color to red on anything that becomes final for my own project. Car: Listed are my choices. I would be okay with any if the price is right, really, but I'm listing my own pro/con since in certain cases they'll probably come into play. 240z: A bit more expensive than a 280z in decent condition, but it's lighter and has the more classic feel. It also doesn't have the hideous bumpers like the 280z. Has a more "raw" feel than later models, but not quite as enjoyable on longer rides since it's noisier. 260z: From what I've gathered, this is basically a middle ground between the 280, and the 240z, as it was just a transition model. Slightly heavier and more reinforced than the 240z, but not quite like the 280z. 280z: Heaviest, most reinforce model, but also the most modern. (First?) to commonly have A/C. Quieter on the longer rides. Significantly heavier than the early models thanks to more reinforcement due to changing safety regulations in Japan and the US (correct me if I'm wrong). Aesthetically, the only thing that would keep anyone away are the big bumpers, which can be changed with a little bit of money and time the 240z bumpers. Engine: Many options here. Won't really list the transmissions since there are multiple options there for every engine. I'm not really interested in the V8 because of poor fuel efficiency as I'll be driving it a lot when I finish (... okay, the little purist in me wants to at least keep it inline 6 haha). For my own project I would be leaning for the Toyota L6 swap. Partly because apparently they're easy to swap, and highly reliable. Another part of that is money. From what I've read and looked into, the swap is cheaper than others. My dad (the guy that would be helping with some of the work and $$$) seems to dislike the idea of having an old Z, but he actually seems to like the idea of having a Toyota L6 project because he's had a really good experience with Toyotas. 1JZ/2JZ-GTE: Seems easy enough from the reading I've done in the Toyota L6 forum here. Avernier has a great post about each type of engine Here Along with transmission info. Info on how easy it is is here in a post by Russ. (RUSSJZ-ZED) 7M-GTE: previous generation to the JZ engine. Don't know much about it, but from what I've gathered, it doesn't have quite the potential or reliability as a JZ, so I'm not really considering it. RB25DET: Lots of info about it on this site and others. A common swap with lots of potential, though the price and work required is starting to turn me away from it. Don't currently have any links that would provide easy info on everything you need to know aside from just saying, "Go to the Nissan RB forums on HybridZ." SR20DET vs. RB20DET: The tiny purist in me would want the RB20, but realistically the SR20 is a better choice. There's a lot of debate about it, but there is definitely more aftermarket support for the SR20, thought the RB20 can be found for less. Both are good options on an S30. Despite potentially lower total swap costs, bother are lower on the list for what I want, so I won't go into much more detail on either. What follows will be updated tomorrow, but what is listed is part of the other ideas I have so far. The main issues are above. Suspension: I'll be honest now, and say I don't know jack about what will be required for suspension, but I know it'll be different depending on the engine I get. This section will change over time as I learn more about it and get closer to actually having a project. Brakes: Same as above. Aesthetics: Exterior: Rota RB wheels (Feel free to suggest others): Link MSA type 1 air dam with brake vents ZG flares (280z to 240z bumper conversion brackets if necessary) Link Paint: Paint Guide: Link How much?: Link Paint ideas: White 280z Interior: Sound deadening: Links and info Audio: Links and info Seats: Links and info

JavelinZ: That's the most helpful post I've read in deciding. Thanks for the feedback. I really don't mind how long it is. After all, knowledge is power (and possibly thousands saved in this case). I actually just started making a list of all the things I would need to buy/upgrade to get a Z car in the condition that I want it. Hadn't really considered tools though. I'm not really looking for a daily driver, just a project. I have a perfectly good '91 Celica that's getting me around. She's not the nicest thing, but fantastic on gas and super reliable. I would say she's been good to me, haha. I like the mantra, "buy as much car as you can." My dad pretty much lives by that, and actually, all the costs I've tried calculating are meant to be added to a car with a decent body and working interior. Basically just a rust free, or at least mostly rust free, car. Even if the engine is completely ruined. I plan on doing a swap anyway. And I say working interior because I have a lot of ideas of my own for that.... I'm only at a few hundred bucks right now, but I've done a bit of math and if I stop spending on anything other than basic expenses, food, and a little bit of money saved in case of emergency, I can save a little over $300/month for a project. A little over double during the summer since I'll be at a different job, but I'll be at $1500 for spending by the start of the summer for basically a good working body and interior to start on. I think I'm gonna let this one go and grow my buying power as you say. (Also: $7000 for a completely stock and aging 280z?! Way too much....) (Doubly also: I may turn this into a thread on everything I want to do to in a Z project with costs listed and links to guides on different parts of it)

You really think so? I the only experience I have on how much they should cost is from what I've seen in my area online. Why would you want to drop to 1k? (Not saying it's just not worth that much... after all, that's why I'm here. To learn from you guys so I don't get screwed over when I buy my first Z) Edit: You meant the red one... never mind, haha.

Never would have guessed. Time to go digging through 40+ pages of pictures then... haha

Well... right now it doesn't seem like it's happening. I don't quite have the money to buy it, so I'd have to borrow about $1400 from my dad and he's far from excited by the idea.... Says he'd rather GIVE me much more for a newer car, but of course, if it doesn't happen, I'll still be posting the pics. Maybe if I don't get this one someone one here will have more info and pics to see if they want to buy it.

Brother had a Modified magazine a while back and he gave it to me because he knew I liked Z's and this was in the issue. Remains on of my favorites. Not sure if anyone here's posted it yet.

Expecting some more pictures to be emailed to me sometime today.

Nice, haha. Not much of a market here for high priced Z's though... it's weird. Mediocre, overpriced, ones will sell, but the valuable ones that are actually worth the cost don't usually sell well. Check out this ad. It's been on the site longer than I can keep track of. 20k Z Probably slightly overpriced, but I've noticed the more valuable ones like this don't sell well here. Edit: the car's in Mesquite now... weird. Owner's must have moved. Not sure why the add is still on a Utah site. That actually wouldn't be a bad idea. Sometimes I wish I was making more money at my job, or at least had time to work so I could drive down to Arizona just to find a good one at a decent price.

Thanks for the quick responses. The two pictures I posted are the only ones I've seen. The car is actually with the son of the owner a few hours from me, but I'll try asking if he can send me a picture of the rocker, frame rails, and floor pans. He already mentioned that the battery box was rust free when I called him a couple weeks ago (unlike the other 260z that he stripped for parts). I had never thought of that. Thanks for the tip. Rust is definitely my biggest concern after all the research I've done and pictures I've seen of the old S30's. Now that I think about it... my dad's cousin in-law? Has quite a bit of welding experience. I'm sure he could help if I needed it. I've also considered buying one that's already fixed up, but, here in Utah, everyone seems to think that just because the car is classic they can sell it for several thousand. I've seen people try to sell rusty, near-useless bodies, with no engine, for around $1000. Working Z's here don't normally go for less than $2000-$3000 and that's when the engine is original and barely running and the body is in only mediocre shape.