LyleSweet Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 (edited) Hi Everyone! I'm new to the forum and looking to buy a 240z. However, I do not have much mechanical knowledge when it comes to cars. I've been reading and reading and it seems like when looking for a Z, the number one thing I keep reading is to avoid rust as much as possible. I found a 1973 240z for sale locally and wanted some advice on this car. It definitely has rust but I have no idea how much is repairable. I have about a $30k budget, but I'd like to spend about $5-8k for the car and then budget for a minor restoration (get it in good running condition, paint, wheels, and an interior clean up). I am not a mechanic in the least and would be relying on a local mechanic to do a majority of the work. Here is what the seller told me: The problem areas on this car are the: driver door and panel, wheel wells, and passenger floor panel. The floor panel has a small rust hole. The interior is very clean. You will notice that the radio and rear interior panel are not original; I replaced them with parts from MSA. I have the originals in perfect condition at home and can be replaced very simply. 1) All the lights and controls work; lights, high beams, hazards, wipers. The wiperfluid pump is not working. All the gauges except for the oil pressure gauge are working. The fuel gauge gauge works but reads incorrectly because although the sending unit is new, the wires that connect to it currently make poor contact. 2) All windows open smoothly. Driver door and hatch operate smoothly. Passenger door works but is noticeably harder to push. 3) All locks work. 4) All cables/levers work perfectly. 5) I do have historical maintenance paperwork. I believe I even have original registration paperwork and tags from the first owner. I'm not in a hurry to get a Z and can afford to take my time to get the right one. I thank you in advance, any/all help is appreciated. ad: http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/cto/5132503075.html pics: http://imgur.com/a/5jFXg Edited July 29, 2015 by LyleSweet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88dangerdan Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 From what I can see, and I'm looking at the pictures using my galaxy S6, most of the major areas such as the hatch landing / dog legs / rocker panels don't look bad as far as rust goes. It helps that it's the original paint and you don't see much blistering of the paint. The rust that he does show wouldn't kill the deal for me. I'd definitely try to get him down on the price, but I'd do the same if he was selling it for $2000. That is a good foundation to start from. There's my. 02 and enjoy. Daniel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LyleSweet Posted July 29, 2015 Author Share Posted July 29, 2015 Thanks 88dangerdan! What would be a fair market price for this? I plan on taking a mechanic with me to inspect the car in person but assuming no further observable rust or red flags what is a reasonable price? I'm not trying to low ball, I just want to get a fair deal. Seller is moving so I'm sure he's motivated. Still open for other opinions/thoughts on this as well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rturbo 930 Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 Looks like a good place to start from IMO. But, I would also be ready the 'small' rust hole in the floor to turn into a big rust hole. Rust is almost always worse than it looks, and there will probably be a few rust issues that you find later on. But I don't see any big red flags. I'd probably buy it. Not sure if I'd buy it for $7k, but maybe that's what Zs in that condition are going for these days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seattlejester Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 Nothing is screaming at me that it is a flop, but a few of those spots seems like it will need replacing. Driver door Door opening Rocker Dogleg Without seeing the bottom of the car it is hard to see how much has penetrated. That price is pretty high at least for around here you would expect a very well sorted example near that price range. I know they go for more on the east coast, so maybe looking elsewhere and shipping could be a better option. Your budget is really good so as you said, I would spend time looking for the right car. If you will be farming out the labor then it is especially important to start with a good chassis as chassis restoration can really suck up a budget if you need someone to sit there and fabricate new pieces and order parts. Did you already pick a shop/mechanic? Maybe it would be wise to get their input. On that car (quoting high): 3-4k for rust repair 7k or so for body work and paint 5k for the essentials (shocks, springs, bushings, brakes, lines, exhaust, etc) I would almost be tempted to look for a more complete vehicle that someone has already more or less restored if you don't plan on working on it yourself. You won't have to deal with the headaches of deadlines/ordering parts/big bills as long as you buy it from a reputable individual and have it thoroughly inspected by a specialist. Your budget once again is quite good and you could really take a pick of the litter as they say. If you want the build aspect where you can go and visit a shop to see progress and put the parts you pick out and such, then by all means finding a rougher example would fit the bill. Not sure if this car at that price is the one though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miles Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 (edited) Agree with Seattlejester Find the most rust free unmolested Z you can find. Preferably one that hasn't had the electrical wiring cut up. That way money goes into paint, body, suspension, brakes etc that make for a safe, reliable and enjoyable daily driver. Buy the book How to Restore Your Datsun Z Car by Wick Humble. It will save you hours of searching for "how to" info. Download a Factory Service Manual (FSM) and buy a Haynes repair manual for your specific car. I would not pay $7k for that car just based on the rust showing in the pictures. You could spend a lot of your budget on unseen body repairs. Find out what your mechanic's hourly labor rate is and let that be your guide when evaluating a "fixer upper". Useful Links: http://zhome.com/ http://www.atlanticz.../tech-tips.html http://www.classiczcars.com/index http://www.zcarparts.com/ http://www.blackdrag.../zZxCatalog.htm Edited July 29, 2015 by Miles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
makaofox Posted July 29, 2015 Share Posted July 29, 2015 Being from the east coast dont get that car. The price is too much for what it needs. In NJ you can get fully restored ready to drive 280z's for 10-15k. There was a restored 240z for 24k but thats over priced. Search more, the 240z holds high prices. The 280z is more suited for daily or cruising and is cheaper than the 240z. Keep looking you can get a better car for just a little bit more, unless you want to restore it. Also take a look on the west coast they have solid cars like in Cali, AZ, or even TX. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goob_os101 Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 Here is one for you... Original Datsun 1976 280Z - $19000 (Wake Forest) http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/5140354647.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Duncan Posted July 30, 2015 Share Posted July 30, 2015 (edited) That's a good deal for the condition. This is way less rust than what you find in Western WA. I would guess the only way you are going to get less rust is to pay 10K plus or go to Arizona and then you will have to ship. I would get this one, it's not going to last and it's hard to find them this rust free. Edited July 30, 2015 by Chris Duncan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goob_os101 Posted July 31, 2015 Share Posted July 31, 2015 (edited) Both my Z's were bought in VA and are pretty rusted Edited July 31, 2015 by goob_os101 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goob_os101 Posted July 31, 2015 Share Posted July 31, 2015 Did you buy it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LyleSweet Posted July 31, 2015 Author Share Posted July 31, 2015 (edited) Hi guys! Really appreciate all the input. I took the first one I linked to Datsun Spirit in Manassas, VA to do a full inspection. Everything actually looked much better in person and it drove great. The only mechanical issue present is one small oil leak and the weather stripping need to be replaced. The car itself is pretty much all original everything, including the no-crack dash and radio (only what had to be replaced has been like fuel pump, etc.). The guy is moving so he threw in a 5spd transmission he was going to put in but never had the time to do so for free. Also, got the price down to $4k. Got a very reasonable quote to fix the rust spots during the inspection. Turns out the guy bought it from someone in Delaware who had purchased it from the original owner in Arizona. The car has been on the east coast less than 10 years. I figure between the dash, radio, and transmission that almost pays for the car if for some reason I absolutely hated it and had to gut it. Looks like I got my Z. Edited July 31, 2015 by LyleSweet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seattlejester Posted July 31, 2015 Share Posted July 31, 2015 Congrats sir on your purchase. The dash is indeed worth some money, the radio and 5 speed not so much, still nice things to have though. If you would like to see a return on the investment then I would suggest very subtle or updates to the car instead of upgrades per say. Keep us updated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Duncan Posted August 2, 2015 Share Posted August 2, 2015 (edited) Do not leave that dash out in the sun. Probably should also avoid temperature extremes. congrats, that's a nice Z Edited August 2, 2015 by Chris Duncan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goob_os101 Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 I am 5 min from Datsun Spirit...how much did he quote for the rust repair? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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