Rust Help

[Pickett]

Relatively new to thinking about owning a car of this age but, currently live in Japan and have been looking for an older car that will eventually come back to the States with me (i wont have to pay to ship 1 vehicle but still needs to be 25 yo to avoid other things). I fell in love with the Fairlady Z at first sight. I went and looked at/drove one for the first time just this weekend. A 79' 5-speed MT with an L28 that is not original to the car so it has some very low mileage (14k Km). Runs great but has some other issues.

• it needs a lot of exhaust work as the muffler and most of the ducts are very rusted (I probably would just look to replace it all even though I could probably keep the exhaust manifold.)
• lots of smaller replacements (wiring, hoses, rubber odds and ends)
• questionable rust on the undercarriage with a questionable coating to cover it up

which is my main concern and why I'm posting.

I took quite a few pictures of what i saw and I'm trying to get an idea of how bad the rust may be, how much work it will be to fix up the rust, or if there is anything anyone can gleam from seeing these pictures that i might of missed (still new to this)

I appreciate any help anyone can give

Thanks all

[Mayolives]

Looks like someone tried to cover up a bunch of body problems with under coat and paint that will take a lot of time/money to repair.  Keep on looking for a better example. They are out there to be found. 

Edited December 23, 2024 by Mayolives

[toolman]

As a exbodyman and auto painter, I agree with the previous individual about the rust condition of that particular FairladeyZ.   The rust was definitely covered up with underseal and paint.   What you can see, is only about half of the real problem.  Having rust work properly in Japan would be very

expensive as there are only a few Japanese Body Shops that specialize in rust work.   Majority of them are located in rural areas of Japan.  If you still

wish to purchase your Z in Japan, you try to find Z car guys and make friends with them.   They should know about Z prices and places to work on your 

Z car.   Places like UP Garage in Japan sells "second hand" auto parts at almost half the cost as compared  to  the US.  Z body parts are a different story.

Because the Z is so popular now, there are many suppliers for z body parts.   Z mechanical  parts in Japan tend to better quality than Chinese parts if you

can find them.   If you are interested in restoring a Z, check out Restoration of Z Cars on You Tube in both America and Japan.   If you don"t have body fender and mechanical skills, your best option maybe to wait to return to the US and find a Z car in the Southwest part of the US.   Places like  California, 

Arizonia, Texas,etc, their drier climates will provide you the best chance of finding a Z with little or no rust problems.   Good Hunting!!