Guest Chevelle7d2 Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 Ok so Im looking at this 280Z and its already got a SBC in it, but its stock and doesnt seem to run real well, so and I told the guy if I buy the car, he can keep the motor and trans, which he agrees to. But my question to you guys is this.. It has rust on the passenger side frame rail (one bad spot towards the rear of the car, and one towards the middle) Its basically rotted through the under part of the frame rail. It also has some rust on the driver side floor boards, but not through the floor but its getting very thin, but then again its only a tiny area. The passenger and driver side inner front fenders are rotted some, only towards the back of them. But the cars body is in fairly good condition, only a few here and there minor surfice rust. Its white and has a black interior, interior is in good shape but the dash is cracked to hell. He wants $700 for the rolling chassis. I really dont think its worth that much, but figured Id ask you guys. What'd ya think? I planned on going LS1 with the car, but since it already has the SBC mounts in it, Ill prolly just go with a built LT1 engine. (if anyone knows of anyone selling a LT1, let me know) Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
280Zone Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 I paid $500 for my 75 and drove it home. It was very ugly but very solid. I paid $200 for a 77 that didn't run and is also ugly but very solid. Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z-TARD Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 280's with minimal rust can be had pretty cheaply if you have some patience. From your description, I'd probably pass on that car, especially for the price. Rust on the inner fenders and frame rails is death for a Z car, unless you are willing to put lots of time and money into making new frame rails and welding them in place. Keep checking ebay, sometimes you can find a dented up Z that is otherwise Ok for pretty cheap. I got one last month for $260. It needed new body panels for pretty much the entire front end and passenger side, but was completely rust free on the undercarriage. Body panels are cheaper to replace than structural sheetmetal, so try looking for something a little banged up maybe. Hope this helps, Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tony78_280z Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 If you get to keep all the conversion equipment (ie. Kit) it's worth it. You'll spend nearly 200.00 for motor mounts and 250.00 for a drive shaft not to mention all the other stuff to make the change. POR15 offers floorboard repair kits. goto their webpage. -T Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Chevelle7d2 Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 Well now he has said he will take $800 for the complete car.. (engine and everything) I really dont want the motor or trans.. what do you think I should offer for just the shell? or should I even bother? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BigWhyteDude Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 If you get the whole car you can always sell or rebuild the engine. If you know how or want to learn how to weld i would get it. But thats just me. Andrew Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Chevelle7d2 Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 I can weld fairly decent (I put new quarter panels on my chevelle) I am just worried about the frame on the passenger side, and the inner front fenders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillZ260 Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 You can replace the pans and build the sub frame connectors for under 200 depending on how much steel you buy. I bought a 24 ft stick but you will only need about 14-15 feet of square tubing for the set of rails. I also bought a 4x8 sheet of 18 ga for my floors but needed way way less, so you should have enough for any patch work elsewhere. I paid about $85 delivered for the above material, it is probably close to twice that amount now but still under 200. Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 77vegasz Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 Check E-bay and Zcar.com clasified adds. Look for a car from the southwest, Southern California, southern Nevada, Arizona, etc. I got a rust free 77 with perfect paint complete for 500.00 in LA with a blown motor. Unless you have a garage with the room, the tools and the expertise to do the fabrication and welding, look for a more solid car. Jon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Chevelle7d2 Posted June 3, 2004 Share Posted June 3, 2004 Well, he has decided to let it go for $250, with the SBC mounts and driveshaft.... I think Ill take it, hell I looked at a '77 280 today and it made this $250 Z look ten times better! And the guy wanted $800 for it and the frame rails were completely gone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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