nitsuj Posted July 3, 2007 Share Posted July 3, 2007 Hi all. I just found this forum and this is my first post. I had a 76 280Z and have regretted selling it since the day it left, 10 years ago. Now, I got the itch again. I did some searching and didn't really find answers to my questions, so I thought I'd post up. Hope this is the right section. I didn't really see a section that looked right so I stuck it here. If I was wrong, sorry. So, here goes. In searching for another Z, I've found several that caught my eye, ranging in condition from decent to pristine restorations. None that I've found local have had the V8 conversion done already. So, I can buy one turn key and do my own conversion, which was the plan. I'm trying to stay local because I don't like buying sight unseen. I thought I'd seen every Z in a 50 mile radius. Until... I found a 73, not more than 1 mile from my house, AND it already has a V8 Chevy in it! Heres the problem, rather than doing an engine swap, I'd be basically be gutting the whole car and having it painted. The interior is shot, but repairable, way too ugly as is. The paint is horrible. Not much rust. In fact, it's the best unrestored body I've seen in the area. Main problem is, it looks like it was originally white, then some joker painted red over it, no sanding, no prep, just red paint. Now the red is falling off in big flakes, revealing the white underneath. Floor has some trouble spots, but nothing a few evenings with the welder won't fix. And I suspect the suspension will need freshened up. Engine runs great, fires right up, no smoke, no noises. But, I don't know what the engine is from, or it's vintage. The motor mounts look like they were bought and not cobbled up by a plumber. They may be home made, but they look good. I have no doubt this could be a nice Z, and at 2 grand, the price is right. But that leaves me with the conflict that I hope you wise Z owners can help me with... Is one better off buying a decent, turn key Z car then doing the motor, or buying a project car with the motor done and doing the cosmetic stuff? I have all the tools and know how here to do either job, so that isn't part of the equasion. Heres the pros and cons as I see them: If I buy a car that is already had the body work done, how can I be sure the rust is gone and won't come back? But if I do it myself, I know it will be done to my satisfaction. I'll probably spend more in the long run on a fixer upper body and interior. But that kind of project is nickels and dime over time. Little checks are easier to squeak past the wife than one big check for an already done Z. Then another big check for an engine and trans. I don't really want a Z that is completely done. I'd rather have a blank canvas that I can build to suit me. But, I also want a car I'll be driving soon. I don't want a 5 year project. The junker runs as is, so I could be driving it while I collect parts. I can't think of anymore. Sorry to babble on so long. Looking forward to input from guys who have been down the same or similar road. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bartman Posted July 3, 2007 Share Posted July 3, 2007 I'd go with a car that needs some work rather than one that is complete including paint. Having a V8 already installed is a big bonus! Like you stated, when the car is painted you don't really know what's underneath. How good was it prepped, how much bondo, how much rust is covered, etc. Plus, what are the chances that it's going to be the color you want? to me, picking your own color is something that really makes the car yours. Of course my car still isn't painted, but I think that's one of the last things to do. It sounds like you found a good candidate for your project! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cygnusx1 Posted July 3, 2007 Share Posted July 3, 2007 I agree. It runs, all the parts are there, take it apart, clean it up, paint it, put it back together with a few custom touches, and you are ahead of the game. Welcome to HybridZ. Send Pics!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jknc90 Posted July 3, 2007 Share Posted July 3, 2007 I would say get the good v8 swap already done and have fun getting the body exactly how you want. The engine is already the way you want. So like you said, take you canvas and make it yours. Welcome to HybridZ. Jon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktm Posted July 3, 2007 Share Posted July 3, 2007 I agree with everyone else above. If you want a V8 powered Z, then you've found your car. They have done all of the hard work already and you know it runs. You can now customize it to your hearts content and make it yours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nitsuj Posted July 4, 2007 Author Share Posted July 4, 2007 Thanks for the input and the warm welcome guys. I think I may do it. I'm going to let the seller sit on it a week or so and see if I can lowball him. Assuming it's still there and he takes the bait, I'll be buying it. Truth be told, I already wanted to buy it. I was just hoping you guys would give me some justification. I'll get some pics as soon as it's mine. I plan to do it similar to the 76 I had. Body kit, maybe wheels. Nothing too radical, I still want it to look like a Z Car. My last one was white. I'll probably do a different color on this one. Heres the only surviving pic of the 76 I sold: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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