280Z Rear damage, Severity?

[ReisZ]

Hi Guys, I have been lurking here for a few weeks since I came to the decision that I wanted to delve into a project s30 for my next daily driver, This is my first post.

 

I have been looking at any car that presents itself, with mixed success, I wasn't in the space to buy as of yet expecting to shell out ~ 2k for a decent starting point. however I have recently become aware of a running 77 280Z, with no major rust, and (as far as I am aware) an acceptably straight body. for a possibly negotiable $700

 

My question however comes from my lack of knowledge of the Unibody construction of S30Z's and their acceptable damage tolerances. The Z I am looking at in question has damage on the left hand side of the rear deck right on the back corner. as though something heavy was dropped on it. it is significant enough of a caving to have misaligned that corner of the hatch and broken the glass.

the area around the tail lights on that same corner looks to have been pushed in slightly but all paint is intact so I imagine it was a result of the crumpling, overall the deepest part of the damage would be to my eye about a third of an inch deep.

 

Is there anything specific I should be looking at here? the main things I am worried about are any major weakpoints associated with damage in that area and the difficulty of realigning the hatch opening. I have basic mechanical skill and would have no problem working on a off frame body panel, but I have had no experience with working on a unibody before. any Info on how difficult it is for a bodyshop to pull it? I am going to try and get some photos this weekend or monday, so let me know if those would help.

 

any feedback is greatly appreciated,

 

Thanks guys.

 

-Rhys

[Guest CTeal280]

Hi, Rhys. 700 sounds like a good deal, what with the damage that you are describing. Sounds to me like it can be fixed; the corner area can be accessed from inside the vehicle, and there may be ample room to do what needs to be done. Then you will have to find replacement glass, which is not too difficult, especially if you find another car as a donor. Then you can get the entire hatch as well! But its hard to say, if this may be a bigger issue, pics would definitely help.

[kiwi303]

Nice to see another Rhys around

 

Sounds fixable to me from the description, I'd need some pics for confirmation, but it sounds from what you describe that a drift hammer and blanking plate would fix it.

[ReisZ]

Thanks for chiming in guys, good to hear some optimism at the early stage, I just had to take a better look at this since it seems to be in such good mechanical condition, I just had to consider it, I will be able to get some more time with the car either tomorrow or on monday, so I will grab the photos then and post them here when I load them up.

 

Thanks again for chiming in great first impression as a member here.

 

Kiwi303, You're Rhys too eh? what are the odds, i have only met one other guy with the same name in my life, must be more popular in the southern hemisphere than up here, I moved to California from western Australia two years ago come April, my brother used to have a 240Z in the 70's I always loved that car. I think that's why I am gravitating back to the S30 now. and this seems like too good an opportunity to pass up.

 

Thanks again for the thoughts guys, I will have those photos soon.

 

-Rhys

[sileightygx]

definitely sounds like it is worth taking a look at! post up some pictures when you can, there are many auto body gurus on the forums.

[280Z-75]

I've seen a few for less than that price running with no body damage. Keep looking, the bay area is full of Z's, and lately, the trend seems to be that people here are trying to rid themselves of these post smog cars.

[sileightygx]

when i was looking around in our area at some of those around that price range i saw some pretty horrible stuff. funny i found a better condition one out of state! maybe i just had some bad luck, but it is true that there are a lot of Zs for sale in the bay area. i see a bunch on craigslist all the time.

[ReisZ]

Hey Guys, went back to see the Z for photos today and she has been picked up. someone with more conviction than I got this one.

 

So the hunt continues, If anyone in the SF Bay area see's a good S30Z up for grabs that you aren't going to pounce on, drop me a line, I am in the market. Thanks again for all your help lads.

 

-Rhys

[Guest CTeal280]

That's too bad... But I'm sure you'll find another one and maybe for a better price too like sileightygx said. Craigslist does seem to have some good deals, even in my area, but the difference between eastern and western Z's is the real clincher. Good luck.