Also buying a Z....got a question

[Hester_prynne]

Im looking at 1978 280z in a state over. So before i drive 5 hours to look at it i would really appreciate some input from you guys, to make sure its worth it.

 

The only thing im really worried about is a hole rusted through the uniframe.

How bad is that? i dont have the experience to judge it myself. Would it need to be fixed, or would it be okay to leave it that way?

The guy is asking $2450 for it..whats your take on the price? 80,000 miles / roll bar / some after market suspension parts / running motor

Thanks for any input

[240zBoy]

I would definately fix the rust. Not that you could not drive the car but it will get worse pretty quick and then become a much worse problem. The area you have rust at is a fairly easy fix if you are willing to spend a couple hours doing a little bit of fabricating.

As far as the price though it is well worth it.

Especially the fact it is running. The 80,000 miles would be a bit questionable though.

[Steveoen]

i'd pick it up for that price heres some help with the frame rails also http://www.zccjdm.com/catalog.php/azcarbum/dt93256/pd2118869/280Z_PERFORMANCE_FRAME_RAILS__REPLACEMENTS__

[Pharaohabq]

Hmm Well It doesn't look too bad. the price is okay, The rust does bother me though since you don't know the extent. I would definitely check the floorpans ans check the rear quarters for rust holes or bubbling paint. The rails can be fixed with Bad Dog rails. You should probably have it put on a lift so you can get a good look at the underside before buying it. 80K miles is low, but really milage doesn't mean much in a 40 year old (35ish in the case) car since the rubber starts to go bad in 10, (though in the picts the underbody rubber didn't look too bad steering boot looks torn tho, so I'd guess it's been a while since the suspension had new rubber put on.)

 

I don't like how far forward that rollbar is. I think it would be dangerous even in a helmet.

 

The interior seems worn, but most Z's are these days. What is your plan? Do you intend to restore the car, or just daily drive it. Setting it up for track you wouldn't really have to worry much about the rust.

 

It looks like an okay deal depending on the rust. Rust is almost always worse than you initially can see, especially since it travels under paint.

[Hester_prynne]

thanks for all the input guys. From what im hearing, its worth the drive to check it out. I plan on just using it as a daily. The door covers, a dash cover, and an extra center console come with it also.