Bitten by the Z-Bug!

[dru]

Hi Everyone,

 

I originally came on this site a number of years back now looking at getting a 240z/260z. Well unfortunately due to certain circumstances I was unable to, until now I was converted to a bike rider for a while there but after seeing a 260z on the road yesterday, I have decided the bike is going to fund a 260z project! I have no need for a car so it doesn't matter if it doesn't run and be off the road for a while

 

What I wanted to ask is whether people think I should be able to get a reasonable 260z for around 4-5k? I haven't really been up to date with the prices lately. It doesn't necessarily need to have rego and be running but would like most parts to be there

 

Thanks,

Andrew.

[DreamZproject]

If you want a 2+2, yes. 2 seater, no.

 

The no. 1 thing to consider about these cars is rust. Pretty much any Z that doesn't have rust has been restored at some

point, so the owner is going to want to get as much of their time and money back as possible.

For 5k I'd definately suggest you check out a 2+2.

[dru]

If you want a 2+2, yes. 2 seater, no.

 

The no. 1 thing to consider about these cars is rust. Pretty much any Z that doesn't have rust has been restored at some

point, so the owner is going to want to get as much of their time and money back as possible.

For 5k I'd definately suggest you check out a 2+2.

 

Thanks for the reply. That is the one thing I am worried about, rust. It seems majority of the 260z's in my price range are in Victoria at the moment and so it makes it quite hard to check it out for myself, especially with a newborn that just arrived!

 

Has anyone seen or checked out this one.

 

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/thomastown/cars-vans-utes/1977-datsun-260z-coupe/1036812542

 

or

 

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/thomastown/cars-vans-utes/1975-datsun-260z-2-2-auto/1034532786

[DreamZproject]

Jeepers! that one for 5k has a bit of value in it! Unless it has irreparable rust (and you dont mind the wrong donk being in it) this

is the one I'd go look at.

[gav240z]

LOL I'm the opposite, I think the 2.5K one looks pretty dry and 'could' be more solid body wise, it certainly looks straight at the front. I prefer a non-engine swap, but an RB30 turbo in a 2+2 would be very quick.

 

I think I recall seeing that RB30 turbo 2+2 around about 10 years or so ago. Back then the paint job was new, but I can't be certain it's the same car. I just remember seeing a wine red 260z 2+2 with wire wheels. I think after my own 2+2 was written off the owner came around to my place to buy a few bits and pieces and expressed interest in the sunroof at the time.

 

I see it has a sunroof also.

 

The 2.5k car appeals because it looks straight and dry, plus it's an auto so it's less likely to have been given a hard time by young owners over the years - since auto's don't appeal as much to that crowd. I also think a good cut and polish and paint sealer and you could get the paint to look half decent again. It's also very original looking and I find those cars to often be the best cars as they haven't been tampered with, wiring wise, body work is less likely to be hiding bog and all overall less fudged jobs.

 

Either car could be a good purchase. If you inspect the body work carefully.

 

However I think you'd be mad to buy a project 2+2 at $5k when you could get a running clean example for a couple of thousand more. Like this 1 that Locky (Lurch) is selling on behalf of someone.

 

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/yarragon/cars-vans-utes/1976-datsun-260z-coupe/1035276135

 

Buy a dud Z with rotten body work and you'll spend more than a couple of grand fixing it up easily.

 

 

 

 

[gav240z]

However I think you'd be mad to buy a project 2+2 at $5k when you could get a running clean example for a couple of thousand more.

 

Unless of course what you enjoy is the project and satisfaction of fixing something up, then it doesn't matter what I think and I can understand that also.

[DreamZproject]

100% agree gav, of course the one with less rust wins. I would just assume that the guy who put in all the time and money to

give it a good paint job and engine swap would have done rust stuff, but then i do own a car that goes completely against what

i am saying (*Pfffh* fiberglass rust repair).

[dru]

The reason I would be getting the car is so I can do a full resto with an engine swap etc. So what ever I get, it will eventually be stripped down and rebuilt.

 

I have two trains of thought at the moment. There is a 260z shell that is up for sale that has had majority of the rust cut out, I can buy that - then when I get a chance, buy another rust bucket to transfer all the suspension parts, interior etc across and slowly build it up from there or....buy something like the 2.5k one, get it running and then slowly work on repairing the rust etc while still enjoying the car.

[Lynton]

So from the enthusiast side of the argument (matter of opinion) one is supposedly prepared to pay more for a 2 seater, why? Rarity? Heaps more rust and driving abuse? Most partially modified and non original hacks? A perception of better looks/style? I don't think necessarily so?

 

Also from the enthusiast side of the argument (matter of opinion) the now diminished numbers of 2+2's most with more sedate previous ownership, more user friendly, many still original, but still prone to rusting out. 

Now as what happened in the 70's public interest was way less with interest in 2 seater vehicles, perhaps the 2+2 may come back and bite us with an even greater demand and very few decent cars left to save their souls ....ahh the Z legend lives on isn't that what it is all about, in my opinion type of Z is less important, the car being a Z is the importance?

Lynton

[DreamZproject]

If I had my time over I probably would have gone 2+2, in saying that, i don't regret going for a 2 seater.

[gav240z]

In the 70s people were trading in their old hat 240z's for the newer 260z in many cases a 2+2 and even changing their 240z tail lights and indicators for 260z ones.

 

It is funny to think about it now but I guess like the 240k coupes that were not really valued if enough 2+2 cars vanish their will be enough demand to push prices up.

 

Of course you have to remember also that when the 280zx arrived everyone wanted the electric gizmos and that is what impressed the ladies.

 

I still think the 2 seated roof line will always have that appeal though. I still also see 2+2 cars as the most common on the market right now.

[Lynton]

Mmm!  Well that being said, look at the numbers of 2 seater coupes at the Vic Nationals compared to any number of 2+2 's ? lynton

[Retro Z]

Mmm!  Well that being said, look at the numbers of 2 seater coupes at the Vic Nationals compared to any number of 2+2 's ? lynton

 

Its because not many people fix up 2+2's to a driving/racing state..instead they usually sacrifice them in order to fix a 2-seater. I have seen more 2+2's in general on the road and for sale but when it comes to cruising/show n shines etc the 2-seaters out number the 2+2's  9-1 as enthusiasts seem to invest more money and time in them and want to show them off. Ive personally had two 2+2's in the past 3 years that sacrificed parts to go into my 240z and the rest i wrecked as it was worth more in parts than what people wanted to pay for the whole cars and they had little rust..in the end the bodies went to scrap metal as i couldnt even give them away.

 

I got no beef on the 2+2 i personally like them but thats my 2 cents of why i think 2+2's are more common in general but not seen out and about.

[DreamZproject]

I'm half considering when I've finished my 2 seater and i need a more practical daily driver than my MR2 I might get a cheap running

2+2 and swap over a modern engine in it. 2+2's almost have no collectors value to them (ie. a similar condition and age Camry would be worth as much) which

i find astounding, but wonderful for us that want a Z on a budget .

[dru]

Checking out a 260z 2+2 tomorrow. Wants just under 4k but seems like a reasonable deal - has had all the rust repaired by panel beater, dints  etc removed. Has full interior etc + also has the L28 with gearbox. All it needs now is paint.

[gav240z]

Keep us posted and don't get too emotionally involved when you go to see it. I would even say you'll go home and have a good think about it - that way you don't get caught up in the excitement of the situation and you can reflect on the deal / project / car and make sure it's a good choice.

[peter t]

I'm half considering when I've finished my 2 seater and i need a more practical daily driver than my MR2 I might get a cheap running

2+2 and swap over a modern engine in it. 2+2's almost have no collectors value to them (ie. a similar condition and age Camry would be worth as much) which

i find astounding, but wonderful for us that want a Z on a budget .

They will have. Just wait. People that bag 2+2 Z's give me the shits. 911 porkers have 4 seats. Dunnydore utes have two.

[CroS13]

2+2's almost have no collectors value to them (ie. a similar condition and age Camry would be worth as much) which

i find astounding, but wonderful for us that want a Z on a budget .

 

They will have. Just wait. People that bag 2+2 Z's give me the shivers. 911 porkers have 4 seats. Dunnydore utes have two.

 

To be honest, ive found its only the hardcore fans/nutters on here who tend to bag the 2+2. In my experience, anyone else who isn't a zed nut loves the bus when they see it. And 90% of people cant tell the difference.

 

Hell, even i didn't notice the difference in the shape when i bought mine. I did notice "something is odd" about the 2+2's i had seen, compared to the photo shoots with JDM 2 seaters i had been drooling over for years, but i had simply put it down to lack of bolt on flares, a high ride height, standard wheels and no duck tail spoiler. Even when i physically went to buy my car, the guy had about 12 Zeds in his shed, there was a blue 2 seater parked right next to mine, and it was double the price with more rust, and i could not for the life of me notice the difference between the 2.

 

Only afterwards it has since dawned on me, and regardless, every car meet i had taken the zed to, everyone loved it, all the old holden and ford guys were turning their heads to see "wow whats that? a 240z? no its a early 280zx? i have not seen one of them in years!" I heard everyone arguing with their mates as i drove through the carpark.

 

A bus is just as cool as a 2 seater in my books, and just as valuable. To me, my bus is still a cool sports car that is close to 40 years old, getting around amongst the sea of "throw away white goods" cars with no soul.

 

Perhaps in another 20 years, due to all the buses being sacrificed to save 2 seater's, they will become so rare, their value will surpass that of a 240z!

 

Rudolf.

 

 

[thriller]

Checking out a 260z 2+2 tomorrow. Wants just under 4k but seems like a reasonable deal - has had all the rust repaired by panel beater, dints  etc removed. Has full interior etc + also has the L28 with gearbox. All it needs now is paint.

 

Tread lightly... I'd rather a rough-around-the-edges car with surface rust that I know hasn't been 'fixed', than take a gamble on an unknown 'professional' job.

 

 

Welcome to the mad house  Whatever you get there'll be plenty of support around here, just be aware that the right car will turn up for sale faster than it will take you to fix the wrong one to the same level as the right one's starting point (if that makes any sense).

[dru]

Thanks for the advice guys. Love this forum.

 

I am taking my father in law with me to check it all out, he has more experience then me when it comes to rust.  His done up a few cars in his time!

 

It is exciting, but I will try and put that to the side :-)

[dru]

Well that one was no good. Too far gone, had rust in some of the usual places but it was also starting to creep through joints and etc. On top of that, the bloke has owned it for 8 years and it's been outside majority of that time - not good when you live near the water! I would say that it's a good parts car, with the N54 block and so on but he would not budge under 4k. Reckons he will just paint it and keep it - buyer beware.

 

He did have a Triumph stag as well, but it wasn't too good knick. He wanted 15k for that one!

 

Time to keep looking

[gav240z]

Good idea, funny how they are always stated as 'no rust' or 'all rust repaired' and you get there and find that's not the case...

[Lynton]

The moral of buying a classic is know the type of car you want to buy, narrow it down to the model, then inspect, inspect and inspect, the knowledge gained and what to look for ultimately raises your expectation of what you expect visually, mechanically and the necessary $$ one needs to pay for a car that suits the individual buyers expectations and if you miss out on a car, provided you have patience to wait, from my experience there is always another one.

But be prepared to even fly interstate you will get to know the market and the cars Lynton

[dru]

Going to check out another 2+2 today. Has l26 but no transmission. No interior but paintwork looks good and inteior looks like there is no rust in the floors. Dog legs look rust free. Perfect for what I want but not sure what he wants  for it yet. What you guys think its worth? I was thinking around the 3k would be reasonable?

[gav240z]

Take photos of it and we will be able to give you a better fair price estimate. It's too hard to tell from the description alone.