andyk_79 Posted March 25, 2015 Posted March 25, 2015 I'm doing some soul searching having discovered some more rust in my car. Nothing too serious but looking at the number of little spots I am finding am thinking of committing to the full panels off resto a few years earlier than anticipated. Not decided yet but I am concious of a small problem becoming a bigger problem down the track. Have discussed with the better half and she has left decision to me! Alternative is to do some preventative work on what I've found............ In searching resto shops I found this place not too far away that has done a Z before (somewhat reassuring when they have experience on our cars!). Wondering if anyone knows the car and can comment on the work? All the other shops that I know do decent resto work are in the city/northern beaches which is a PITA. http://www.bodytechautomotive.com.au/bodytech-work/datsun-240z Quote
George Posted March 25, 2015 Posted March 25, 2015 How bad is it Andy? Photos/description? Can you register the car? I would love to see you get the car on the road and enjoy it for a while before you jump in with a full resto which might take you years and put all sorts of pressure on you and your family. It's not a decision you should make lightly and keep in mind that every 'original' car will have rust in varying degrees and they're still on the road being enjoyed by their owners instead of sitting in the garage... Quote
Administrators gav240z Posted March 25, 2015 Administrators Posted March 25, 2015 Nothing too serious but looking at the number of little spots I am finding am thinking of committing to the full panels off resto a few years earlier than anticipated. Not decided yet but I am conscious of a small problem becoming a bigger problem down the track. Alternative is to do some preventative work on what I've found............ In my opinion once the panels come off it's a slippery slope. If the car is garaged rust shouldn't progress much more over the next couple of years. My red 72 240z has a couple of bubbles mainly in the door skins and 1 near the fuel flap. That haven't got worse really since I've had the car (2002 ish?) and it's been garaged most of that time. Reason I haven't taken care of it are: a.) I was worried I'd mess it up - hence I bought another car to practice on lol.... b.) If I repaint the doors, the bonnet paint job is bad so I may as well paint that, then I may as well take care of the rust near the fuel flap, and I may as well take care of the paint chips in other places, what the heck let's just paint the whole thing again etc.. but should I sandblast it or just go over the existing paint...? The list goes on... Hence I just work on other aspects like interior, engine, etc.. and at some point when I'm happy with the mechanical side of it and the rest of the car I'll take care of the body work properly. You might also (depending on your interests etc..) want to consider enrolling in a local Tafe class to learn how to weld, do some body work etc.. You can even learn to paint your own car. All at your own pace etc. Quote
Administrators gav240z Posted March 25, 2015 Administrators Posted March 25, 2015 How bad is it Andy? Photos/description? Can you register the car? I would love to see you get the car on the road and enjoy it for a while before you jump in with a full resto which might take you years and put all sorts of pressure on you and your family. It's not a decision you should make lightly and keep in mind that every 'original' car will have rust in varying degrees and they're still on the road being enjoyed by their owners instead of sitting in the garage... George replied whilst I was still typing, but my red 72 240z fits into the 'original' car with some degree of rust and still on the road and being enjoyed. As much as I'm tempted to make it perfect I'm glad I can drive it and enjoy it as is for now. I've got another car for the long term project. So the solution is to buy another 240z . Quote
andyk_79 Posted March 25, 2015 Author Posted March 25, 2015 Thanks gents for the advice. Was having a fish out of water moment that's for sure! Now that Ive taken a time out and looked at it again I think you're right and this falls into the "original" category. I'm thinking I'll hit it with the wire brush, rust converter and then etch primer to try and preserve it? The rust so far is (edit - links fixed): Small patch on drivers side dogleg which I have followed some advice on here previously Seam welds on door frames have a few flaky patches: Floor pan had a hole which I also did some temp work on previously, but also has surface rust when floor liner is peeled back Quote
Administrators gav240z Posted March 25, 2015 Administrators Posted March 25, 2015 That's mostly surface rust, the A-pillar (dashboard) photo is unfortunately likely to be rusty on the other side (which you can't access) and probably worse than what you see there. The floor and sill areas look pretty mild, if you rip up the sound deadening and then properly POR-15 it or equivalent product that should take care of it. You may find some pin hole rust, but a MIG welder even in the hands of an amateur would zap that up pretty easily. None of those areas are seen by anyone but you, invest the money in a manual conversion and enjoy the car. Don't worry about that stuff unless you really want it perfect but I'd save some cash and once you've sorted out other areas of the car and you're ready to pull it off the road do full restoration then. I'm sure most owners are looking at that rust and thinking that's nothing... Quote
240Z_au Posted March 25, 2015 Posted March 25, 2015 Gav nailed it. The rust is very superficial for now. Just finished restoring little Isetta and the rust was 10 x worst. I also know Bodytch. Have dealt with them for over 12 months on a few projects. They are slightly above average panel beating business as they do tackle jobs outside of just a straight panel replacements / smash repairs (2 owners there are a good operators), but each repairer is only as good as their last tradesman and you need to be involved in each step BEFORE any filler or welding takes place. Unless you do things yourself (for some not so possible), you can expect standard results. There are very, very few businesses out there that will put that extra attention to detail which will take the job above average level. PM me. I'm local, will be happy to assist in some early assessment. Currently restoring few 1970's cars. Quote
oldmates260z Posted March 25, 2015 Posted March 25, 2015 Andy, I am fairly sure that the panel beater is the one where my 90 year mum's A3 Audi used to go to be repaired (on more than one occasion ). It had a few big hits and when it came back I could not tell that it had been in a bingle (must admit I did not look too closely). They were prompt and professional and I would recommend them to fix a late model car based on what I saw. Quote
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