Looking to buy my first Z

[MattSC]

Hi gentlemen

looking to buy my first Z this weekend its a 260z 2+2 1976 model I believe the bloke in its possession wants about 5,000 for it. what are your thoughts? Here are some images of it that the owner sent through, last time it was registered was back in 2004

Thanks Matt 

[gav240z]

For $5k seems very fair price wise, considering condition and work required to get it back on the road.

[C.A.R.]

I agree - that's a fair price for a manual Bus.

Be warned though, you are up for many thousands in rust repairs.
It needs new guard bottoms, sills, doglegs (rockers) and door bottoms, floor sections and probably a slam panel...

Edited June 22, 2020 by C.A.F.

[MattSC]

I was thinking (rough figures) but about 20k-25k to bring it back to bare metal repair have all the rust repaired and a respray in a dark cherry red??? Is that a realistic number 

[gav240z]

Provided those rust spots are all you find when you strip it back. I'd say that's a reasonable figure. But be prepared for snags along the way.

[GregTas]

49 minutes ago, MattSC said:

I was thinking (rough figures) but about 20k-25k to bring it back to bare metal repair have all the rust repaired and a respray in a dark cherry red??? Is that a realistic number 

If you're thinking about spending that sort of money on the on the body, then when you will also  have all the work on drive train and interior to do as well, perhaps a running 2+2 is another consideration.

For $25-30k or so I would think you could get quite a good 2+2 that's ready to go. 

[MattSC]

Potentially Gregtas but then there is no thrill of saving and fixing something from scratch. i also don't want the standard running gear so I don't see the point in spending 30k+ on a car that potentially couldve been fixed on the dodgy with running gear I have no desire for... I was thinking of a Sr20det or a 2jzgte or maybe just maybe even a 20b... total build cost im placing at about 50 to 60k for the car I want.

[gav240z]

I'd go Rb25 NEO bang for buck. If doing a motor swap.

20b would be awesome but incredibly expensive. Sr20 doesn't sound right and 2JZ is also expensive. Although a great engine.

[GregTas]

Yes a lot of enjoyment from fixing a stuffed car up from scratch. I did just than recently. Although I did all the work myself and parts alone cost me well over $20k.

So if car $5k. Body about $25k. Then for the $20-30k you have left you might get there.

As Gav says, RB25 is a good option. Nissan engine and engine has plenty of potential. 

The more you do yourself, the more satisfaction you will get from the project. Good luck.

Edited June 22, 2020 by GregTas

[MattSC]

A 20b would be expensive but so much fun..  i had a 13bt mild port built by Pac performance about 10 yrs ago from memory it was about 20k for the engine, gearbox, haltec ecu, fuel system and tune 

2jz would be an awesome pick and the one to go for just for the reliability I think... anyway better get back on track for now just thoughts on if the car is worth the 5k from the photos provided 

[gav240z]

2+2s have been increasing in price due to supply drying up. $5k is not a lot for an S30z chassis.(I've seen worse sell for more). But 2+2s are a little trickier to restore due to most parts being reproduced aimed at 2 seat cars.

I would go look at it and inspect the rust and straightness of the shell. If you're gonna restore a 2+2 start with a relatively solid / straight 1. A rough 1 will cost a lot more to restore long term and you won't get the money back within the next 5 years, maybe in 10.

Good luck..

[C.A.R.]

10 hours ago, MattSC said:

"total build cost im placing at about 50 to 60k for the car I want."

I see you are an optimist. 

Edited June 22, 2020 by C.A.F.

[GregTas]

7 hours ago, C.A.F. said:

I see you are an optimist. 

Aren't we all in the beginning