Razz Posted January 9, 2009 Posted January 9, 2009 Hi all, new to the forum, but so very keen on the 240z, love it! I'm just about to buy my first Z, bank, got cash all sorted. the Z i'm looking at is in the condition i'd like to start at (paint average, interior ok, driveable) but the seller informs me that there is rust in the firewall. what's involved in getting that sorted? i'm no good with welding, so it'll probably be a shop job. what am I looking at? should i just keep looking for another Z? Quote
C.A.R. Posted January 9, 2009 Posted January 9, 2009 First, please fill in your LOCATION!!! - it makes it much easier for us to answer your Questions. On the FW rust, it's an easy fix for a compatant panel shop. Buy the Zed while you can! Quote
Razz Posted January 9, 2009 Author Posted January 9, 2009 oop, sorry fixed now. i'm not sure on the exact extent of the rust, but it didn't sound too severe. i'm on the way to check the car out soon. would anyone know what i'd be looking at in the way of cost? Quote
Mr240z Posted January 10, 2009 Posted January 10, 2009 Yeah Razz with all the information and pics you provided i.d say about $128.50 for all repairs to be done. How does that sound........................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (where is that crystal ball) Quote
Razz Posted January 10, 2009 Author Posted January 10, 2009 ahh, pic has arrived finally. says its about the size of a 50c piece, and the dash might have to be removed to access it is this a big problem? ( sorry for previous vaugeness, i had very little info to run with) Quote
chris240 Posted January 10, 2009 Posted January 10, 2009 geez the very 1st zed I ever looked at had rust in the same spot, about the size of a 20c piece...turned out to be far worse. I left it alone.. If the car is in Canberra , I can come & checked it out with you.. Chris 0408770100 Quote
QLDZZZ Posted January 10, 2009 Posted January 10, 2009 RAZZ Best reply to your question by far is from chris240, plus it sounds like he is willing to provide some help in appraising the cars potential. It seems inconceivable the only rust this car would have is in the firewall. I would also steer clear of compatant panel beaters ( whatever they are?) Quote
Razz Posted January 10, 2009 Author Posted January 10, 2009 hey, thanks for the offer unfortunatly it's in melbourne there's also rust in the rear wheel arch, and drivers side dog leg. having a tricky time trying to appraise the car from here, trying to talk a mate's mate who lives there to run an eye over it. SO keen to get this Z, and accept that there are repairs that need doing, but you say it could be a whole lot worst? Quote
Moderators Zedman240® Posted January 10, 2009 Moderators Posted January 10, 2009 By the looks of it, you going to have to at least cut out an area 4-5 times the size of that rust patch. Its usually worse behind that area. That's caused by leaves and crap sitting under the wipers holding in moisture. Its not impossible but I would take it to someone who knows the zed and best way to fix it. If it's in Melbourne I could a have a closer peek for you. Quote
Razz Posted January 10, 2009 Author Posted January 10, 2009 yeah, it does look like the rust is more extensive than that seen. let's say for example the actual rust is about 4-5 times that shown, any idea on roughly what it would cost to repair it? i have a garage with engine hoist available to remove parts if that will make it cheaper and easier for the panel beaters, or is it better to just get them to do all of that? car trailer could be arranged. Quote
Moderators Zedman240® Posted January 10, 2009 Moderators Posted January 10, 2009 You probably wouldn't need to remove the engine; just small bits and pieces need to be removed for access. As far as pricing goes, rust repairs are done in multiples of hundreds. If you want to make it easier, remove your wipers and the panel directly underneath, and strip the interior on the passenger side and remove the blower motor from the passenger side firewall. Give them clear access to the area that needs work. Better too because they can't loose any of your parts! I'd start saving now... Quote
Razz Posted January 10, 2009 Author Posted January 10, 2009 oh, don't worry, already factored in plenty of repairs into the cost, have about 4k extra for initial fix ups. having a mate take a look at it soon, then, with his tick, i shall be a very proud owner of a Z car!! just trying to get as much info as I can. Is there anything i should keep an look out for? any major red flags? Quote
nuclear_z Posted January 19, 2009 Posted January 19, 2009 Mate is it me or is the whole firewall done in hammerite type paint??? If so, prepare to have a whole world of more rust issues!!! The stuff can lift off the metal in sheets which look fine and rust away behind it... Quote
Timwell Posted January 24, 2009 Posted January 24, 2009 Mate, the firewall rust is an easy repair. It's the stuff you cant see. Look under the mats, check out the beaver pannel. Look at the boot hinges and the dog legs. These will cost you a lot more to fix. Firewall rust (and under the battery box) is super common and easy to fix however the one to watch is the chassi rails near the radius (?) rods where they connect to the chassis. Pretty much every z has rust and you just have to deal with it. It is not so much the reust you have to worry about but more so the quality of the repair job that gets done. good luck! Quote
Razz Posted January 24, 2009 Author Posted January 24, 2009 hey all. thanks heaps for the advice sorry for initial vaugeness, was sort of pawing through the dark a bit to start with. this 240 fell through for me, ummed and ahhed to long, so i'm back on the hunt for another. thanks again for all comments, much appreciated Quote
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