Advice please

[brently]

'morning all.

 

I am considering purchasing a 260Z 2+2.  Now, at my current rate of saving $ I should be able to purchase a reasonable example in the next, ohh i don't know... decade.  So, a project might be the way to go.  I had a look at a possible vehicle on the weekend but, as will be revealed as you read on, I am a complete novice and am unsure whether I should commit or not.

 

It's a 76 model which was registered and reportedly running well until the current owner took it off the road due to significant roo damage to the front end some years ago.  This entails a crumpled bonnet, damaged front quater panel (outside and in) and a punctured radiator.  Otherwise panels look pretty good.  There are a few rust spots (20mm-ish in diameter) coming through in the panel between the bonnet and windscreen - is that a sill? - but rear hatch and around fuel cap look ok, driver's side floor looked ok from inside but I couldn't get underneath or to other floor areas due to confined space and light was not brilliant.  Interior is very tidy except for cracked dash.  The rubbers I could see looked good.  Standard L26 and 4spd manual are in place, as are standard wheels.

 

He also has a parts car - same model - which has been living on his front lawn for a good while.  The interior of this is shabby and panels are quite rusty.  Standard L26, 3spd auto and wheels are in place.

 

OK - questions.

 

1. Is panel beating a lost art or too expensive? That is, do i need replacement panels for those damaged on first car?  I am not sure I would be happy with panels from second car - especially bonnet which has significant rust - I can't see through to the engine bay but there is enough there to make me nervous.  Also, would it be a good idea to have the spares car or parts thereof?  I am not really wanting to go for the 8 mile look but acknowledge parts for Zeds are becoming rarer all the time.

 

2. What of the radiator?  Do I need Zed replacement or are there more readily available units which can be fitted without too much hassle and expense?

 

3. I know it is hard to say without seeing the car - and like the dummy I am, I have no pics - but what might be a reasonable sum to pay?  I searched through other threads and found a suggestion that a registriable or close to it 2+2 could be found for $4-5k.  While we didn't get into too much detail re price, the owner did suggest "a couple of grand" for both cars.

 

These were not advertised.  I approached the owner and it turns out he is interested in selling, so I feel it might be a rare opportunity.  I am not looking to profiteer in anyway, I just want to make some progress in my dream to own a Zed.  It is very likely he will advertise soon - if he does I will encourage him to do so here.

 

I would appreciate any advice so that I might make a decision asap and inform owner - and the wife - either way.

 

Thanks in advance guys.

[sexual_sushi]

hey mate I'm at work and can give you an in depth answer, but I'm sure you'll get some good advice soon.

 

But I would just say, unless you are doing the panel beating/rust work yourself, it will be a lot cheaper (not to mention easier) to buy a fairly tidy car already done.

[S30Mike]

Hey mate,

 

If you have a look at some of the members journals here on the site, you will see some of the work involved, and cost of time and money to revive an S30.

 

You will find that in the case of Zeds that are off the road, there will be more wrong then just the damage visible. rails may be rusted, the engine/gearbox/diff may be shagged, and other little bits and pieces may come up while your working on it too.

 

You may think that you are getting a cheap deal buying something that looks to be in only a little worse condition, however youll find that ALL S30s in general will have there little problems.

 

Mine for example, is being attacked by rust atm they will cost me a little bit to get fixed. However the car runs fantastically, and all the other bits on the car are great.

 

This being said, i paid what you would for a decent 90s Japanese sports car these days. It really depends on the pros and cons, and what you are willing to endure and be prepared to pay for.

 

I know when i bought mine i didnt expect to be fixing some of things ive needed to fix, that being said, i drive mine every day and it has been pretty damn reliable.

 

In conclusion, my honest opinion is to save and buy a running on the road example to start with, because at the end of the day in the long run im certain you will spen more trying to get a "bargain" on the road and running properly.

 

[brently]

Thanks guys.  Mike, I did have a bit of a look through the projects section but while it is fairly clear that these things require time and effort, I could find less specific info on $ costs - there might be a good reason too    Thanks again.  I might have to investigate selling my hair to wig-makers - hope they take grey...

[modular9]

Can help with the radiator as I have recently upgraded mine to this one

 

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ASI-3-CORE-race-aluminum-radiator-datsun-240Z-260Z_W0QQitemZ290356650617QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Car_Parts_Accessories?hash=item439a9ae279&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

 

There was some modification of the radiator panel to get it to fit and I am not running an engine driven fan so dont know about clearance issues. Temp gauge doesnt even get to 1/4 of the gauge travel . I daily drive in brisbane weather and crap morning/night traffic. Definitley worth it for piece of mind as well as one less thing that can/shouldnt go wrong.

[chris240]

Is the car in Canberra ?

if so I might be able to have a look at with you...

[brently]

it is out at bungendore...

[chris240]

I might be able to check it out either 50% chance on sunday or monday morning-ish as I may have to do a property inspection in Bungendore anyway..

Scott (aka Sco_aus) works at Defence HQ which is just up the road..one of us should be able to help you out..

I know half the townfolk as I lived there for a while..

[brently]

cool. it would probably have to be the weekend for me - work in canb.  very generous off though and i'd like to accept if we can make it work.

[Lynton]

As S30Mike says, get cashed up and be ready to pounce on a good smart road registered vehicle when one comes up for sale and one will the boomer population is getting older just like me and we can't hang onto our cars forever, unless you can do all the work yourself.

The hardest thing to buy is a body straight Zed that is not full of rust or bog

A good Zed will stand out apart from the others just by the looking with the naked eye.

I believe you would need to spend at least $9000-00+ to get a decent car to use as a daily driver and then put your stamp of ownership and pride on it with improvements and maintenance you wish to make to bring the car up to scratch and what ever suits your ego. Just my 2cents worth Lynton

[chris240]

ok then ..call me on 0408 770100..

do you have to make an exact time with the owner ?

chris

[brently]

no.  will call him sat am, then call you.  thanks chris.

[(Locky)]

im someone who made the mistake of buying a cheap Z

 

they start off like that but it snowballs

 

by the time my 240 is on the road i could have got one that was in alright nic, compared to mine wich has a dodgy spray, missing parts and draged out

 

but its kinda cool that i have made it my car as it was just a blank canvas before hand, but a hell of alot more trouble

[brently]

thanks to all who responded and again chris for your offer.  i have decided to go with the weight of evidence which you' ve provided and will not be pursuing this car.  it would be silly not to - that's why i posted in the first place.  thanks again and happy zedding.