Those that have so much exp in 240z any chance of a top 10 list before you buy?

[kobes]

Hey guys.

 

Looking to obtain a 240z, after owning a couple of 280z, have come to  realizing it is like being a moped rider, ( while it may be fun to do, nobody respects you )  (Plus it is near on impossible to join a classic Nissan car club)

 

So have decided to offload my 280zx's and purchase a 240z.

 

My request from the more experienced members is..  what is the top 10 ( 240z specific) things you would first check out when making a purchase...  ? 

 

Any tips i should specifically look for?

 

P.s  Unfortunately I will not  be looking for 100% unmodified one, i like the look of the more sporty look, with flares, modern mags and like the idea of an improved engine with a Rb26 series engine

 

Hoping that i can get some good tips

 

Thanks

kobes

[RBZ 260]

Hey buddy this what my top 10 things to check when buying a hotted up 240z.

Since u don't  care about originality chassing a low chassis number car is probably not worth it. Plus one with rb turbo I probably preffer the later stiffer models.

Anyway what I be looking at first

 

1. Check that it's a 240z

2. Rebuild documentation

3. Recheck rust repairs see if there is any return of it

4. Check that there is no twisting of the car with supped up engine

5. See how the conversion is done. Quality and what parts are used. Also engineering paperwork.

6.check service history of the engine and operation.

7. LSD diff and cvs are must in high powered rb.

8.check brake upgrade.again a must for rb turbo

9. Fuel pumps and surge tanks make sure they are correct setup

10 interior finish quality of materials and parts used.

 

Though the list could be lot bigger.

Ie if big wheels check for rubbing and scrapings.

If too low check for undercarage damage.

Test drive for bump steer issues etc....

 

For rb26 powered 240 with flares and big wheels u better have lots of $$ and luck finding one for sale in OZ

[PZG302]

My first on the lsit for chasing a modified 240 would be just look at any 2 seater car available, 240 or 260, doesn't really matter if you're looking at one that's got an RB, or for that matter even a modded L series.

 

For the rest of the list, it would be:

2. RUST

3. RUST

4. RUST

5. condition of the body, as well as RUST

6. Overall condition of the car, including RUST

7. How it drives and the RUST

8. the standard of any rust repairs completed

9. any RUST coming through as a result of the rust repairs, and finally

10. Any RUST

Generally the mechanicals of Zeds are pretty cheap and easy to fix, as with most restorations. The body is the main thing to look at and with Zeds there is generally plenty of rust to be found.

If you can get someone to have a look with you if you're not confident in your own abilities to check a car, then that will help, otherwise its pretty much standard things to check as you would with any prospective old car purchase.

[luvemfast]

My first on the lsit for chasing a modified 240 would be just look at any 2 seater car available, 240 or 260, doesn't really matter if you're looking at one that's got an RB, or for that matter even a modded L series.

 

For the rest of the list, it would be:

2. RUST

3. RUST

4. RUST

5. condition of the body, as well as RUST

6. Overall condition of the car, including RUST

7. How it drives and the RUST

8. the standard of any rust repairs completed

9. any RUST coming through as a result of the rust repairs, and finally

10. Any RUST

Generally the mechanicals of Zeds are pretty cheap and easy to fix, as with most restorations. The body is the main thing to look at and with Zeds there is generally plenty of rust to be found.

If you can get someone to have a look with you if you're not confident in your own abilities to check a car, then that will help, otherwise its pretty much standard things to check as you would with any prospective old car purchase.

Dude you missed the most obvious and most important thing to look for..............

Check for the rust

[Zedman240®]

I think you will get the main thing to look for... condition of the body. Mechanicals can be replaced or repaired easily, but bodywork can take months and many $$$ to complete. If you find an unfinished project but with many pictures of its build/repair, that should be a safe bet. If they didn't take any or many pics, they did that for a reason. Its something that they don't want to remember! Interiors are a bonus if they are complete, but if bits are missing, alot of them can be obtained in the US. If you jump on any of the US Z forums, there is always someone there that can help. They helped me many times.

[stevo_gj]

Here's the super secret list I use to judge all my cars:

 

1. Big Spoiler - keep your ass end down when you're doing donuts

2. 8-Ball Shift knob - ladies love it

3. Fluffy dice - see 2

4. Subwoofers, at least 3 or tell him he's dreaming

5. Sik 18" rims

6. Turbo, (triple turbos are a bonus, often called webbers )

7. Must be too low to drive over speed bumps

8. 4" exhaust, don't want no back pressure in this baby

9. Racing stripes

10. and finally at least 4 bumper stickers

 

.. amirite? 

[RBZ 260]

Stevo what u been choofing? 

 

clear point is as above posts is rust. look throught the forum and galleries on most trouble spots recheck them on the car. repair documentation pics etc.. expecialy lots of them ie before after shot tell u quality of the work.

check the members project Journals like Revzed and few others on there.

 

another trick people do is u take pics and post them here and we look through it.

 

also u get someone that is willing to spare some time from the forum that is familiar with these cars to check it for you as a second opinion.

 

 

 

 

[C.A.R.]

For crying out loud, you guys have forgotton the biggest problem: RUST!

Haven't you guys learnt anything from being on this forum?!?!

[GV260]

Reality is that unless the car has been stripped to a bare shell, sand blasted and then treated correctly you will not find a 240/260Z without rust. They were not rust treated when first built, the sheet metal is thin and given their age they are prone to rust - even if they have been in a dry climate!And yes what ever rust you can visually see, it will be at least 10 times as worst and in the areas you least want it. Be prepared to spend either big time yourself or paying someone else to repair it properly. Nonetheless, the expense will be worth it b/c when done properly there is nothing sweeter than a rust free Z that will last another 50 years........

[chris240]

ok ....I think he's gone now.

we scared him off 

[gav240z]

ok ....I think he's gone now.

we scared him off 

 

He has owned a few 280zx's so he should be used to a bit of rust. Although the ZX's were slightly better prepared for rust than the 240z / 260z / 280z's were.

 

+1 for body work and rust.

 

Accident damage is also a big issue. So many of these cars have had more hits than Elvis. Check the chassis rails, floors and battery area in particular. These are structural areas that are expensive to repair. Avoid sunroof installations since the unibody chassis on a Z is weakened by a sunroof (+ they look ugly IMHO).

 

You can tell if the front end of a Z has been smacked about pretty easily. Check panel alignment / GAP in particular a Z that's been smacked around won't line up right.

 

I'd almost say you are better off finding a good condition 2 seater and doing the engine swap yourself. You'll be hard pressed to find a 240z / 260z that meets your requirements.

[kobes]

@ RBZ 260 - thanks mate Thanks for the effort you put into your answer deffo some points I taken 

 

@ PZG302 - so what your saying is that is super important i should find is rust:)  that's if i cant find any rust i telling the seller to go jump.

 

@ Zedman240 - freakin hardest thing is find the compromise of taking a few more months to generate more savings over the desire to own one yesterday!

 

@ stevo_gj , I agree with rbz 260  "what you been choofing" -------  everybody knows 40" neon's is the number one thing .....  Nah thanks for the reality check, my original post did make me sound like a 18yr old duff duff boy... In reality I am 33yr old golden oldie as pointed out my latest niece.  I really just want something with that bit more power than standard, i not into the whole donughts and dirt track scene.  personally i find Sulio's  260z the kinda general look i am after. Classy & Sexy but still looks tough enough to be personally owned by chuck norris.

 

@ Lurch

you mean rust is a problem? the way everybody has been talking about taking it  out of there cars i thought they must have been bagging it up and selling it for a mint.

 

 

@ GV260 - Think you almost have me thinking about two zeds now, one too have already done up to drive for the pure pleasure and another to start so i can admire it in 50 years.

 

@ gav240z thanks for the info, been trying to get down to one of the perth events to meet a few of you guys. However the timing has been bad both for time off and myself in finishing my white 280z and i fear my black 280z might be shunned somewhat as the thing has so much rust it is likely to jump and affect every other car at the event!

 

 

IN short thanks for the feedback Gys some really good points. And will certainly post on the DB with photo's when the list is shortlisted for feedback and advise. Althou A flight over east is not out of the equation to come have a look especially with some of the members cars journals i been reading in here. 

 

 

 

[kobes]

anybody seen this car around

 

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290430384166&ssPageName=ADME:B:ONA:AU:1123

[Mr240z]

Here's the super secret list I use to judge all my cars:

 

1. Big Spoiler - keep your ass end down when you're doing donuts

2. 8-Ball Shift knob - ladies love it

3. Fluffy dice - see 2

4. Subwoofers, at least 3 or tell him he's dreaming

5. Sik 18" rims

6. Turbo, (triple turbos are a bonus, often called webbers )

7. Must be too low to drive over speed bumps

8. 4" exhaust, don't want no back pressure in this baby

9. Racing stripes

10. and finally at least 4 bumper stickers

 

.. amirite? 

 

You just described your own car 

 

[PZG302]

Kobes,

 

In all seriousness, the body is the biggest issue and the most costly to repair as has been mentioned a lot in this thread. If you find a car to look at thats not in your area, put it on the forum and I'm sure someone will have a look for you as a heads up and then you can make your decision to have a look yourself from there.

 

The mechanicals for a Z are the cheapest and easiest to rectify.

 

And if you can't find rust, then the car must be made from bog or glass

 

Good luck with the search and I hope you find your car. I know I want to have one for the road as well as the track, but the handbrake has said no more toys unless I sell one and I can't bring myself to do that, but I suppose five cars is plenty.....

 

 

[kobes]

Hey guys,

 

Quite a Few members May Already Know / figured out the Results of this Question But for those that do not will make it Official.

 

A Few Months Back, I posted on the Forum, My Wish for advice on purchasing a 240z with a Rb26 Engine, And Got Plenty of Helpful, Friendly Advise, So Thanks.

Using all the Info given I ended up making my purchase, ( Esp. taking notice of one or two people mentioning rust ) Even if it was a Wee Bit different than my original Post, (hey even i not know what a really wanted) I believe it captures the Spirit and has exceeded all my expectations in last few months.

 

In November i flew over to VIC ( got very sore arms) and Purchased "REV ZED" off forum member Dave, then Drove it back to Adelaide via Old Coast HWY, Then we took our first Train Trip Together, to arrive back in PERTH.

 

Thanks Steve for your super Secret List of thing to look for, Think i Hit a few.

 

 

Here's the super secret list I use to judge all my cars:

 

1. Big Spoiler - keep your ass end down when you're doing donuts <- Check

2. 8-Ball Shift knob - ladies love it <-sorry we have classy ladies in W.A

3. Fluffy dice - see 2 <--- Wait for Xmas prezzie

4. Subwoofers, at least 3 or tell him he's dreaming <--- Check (Self Install) Can not listen to triple (turbo's) all the time

5. Sik 18" rims <- how bout some sick 225's

6. Turbo, (triple turbos are a bonus, often called webbers ) <-- Awesome advice, come with some triple dellortos, have to ask REV why he never installed a TURBO sticker  

7. Must be too low to drive over speed bumps <- Check

8. 4" exhaust, don't want no back pressure in this baby <- Custom made, so obviously better than 4"

9. Racing stripes <-- Check even with words so good for an extra 3k/ph

10. and finally at least 4 bumper stickers <-- How bout spoiler sticker saying 'Fairlady' it is way more manly

.. amirite? 

[stevo_gj]

Haha, glad you found it helpful. Congrats on owning one REV ZED!