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Albrecht

Well-Known Forum User
Albrecht, blimey you're a cheery soul... it's just an old car, that i'm taking a punt on....

Perhaps you want / expect only completely positive comments, regardless of what people see? If that's the case, think of these as the words of the Devil's Advocate:

What I see is a car that could be hiding a lot worse than it's revealing so far, and what I see is bad enough ( for me, maybe not for you ). The interior looks to be completely trashed for one thing. What's the point in paying money to import parts that are only fit to be thrown away? I don't get it. You would not have to pay an awful lot more to buy something older ( if that's what you really wanted ) and something that you will find to be easier to restore / refurb and - ultimately, as that seems to be what you do - sell.

I see rust, so don't swallow the stuff about this car being 'rust free'. They rust from the inside out, so when it's visible there's always more behind it. The car's been off the road for twenty years apparently. That spells a lot of time and some unknown expense to recommission, on a model that wasn't imported into the UK and which will - therefore - be a little bit tricky to get some parts for. At the very least it will be a lot of work, and at the end of all that work it will still be a 1976 280Z....

gazc130 said:
I enjoy working on classics and fancy a Z, of course its gonna need some work, but i'd much rather do the mechanics than spend my life welding and welding and welding. I used to buy and sell classics and I enjoy pulling them back from the brink...

I can't see you doing just mechanicals ( hard enough with a 20 year layup ) on this one. I reckon it will need bodywork and paint ( it's got the slightly pointless and line-spoiling dealer-fitted beltline trim too), and a lot of soft trim and brightwork. Your XJS can't have been anything like as rough as this one, surely?

And I'm still not convinced about the shipping factor. How can they ship it Ro-Ro if it doesn't run and drive? Nobody's going to push your car around carefully by hand at the port, on and off the boat and then again around port at Southampton. They'll manhandle it, and if you're unlucky they'll push it with a tractor or fork truck. They won't care, believe me. I've seen the results.

Ultimately it takes just as much time and effort, and pretty much the same money, to restore / refurb a 1976 car as it does a 1972 ( for example ) car. Hats off to you if you're doing it for philanthropic reasons and have a soft spot for the HLS30 '280Z' that's not in Hackney Marshes, but I get the hunch that's not really what you're about.

But please don't think of this as some kind of personal attack. If you're right, and I'm wrong, then fine. Only you will know what you are hoping / expecting from the car and the money that you pay for it, and that's nobody's business but yours. Good luck!



I guess somebody's got to love the S30-series 280Z. Me? I've got a weak spot for donkeys. When I see one I get all melancholy. Want to 'save' them, even when they probably don't want or need saving. When I retire I might have to open a donkey sanctuary. Then I'll be happy.
 

IbanezDan51

Well-Known Forum User
Don't worry, although a knowledgeable source on old cars that not many people actually care about anymore, Albrecht opinions needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. He's insulted me enough... and I'm still hanging in here. There are a few members on here that will make this forum worth joining.

If you have the time and money then that will make a lovely looking car.

Good luck! We bring back 2 cars a year in a 40ft container which costs roughly $3500 - plus taxes etc.

$1500 seems very cheap to your door. If you figure £1500-1800 in your head I think you wont go far wrong.

Dan
 

Albrecht

Well-Known Forum User
Don't worry, although a knowledgeable source on old cars that not many people actually care about anymore, Albrecht opinions needs to be taken with a pinch of salt.

Take with salt to taste, sure. Goes without saying. I think they are informed comments nonetheless.

But exactly what cars exactly are these "...old cars that not many people care about anymore."? They wouldn't happen to be any of the very cars that this forum and the club behind it specialises in, would they? Or one of the very same series that the OP has just bought...?

IbanezDan51 said:
He's insulted me enough... and I'm still hanging in here. There are a few members on here that will make this forum worth joining.

What happened was that you took overly-indignant offence to a light-hearted comment about the welding repairs to your car. Another one who can't discern objective comments about his car from "personal attacks", and then goes on to make personal attacks of his own as some kind of retaliation.

The topic here is a car. I suggest you stick to it.
 

racer

Club Member
I don't know why you bother Alan. As usual people only want to hear opinions if they match there own.
You try and give them constructive criticism/advice and the benefit of your experience and they throw there toys out the pram. Why are people so tetchy these days? :confused:
 

STEVE BURNS

Club Member
"Baby, do you understand me now
Sometimes I feel a little mad
But don't you know that no one alive
Can always be an angel
When things go wrong I seem to be bad
But I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood"
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:flyingpig:
 

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gazc130

Active Forum User
Albrecht,

I'm not offended by your comments at all, what I've bought is an old car that has far exceeded its life expectancy by at least 25 years, Datsuns of this age were well engineered but cheaply constructed cars, so of course its gonna have all the associated issues of a 1970's jap mobile, however to me, it looks like it's lasted a hell of a lot better than UK z's have. To me its a cheap car, its very unusual and for me a bit a fun!

This is the first time I've imported a car so have got lots of quotes, I did contact the company again to check they were aware it was a non runner and you are correct its not RORO its going in a 40ft shared container so there will be an additional cost for destination fees and collection from Felixstowe.

I have no idea what I've bought until it turns up, but im looking forward to it turning up and think its a good basis for some funky fun.... At the end of the day it's just a shitty old Datsun that I'm so looking forward to getting my hands on... so no offense taken, none meant by my reply, but there's a lot more going on in my life than the authenticity or motives of buying an old datty!
 

gazc130

Active Forum User
Hi Dan this is a copy and paste of the quote I got:


AUTO SHIPPING QUOTE - S



Your 1976 Datsun 280 (non runner) shipping in our shared container service from our New York loading warehouse up to port Felixstowe UK: $850.00

Trucking from most of North Carolina to New York: $550.00 to $650.00, need the city name to give a specific rate.

Watch the future of car shipping: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIsGItobztQ



INCLUDED:

- pickup / trucking service on a flat bed/open trailer auto hauler (if quoted above)
- Receiving, loading, block & brace at terminal
- US Customs clearance and export documentation
- U.S. port fees
- Ocean freight from U.S. port up to destination port
- Bill of Lading and courier fees

- 3 weeks of free storage at origin ($10 day after free days are used) / Container service can have goods inside the vehicle. Any loose cargo shipped inside the vehicle is done so at the shippers own risk.


EXCLUDED:
- Optional full coverage ("all risk") insurance at @ 1.5% of the replacement value at destination with a $500.00 deductible
- Import customs clearance and port handling charges and fees after arrival at destination port
- Import taxes and duties, if any apply

- Customs intervention/inspect, if any apply



NOTES:
- We need the original title to clear US Customs

- Fuel Max. 1/8 of a tank
- Rinkens is fully licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission - FMC License #OTI13055N
- Transit time approx. 4 weeks
- Payment may be done by check, credit card, or bank wire

- Quotes are valid for 30 days

- Shipments are subject to our Bill of Lading Terms & Conditions, copies of which are available on request

- Insurance coverage terms & conditions are a available on request

Let me know if you have any questions. If you would like to proceed with your shipment, let me know and I will email you our booking forms and instructions.







Regards,

Steve Feeney | Export Sales
CFR Rinkens LLC | 15501 Texaco Avenue | Paramount, CA 90723
office +1 310 223 0474 | fax +1 310 881 1126| cell +1 562 760 0125
steve@rinkens.com | www.cfrrinkens.com | FMC Lic# OTI13055NF



CFR Rinkens Logo copy.jpg
 

Albrecht

Well-Known Forum User
Albrecht,
I'm not offended by your comments at all...

Good!

gazc130 said:
.... what I've bought is an old car that has far exceeded its life expectancy by at least 25 years, Datsuns of this age were well engineered but cheaply constructed cars, so of course its gonna have all the associated issues of a 1970's jap mobile, however to me, it looks like it's lasted a hell of a lot better than UK z's have. To me its a cheap car, its very unusual and for me a bit a fun!

I'm glad to hear that you are embarking on this journey with an open mind. Sometimes people turn up on forums having just bought something that's obviously not as good as they think it is. In that kind of scenario, all the messages of congratulation and virtual slaps on the back are not helpful at all.

gazc130 said:
This is the first time I've imported a car so have got lots of quotes, I did contact the company again to check they were aware it was a non runner and you are correct its not RORO its going in a 40ft shared container so there will be an additional cost for destination fees and collection from Felixstowe.

I was worried that you would get quoted for Ro-Ro and then find the car damaged on arrival because it had been shunted around mechanically. I've seen cars that this has happened to and its heartbreaking. Glad to hear that it will be in a shared container, despite the extra cost. At least the bodyshell and panels should be safe from further damage.

gazc130 said:
I have no idea what I've bought until it turns up, but im looking forward to it turning up and think its a good basis for some funky fun.... At the end of the day it's just a shitty old Datsun that I'm so looking forward to getting my hands on... so no offense taken, none meant by my reply, but there's a lot more going on in my life than the authenticity or motives of buying an old datty!

I still stand by my opinion that it seems a bit of a waste to import parts that are not really useable, but if it doesn't bother you then all well and good. There are not many 'donor' cars for parts in this country, and similar earlier / later production parts don't always fit. Not such a problem if you are going custom, but it can be a frustration and a challenge when stock parts are broken / missing and you find you need to use them. I also still believe a slightly earlier production-dated car would be a better bet ( and would cost the same to ship, or even less if it was a turn-key runner ) but it is what it is and you've pulled the trigger already, so...

Good luck with your project. :)
 

datsfun

Club Member
Always wanted a Z, I have a 120y a couple of bluebirds and a Laurel Coupe when I was younger, but really looking forward to getting this...

You are not going to like this but Z's are so common :devil::eek:when you compare to what you once owned and sold, yep that C130 coupe. It's probably worth more too ( at least in japan). :smash:...Classic C130's have been rocketing in value and desirability back in the motherland. It was a stunning example you had and I lost touch with the new owner of YER a few years ago. Shame, definitely on top of my want list :thumbs:
 

Rob Gaskin

Treasurer
Staff member
Site Administrator
Gaz, as I said originally it will be interesting to see a 280Z in the UK. The car looks reasonable and yes very cheap - a UK car at that price would be for spares.

Albrecht has made some very valid points (as always) and he's worth listening to, but we all have different ideas and goals. It's your's now so get it over here and please give us a restoration thread on it.

There is a 280Z for sale in Essex for less that £10k and not selling so bear that in mind - a 240Z in the same condition would have gone.
 
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AndyMinto

Inactive
I'm looking forwards to seeing it as they are so rare over here. As for spares, have you asked Mr F about availability? The reason I mention it is that there are fewer and fewer parts available for a 280ZX so i wonder about a 280Z. Anyway good luck with your project and I too am not that far from you.
 

gazc130

Active Forum User
You are not going to like this but Z's are so common :devil::eek:when you compare to what you once owned and sold, yep that C130 coupe. It's probably worth more too ( at least in japan). :smash:...Classic C130's have been rocketing in value and desirability back in the motherland. It was a stunning example you had and I lost touch with the new owner of YER a few years ago. Shame, definitely on top of my want list :thumbs:

I loved my laurel coupe as my dad bought one brand new in 1975 (JBH 475 N) and as a 9 year old it was the coolest car I'd ever seen, metallic paint, vinyl roof, pillarless tinted windows, astrali alloy wheels, twin carbs and twin tailpipes... could it possibly get any better. My laurel coupe was the only one on the road when I bought it, I restored it from the original lime green to white, however, the car had a shocking engine, a 4cyl G20 unit that was very harsh at higher revs, plus it only had a 4 speed box.

It was a funky car, but a Z will be much more usable and much more fun... Can't wait for my Z to get here!
 

gazc130

Active Forum User
Parts for 280z

I'm looking forwards to seeing it as they are so rare over here. As for spares, have you asked Mr F about availability? The reason I mention it is that there are fewer and fewer parts available for a 280ZX so i wonder about a 280Z.

I spent an hour yesterday on autozone.com its an american parts outlet, I found loads of stuff on there to rebuild the brakes and clutch on my car at very good prices. I'm fortunate my brother lives in Florida so can ship them for me. So I think I have it sorted.
 
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