I disagree and it's considerably faster and cheaper to find out you're happy with a stock-ish car, than to spend years and a small fortune building a car you never drive.
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“Restomod” S30s - who’s got / built one?
- Thread starter Zedman
- Start date
I disagree and it's considerably faster and cheaper to find out you're happy with a stock-ish car, than to spend years and a small fortune building a car you never drive.
atomman
Club Member
Here's my thoughts , My 240z has a tweaked L28 with triple DCOE's, S13 gearbox, Subaru R180 Quaife LSD, some R32 GTR front brakes and some oldskool bucket seats,
I would call it a 'RestoMod' because its all 'under the skin' really and still looks pretty standard at a glance, but with modern upgrades that help improve/modernise it a bit.
I started with a standard 240z with no engine and put my 'built' engine in there and converted it from auto to 5 speed manual after replacing both floorplans, rear arches and some other little bits and then drove it standard while I ran the engine in, but soon I started tweaking bits, better anti-roll bars, then brakes, then rear 4.11 CLSD ,then gearbox, then upgraded the brakes again , then changed the diff to a 4.44 LSD, I've probably forgot some bits along the way to , But it was a good process to go through as I did get to feel what each upgrade improved,
My advise would buy the best base car to start with , if you cant weld or do most of the work yourself its gonna cost, and cost a lot...
I don't worry about LHD but some people do and it must be RHD or converted , which will cost, 6-7k to 10k ? 'Most' LHD cars are less rusty so will save you some work/money if you can live with it , and if you ever do a Europe trip your on the right side.
There's always the question of if you ever want to sell it to and get some of your money invested back. A standardish car will probably be worth more than an all out 'restomod' with patches, stick on arches and a 2JZ , with maybe a tastefully modified one somewhere in the middle ?
Anyways here some photos of it
At the end of the day built the car you want and don't (well try not to) worry about the money...
I would call it a 'RestoMod' because its all 'under the skin' really and still looks pretty standard at a glance, but with modern upgrades that help improve/modernise it a bit.
I started with a standard 240z with no engine and put my 'built' engine in there and converted it from auto to 5 speed manual after replacing both floorplans, rear arches and some other little bits and then drove it standard while I ran the engine in, but soon I started tweaking bits, better anti-roll bars, then brakes, then rear 4.11 CLSD ,then gearbox, then upgraded the brakes again , then changed the diff to a 4.44 LSD, I've probably forgot some bits along the way to , But it was a good process to go through as I did get to feel what each upgrade improved,
My advise would buy the best base car to start with , if you cant weld or do most of the work yourself its gonna cost, and cost a lot...
I don't worry about LHD but some people do and it must be RHD or converted , which will cost, 6-7k to 10k ? 'Most' LHD cars are less rusty so will save you some work/money if you can live with it , and if you ever do a Europe trip your on the right side.
There's always the question of if you ever want to sell it to and get some of your money invested back. A standardish car will probably be worth more than an all out 'restomod' with patches, stick on arches and a 2JZ , with maybe a tastefully modified one somewhere in the middle ?
Anyways here some photos of it
At the end of the day built the car you want and don't (well try not to) worry about the money...
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Your comment about timescales and costs are very valid and we all know people who have got 'bogged down'. So look for one already built if poss.
Zedman, what sort of performance and looks are you after?
Robotsan
Club Member
Is that because he removes the bulkhead with the VIN stamp on it?
Yep!
Thanks for all of the very helpful responses!
I think I’d agree about being bored in standard form. I’d quickly start tinkering and changing things, although thinking about this approach it’s much more “me” than buying a car that is in parts and needing a complete rebuild.
I think I’m looking for a running/driving car that I can then upgrade/fix issues over time. Someone else’s running project (Altho this in itself carries other risks of poor work needing redoing) or a great condition standard car would fit best. This would also suit my budgeting style as after the initial outlay, money would drip feed to the project vs having a huge capital available - ie Id save up for the larger costs, get them done, and move on to next priority on the car.
Dont get me wrong, I’m 40 not 20yrs old, not looking for insane power or to do donuts in the local Asda car park. I’m looking for something I’d consider to turn heads of all ages with a nod of appreciation, a modern twist to a classic car. It’d be a car to go to the usual Japanese car shows, Goodwood classic, and drive around and enjoy in the summer.
As with anything new to anyone, I’d want to be confident that I knew what I was buying, and that the car isn’t riddled with issues that HAVE to be sorted. These older classics don’t get MOTd and so there isn’t a level of confidence I can gain from those either.
I think I’d agree about being bored in standard form. I’d quickly start tinkering and changing things, although thinking about this approach it’s much more “me” than buying a car that is in parts and needing a complete rebuild.
I think I’m looking for a running/driving car that I can then upgrade/fix issues over time. Someone else’s running project (Altho this in itself carries other risks of poor work needing redoing) or a great condition standard car would fit best. This would also suit my budgeting style as after the initial outlay, money would drip feed to the project vs having a huge capital available - ie Id save up for the larger costs, get them done, and move on to next priority on the car.
Dont get me wrong, I’m 40 not 20yrs old, not looking for insane power or to do donuts in the local Asda car park. I’m looking for something I’d consider to turn heads of all ages with a nod of appreciation, a modern twist to a classic car. It’d be a car to go to the usual Japanese car shows, Goodwood classic, and drive around and enjoy in the summer.
As with anything new to anyone, I’d want to be confident that I knew what I was buying, and that the car isn’t riddled with issues that HAVE to be sorted. These older classics don’t get MOTd and so there isn’t a level of confidence I can gain from those either.
If you literally took the white “Fugu Z” from the F&F movies you’d be pretty much what I lust after. Doesn’t have to be identical, but that kinda ballpark.
If the white one on eBay was RHD, with the engine it has in there it’d be really close to the end goal I think.
So I'm guessing that you'd like Steve Stonehouse's light blue car which be brought along to Donington. There were other great cars there too.
Donington Historic Festival 2023 - 29/30 April
Have a great weekend everyone. First time I’ve not been there in over 10 years 😕 Good effort Rob 👍 Cheers, JK.
Not my cup of tea but a lairy bodykit
hypernightracing.com
Pandem Aero - Datsun 240Z (S30Z) — HyperNight
1970-73 Datsun 240Z (S30Z) Pandem - Rocket Bunny Aero Kit - FRP (*carbon options available) Please select desired parts from drop down menu. As seen on the GT Award winning, FUGU Z ! Please note: The listed price does not include shipping, you will be quoted shipping after sale. For a quote befor
hypernightracing.com
Yeah, a little bit too overboard perhaps. The car should still be drivable on UK roads and not “slammed” like that, even if on air. But the premise is good.Not my cup of tea but a lairy bodykit
Pandem Aero - Datsun 240Z (S30Z) — HyperNight
1970-73 Datsun 240Z (S30Z) Pandem - Rocket Bunny Aero Kit - FRP (*carbon options available) Please select desired parts from drop down menu. As seen on the GT Award winning, FUGU Z ! Please note: The listed price does not include shipping, you will be quoted shipping after sale. For a quote befor
Classic Car Auctions | Car and Classic
The cheapest, safest way to buy and sell classics online. 0% Buyer Fees. The only online auction to include free escrow for secure paymen...
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This could be a good base car too, but based on other cars available perhaps this is a little over priced..?
MCBladeRun
Club Member
Well, I've not long been in the z-scene as the others:
Bought a LHD 240z from saccy for £12k inc. shipping.
I've only managed a couple of mods:
Electric power steering
Headlight relay upgrade
I've refurbished:
Carburettors
Suspension
Radiator
Slapped a dash cover to hide those darn cracks in the original dash
Changed the wheels
Modified the lights with my own choice of upgrades.
Countless other things I've done.
I've had the car since Nov '19 and that's as far as I've gotten. Think I've spent 10k just to get it where it is now.
I've been driving it as much as possible and the thing about keeping it close to looking as standard as I can, whilst adding some personal touches along the way brings a lot of satisfaction.
But I guarantee mine is the worst-looking thing to turn up on the day. It makes everyone else's stand out more. I think there's joy to be had no matter what you do to these cars.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, if you want a near-rust free project to start with, go with saccy. Everyone on this site will recommend him
Or you could find a genuine RHD car, and you would need to look at what's been done with a fine-tooth comb.
We've seen sellers embellishing the truth a lot of late as well. I would go as far as saying that collectively, our confidence is rattled by some eyebrow raising claims and we've spoke at length on these forums.
I also think having patience for the right car is important, these cars aren't increasing in numbers worldwide but, they are increasing annually to the UK.
Wish you luck in your search bud
Bought a LHD 240z from saccy for £12k inc. shipping.
I've only managed a couple of mods:
Electric power steering
Headlight relay upgrade
I've refurbished:
Carburettors
Suspension
Radiator
Slapped a dash cover to hide those darn cracks in the original dash
Changed the wheels
Modified the lights with my own choice of upgrades.
Countless other things I've done.
I've had the car since Nov '19 and that's as far as I've gotten. Think I've spent 10k just to get it where it is now.
I've been driving it as much as possible and the thing about keeping it close to looking as standard as I can, whilst adding some personal touches along the way brings a lot of satisfaction.
But I guarantee mine is the worst-looking thing to turn up on the day. It makes everyone else's stand out more. I think there's joy to be had no matter what you do to these cars.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, if you want a near-rust free project to start with, go with saccy. Everyone on this site will recommend him
Or you could find a genuine RHD car, and you would need to look at what's been done with a fine-tooth comb.
We've seen sellers embellishing the truth a lot of late as well. I would go as far as saying that collectively, our confidence is rattled by some eyebrow raising claims and we've spoke at length on these forums.
I also think having patience for the right car is important, these cars aren't increasing in numbers worldwide but, they are increasing annually to the UK.
Wish you luck in your search bud
Robotsan
Club Member
Classic Car Auctions | Car and Classic
The cheapest, safest way to buy and sell classics online. 0% Buyer Fees. The only online auction to include free escrow for secure paymen...
This could be a good base car too, but based on other cars available perhaps this is a little over priced..?
I think that 30k on the page is a bid, not a price. If that's a genuine UK car in top condition following a full refurb as it says it is, then it's worth even more than that. Could be 35 to 40k.
Robotsan
Club Member
Do you mean the one with the 1JZ engine swap? I do think at 30k it's a tad overpriced. But he's probably listed it at that price expecting to be haggled down a bit. At 27k, assuming the body is not rotten, that's probably alright value considering all the other bits and pieces on it.
However, those welds in the floors and trans tunnel are awful, which is not a great sign. It looks to have had 2 big holes cut out in the tunnel and then welded up again very badly - maybe something to do with fitting the gearbox?
Bit of a patchwork quilt look to the floor pans on the right hand side too..
Ah, I see. I read it as “offer £30k” or “make an offer” being under that, not over.
Yeah he said it’s for the gearbox mount changes. He also says “rust free” but then goes on to state that the floorpans need doing (due to rust) but he has the floorpans but never found anyone to do the work.
Robotsan
Club Member
Yes I've just re-read the description and noticed the same thing!
I would take "rust free" with a massive pinch of salt.He also admits it needs a full respray. He says it was a barn find, but also that the paint job was done in the US before be bought it. If it's got a patch bubbling behind that wheel arch, and it's been supposedly kept in a heated garage in the UK since 2014, that suggests to me that the paint job and/or prep in the US was not good. I bet it's got more than one iffy spot.
You might be lucky and find its not too bad under that paint, and then say you got it for 27k and spent another 10k on paint (don't forget it needs the interior painting too), you've got a very fast, very nice LHD Z for 37k which probably only needs a few more bits to complete it. I think in the US they'd say that's quite expensive, but the cars are much more plentiful over there so it wouldn't be too bad here.
But then if you want it to be RHD too, add 10k and you've spent 47k. Which could buy you a top top restored UK car with added power, like
the one @Fairlineguy built and sold recently (https://www.carandclassic.com/l/C1597220)
It sounds like (as with me), your decision is going to come down to how much initial budget you have, and how much work you want to do, or are capable of doing, yourself.
I also think you need to start going and looking at as many different cars as possible. And go for a ride in some members' cars to get an idea of what you like and don't like.
Kieronpollock
Club Member
Classic Car Auctions | Car and Classic
The cheapest, safest way to buy and sell classics online. 0% Buyer Fees. The only online auction to include free escrow for secure paymen...
This could be a good base car too, but based on other cars available perhaps this is a little over priced..?
I still think the option we spoke about is a good fit for what you’re looking for and mid £30ks for a solid and mildly tuned RHD 240Z is a great price
1980 Datsun 280 Zx
1980 Datsun 280 Zx Just finishing up this pretty epic 280zx. UK registered and on its UK plates. Super cool classic tha...
www.carandclassic.com
Is it possible to do something similar with a 280zx?
I know EFI etc would need to be removed, a bit of weight saving on other bits too.. but are there as many kit options for the ZX? I don’t think so, but thought I’d ask!