240z/260z Advice

[carcrazy]

Hi guys....I need some advice,

I am considering buying a Datsun 240z/260z but i have some concerns. As i am a recent graduate, I only have the cash to either buy a modern car or get a Datsun (and spend the rest of the money to restore the engine and fix the body work....interior can be sorted out with time).

This would be my first project and hence I would want to get the engine restored professionally.I tend to do alot of mileage (15k a year approx) so the following are the questions id like answered please:

1. If I get the engine restored professionally and the body work sorted out, how reliable is the car going to be. and am i likely to find alot of problems in the car especially as this is going to be my main car. (i don't want to be stuck on the side of the motorway)

2. As for cost, my approximate cost break down is about £1000 for sorting out the rust issues (welding etc), £2-3000 having the engine restored professionally (that's what my friends said it would cost approx), and about £1000 for paint (may be). Is this a good break down of the cost, or is restoration likely to cost alot more. (at the moment I just want the car up and working. Making it look 'pretty' i guess will need to come with time). I know the cost will depend on the condition of the car. This is just an approximate. Also a few hundred for additional equipment that might be needed.

3. I think the car will probably average 20mpg....is that correct?

4. Any final advice you guys can give? Even if it's just to say that I should buy a reliable car for now and wait till i have some more money saved up before investing in a 246/260z

Any advise would be much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Mr.G]

I would go for number 4!

I would then, as money allows buy a car which doesn't need too much work and slowly with the aid of a Haynes manual and forums such as this, your ability will increase and soon you will feel confident to do some of the jobs yourself - which will save you money and also give you a lot of satisfaction.

Rebuilding an engine is not difficulty with the right books, and with step by step help from forum members, all it will probably cost you is parts. We're lucky as there are books written on how to rebuild these engines and are written for the layman.

The numbers you quote are not very realistic as you don't know what problems the car may have that you will be dealing with. Try and get as solid as you can or you will be spending a considerable lot more on sorting out rust issues, welding etc...!

 

[carcrazy]

Thanks....its just that I love that car for some reason. it doesn't look dated, and it's a car I can see me in. The only concern that i have is that if i put off buying the car then it will be a while till a have a chance to buy it (after car house/flat is priority). and the main reason i would have to get things done professionally is because of lack of space where I can actually do work. Being the first project I wanted it done right first time. but as you rightly pointed out there might be unexpected problems and that is my biggest concern.

In your experience have you come across alot of problems? and in an ideal world, roughly how much would it cost to get the a car up and running reliably (just a round ball park figure). FYI: I do agree with the things you posted, I am curious for future planning

 

[datty240Z]

Why do you expect to have to restore the engine? In my experience these engine are pretty robust and if you buy wisely you shouldn't have to spend much on the engine unless you want to go the performance route. I've restored a couple of z's and haven't had to do much engine work at all. Body restoration is another kettle of fish and you really should enlist the help of someone who knows these cars really well before buying. If the car needs much restoration and panel fabrication/replacement I think you estimate would be way short and also a good paint job is going to cost much more than you anticipate. These are old cars and are not really suitable for year round driving. definately not in the winter. i do like to drive mine daily in the summer months but wouldn't dream of taking them out in the winter. They just won't stand up to the elements.

Don't want to put you off, these are fantastic cars, way ahead of their time but take looking after.

Choose carefully!

 

[Mr.G]

They can be a real money pit if you don't buy the right one and if you don't have a garage to store them in they will only deteriorate at a faster speed.

I haven't come across any problems other then my desire to tinker when I really should leave well alone!! These cars have a habit of getting into your blood and your wallet!!

How much are you willing to spend on a car? That will determine more or less how much work you will have to put into it. Are you willing to look at a 260Z 2+2? They are great cars and would be cheaper to purchase then buying a 240 or a 260Z 2 seater.

The best advice I can give you is to buy the best one you can afford, buying a cheap car that is falling to bits is going to be painful. Make sure you take someone with you or swat up on the what things to look out for before viewing a car.

I haven't come across a lot of problems with mine but I did have to take out a loan to buy her!

 

[carcrazy]

my budget is around 6-7k....I was looking at a 260z 2+2 as they seem more affordable. but datty240z mentioned that the car won't be winter-worthy....and if im spending anywhere near that price range i will need an all rounder cos i won't be able to afford another car...

Also...being a new z-car fan...is there any Z-car days/shows near the london region, so i can actually go and check out some of these cars. im kinda new to this site too...so still navigating my way around.

Again guys, thanks for the advice.

 

[Mr.G]

Come along to the Half Way House, Brentwood Essex. I think it's the first Sunday of every month, take a look in the Event's/ Local Groups forum page on this site, and look in the South East and Kent (SEKZ) group.

Mr.F, on this site, organises the meetings.

 

[carcrazy]

kool. thanks. you asked about my budget..is 6-7k not enough???

 

[twoforty]

No reason why it can't be very reliable if you renew the parts that are most likely to fail on an old car.
Plugs/leads/dizzy cap and rotor arm.
Battery
Alternator
Thermostat
radiator hoses/ water pump
brake cylinders/ calipers
fuel pump

Wouldn't cost that much and would take the worry out of driving it long distance...the engine should be fine as long as it has good compression and doesn't burn a lot of oil, just make sure you change it at regular intervals.

The rust on the other hand is a whole different story!!

 

[Mr.G]

kool. thanks. you asked about my budget..is 6-7k not enough???

You should get a reasonably good car for that money, especially in this economic environment, as long as you shop wisely.

 

[carcrazy]

whats the story with rust???i no that they are known for rust issues...does that really mean winters are a no go with this car?and anything i can do to prevent it?

 

[Mr Ex]

Another option would be a cheap runabout for everyday & then look for a 240/260 to restore at leisure, as you say a 2+2 is cheaper to buy but if you spend X amount on it & then sell it, you'll not see as good a return as if it was a 240 that had the same amount spent on it.
AND the big plus is if it's a pre-73 it will be free road tax, as for the engine it should be as reliable as any old modern car.

 

[Mr Ex]

whats the story with rust???i no that they are known for rust issues...does that really mean winters are a no go with this car?and anything i can do to prevent it?

Best look for one that has had a good restoration done a while ago & the owner is now desperate for cash.
Panels that usually need replacing are,
Front wings & the air tubes that go underneath the wing,
Rear arches inner & outer,
Inner & outer sills,
Possibly chassis rails,
Front & rear vallance, & lower rear quarters, & floor panels.

 

[carcrazy]

how much does that all cost....could someone give me some indication on prices for things, or what they have spent? I am assuming that getting certain components for the car will be difficult to obtain, being such an old car.

 

[Mr.G]

how much does that all cost....could someone give me some indication on prices for things, or what they have spent? I am assuming that getting certain components for the car will be difficult to obtain, being such an old car.

Most things are easy to obtain. There are many specialists around both here and abroad. Mr.F who is based in Essex has been invaluable to a lot of us in getting our cars on the road, he stocks most of the common things you will need and has a next day postage service, the not so common things he can order.

Take a look at his company MJP Auto: MJP Eastern Auto

 

[twoforty]

You need to buy the best you can afford and get an expert to check the bosy over. Look for MJP Auto and Member PMAC ...between the two of them you should be able to get anything you might need.

 

[Rob Gaskin]

whats the story with rust???i no that they are known for rust issues...does that really mean winters are a no go with this car?and anything i can do to prevent it?

These cars are for dry summer use only car in the UK. You get them wet when you are caught out. I can't pretend anything else is practical or wise. Bodywork and electrical components are not up to daily winter use.

 

[carcrazy]

Thanks guys....i'll catchup with you guys tomorrow...

 

[SeanDezart]

You also need to move around - get to the Japfest events for example.

I think 6-7 isn't realistic - you're gonna buy a car that's gonna need a lot of work in the first 12-18months after buying !

 

[ChrispinZ]

Seems like a bonkers idea to me as you don't have the budget to support a 240/260 as a daily driver. I'd try running an MGB or something similar to start with to see if you can deal with the expense.