Ian
Club Member
I'll look into it, thanks for the tip, how much was shipping?I needed RH and LH quarter panels (plus loads of others) and ended up importing used panels from Z Car Source based in Arizona. The panels were not perfect but much better than any other options. I would use them again.
Thank for the advice. I'll only go bumper-less if the panel has to be made from scratch, if I can get hold of a decent quarter I'll likely keep it original.One thing to remember when you are looking for 1/4 panels from the US is you will need 240Z or early (i.e. late-73-74.5) 260Z panels, not 74.5 onwards 260Z or 280Z as they are different due to the lack of bumper indents on the sides. Of course, if you do decide to de-bumper the rear, that later style might actually be desirable.
I'm sure a lot of them have poor repairs as most body shops do not do good work with complicated metal work, instead relying on filler, heck I've heard of some so called restorers whos work isn't all that good. Hence why I took so much care and time in finding the right one to do mine.It is terrifying how bad these cars look when you reveal 40+ years of repairs. I would say this is probably typical of most of the UK zeds driving around today.
But, if the car is rust free, looks great on the surface and is structurally sound I guess its not a big problem. Although this describes mine for the most part and it still bothers me. Plus eventually some of those bad repairs will lead to rust. Which was the man reason for doing this, so I know (as much as is possible) I'll have a rust free car for hopefully the next 20 years, more would be better.
Honestly, structurally the car is actually ok, and is definitely already stiffer than a lot of S30s out there going by the amount I hear from owners saying their cars seem to flex a lot and is really noticeable when you jack it up on one side, or even in the middle and then open the doors and you can't close them again. Mine doesn't flex at all when I do this, its way stiffer than my Civic despite being a lot older.I would probably be the first to say just get another shell but late 260z cars are not easy to find. The next one may be just as bad when to take it back to its bones. It's very easy to look at the repairs and call then all bad but the first thing I'd be considering is the structural ones. I would take my time and look over the car and list every repair or part that needs repairing. Then analyse each one individually. Then talk to retro shack and go through your list to get their views on what to do with each area and try to come up with costs. I think you will then be in a better position to know which way to go. I think I would probably get it repaired if I was in your position but I would pay the most attention to structural repair and then get away with a skim of filler over the other areas. This car is to be enjoyed as much as looked at so as long as what lies beneath is structural then save it.
However, I have prioritised in order - Any rust concerns, structural (both repairs and my planed enhancements to stiffen it up and avoid me need a cage for this), cosmetics relating to the finished product and then finally cosmetics at the bare metal level starting at the worst and finishing with the least, if the budget allows they will all be done. Ideally the most filler that will be needed will be just a skim to finish it off.
I do not have an idea on a cost estimate yet, Dave is to get back to me with that soon.
To be fair, I put myself in this situation, but as I plan to own this very long term, I'll thank myself for it later on.sorry to see you in such a pain hope it all sorts it self out . in know you say your going to fix your original car and that is probebly the way i would go . but just out of interest there a 280z with low milage on ebay for £6995 but its a auto which may be good for you to reduce the price . worth a look and you could always flog all the bits you dont need to recoupe the main cost may get 50% back .all the best Chris
I have looked into a shell, and on first look it seems a good idea and if I had known about these issues before blasting I would totally have done that without touching my shell and it would have been the cheaper and better option (other than there being 1 less on the road) Problem is its cost me nearly £5500 to get my shell to here and any new shell would cost at least £5k before any repairs were started. I guess it would make sense if it had zero repairs needed anywhere as it would only be £5k plus the mods I want so would be cheaper, but I highly doubt any shell cheap enough to justify buying will be in that condition?
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