Hi all hope everyone is doing ok in these odd time’s just a message to introduce myself and ask a few questions. I aiming on getting back into z ownership, I used to own a 96 300zx TT and have always loved the z cars. So now looking for a 280zx as love the 240 styling but want the targa as this was a big love of my 300. Now in my experience it’s always best to ask on the forums first to get the low down on these old gems that can be loveable money pits! The questions I have which I’m sure have been asked a thousand times are, what’s is a sensible budget? what do I need to look out for when buying? What are they like to maintain and get parts for? Any one know of one for sale? Basically looking for a clean body I.e minimal rust and must be a targa, but not to fussed about the rest as that can all be sorted as long as it’s reflected in the price and all the main bits are there or relatively easy to source as not a complete purest. Thanks is advance for the help.
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New and looking for a new car.
- Thread starter Marky B
- Start date
Huw
Club Member
Hi
If you are after a 280ZX then I would be looking at imports rather than the UK market. There are very few left in this country and even less that are in good condition. Most are rot boxes underneath re-sprays.
You really do need to look very carefully at these cars for signs of rust. If they are showing any signs of rust on the surface, walk away as underneath will be worse. Don’t fall for anyone telling you rust under the front windscreen scuttle is cosmetic and easy to fix. It’s not.
These cars have been treated as disposable rather than keepers for years so good examples are increasingly difficult to come by. Prices vary wildly between $8k to $18k but that depends on the condition as with everything. They are some guys on the forum who can help or advise with importing these cars.
Forgot to add, if importing make sure the interior is in good condition as interior parts are incredible difficulty to come by. If the interior is poor it will be a case of restore and refurbish, not replace.
Good luck, happy to help if you need advice.
Huw
If you are after a 280ZX then I would be looking at imports rather than the UK market. There are very few left in this country and even less that are in good condition. Most are rot boxes underneath re-sprays.
You really do need to look very carefully at these cars for signs of rust. If they are showing any signs of rust on the surface, walk away as underneath will be worse. Don’t fall for anyone telling you rust under the front windscreen scuttle is cosmetic and easy to fix. It’s not.
These cars have been treated as disposable rather than keepers for years so good examples are increasingly difficult to come by. Prices vary wildly between $8k to $18k but that depends on the condition as with everything. They are some guys on the forum who can help or advise with importing these cars.
Forgot to add, if importing make sure the interior is in good condition as interior parts are incredible difficulty to come by. If the interior is poor it will be a case of restore and refurbish, not replace.
Good luck, happy to help if you need advice.
Huw
Thanks for your reply, I agree with the rust as once it’s there it’s a lot of work to sort and never much fun. I remember from the days when I had a 300 that a site called JDM auction watch tended to be fairly good at sourcing cars. Any experience with them? Is the 280zx harder to get parts for than a 240z? Personally looking for a solid body but no bothered about paint as I will respray and as long as everything is there not to bothered about gear box and engine as will most likely swap out for something else Nissan.
SeanDezart
Well-Known Forum User
Importing one surely means staying with LHD or are these 'easy like S30s' to convert ?
Huw
Club Member
No experience of them sorry. Most mechanicals are available for 280ZX, some panels not many, some interior bits but again not many. If you can fabricate stuff and you are good with a welder, there is not much you can’t fix.. Getting a body shop to restore one probably wouldn’t be economical as you’d probably spend more on repair than the car is worth. But that just my opinion.
Yes Sean I would think your stuck LHD if you import. Even the windscreen wiper motor is handed. A LHD motor will only fit a LHD car also the bulkhead is different to accommodate. So no they aren’t very easy to swap over.
hedgehogdodger
Well-Known Forum User
Hello i have imported alot of cars from Japan so you could get a rhd if you prefer.