Taking on my first profect

2

240zlover14

Forum User
Hi guys,

So I introduced myself on the newbie section mentioning my interest in several up and running Z's (240z and 260z)

My other idea was to go down the restoration route purely to learn something new and build a better bond with the car.

I know I will receive a few warning comments but im very determined and relish a challenge.

Ideally id like to find a rust free example but take a hit on the mechanical side i.e engine not running, to fit within my budget of 5-6k. So likely a 280z example such as this;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Datsun-28...850237?hash=item543a63783d:g:pFwAAOSwMgdXy9kk

My friend and i can tackle the mechanical side and improve certain things like suspension,bushes, brake lines etc and the very basic cosmetic stuff. I then have budgeted money to get a paint job (likely not within bare metal budget) and a few cosmetic improvements such as arches.

Can anyone offer advice on what would be a good starting point on the likely extensive job list?
 
richiep

richiep

Club Member
Bear in mind with a 280Z you are talking about a more complex vehicle than a 240 or 260z with less crossover in many areas (it's a very US-specific car) so it won't be as simple to sort out as an earlier car if starting with a non-runner. You may find more gaps in people's knowledge on this side of the pond if asking "how to" questions too, as some of the UK-centric answers won't apply. And it'll never be worth what a 240z is, if you care about that kind of thing. Also, if you ever entertain thoughts of RHD converting, a 280Z is not the ideal starting point as they were never available in that orientation.

As Rob said, just avoid rusty. Those of us with RHD cars have all been there and done that, and it isn't fun! The eBay car - that guy has several 280Zs to choose from at the mo, all with pros and cons. Depends on what mix of those pros and cons you would be happy with. The green one looks like hell but seems pretty solid (may need a smaller repair on an under floor support rail). The pale blue one looks like it needs a bigger underfloor rail repair, but looks cleaner overall. Has a later, desirable P90 (280zx) head too. And is slightly cheaper.

There's a few other sources around the country too. As covered in the other thread, go see as many cars as possible and get a feel for the variations and different combinations of problems before you make a commitment. And ask questions here as people will be happy to help.
 
2

240zlover14

Forum User
Im already overwhelmed by the quick response on here and appreciate the help so far.

Im unsure on the year but must be 76 or 77?

The green looks horrendous and im swayed more towards the pale blue. Mechanically this tops the green and something I can work with.
Id begin first getting the car running and MOT passed?
Id work on small things cosmetically to tidy it up and sort out the rust fairly asap! Id wait to do a full re spray until I save funds in the near future. Would I get away with the faded paint look once buffed up or would this look tacky?
 
SeanDezart

SeanDezart

Well-Known Forum User
richiep said:
Bear in mind with a 280Z you are talking about a more complex vehicle than a 240 or 260z with less crossover in many areas (it's a very US-specific car) so it won't be as simple to sort out as an earlier car if starting with a non-runner. You may find more gaps in people's knowledge on this side of the pond if asking "how to" questions too, as some of the UK-centric answers won't apply. And it'll never be worth what a 240z is, if you care about that kind of thing. Also, if you ever entertain thoughts of RHD converting, a 280Z is not the ideal starting point as they were never available in that orientation.
Click to expand...

Plenty of E,nglish-language Z forums and the 280Z is more common over here in real-euro land than the UK so local knowledge is available.

Buy a Z-Haynes US version and the 280Z is covered also.

I know of 280Zs succesfully converted to RHD - not so difficult if really desired.;)
 
Alphabettispaghetti

Alphabettispaghetti

Club Member
The one from SJ classics will be exactly as described. Very good person to deal with.

the other one in Thirsk......is that the Duncan up and running again? Seems to be a fair few Datsun related bits advertised there??
 
richiep

richiep

Club Member
SeanDezart said:
Plenty of E,nglish-language Z forums and the 280Z is more common over here in real-euro land than the UK so local knowledge is available.

Buy a Z-Haynes US version and the 280Z is covered also.

I know of 280Zs succesfully converted to RHD - not so difficult if really desired.;)
Click to expand...

Good point I should've made - you have a wealth of info and can ask questions on the US forums like classiczcars.com, zcar.com, HybridZ.org where 280Zs are concerned.

RE: the RHD converted 280Zs, are any of them pretending to be something earlier though?... ;) :smash:
 
Ped

Ped

Club Member
Just going by the pictures the green one looks a mess, but the body doesn't look too bad at all. Could be nice. All looks very do-able.
 
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