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Datsun 280z worth fixing??

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  • #1

    Datsun 280z worth fixing??

    Hello everyone,
    My dad and I just bought a Datsun 280z for $750.
    The engine works fine, but the exterior and interior need major fixing. The car is having huge problems with rust, and were probably gonna have to repair most of the exterior parts. I'm curious on what's salvagable, and what's not. I'm also curious about where to find datsun 280z parts. If we were to get parts I'd rather figerglass than carbon fiber. The interior is ok, but we just need to replace seat covers, and the radio.

    Here's the pictures of the car..

    The back of the car:


    Left Side:




    Right Side:




    The Front:


    Much thanks to anyone with helpfull advice! We really like the datsun, and we think $750 is a good price for a "fix me up."
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: Datsun 280z worth fixing??

    I think if you have the money it is a great idea to save that car...I love ''older'' cars,and i wish to have the money and the space to collect some and fix them....
    I AM HERE TO LEARN

    Comment

    • #3
      Re: Datsun 280z worth fixing??

      Since this is your first post, welcome to Meguiar's Online!

      You're going to want to join this forum, plenty of helpful people over there.

      Zdriver.com

      You're also going to want to order a parts catalog from this company,

      BlackDragonAutomotive.com


      I had a 260Z a couple of years ago that was in very nice condition, it ran and drove very nice also. This is after M80/NXT/UQD

      Mike Phillips
      760-515-0444
      showcargarage@gmail.com
      "Find something you like and use it often"

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      • #4
        Re: Datsun 280z worth fixing??

        lots allot of rust!
        You might beable to get something in a better shape then that one

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        • #5
          Re: Datsun 280z worth fixing??

          I've never restored a car before- but judging from the visible rust alone (the key is the hidden stuff, which will require media blasting the naked shell to find) looks really severe. I have a feeling that project is going to end up costing a lot more than any "budget car" budget would allow for.

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          • #6
            Re: Datsun 280z worth fixing??

            Welcome to Meguiars Online!!
            Joel
            Firefighter/EMT-B
            Rejuvenation Auto Detailing
            "Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Dirt Back!!!"
            '99 F-150

            Comment

            • #7
              Re: Datsun 280z worth fixing??

              Hey everyone thanks for the warm welcoming!
              My dad stumbled upon a site that seems to have more than most z sites.

              http://www.zcarsource.com/


              We were talking today, and were estimating this to be a 2 year project. We'll probably end up spending about $2,000

              Comment

              • #8
                Re: Datsun 280z worth fixing??

                Usually the rust that you can see is just the tip of the iceberg. Yours visibly has a lot of rust. Is it worth fixing? That's up to you. With enough money anything is possible. A father and son project is a hard thing to put a price tag on. The experience is more valuable than any car.

                Me personally, I love old Datsuns Zs but that car would be more than I am willing to take on. Maybe you should find another 280Z that has a good body but bad motor. Take the best of both and make one really nice Z.

                Good Luck
                "What's the first rule when entering a man's car?"

                "Respect a man's car, a man respects you."
                Transporter 2

                Comment

                • #9
                  Re: Datsun 280z worth fixing??

                  Find a better body, combine the two and have a great Z. The rust looks like it will be all on the frame and everywhere. It will probably blow your budget on rust repair only.
                  quality creates its own demand

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Re: Datsun 280z worth fixing??

                    It can be a fun project but it is in pretty bad shape. Cutting off rusty panels and welding new ones in can be fun. How's the frame? If you can do most of the work yourself or have someone help for little to no money, it may be worth it. Any pics of the interior? How bad is it?

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Re: Datsun 280z worth fixing??

                      Originally posted by crpgchamp View Post
                      Hey everyone thanks for the warm welcoming!
                      My dad stumbled upon a site that seems to have more than most z sites.

                      http://www.zcarsource.com/


                      We were talking today, and were estimating this to be a 2 year project. We'll probably end up spending about $2,000
                      $2,000??!! I think you are forgetting another zero at the end of that number.
                      I collect and restore classic cars as a hobby and even if you and your dad did EVERYTHING yourselves on this 280Z without outsourcing any of the work at all you are going to be spending a LOT more than $2,000 to fix up that car you pictured.
                      I usually have at least that amount alone just in paint supplies for the paint job (primer, sealer, base coat, clear coat). That is not including anything else to get the body ready for paint, body panel repair.replacement, trim parts restoration/replacement, interior restoration, engine bay/engine/drivetrain restoration, suspension restoration, undercarriage restoration, etc.

                      If you really want to fix up / restore this 280Z I'd suggest doing a lot more research to get a more accurate $$$$ figure on what it's really going to cost. Also, once you figure out EVERYTHING the car needs and what it's going to cost as accurately as possible..... than take that budget amount and double it and you MIGHT be close to what your real world expense is going to be restoring the car.
                      Believe me, I'm talking from experience.

                      It can be a very fun and rewarding project, especially as a father/son project, that unfortunately I've never been able to do since my dad passed away when I was much, much younger, but please don't fool yourself into thinking you are going to fix up that particular car for only $2,000. The worst thing you can do is go into a project like this with misguided information and realize later on deep into the project that it's going to be a lot more work and expense than originally calculated than you get upset and frustrated and disgusted and the project gets shoved into the back corner of the garage never to be touched again or sold as a disassembled project for pennies.
                      What am I, fly-paper for morons?

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                      • #12
                        Re: Datsun 280z worth fixing??

                        I have to agree with Barry K. There is no way you are going to fix up that car for $2,000. Not trying to burst your bubble, just being realistic.

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