i was just wondering what sort of $$$ i be sending if i took my 260 to a pannel shop and got them to strip it all to bear metal fix the rust and respray? even jus a ball park figure.

also has anyone found a good pannel shop in perth (australia) that specalise in this sort of thing? i think raod craft used to but i think they closed down.

any help will be appriciated, thanks

How long is a piece of string?

The old phrase, you get what you pay for usually rings true when you start talking panel beaters. I have no idea on what sort of money you would be charged but for a ballpark, allow at least $5,000. (this is pure guesswork)

My advise to you is take your car around several panel beaters, tell them exactly what you want and get some quotes.

Also check out some of their other work to see if it meets your standard. The most expensive is not always the best, but be wary of overly cheap quotes.

If you want to save money, the more work you do yourself, the less work you will have to pay for.

good luck.

"If you want to save money, the more work you do yourself, the less work you will have to pay for."

That's the key. It's surprisingly easy to strip a Z of all badges, bumpers, glass, etc. The more you do of this stuff, the better off you are. Additionally, the Z IS a small car... try doing sanding and paint stripping yourself; you'd be surprised at how quick you make real progress.

i'm not too worried about stripping it, its the putting back together i'm worried about!

i know this has probably been asked lots of times but whats a good way of stripping it back to metal? someone suggested a wire wheel on an anglegrinder but a mate of mine said it may warp/scratch up the pannels. Also whtas the best wayto store them and not tarnish (probably wrong word) or surface rust?

sorry for the stupid Q's but this is my first restoreation attempt and i want to do it right! Also i'm doing most of the work in a car port till we move in a few months so we'll hopefully have a garage for me to steal.

thanks

If you decide to take it apart, in the process you'll realize how easily everything goes back together. It just takes a little time.

DO NOT use a wire wheel (your mate was right). I used Aircraft stripper to get the bulk of the old paint off, then followed with a high speed orbital sander.

If there's any rust, I would use the wire wheel to clean that up in preparation for the panel man.

As far as establishing a cost for the whole project, you won't be able to put an accurate number on it 'til it is stripped and you can see what you have in the way of hidden rust and soft spots. Many of these insidious areas can hide well under paint and not show them selves 'til the bodyman starts poking around doing the prep work.

You can start taking the badges & things off in the carport. Put some tape over the holes, so those don't start rusting too.