Need Advice, Worth Restoring?

[350Z33]

I've been looking at this Z and I was wondering if you guys think it's able to be restored. Do you think it can be restored or is it better for me to move on and find another Z? The only reason I've looked at this Z is because it's a low VIN. He says the engine serial number matches the number on the shock tower plate. There was also a little damage to the left front and right rear. Unfortunately, I live about 1,200 miles away from this car so I can't see it in person.

Here are some pictures. Input would be greatly appreciated.

http://img354.imageshack.us/img354/5262/10005428if.jpg

http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/8536/10005432rz.jpg

http://img354.imageshack.us/img354/92/10005447vh.jpg

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/9356/10005455fm.jpg

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/1369/10005482ys.jpg

http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/7674/10005516rr.jpg

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/4034/10005521xd.jpg

http://img476.imageshack.us/img476/6047/10005530al.jpg

http://img476.imageshack.us/img476/985/10005544yo.jpg

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/8482/10005557ce.jpg

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/3420/10005568sf.jpg

http://img463.imageshack.us/img463/3136/10005576ev.jpg

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/491/10005581qq.jpg

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/2579/10005592qg.jpg

[ChrisA]

Hi Al,

Well......yes it could be restored. For a lot of money.

Is it worth it? Depends on just how low of a serial numbered car it is.

Do you know the VIN number?

If all the parts are there and its below #1000 VIN, I personally would do it for the right price.

Much luck in your search.

Chris A.

[AWC]

It can be restored. It will be a very long-term project that will take many years and many thousands of dollars. If you are up for a very challenging project and have the dough, it would be really rewarding to see that car returned to "like new" condition. Just make sure you and your signficant other understand what you are getting into. : )

[Montezuma]

If my memory serves me it looks better than the 27th does in that one picture that the 26th posts. I agree....if it is under a 1000 it might be worth the effort, I am sure you know what you are getting into, it will have to be a labor of love.

[350Z33]

It's #248. Thanks for all the input! I just don't want to get into something way over my head. I might just buy it and keep it in storage til I can devote a lot more time and money to it if it's possible to restore. I've seen some old threads on Ebay cars where they looked great on the exterior, but the frame was rusted and then suggested to be a parts car. I'm hoping this is not the case for 248.

The owner said he has all the parts, but they're in boxes. Only thing not with it are the intake and carbs. Last time it was driven was ~1982 and it's been sitting there ever since. I guess I'd have to do a parts inventory to really see if everything is still there.

Are there any other areas where I should ask for pictures that would show if the frame is able to be saved?

[AWC]

That's a nice, low VIN. This car is approaching basket case status and a MAJOR project. Believe me, it will monopolize a 2-car garage for the next several years. If you would like to make restoring a Z-car your hobby, this would be a good candidate, as it is relatively complete and one of the early cars. Has the car been located in a climate condusive to rusting? Rust can be repaired. But again, the scope of this project is pretty major. The biggest transformations can be the most frustrating but also the most rewarding when finished.

[ChrisA]

Al, if you can get a really good look at the underside, and it looks good, go for it. #248 is worth saving. But as already said, it will take money. If its cheap, snatch it up and get another parts car that has good body sections that you need. From the pictures you posted the rails inside the engine bay looked pretty good to me. And I've seen a lot worse repaired and driven.

If its going to be a hobby car for you, I say do it. Be patient and take your time in the restoration process.

But most of all have fun!

Best wishes,

Chris A.

[350Z33]

Thanks for all the great advice! I will see what he can do on the price, but what would you guys say it's worth? I've seen some old threads with Arizona cars (this one is in Dallas-Ft. Worth, he said dry weather) that were $500-$800 complete, but non-running and I think no title. This one has a clear title, original window sticker, no service records, but owner's manual. He said the ODO reads 82k and it has a broken dash ( ). I don't want to low-ball and offend him. Plus, I need to calculate shipping for 1,200 miles (one way). I think shipping alone is $800 for a Penske trailer with car trailer.

[Montezuma]

Thanks for all the great advice! I will see what he can do on the price, but what would you guys say it's worth? I've seen some old threads with Arizona cars (this one is in Dallas-Ft. Worth, he said dry weather) that were $500-$800 complete, but non-running and I think no title. This one has a clear title, original window sticker, no service records, but owner's manual. He said the ODO reads 82k and it has a broken dash ( ). I don't want to low-ball and offend him. Plus, I need to calculate shipping for 1,200 miles (one way). I think shipping alone is $800 for a Penske trailer with car trailer.

The advice of Carl Beck or 26th would be valuable at this point in your decision process.

[rdefabri]

350Z33,

What kind of car are you looking for? A low VIN number? All original? A resto project? All of the above?

From the few posts you've made, you sound like you know what you are doing, but I ask because there are some nice cars available here, notably Rick Saia's car. It's more a "resto-mod", it's not numbers matching, but it's an awesome car.

As a point to note, I purchased my car from this site, no complaints whatsoever. There are good people here and there's never a lack of help or advice.

Good luck!

[ricksaia]

I agree, you could buy my car and just enjoy an already finished product with a matching numbers engine or the performance engine. Take a look at www.californiahotties.com and let me know. Rick.

[350Z33]

Rick, you have a beautiful car. Unfortunately, I don't have that kind of money to spend on a secondary car. This Z is something I'd put money into restoring it over a period of years, but the final cost would more than likey surpass your price (I cannot get another loan since I have one for my 350Z). I hope you get what you are looking for with your Z, but if a situation changes with me, I will let you know.

rdefabri, I'm really happy with any yaer 240Z. I definitely prefer something that is intact, which is why I'm not entire crazy about the basket case #248 (shipping and doing a part inventory is a pain). The main draw for me to this car is really only the low VIN and definitely the price, which I estimate is under $2,500 wiith me picking it up and shipping it back. As far as originality, I like that, too. Then again, I do like customized 240Zs. There was a green 240z with an RB26 that I really love, but the price ($19k), is too much for me right now, too.