well i'm looking at a 2nd Z for my wife (i'm not letting go of the 280z keys) and its a '72 that is immaculate looking from the pics BUT has one spot of rust on the rear hatch near the latch. i guess its not on the hatch door itself but where it contacts the body...anyway i'm sure you know what i mean.

what kind of repair cost could one estimate for just this area? the car is otherwise a FL car, VIN HLS3056308, '72 240Z, 4spd with L26 motor

this is the best pic I have of the area in question, rear passanger side

Yes, that is a typical problem area.

The panel that runs across the rear of the car is spot welded to the main tub.

It is notorious for moisture seeping in between the two panels and doing what you see.

To fix it properly you would have to unpick the two panels, repair the underlying one [which I'm sure is damaged], then weld in a new or repaired top panel.

Alternatively, the rustout can be removed by some selective keyhole surgery and a patch welded in.

The second method is not recommended, it is only delaying the inevitable and will probably have to be repeated as new rustouts occur.

Also, the area above the exhaust tailpipe is prone to rotting out really well.

A combination of the moisture creep and exhaust fumes will do it:angry:

I have some pics. of the repair panel but this Forum is playing silly cows with attachments at the moment, I'll try later:rolleyes:

^

Thank you very much for the comment. i've read that it was common and just wanted to see how much work it was to have it repaired. sounds like around $1000 for labour/materials? does that sound accurate?

New rear panels are available from MSA.

The rear tail light panel has been off before. It should have been held on by plastic rivets.

There will be rust on the rear panel as well as this is where the water would have drained to.

Good luck with the pricing. It may not be to bad.

Here is what you need: -

This replacement was bought in Oz so don't quote the P/N you see.

Least expensive method would probaly have the rusted piece cut out and have a new piece of sheetmetal welded in. Not a big deal, I had several spots cut out and patched on my car recently. A shop might charge you $100-150 to weld in the new metal.

You guys rock.

Thank you for the help, as always its greatly appreciated

you can get that rear hatch piece from several parts suppliers for $110.00

you should be able to get it welded on for less than $400

I bought the rear end from a 280z and had a body shop cut out the lower hatch piece you are talking about. Cut out the rusted hatch of my 240 and weld in the new piece for $400.

The 280z rear end cost me $100