"Rust-Free" Arizona Zs

[lonetreesteve]

As some of you may know, I bought my latest project, a virtually rust-fee '71 240Z from the Phoenix Craig's List. Even though the car's weatherstripping and a lot of the interior is dry & brittle, I love the fact that it only has some very light surface rust. It also had a lot of mechanical work done to it like rebuilt engine, rebuilt transmission, new radiator, new bushings, new hoses, etc. The body has all the original metal and is all very solid with no replacement panels or bondo. I got a terrific deal on the car and the shipping was very reasonable.

After checking out some more 240Zs available down in the desert, I was amazed at how cheap these cars are going for. Most of them need some work, but most have very solid bodies, which is the most desirable and important quality when starting a Z project. Here are some 240Zs & 280Zs that are available now and at very reasonable prices (the last couple of 280Zs are more of your low-mileage, in excellent condition variety and at higher prices):

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/car/472334004.html

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1972-Datsun-240Z-54-000-Orig-Arizona-Rust-Free_W0QQitemZ110189780541QQihZ001QQcategoryZ6187QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/car/466296202.html

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp;?tracktype=usedcc&searchType=25&pageNumber=0&numResultsPerPage=50&largeNumResultsPerPage=0&sortorder=descending&sortfield=PRICE+descending&certifiedOnly=false&criteria=K-%7CE-ALL%7CM-_65_%7CH-%7CN-N%7CR-250%7CI-1%7CP-PRICE+descending%7CQ-descending%7CX-antique%7CZ-85004&aff=national&paId=133846889&recnum=2&leadExists=true

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1972-Datsun-240z-12-71-Build-Restoration-Candidate_W0QQitemZ260179394527QQihZ016QQcategoryZ6187QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/car/448776446.html

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/car/473377851.html

http://tucson.craigslist.org/car/471064805.html

http://tucson.craigslist.org/car/456650302.html

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/car/474768465.html

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/car/469090001.html

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/car/469086910.html

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/car/447552304.html

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1978-Datsun-280z-Black-Pearl-original-AZ-survivor_W0QQitemZ300168123856QQihZ020QQcategoryZ6187QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1975-Datsun-280Z-ORIGINAL-STOCK-Beautiful-Condition_W0QQitemZ250185639851QQihZ015QQcategoryZ6187QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1977-DATSUN-280Z-Perfect-Condition-30000-Orig-Miles_W0QQitemZ290179125905QQihZ019QQcategoryZ6187QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[kurtwwalters]

You are right. I live here in Glendale and I got my 2 Zs here and both were definitely project cars, but rust-wise they are in pretty good shape. Anything in the interiors had turned to dust however. I would rather re-do that than tackle the rust-monster any day!

[Sailor Bob]

If I lived down there I'ld have my yard full.

[janaka]

that kinda makes me want to move in with my inlaws in Glendale... i need more space as it is as we are looking an a 2nd FL car to import to canada...

3 cars, two people, 3spaces... adding a 4th like we are looking at is going to be tough..

[lonetreesteve]

Good to hear from you, Kurt. Yes, you're right, rust is enemy #1 when it comes to Zs. That's why I started this thread and attached the links. There are so many threads on Classic Zcar Club that deal with replacing floor pans, frame rails, body panels, etc. Why deal with the big expense and hassle? Why spend thousands on rust repair when there are cars available with virtually no or very little rust? Shipping is going to be $1,100.00 or under to almost anywhere in the country (I paid $670.00). If you look at the prices of these cars, that makes the decision even easier. Someday most of the desert Zs will all be bought up and only rust buckets will be available for restoration projects.

[RolfSis]

We've owned our '71 brand new, Bro preserved for his son for years, but ready to sell. The more we delve, the more we find. Heck, didn't know a Tar Mat existed, and again, learned so much.

My question is, having had offers, but reluctant to let it go before setting up Paypal eBay, etc., when do you stop "tinkering and fixing" and letting her go? Clearly, the ultimate buyer of a '71 treasure has their own agenda/parts and other cars to incorporate into the mix.

A novice like yours truly tinkers and learns, but likely spinning wheels, !

http://asta.bizhosting.com/november_updates.htm

http://asta.bizhosting.com/240z-b4_after1.htm

[bigoak]

If I lived down there I'ld have my yard full.

We should slap a few $k together and organize a retrieval project. Get a big flatbed and bring up 4 or 5 of these. Pick apart the best and sell off the rest.

[janaka]

We should slap a few $k together and organize a retrieval project. Get a big flatbed and bring up 4 or 5 of these. Pick apart the best and sell off the rest.

Thats not a half bad idea...

where is sharon ontario? I'm in Cambridge, Ontario

Good to see a few Canucks in the group

[Sailor Bob]

That would be a nice trip - we wouldn't be the first ones to do it.

I was born in Newmarket by the way.

[janaka]

I used to live in NS for about 8yrs maybe.. cape breton, halifax, south shore, in the valley, u name it..

born BC, moved coast to coast and settled in the middle again

16moves so far at age 25 good times for sure.

I drove to FL for my first Z and am currently watching another in FL, this one for my wife. definately a fun trip

[bigoak]

Sharon is just north of Newmarket.

My tour has gone: Ottawa -> Florida -> Cold Lake, Alberta -> Ottawa -> Halifax -> Toronto -> Sharon.

Moving to Montreal at the end of the month (but have a much bigger garage now ).

Spend most of my summers as a kid in Cheticamp (last name Aucoin...), Cape Breton.

Maybe a spring trip. We need someone with a license for a rig...

[Sailor Bob]

I wonder whats involved in getting a licence?

I was just talking to a guy on the ship about that today - he has a dealers licence and imports from florida -got a house down there. He offered to let me haul a car up if I would drive the Camper (he has bought a 35' camper along with a couple of other items and a trailer) back to Nfld. He'll get the ticket and pay for the beer.

Anyway, I think this idea has merit.