Body panels for serious 1 240z

[HotrodPez]

My "winning" lotto ticket... would probably cost more to mail than it is worth. But yes, I have 3 cars... am using 2 for parts, and need to get rid of the shells.

[240znz]

Hi Curtis,

Is your car a RHD (HS30) or LHD (HLS30)? If it's RHD then don't fall into the trap of calling it a series 1 as that is a term coined for HLS30's only. Just call it a early HS30.

What's the VIN? I have HS30-00352 and a local guy here has HS30-002xx. His is also being rebuilt and by the sounds of it has some slight changes to mine.

Good luck in finding some rear quarters, they are going to cost you $$$. But if it's concourse you're after then you have plenty of dosh to dish out. Do concourse judges remove rear side internal panels to inspect the orginality of the steel.....hmmm, I'd hope not.

The subtle differences between HS30-xxx and HS30-01000 are many. I very much doubt that there is a concourse judge on the planet who would know the differences when looking at a HS30. It appears that Nissan used the same parts for the HLS and HS models but when the HLS moved to the so called "Series II" shell, Nissan appears to have continued to use up the older parts on the HS until exhausted. No records are available to tell what has what or when they changed as far as I am aware. There are only a few who may be able to help. Maybe Alan T could shed more light?

Anyway, good luck with the build. A low VIN HS30 is a very rare beast these days.

[curtis 240z]

Thank you for that information 240znz.

Your right the car is right hand drive and it is number 213. My panel beater beleives new panels would be much easier and alot better obviously than to fix he older rear qtrs up.

[curtis 240z]

would you be interested in selling the rear qtrs of your parts car if there not to bad?

[Carl Beck]

curtis 240z:

Can you show us a picture of your rear quarters. Maybe it would be less costly to get a body man that can fix yours - rather than simply replace them with very expensive NOS sheetmetal.

FWIW,

Carl B.

[240znz]

I cut the parts car in half last weekend. Both rear quarters are real bad and they have had steel flared arch extensions added as well. You don't want them.

Put up a picture of the what your panelbeater thinks is too hard. You can buy repair panels like I have, inner and outer wheel arches, panel below the side bumper extension.

James

[zed74]

Unfortunately i new this wasn't going to be easy.

That is correct i'm in Ballina Northern NSW. The reason I want new panels is because the car is going to be concorse and it's become very difficult to buy another serious 1 240z shell and the car is structually perfect.

I am a little confused - by structurally perfect - do you mean no major accident damage etc.

Because the car must have significant rust damage for the rear quarters to need replacing.

I know exactly how 35 years + worth of rust & second rate repairs looks - after sandblasting my 1972 shell a couple of years ago! It can be a shock - but not as great as the "true cost" of having the repairs done by a professional panel man. The cost of the panels is one thing (not all are super expensive) BUT labour just keeping going on & on.:stupid:

My shell cost me $15K to make right & it had no major accident damage, but did need New floors&rails, front guards, bonnet, hatch, roof repairs, passenger side sill, both lower doglegs + inner sill repairs, rear beaver panel etc. etc.

Just some advice - don't underestimate what it will cost. I thought $8K & spent $15K.

[zed2]

Would either of these panels work?

http://www.rustrepair.com/repair_panels/onlinecat.htm?r=ru&p=sm

http://www.alfaparts.net/datsun.html

I have one left side and two right side NOS. I am attempting to get one of the aftermarket panel suppliers to reproduce these parts on one stamping. (Currently, the aftermarket parts are only from the beltline down, not the full panel. I have been told this is because the limitations of UPS shipping requirements.)

Keith

[curtis 240z]

I will get some pics of the car sandblasted. When I say structually I mean it has not been involved in any accidents and there is no rust in the main parts like the sub frame etc. overall the body alone is probably going to cost me 15 to 20k. but I have been chasing a 240z for 5 years and I wanted to restore one to my standards. this one being one of the first 500 sent to Austalia makes it more unique, which is why i want it perfect and spend the extra money. I trust our panel beater as he is a family freind and being one of the best in the country in restoring hotrods and older cars, thats why I took on his advice.:surprised

[zed74]

Good luck with the restoration. Your are right - the cars are hard to find (particularly without significant accident damage).

I see you are realistic about costs - this is generally the hardest issue to come to terms with. Try and enjoy the process - it has its highs & lows, but the end result is well worth it!

Not sure of your intended program - but would love to see the car at Nissan Datsun Nationals 2009 (NDN09) being held in Warwick QLD. at Easter time.