You will never guess what I found . . . .

[stevef1972z]

After a blown head gasket on the way home when I bought the car, a battle for headlights and dashlights, and all out brawl to get heat, I decided it was time to look a little closer at the car and really dig in.

Ignorance is bliss!!!

Got the beastie up in the air and noticed some surface rust on the front suspension, and the springs were flaking, happy to see the dry oil pan bottom and trans. Not too happy about the the rubber bushings, and there is only a little life left in the rack and pinion boots.

Rolled back a little more, checked the drivers side rails and floor and was really happy. Saw something hanging down on the passenger side and couldnt figure out what it was. Looked like a piece of duct tape. I gave it a tug and pulled off about a three inch square of toe board!

Well that got my interest.

I started poking around, literally with a screwdriver. Things took a turn for the worse. Under the undercoating was the most amazing sham job I have ever gotten caught in. The majority of the passenger side floor support was constructed out of balls and layers of aluminum foil, duct tape, and what I think is roofing sheeting. It was the sheeting that held onto the magnet when I checked the rail before I bought. I am going to have to take some shots to show everybody. The amount of work that went into faking the floor support was likely more than replacing them properly! Its a work of art.

I am laughing a bit now, I was had, and I wont be laughing as loud when I am scraping and grinding try to discover the amount of damage and coming up with an attack plan. Looks like floor supports and some toe boards, probably some floor board patching too. Well it will make it more mine after a good sawsalling and welding!

I have read a bit now on the different floorpan replacement parts and floor supports. Looks like I am leaning toward the Big Dog set up. Has anone bought from them recently and are the parts still quality? Other suggestions on where to locate the parts reasonably? I would like to still be smiling when I am done.

[280~Master]

Got any pics? Gorilla Glue and Duck Tape can fix just about anything. Sorry to hear about you findings. Hope you can fix it.

[James Salvato]

Hi Steve,

I used msa floor boards and fit well with a little work.I do admit that I only welded in sections that were rusted.I did not use the complete floorboard.It worked great for my application.

James Salvato

[TexasRider260Z]

Dont be scaring us new guys whose car is on the truck enroute for delivery!

It would be intersting to see the "work." Damn hicks.

Hope it goes well from here.

[stevef1972z]

John I will try and get some pics up, waiting for a few more degrees of heat, its snowing freezing rain and sleeting now. Perfect time to replace the floor and supports!

Thanks James I will take a look there as well.

Tex this is my first Z and I am new to it all too. Even with all of this I like the little car a lot and cant wait for it to get better.

[Zak's Z]

I hear that MSA uses this guys floors and supports: http://www.datsunzparts.com/ He's in Canada and ships to the US. I used them on mine when I discovered my patch job. Mine was a little more obvious than yours, but the floors and rails I got worked out well.

Good luck, I'd love to see pics.

[rdefabri]

Nothing can't be overcome with $$$, time, and patience! My 240Z is in good shape structurally, but crappy in other areas. For example, I have a half-assed aftermarket stereo install. I am attempting to install an OEM radio, and I now have half my dash out and half the rear interior bits. Broken pop-rivets, bad wiring, and non-original stuff have me almost panicked...that and remembering where I put the screw or nut to hold whatever...you get the idea.

Truth be told, it's part of the fun and a little bit of escape from the real world. When you get a thumbs up or a "cool car" from a passer-by, you'll know it was all worth it.

[JohnnyO]

When you get a thumbs up or a "cool car" from a passer-by, you'll know it was all worth it.

This is soooo true. It wasn't 5 minutes after I trailored my car in California and was heading back to Minnesota when I noticed a truck weaving through heavy traffic behind me. He finally caught up to me and as I looked over the guy had the biggest grin on his face and was giving me a thumbs up. It made me feel my 4200 mile journey was well worth it and I rode that "high" all the way back to the twin cities from San Jose......

[stevef1972z]

Thanks for the link Zak still learning the parts ropes on this care and all the help I can get from those who have had these a while I will take!!!

Got to love when somebody appreciate these cars. Glad I drove it a bit before finding the problems, its got me motivated to get it together and back on the road!

8 inches of snow, 2 of sleet/freezing rain, I grab those pics when it warms up end of the week and post them of the damage and prior "work" you will laugh like I did!

[240ZX]

When I read the title on your post, it sparked my interest! However, I was a bit disappointed upon reading the complete post.....I thought maybe we were going to hear about you finding a long forgotten stash of money, or something along those lines! LOLLOL

Tom

[adamr]

If the rust has caught your attention, you should know that these cars will rust out, and will do so very quickly if you let them. Keep your Z off the road in the winter and in the rain if you want to keep the rust from digesting any more of your car. Wait until all the salt and sand has long washed away. Every Z has some cancer, and the sooner you accept that, the happier you will be. It's just a matter of how quickly you will let it grow. 2 cents...

Edited January 29, 2009 by adamr

[Seppi72]

I bought floor pans from Charlie Osborne in Canada and frame rails from Big Dog. I am immensely pleased with both purchases.