I Need Some Advice....!

[The Dragon]

Hey Everyone,

I am a new member, but a long time fan of the Z. I am currently looking to buy one, and I had the good fortune to find one. The person is asking $1200 and I think he will come down to $1000, but I am not sure what it is really worth.

The car is a 1971 Datsun 240Z and it has an L28 motor in it. Please look at the attached pictures and let me know what you think. The cars runs fine from what I know, and really just needs some new brakes (on the mechanical side) The body definately needs some work.

Is it worth $1000? I know he put about $3500 into it, but it sure doesnt look like it.

:devious:

[laffeaux]

What are you looking for? How much can you spend? Do you know how to do bodywork?

If you want a beater that's fun to drive, and never plan on fixing, it it might be fine. If you want to turn that car into a nice $6000 car, be prepared to sink $12,000 or more into it. You'll find it's much cheaper to buy a completed car than a fixer-upper. However if you're looking for a winter project and you can do the body work yourself, maybe.

[The Dragon]

I will be doing all the work myself. I want it to be my project. I know it will be fun, but I am just wondering if it is worth what the person is asking for it. He wants $1200 for that car, and it needs a lot of work.

Is it worth $1200 or should I keep looking?

[laffeaux]

Look at the frame rails and floor pans. If they are rusty the answer is no. If they are not rusty then maybe, but you should be able to get more for that price (depending on where you live).

[The Dragon]

From what I heard, the floors have all been replaced because they had rusted out, they are intact now. And the only other rust is on the rear bumper.

[2ManyZs]

Looks and sounds to me like he may have spent all his money fixing rust and given up after that. If there are no hidden rust problems, the front strut towers, rocker panels, and under the battery tray come to mind it may not be a bad deal. If it has a decent and complete running gear I would say it's probably worth 1K. It needs quite a bit of work, especially in the body/paint area, but if the repairs look like they may be questionable, then I would try to get it for less.

If nothing else, it could be a good source of parts for another car if you can get it for under 1K.

[Marty Rogan]

I have seen many 240Z listed in http://www.collectorcartraderonline.com/

rust free from CA, in the $2,500 - $4,000 range, many with new paint or rebuilt engines. Air fare is pretty cheap right now. My advice to you is fly out for a vacation, find an nice rust free example and drive it home. Believe me, you will still have plenty of projects to do to bring a 30+ year old car up to snuff. But mechanical projects are alot cheaper than body work.

I bought an IL rust bucket once before and would not do it again. It cost me WAAAAAYYYY more than buying a complete, restored car from the start. I bought my current one with a new paint job and am money ahead.

Your by-line says you are in the Northern IL suburbs. Which one? I am in Arlington Hts. Are you a member of the Windy City Z Club yet? That may be another source to help find a good Z.

Marty

[The Dragon]

I don't have enuf $ to go to Cali and pick up a rust free girl. Although I really want to, I saw this car on the side of the road, hasn't been driven for a while. And I hate to see such great cars go to waste. I would love to save it. The owner told me that the engine is in prime condition. I still have to look at it, and test drive it.

but check out the pics of it in my photo gallery. there is no rust on the body, so i dont think she was sitting outside.

[The Dragon]

i am located about a half hour north of Arlington Hts. I currently reside in the town of Wauconda.

[Marty Rogan]

If dollars are a problem now, they will be a BIG problems when you start restoring that car. Body work will cost you probably $2-3,000. I see it needs bumpers, those are $600 for new ones. It looks pretty needy and parts are expensive, if you can find what you need.

But hey, if you are into big challenges and don't mind a real long project, have fun with it. Just be forwarned, buying a cheap car is a false economy.

Marty

[Ed]

I'm wondering what does the interior look like? If it's as bad as the exterior you might offer less. Like about $6-700. Check it out good. She definately looks like a project in need of LOTS of tlc.

[skater8j8]

ummm is that picture u? the 1 of the topless girl on the left.