Buying a 67 Fairlady project, opinions appreciated

[Wargasm]

Hey, I was just looking to pick up this car, and wanted somebody a little more qualified to take a glace, see if anything glaring caught their eye.

http://public.fotki.com/vdubjim/cars_for_sale/675-fairlady/

Much obliged.

[MikeW]

While there are certainly some roadster experts on this site (since they often own Z cars as well) you might be better off asking on a roadster site. I'm no expert but I don't see how this qualifies as a "fairlady" as that term was only used for home market cars and not exports.

I do see plenty of rust so I'd make sure to have the car completely inspected before making a purchase decision.

[bigoak]

Wow...pretty rough starting point...

Remember this is old Japanese metal...that surface rust likely means much more beyond...check it very carefully...

Might want to start with a better base...pour as money of your budget as possible into a rust free base...after that things get ~easier~.

[AWC]

If you are serious about a roadster there are much better starting points to be had for $2-3k. Also that is a 1600 and what you really want is the 2 liter. : )

[Stickerman]

#1 Fairlady was used for US cars from 1962-1965. My 64 has fairlady emblems from the factory

#2 There are much better examples for that price, there is one on Ebay right now for a BIN of $2700

#3 You don't need the 2 Liter motor. The 1600 actuall is more dependable, and parts are cheaper. A low windshield (62-67) 1600 is much nicer and classic than a 68-70 2000. The only way to get the low windshield and 2000 motor is a 67.5 2000, good luck finding one.

#4 as with any car buy the best for the $$. A nice driver for $6,000 is much better than a $1500 project that you will dump $5,000 more in.

#5 I have one of every type and they are all fun. 1964 1500, 1965 1500, 1966 1600, 1967.5 2000, 1969 1600 and 1969 2000. They are addicting.

[Wargasm]

It's just...I've been having a hard time finding any car worth restoring here. I guess I just saw this one and kinda jumped at the chance. I'm going to look at it this weekend. So the main thing is rust on the frame/damage to the frame?

I guess if it looks bad I can keep looking. I'm just really impatient right now, and really want something to work on. Where else would be good to look for a (preferably drivable) project?

I appreciate all the responses.

[MikeW]

I'm just really impatient right now, and really want something to work on. Where else would be good to look for a (preferably drivable) project?

Since you're asking on a Z car site you might look at some of the Z's that are local to you on Crasigslist:

http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/cto/1035105921.html

http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/cto/1032554121.html

http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/cto/1028868084.html

Here's a roadster that claims to have only 36K miles for $2600:

http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/cto/1034058175.html

As always, have a thorough inspection for rust or other body damage. The mechanical stuff on these cars is easy to deal with.

Edited February 18, 2009 by MikeW

[Wargasm]

Yeah, you're probably right. I like the roadsters a lot, but I also love classic Z's. I'll at least go and look at these local ones. Thanks.

[datsunrides]

That car will take a lot of work to put back together, especially the rear rocker area. There are 3 different sections in there that all look rotten. You would be better off starting off with a good, minimal rust runner. I know California is a ways away, but you can get nice drivers out here for 3-5k. add in $700 or so for shipping and you would come out way ahead. Parts for these, while readily available, are NOT CHEAP! Check out vendors like Rallye or Datsunparts to get an idea on prices. You will find it's not cheap to restore one of these, especially if parts are missing.

Mark

[Wargasm]

Well I messaged about 5 sellers of various 240's and 280's, all around 2-3 thousand and in the local area. Going to work in a few hours, hopefully I can get a reply tomorrow. I guess I knew this 1600 would be a lot of work, maybe I just needed someone to talk me out of it.

[Garagegoon]

Check this out near Wichita KS... It will need work as well.... I have not gotten a look at it myself but plan to this weekend.

http://wichita.craigslist.org/cto/1035824077.html

Edited February 18, 2009 by Garagegoon

[Bonzi Lon]

Garagegoon, I saw that too, but have no more room. Let me know what you find. Where is Mickey's Zpeedshop? I'll be bringing the Z to Wichita soon and want to stop by.

Bonzi Lon

Edited February 18, 2009 by Bonzi Lon
spelling/gramer