My first Z for 600 bucks

[zalex]

So I bought this the other day for 600. It definitely looks like $600, but the engine runs pretty well except for a minor miss when it idles. Hopefully soon it will start to look a bit nicer. I've done some under the hood maintenance and replaced some things in there, but mostly it needs a lot of body work, welding bits on and such. The guy I bought it from cut squares of rust out, and did his own DIY welding, as you can see in the pics. It's mostly on the rockers or sideboards. I'm getting some wheels off a 280zx this weekend, "Nazi" wheels, with new tires. It will eventually be the stock maroon color. I love it.

A bit about me: I'm an 18 year old female, I go to UCF. I just recently found out how much I love Z cars. I saw one somewhere on craigslist when I was searching for a classic car to work on after my other car's engine broke down for good, and decided to only look for that kind of car to buy, nothing else.

I live in Orlando. Any suggestions to body shops, or anyone do their own work here and willing to help?

[SportBikeMike]

Welcome to the site and good louck with the project. She has potential!

[hls30.com]

Welcome! and Congratulations!

Discovering a Z can be a life altering experience-I see you are finding that out!

Will

[Walter Moore]

Personally, I think $600 for a running Z car is a bargain, but then I look at these things through rust belt colored lenses.

[Weasel73240Z]

Welcome Alex. The car looks like it has a lot of potential, but first thing is to undo anything the PO did, by the looks of his work.

[jonathanrussell]

I almost never post replies to the forum but read several times per week. I would post more photos and ask members to give you their thoughts on the body and rust situation on your car. Think carefully about whether this is the right car to start with. Based on the few photos you posted, the symptoms shown tell me that there are likely deeper and even more serious problems. You may spend way more on tools, time, parts, and mechanics/body shops than you would if you were to just find the right car to start with. One thing you could do is drive this one around while you find another 280z (yours looks like a 77 or 78 280z to me). Then, you could use this one as a parts car maybe.

Either way, welcome and enjoy. These cars are loads of fun.

[scalveg]

That photo of the rust under the door is great! Mine has a bit of rust there, and I have been considering doing the repair myself, but I was wondering what was underneath.

Now I know!

[zalex]

This is the right car to start with for the money I have. Out of all the Zs in my range, this is the only one that is worthy of driving. It's not terribly rusted underneath, but it does have rust. Even so if it turns out to be terrible, I can drive it around like you said, and buy a better one once I save some money. This one would be great for parts, the interior on the doors and top seats are almost perfect. It has a running engine, and has a mustang 5 speed tranny, and new ECU.

Edited July 10, 2009 by zalex

[cunniwj]

Alex, My youngest son has a really clean yellow 73 and is also going to UCF. He lives in Oviedo only a few miles from UCF. He's pretty good with things like brakes, carbs and things like that. If you want I'll give you his number. By the way $600 is a deal for a running Z but the rust/body and paint work will be big $ if you want it in great condition. If you just want a driver well worth it. Besides you could always part it out more than you paid if the rust is terminal.

[zalex]

That would be awesome! I live about 20 minutes from UCF in Winter Park, and go through Oviedo often. I don't know if I am as forward as to ask him for help right now (if he offers and would enjoy it, I will gladly pay him), but it would be great to have a friend with a Z in town for advice and knowledge. I'll give you my email and you can send me his number off forum. Just give him a heads up in advance so it's not so out of the blue that some girl is calling him saying she has a Z. Hehe.

alexiam90@hotmail.com

Thanks!

[cunniwj]

Alex, I sent you a private message with his number. All you have to do is go to Private message and open it up. Good luck with your Z.

[=Enigma=]

Dad coming through with the online hookup! Way to pimp out your son. jk