'72 Datsun 240z 'shell' to purchase or not...HELP!?

[MexiChriS]

Hello everybody, I'm Chris and I'm currently in the process of purchasing a '72 Datsun 240z shell for really cheap price! But I'd like everyone's opinion on this near purchase of mine before I take a step towards it & invest on it. I've come to love it and really have a desire to restore this car, always have for any 240z as they should be restored!! But like everyone, money is low blow and definitely an issue! (times be hard now a days, we all know that)

My only issue and concern is if I decide to go on with the purchase is obviously the work; rust issues mainly! Which leads to a lot of 'media blasting' or whatever it may be called to restore a car from rust...? And we all know that's a lot of $$$ depending on the condition. Which I'd be fine to do if it were VERY cheap.

Anyways, if I could get everyone's opinion on this car on whether to purchase or not. I'd really appreciate it. It has some clean spots I guess, but still body damage & rust, missing stuff & give or take it's in critical condition.

Also; if anyone can inform me on local shops in Southern California that does amazing body restoration (rust & body repair) work at yet affordable prices; please do let me know! I'm located in Lancaster, CA and would like something near by to find some price quotes... maybe that could help with my purchase!?

Well here's a pic & links are underneath to view more of this '72 Datsun 240z shell

http://MexiChriS.com/images/2010/02/01/72-Datsun-240z_03.jpg

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NOTE: complete engine and random parts are already in contact for purchase; if i decide to buy this old out dated but still living 240z!

So no need to worry on obtaining a complete engine swap! And I will be posting this on other forums just to get a more wider response from everyone as much as I can; just sayin!

Edited February 4, 2010 by MexiChriS
Had to move these image files; managing a better system storage for my files & images webserver.

[Z Tyler Z]

I wouldn't buy it, if your trying to save money, buying a rusty car isn't the way to go. You live in Cali plenty of rust free cars. I'd spend a bit more now on a better car or shell instead of a ton more later on getting rid of all the rust on this one.

[Darrel]

I saw that on craigs list. Thanks for posting more pics.

If it's as solid as it looks, $500 would be a good price.

[olzed]

The poor thing looks as though its been under water.This is going to cost heaps to do properly,unless you can do body work yourself. A complete new everything else. The rust that cant be seen is a big worry.Save for a year or two and get one complete.

[VITAMIN Z]

I would buy it for not for an immidiate car to be used, I have seen on this site all the hard work and money it takes to get the car to where you want it, I would only buy it for any spare parts that I may need, and then evaluate the rust sittuation, and if is not too bad, primer and cover as soon as possible. My 2 cents

[mlc240z]

i could see MAYBE buying it as a parts car???

but i would pass on it and find a better specimen to restore.

cheap initial price on this one will result in beaucoup bucks to just fix the body, let alone what it will cost you to refurb the interior.

[Travel'n Man]

I agree with the above post ^ - don't do it. Maybe as a second parts car if anything!

[motorman7]

PATIENCE is the key. Wait and a good one will pop up. Just be ready to scoop it up when it comes along. You should see what I got for $950 here in San Diego just a couple weeks ago. It will run circles around that thing. I had been looking for months. Just had to wait for the right one.

[WingZr0]

Yeah, don't fall in love with tha thing and do it. Hold off till you find a better Z for the same price. IMO look for a car for a grand, $1000, and buy that. Most Z's in that price tag have the clean bodies your looking for and in Cali they're plentiful. Heh Motorwan, same idea, same time

Edited February 3, 2010 by WingZr0

[conedodger]

Double whammy. If you are in Lancaster and the car is rusted, you have rotted rubber to deal with from that unrelenting Mojave sun as well... Rubber can cost as much as rust to replace... Use parts from it but don't use it as a platform.

[MEZZZ]

I got great advice AFTER I bought my Z. Look for the cleanest car you can afford to start with, if you cant afford a clean car, keep saving until you can afford it. You will end up spending LESS money in the long run by strting with a cleaner car in better shape. Believe me, I wish someone told me before I made my purchase. I have kept a spreadsheet of every dollar I have spent on mine from purchase price, shipping to every item I have bought in the past 2 years.

I seperate the spreadsheet by category, interior, exterior, suspension, motor, etc. Just last weekend, I made the mistake of hitting sum fill and adding up all the lines and was shocked to see how much I had in this car and it is still quite a way from being "finished" if there ever is such a word. I could have bought a nice turn key car for what I got in this already. On the plus side, I get to do it the way I want, learn the car as I go and it will be a source of pride when I finish it.

Good luck

[Darrel]

The guys in the rust belt would kill for a shell like that.