Newbie here, with a restoration question

[Maxceler8]

Hello all!

I am new here, but not to the world of car forums in general. I did do a search, but couldn't really find anything that helped me, so I hope you won't mind me posting a new thread.

I don't currently have a Z, but for many years, Ive known about this one that sits off of a dirt road in the boonies, pretty much abandoned. It always catches my eye, cuz you don't see them much around here, and it just seemed like it had potential. Well, a while ago I finally stopped to have a closer look at it, and snapped some pics. I was a little shocked at the condition of the interior, but I'm not sure if thats something that is easily resolved or no. Anyways, I guess I just want some opinions from people who are knwledgeable, if this particular car is worth the effort or not, esp for someone who is a novice (bitten off more than I can chew?).

Without further ado, here are the pics.

P.S. I think it might be a '77 or '78 280Z, does anyone know for sure which year? Thank you in advance!!

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v709/Maxceler8/datsun%20z/?action=view&current=Picture001.jpg

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v709/Maxceler8/datsun%20z/?action=view&current=Picture003.jpg

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v709/Maxceler8/datsun%20z/?action=view&current=Picture005.jpg

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v709/Maxceler8/datsun%20z/?action=view&current=Picture004.jpg

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v709/Maxceler8/datsun%20z/?action=view&current=Picture009.jpg

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v709/Maxceler8/datsun%20z/?action=view&current=Picture008.jpg

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v709/Maxceler8/datsun%20z/?action=view&current=Picture012.jpg

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v709/Maxceler8/datsun%20z/?action=view&current=Picture011.jpg

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v709/Maxceler8/datsun%20z/?action=view&current=Picture010.jpg

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v709/Maxceler8/datsun%20z/?action=view&current=Picture015.jpg

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v709/Maxceler8/datsun%20z/?action=view&current=Picture013.jpg

[Arne]

Parts car, and not many parts left at that. The interior has been on fire. Definitely not restorable without EXTRAORDINARY effort and cost. Pass on it, big time.

[epsark]

Hi, haven't ever replied or posted here before, but I had to on this one. I am currently doing a partial restore of my '73 240Z and am at the $6000 mark. Probably more than that but I like to think so anyway. That's what I paid for the car in what appeared to be great condition. The car you have pictured is in the 280Z family, what year I couldn't say. The problem is that it is quite obvious this has been through a fire. Even if I were given the car free, I don't know that the money/time/effort spent would be worth it. My opinion only. Take it for what it's worth. There may be some parts worth salvaging, but not to take that and try to restore it. There are a lot of great project cars still out there at reasonable prices. Most of those at least run.

[leftover z]

Based on what's left of the front bumper and hood, it's either a '75 or '76. I do believe in restoring an S30 when possible, but that car is a joke. Notwithstanding any rust issues, the heat from that fire surely has weakened most of the metal work. I'm sure the frame is tweaked as well. It probably has a hundred bucks worth of salvageable parts... maybe. I'd pass on that one for sure.

[d240zx2]

Dittos for all above. It's parked there for a reason, and your photos fully explain that reason. Walk, no, run away from this one.

[leftover z]

Or... here's another fun thought........ know anyone who has a monster truck you can borrow......

[Maxceler8]

Based on what's left of the front bumper and hood, it's either a '75 or '76. I do believe in restoring an S30 when possible, but that car is a joke. Notwithstanding any rust issues, the heat from that fire surely has weakened most of the metal work. I'm sure the frame is tweaked as well. It probably has a hundred bucks worth of salvageable parts... maybe. I'd pass on that one for sure.

I never even thought about the fire weakening the metal work, thats a very good point.

Thank you all, for your advice. Something in the back of my head was squawking at me when I saw the interior...but sometimes, ya never know till you ask.

Cheers all!

P.S. no monster trucks I know of...