New Z diagnosis...

[mexlife]

I'm looking into buying a Z that i found very cheap ($600). The car is in Houston, TX and i live in Austin. I'm new to Z's, but i've been following them around and I completely love them. I've been looking for a good cheap one and this may be it, but i need your expertise because i have none. I'm a highschool student and love Z's and mechanics, but have very little experience (though i plan to work on it -- project car)

The car is a 79 280z (or 78... dunno if 280z's were still made in 79) and in fairly good shape. The car has recently upholstered seats, untorn headliner, nice Z wheels, rebuilt l28 and dual webbers. The car runs (that's all I know) and has a nice body. However it has rust on the floorpan (a ~2-3" hole), in the spare tire well (i don't think this one is too important), and under the battery compartment (not too much, but can't be ignored). Also, it needs paint and lots of elbow grease on the dash (but i don't care much about those right now).

Once again, the car is selling for $600 and i think it's a great deal for the money. Since the engine is rebuilt i suspect it runs. The webbers show a bit of rusting (no holes though... maybe just needs sanding and putting anti-rust stuff) and have no filters (are they supposed to?), but i know that is not too big of a deal.

Please help me decide as soon as possible, before my chance to get my first Z runs out....

Thank you in advance

Luis

PS. Is there anyone in Houston that would like to come see the car with me someday? I can't offer much but maybe a good lunch and a good time

[GunnerRob]

Hi Luis,

If you're planning on working on a car a Z is not a bad start. Most everything on the engine is easily accessable. I can change out the starter in under 10 minutes (from the top!). I would highly recommend that you by a repair manual before you start any work on it. I use a Haynes manual. It's written in England with different terms than we use but it does have a glossary in front.

I would expect that for $600 you'll be doing a few repairs on it so be prepared to work on it.

1978 was the last year for the 280z. In 1979 it changed to a larger and heavier body style and was named a 280zx. It definitly is a different car.

As far as having filters for the carbs. Gotta have 'em to keep dust and debris out of the carbs and engine.

I would take care of the rust as soon as possible because what you see may not be all you have, and it won't shrink.

One last thing. If you know an experienced mechanic/autobody person, ask them to go with you to check out whatever car you intend to buy, even if it costs you a lunch.

Good luck,

Rob

P.S. I've had a 280z since 1980 and I can't imagine not having one!

[mimregi]

..........

[Virto]

I also have a 78 280Z and I love the car. It's true these cars are rust nightmares, and with rust under your battery, you need to be VERY certain you check the frame rails. Battery acid can drip down onto the rail, and frame rot in these cars can be very severe...and not all to fun to fix.

Also, the 280Z came from the factory with an L28 and fuel injection, so this car has been modified to run with carbs. That could create some oddities, but the people here are pretty experienced, and more than willing to help.

You might want to go scope the car out, taking a lot of pictures if you can, to upload here. That way members from all around can tell you what they think of the condition. Make sure you get pictures of the frame rails. The floorpan is easy to fix, the spare tire well can be harder to come by, but frame rust is one of those hair pulling things if you can't find someone who can do the job right.

[78 280zcar]

I have a 78 and its a great car just a few things I need to work out after the rebuild, I paid 350.00 for mine and all it needed was a distributor cap slapped one on and drove away, I think the guy was pretty pissed off after that too. .

Oohh and about the filters for carbby do GET SOME. You dont want to get dirt in the engine that is bad thing.

[AWC]

Rust will probably be a problem for this car, given that it is from Houston. That said, it seems like a good deal on a decent condition car and probably an excellent entry-level Z. Since it isn't an early 240 and you are looking for a driver not a restoration, rust should not be a huge concern provided the car isn't falling apart. At your age you will probably have this car a few years, have a ton of fun with it, and then move on at some point. It should also be a good car to learn about working on cars on.

I'd say go take a look at it and take $500 cash. Definitely drive it. If it runs and looks good to you make an offer to buy it on the spot.

[Arne]

Am I the only person who looks at the date that a thread was started before replying? Jeez, people, I'm pretty sure he's made the decision by now.

[78 280zcar]

I didnt notice that date until you said something. I pretty sure he already did make his decision. Woooh and I thought that was posted yesterday.

[ddezso]

Well, what did he decide to do? Is it all fixed up now?

[mexlife]

wow, what a blast from the past! Who the hell brought this up?

Well, I ended up buying an 81 280zx that december, blew the headgasket a month later. Pulled it in january, found out that the PO had used gasket maker all over the head :dead: Had a hard time putting it all back together (f54 with n42!), since I had no experience. Then I found out that the car had a mechanic's lien on it (the PO lied about it...) and basically, a car for parts. A friend offered me a little money for it, but i just couldnt...

The day I finished putting everything together, right after bolting on the head, i went to the local z club's annual meet. Long story short, for a $10 raffle ticket I won a 1972 240z :nervous: it now has n42/n42 l28, dual round top su's, sport suspension, and minor mods here and there. It's my daily, and I love it. I've done all the work on it myself (with some help) and plan to keep it forever.

Pics in my gallery!

Luis

[1 Bravo 6]

Dum, .....DE Dum, ... Dum DUUUUM !!!!!!!

Hey, ARNE,

Guess who is going to be checking dates from now on.:sick: :sick:

Rick.

:devious: :devious:

[texasz]

i went to the local z club's annual meet. Long story short, for a $10 raffle ticket I won a 1972 240z :nervous:

Luis

Oh so that was you who won my car! I bought $50 worth of tickets hoping I'd win. ;(

Congrats and I'm really glad to hear that it went to a good home.