Possible S30 purchase

[Smus]

Hey all,

I've been in contact with a man with a 71 240Z. He's the original owner, it has 77k miles, and he wants $1,000 for it.

I saw pictures, and lets say its far from perfect. Being the original owner with only 77k miles, he said the motor has seized. He said that he stopped driving the car in 81, however for 5 years after that he started it up once a year, which involved pulling the plugs, putting some oil in the cylinder, then starting it, letting it heat up and then shutting it off. He then said he did that once and the car pistons siezed to the sidewalls (whether or not that's the case I dont know.

He also painted over the original color (he bought it blue, decided he didn't like the color and paninted it red, switched the interior over to black ) and he also swapped out the original front fenders and put on rear fender flares. Now, I haven't uploaded the pictures yet, but the paint is in very poor condition, the rockers are starting to rust fairly seriously, some of the fiberglass is damaged, and it has 2 small cracks in the dash. It also seems to be rusting out around the bottom of the hatch.

I can upload some pictures later, but I am wondering what you guys thought. I know that I for sure will not/cannot pay him a grand for it...its just not worth that much money to me. I'm sure the brakes will need to be looked at and most likely replaced, the engine needs to be looked at, the interior needs to be redone, and the body work. I know it will cost many thousands of dollars, but I think this is a good project. The underside of the car appeared to have minimal rust (he did say he replaced the drivers side floor pan). but all in all it seems to be solid. No cancer beyond repair.

Opinons? I'd love to save an old Z.

Thanks,

Adam

[JohnnyO]

If you are in the Cities and want someone to take a look with you let me know. I have had 5 now in varying states of decay and 1 that was worth saving.

John

[Smus]

Thanks, i actually just looked at it today.

Ill post up some pictures either later tonight or tomorrow...i think its worth saving, but then again...I may still have those damn rose lenses in again :stupid:

[JohnnyO]

Cool, post some pics when you can. So, are you in the metro area? There is a small group up here that meets throughout the year and gets together for car shows in the summer.

I am in Hudson and keep a small stock pile of parts. Let me know if you need anything.

John

[DatsunZsRule]

I too am in Minnesota.

I have a 1977 280Z in storage for winter now but is currently for sale thats in very good shape with only 46,700 Orig. miles.

You might just be looking for a restoration project or for a 240Z only but just thought I'd mention it to you

Best of luck with your search. Hope it all works out.

[Smus]

Thanks Datsun, but I am just looking for a 240Z, and a project.

Here are the pictures...

Front 1/4, He put on fiberglass fenders (said they were rotting out early on) and molded headlights and fender...paint is coming off wholesale, looks like it could be gelcoat issues as well.

Close up of front light, I assume the passenger side is similar

Rear, hatch opened fine, no damage to rear that I could see, rear plate is fading or something.

My primary area of concern, rockers are quite rusted, was only able to see driver side, but I think its safe to assume the passenger side is the same.

Close up of one of the worst parts on the rocker.

Cracked rear fender flare.

Next two are of the hatch area. Rust is there, dont know how bad exactly, but there is one nasty spot for sure in the first picture.

Rear interior, it does have the front air dam, and a dual exhaust system (in the box). He swapped out the blue interior for a black one with pasley and leather. The cloth has faded significantly.

Interior of course, again with the leather and cloth. Two small cracks in the dash, on either side of the 3 gauge pod area.

The one saving grace to it all may be that he is the original owner. After seeing the pictures, is it something to maybe go for, or should I run far and fast? I was thinking of offering him $600, but go no higher than $800, especially considering I do not know the exact condition of the motor.

[lonetreesteve]

Adam,

I would not buy this car if I were you. The old Zs rust from the inside out and there is probably a lot more rust in this car than what you can see in person or in the pictures.

[Smus]

Is that right...hmm

[geezer]

I agree with Steve. This car has had an older refresh done years ago with some mild modifications done. The rockers have been off in the past as evidenced by all the rivets that can be seen in the pic, to put it back on. I think the PO probably did the best he could, at the time with what he had. I wouldn't want to be the next guy to dig into it. On the bright side, the value of the pieces if parted out would likely exceed what you are willing to pay for it, but that's not your intention. I would exercise a little patience, spend more up front for a better car and leave this one for someone who wants to part it. It just isn't economically feasible to take on as a project car IMHO.

[cygnusx1]

Run and find another one.

[black gold]

Its nice to have a project 240z but nut like this condetion to start with.. Just my opinion

[JohnnyO]

I agree. Even though we are in the midwest you can still find a better starting point for a project. I just parted out a Series 1 that was not save-able but was in better condition than that. I estimated that the car needed around $14000 worth of work and parts not including my labor and I try to do most of my work.

I would run and keep this one on the back burner for a parts car if needed. I see a few hundred dollars worth of parts, not much more than that though.

Just my 2 cents.

John