About to buy a 74 260Z

[ms260z]

I found a 74 260Z that is in fair condition. The clutch needs bleeding or possibly a master cylinder. It does have some rust above the windshield, and behind the rear wheels. It does not appear to be rusted all the way through. It is pretty much original, and I believe it is a late 260 because of the bumpers. It was last driven about 2 years ago and has been cranked often since then. The interior is ok, but needs a good cleaning. The seller is asking $1500. It will need a paint job and new door and glass rubber gaskets. I had a 73 240Z way back in 78 and drove it for about 3 years. I loved it and have wanted another one ever since. I know I will have to sink some $$$ into it, but it should be in running condition after the clutch work. What do you think about the $1500 price tag? I will post pics later.

[ncolz]

The visible rust would be enough to make me think of passing on it. I'd check the next "usual suspects" -- battery tray, dog legs, rocker panels, inner front fenders, rear fender wells, hatch.....

Pictures would help the assessment a lot!

[ms260z]

Thanks,

Not sure I can get pics before buying. It does have the hatch rust at the top also. Is that type rust repair real expensive and what is the normal process?

[d240zx2]

Based on what you've written, $1500 is twice what you should even be considering. $500 is more like it, IMO.

[ms260z]

Thanks for all the info. Now I find out from the owner that it will only start by dripping gas straight into the carb, so there is a possible fuel pump problem also.

[EScanlon]

Having worked on several of these, the most troubling rust problem I read is the one above the windshield.

The appearance of the rust is also a big indicator, not just that it's there but how it LOOKS. If the paint is bubbling, and it's broken or chipped off revealing the metal, then it has ALREADY rusted through (it may be a pinhole). This is why pics help a lot.

Rust on the areas noted is typical, but above the windshield says that you'll at least need to pull the windshield and likely replace the basket and maybe the windshield as well (if you're not careful or ...). That alone can be $100+ just for the gasket and then it depends on your choice of windshield. The other areas... well they also deduct.

I don't like to quibble pricing without detailed pictures and you haven't posted any. $1500 in some parts of the country is considered a steal (win) for a car matching the condition you cite, and a rip-off (lose) in other parts. So, take any "I wouldn't pay more/less than..." posts with a grain of salt. One man's restoreable is another man's junk, same goes with the "pristine" condition, one man will nit-pick the lint on the carpet or dirt in the ashtray and deem it a filthy car, and another will prize the original paint with faded and burnt patina as desireable.

$1500 if all the interior parts (crack-free dash, etc.) are in excellent condition may make the car worth it's price... for a parts car, or as a donor to a beter chassis. Then again, without pictures it's hard to determine if the chassis is useable or not.

FWIW

E

[ms260z]

Thanks again for all the advice, and taking the time to provide it. I will take another look at the car next week and try to negociate a better price. I do plan to buy it though. These cars are very scarce in this area, even in the condition it's in.

[ms260z]

[5thhorsemann]

Well, I guess I know what you'll be doing with your spare time and money. Good luck and hang with it.

[ms260z]

5thhorsemann- yeah, and I dont have a lot of either!! Ok, guys on a 1-10 scale how did I do? With some clutch work and hopefully just bleeding the brakes it should be in driving condition. It certainly needs a lot of clean up and TLC too.

I am an old fart (52) that had a 73 240 back in 1978. I drove that car for about 3 years and then traded it for a truck. I have wanted another one ever since. My neighbor, about 1/2 mile away had this one covered with a tarp. I saw the tail lights sticking out of the tarp so I stopped by and introduced myself. After about 3 weeks of conversation looks like it's mine. Radio, fuel gauge, and oil pressure gauge don't work. I put a new battery in it this morning and she fired up, although it did smoke quite a bit. Here I go!! I will keep progress posted, but may be slow!!

[5thhorsemann]

How much did you end up giving?

[ms260z]

Got him down a little..... paid $1300.