I'm trying to make my first z purchase but don't know if it is too rusted. Take a look at the pics and give me your opinion. It is a 1978 280z with a great interior and complete engine and transmission for $800

IMHO, this is a major undertaking. Do you have skills and tools or money to repair it? I would look for a better car in the $2-3k range.

IMHO, this is a major undertaking. Do you have skills and tools or money to repair it? I would look for a better car in the $2-3k range.

That's what I fear. I would be having a family friend do most of the work since I have no garage to keep it in.

I've seen worse, but you are looking at the top side only, you need to check out the "frame". Look in the front fender well area, also the floor pans inside and out. Either way there is ALOT of work there. If the floor and frame rails are rusted, offer a few hundred bucks as a parts car. If the floor and frame rails look good, offer a few hundred bucks as a parts car.........

Check that, I just saw the new picks, she's a nasty wh0re, run away.

Edited March 10, 201213 yr by 5thhorsemann
more info. and pics

That is a lot of rust, the carper will need to be replaced. Who knows what is underneath it?

If he is willing to lower the price, you can sell parts off (it is time consuming though):

- tires/rims - ~$150-200

- rear hatch louver - ~$50-100

- central console - ~$50

- glass and engine parts etc.

It is tough when one doesn't have a garage to store the car.

I've seen worse, but you are looking at the top side only, you need to check out the "frame". Look in the front fender well area, also the floor pans inside and out. Either way there is ALOT of work there. If the floor and frame rails are rusted, offer a few hundred bucks as a parts car. If the floor and frame rails look good, offer a few hundred bucks as a parts car.........

Thanks for the input. The fender was fairly bad but I did not get a photo of it and the floor pans were in good shape. I also forgot to mention it has been sitting for 10 years.

Looks like it's been sitting in the weather for more than ten years, seriously, you can do much, much better for $800.00. That’s almost in pay to have it hauled away shape, I can't imagine that the frame is still in tact on this car.

Looks like it's been sitting in the weather for more than ten years, seriously, you can do much, much better for $800.00. That’s almost in pay to have it hauled away shape, I can't imagine that the frame is still in tact on this car.

The man said he put a tarp over it and that's what kept the moister in and caused so much rust. We do have free towing though

I paid $750 for mine in this condition. Less the new rubber and the front bumper was on when I bought it. Very little rust and I drove it home using a plastic gas jug strapped to the battery pan to eliminate the clogged electric kicker pump, and its a 240 with under 40k original miles.(at time of sale)

That's a parts car.

I admire the projects adventures you guys take on,I have very limited mechanical talents or the patience , I was very lucky in securing solid running toys.:cool:And keep the DATSUN brand alive;)

Edited March 10, 201213 yr by 72 OJ