Is it worth it? How much for new panels, frame work, welding new metal, custom work?

[SmoothZ]

Back to the project....I feel like I'm not making much progress, and the frustration is mounting. Basically, I think rear half of the car is in decent shape and can be easily cleaned up. However, the front half is a mess. I know I will need to get new floor pans and was planning on it anyway, but the front frame and everything else up there is looking like I might make it worse if I get it media blasted.

So what I need to know is if I should continue with this project or count my losses and stop wasting my time and money (not that I've spent much). I don't want to get into this so deep that I will be angry for spending the money and NOT finishing it. I was hoping to customize it by doing upgrades with the interior, the engine, the tranny, and get a custom dash. However, if I think this is going to cost me thousands of dollars and months if not years of investing and finding specialists, then I might go find something else that's actually drivable.

I have a 260Z (latter half production). I'll let the pics speak for themselves.

[Z dreams]

You can rap up a few grand in floors and rail alone. I live in Michigan where the summers are humid and the winters are salty. I have a local 240 that is stock and complete to the warranty in the glove box, but the rust is out of control. If you a solid Z fly Southwest young man!

[SmoothZ]

I've been looking on eBay, CL, and various Z sites to gauge the market. There's a lot of junk out there. Makes my plans for a nice Z car even more depressingly out of reach.

I didn't realize the floors and rails would be that much. Wow, for that kind of money, I might as well go buy something that actually runs.

[72 OJ]

Run,run fast away from this one,agree with above advice,fly,drive,greyhound, to Cali and drive home a Z with no cancer , good luck

Edited May 21, 2012 by 72 OJ

[Z dreams]

I bought a southwest roller,[complete body and suspension] last year, near Dallas for $250. worth the trip to have something solid to work with.

[John Coffey]

You're looking at at least a couple thousand dollars in labor to repair the floor pans and front core support. The front of the car has been wrecked at least once. You will be much better off scrapping this chassis and finding another, cleaner one.

[H3nrY]

You're looking at at least a couple thousand dollars in labor to repair the floor pans and front core support. The front of the car has been wrecked at least once. You will be much better off scrapping this chassis and finding another, cleaner one.

I disagree. SmoothZ, I am from Belgium and bougt a 260Z 3 years ago in Holland. I finally started to do go at the body and check for rust - bodged repairs.

I am by no means a mechanic, and will let the welding be done by an expert. However, I think my car has the same issues like yours. Maybe even worse... These Z's rot and rust. My welding guy said he had seen much worse, and this was worth restoring. My car must have had a right frontal impact at some point, the welding there is substantial by the previous owner.

However, I do agree agree with the point that there could be better chassis out there. But here in Europe, Z'sr and especially rot free Z's are hard to find. We have to make do with what we can find.

My pictures:

Edited May 22, 2012 by H3nrY

[SmoothZ]

Wow, that looks like a lot of body work to be done. I'm afraid that it will be hard to find someone good enough to do the work and get it right. Yes, I think this car has been in an accident. I'm also concerned that it will cost me as much money to fix it and make it problem free (as much as possible) as it would to buy a car that already runs and is in good condition.

How much does everyone think my current Z is worth selling for as a parts car? Or maybe even a project car?

[John Coffey]

I would strip everything off of it (every nut, bolt, all the wiring harness, etc.) and remove the body panels that are in good shape (doors, roof, rear 1/4 panels) and then the sell parts individually. Cut up and scrap the chassis. You'll make the most money that way and you'll learn a lot about the S30 while doing the dis-assembly. I've done the above to four cars (one was the first S30 I ever bought which put me in the same position as you) and it helped me really understand these cars. Look at it as a project in-and-of itself.

[GreenZZZ]

I would strip everything off of it (every nut, bolt, all the wiring harness, etc.) and remove the body panels that are in good shape (doors, roof, rear 1/4 panels) and then the sell parts individually. Cut up and scrap the chassis.

Agree 100%, you can put money in this car or buy a vacation to the USA to buy a decent example and ship it back to Belgium.

[Z dreams]

Hey Green Z, St. Paul,Mn is in the U.S.A. last I knew. !

[SmoothZ]

I thought about the idea of tearing it down and selling the parts. I'm sure there are plenty of parts that would sell to those who need spare parts.

Then with the money, I could buy a ticket and fly to Belgium!