Hey guys! This is my first post here! I have a 1982 Datsun 280zx. It isn't in very good condition. The floor is rusted. There is no passenger door, rear hatch, of hood. It hasn't been driven for over 10 years. Where the the t-tops are there is rust. What would be the most financially wise decision, to restore mine or buy a fully restored one?

Welcome.

The answer to your question is simple. Buy a better one. Nothing more expensive and time consuming to do than bodywork and rust repair. There are PLENTY of ZX's out there waiting for someone to love them. Let yours go to a better place, completing the cycle of life. Iron Ore -> Iron -> Steel -> Datsun -> Rust -> Iron oxide -> back to the earth....

That said, there is only two reasons you would restore the one you have. Either you have an emotional attachment to it, (and a money tree in the back yard), or you do your own work so labor is free. And you have a money tree in the back yard. Oh yeah, and tons of free time.

Did I mention the need for a money tree?

Edited October 4, 201311 yr by zKars

How much would it cost to buy a new one in pretty good condition?

Market conditions vary all over the continent. Let the googling begin!

Round here, $5K gets you a perfect one. $3K gets you a good starting point. Double or triple that for S30 (70-73).

Spend time hunting. Look for a shell that's rust free, make the mechanical stuff your project. Good luck.

Thanks!

Yep, but a better one. There is more rust then that-you haven't found it yet!

I say get the best of both worlds - you may have a great differential, transmission and engine. Grab a good body and start building!