New 240Z owner!

[Patcon]

I once cut the roof off a 240z chassis which adds a lot of strength to the chassis and those doors still closed fine. Anything can be repaired with enough time and money but it is a lot of work...

 

Edit:

Courtesy Nissan shows they have them for about $110 each, whether they really do or not is another story. you would have to call...

Edited October 31, 2015 by Patcon

[Stealth240Z]

Thank you guys for the help!

Wait, are you saying that the Nissan dealer has the inner rocker panels? I typed in everything and nothing came up?

Today I am going to check my other parts car and check the condition of the inner rocker panels.

[Patcon]

Stealth240z

Courtesy Nissan is very supportive of the classic car community. Their online parts store says they have that sheet metal but that doesn't make it so. Call the parts department and confirm they can get those parts. I provided the part numbers, I believe they are correct.

[Stealth240Z]

Update time!

 

I called Courtesy Nissan and they did not have the parts nor can they get them, but the guy did give me a number for the a Z specialist. I called quite a few places and e-mailed some others. Z Car Source has the inner and outer rocker panels for like $360 each. After I sent the guy a few pictures to confirm the part, even he asked if I really wanted to restore it. Seems like everyone is betting against me with this chassis! Haha! I am still waiting to hear back from the other contacts. I am also still searching and open to another chassis. 

 

I know most of you guys think that I am insane for even wanting to attempt to resurrect this Z, but I like a crazy challenge. I can only imagine how I'll feel if I do in fact get this car back together! It is going to be a very long journey, so I could really use as much support as I can get. I know this car should probably be in the grave but that is what makes it so exciting for me! If I do in fact get the inner rocker panels installed correctly, I know that I can give this Z new life! 

 

I made a ton of progress today, including finally getting the other parts car! Here are more pictures from my graveyard 240Z.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Mark Maras]

 Have you tried welding any of the sheet metal that you've removed yet? If not, take a couple of the best pieces and butt weld them together. Not too bad? Now try a vertical & an overhead. Now imagine doing these welds in locations that are difficult to reach & see. The reality is, you'll be cutting away a lot of sheet metal before you find decent metal that you can weld to.

 I'm going to suggest using E71T welding wire. I'm using .030. No gas. This wire is very forgiving when welding crappy, painted, dirty, rusty, or galvanized steel. No pin holes. You'll be cleaning as much of the crust off of the sheet metal before welding but you can't get to all of it. Let us know how you do. Honestly, I'm hoping you can do it.

[Stealth240Z]

I appreciate the support! I have a LOT of practice to do with welding first before I attempt anything on the actual car, but thankfully I know of three people that are willing to help and teach! I need to pull the engine, then I am considering taking the shell to someone who can sandblast the entire car and spray a coat of etching primer or the like on. If this price is right, I may do this. The sandblaster that my Papa has will probably take ages! Also, should I remove everything from underneath before sandblasting? I also wonder if the inner rocker panels can't be mended like they are, of the metal is decent. Just a thought.

[Zed Head]

The race guys say that the best way to stiffen up a Z body is with a roll cage.  You might consider that if you're just looking for resurrection and not restoration.  Use the cage as the central structure, like a tube frame.  Or just build a hybrid tube frame/monocoque chassis.

[Stealth240Z]

Hmm... that could work. Sounds like an even bigger task, though. I do plan to either make or buy and install full length frame rails, so that should help too.

[Mark Maras]

Zed Head

 I like that idea. Maybe start with a pre-fab roll bar and add on as needed. My old one bolted to the shock towers & the front of the rear wheel well. A good piece to start with.

[Stealth240Z]

Mark and Zed Head, thank you for the advice. I will look into it. I contact a gentlemen on here who did an extensive restoration on a 240Z that also required some inner rocker panel work. He patched it, so I am going to see how plausible that it for my car. One step at a time. Gosh, if only I were in my career field and had more spending money! This is going to take a while.

[Stealth240Z]

So, I found out that the 240Zs never had factory air. Is this true? If so, someone must've installed a unit. I have pretty much decided to not reinstall the AC system, but I wouldn't mind keeping the blower to let some air in and also help with foggy windows in colder weather. Is this a dumb idea? Should I sell the entire system?

[Hodgimus-maximus]

The 240z a/c was a dealer add on. But they did have a factory heating system. You will want that when your windshield fogs. If you don't want the a/c just sell the idler pulley, condenser, evaporator, and a/c compressor with lines. But don't expect to get much for the pump because it didn't come off a working system.

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