New 240Z owner!

[Stealth240Z]

Now, before I start taking anything apart, I'd like to ask for advice. Should I pull the engine out and everything in the engine bay first? Also, once I get around to body work and all should I pull all the panels off? The only reason I question doing this is because the fit it quite good on a few panels. However, I know that to do it properly I should pull everything.

[Patcon]

I would pull the front fenders so you can look for rust at the inside bottom where they collect mud also the front of the rockers can have holes too. I would remove everything from the engine bay. The lines can be unbolted and pulled to middle so the engine bay can be painted. Don't disassemble more than you have to. Take the straightest path to a nice driveable car...

[rossiz]

wow, fun project! patience coupled with boundless energy (and some $$) will get you there.

 

if you're going to do a full body resto, pulling the engine & drive train now is the thing to do - especially if you're going to be chasing rust/rot around the car. if you haven't yet, invest in many boxes of ziploc bags and a few pads of sticky notes - label every nut and bolt you pull and group in separate bags and sharpie what they are on a sticky note in the bag (just about any ink comes off the outside of the bag when handled w/greasy hands). and take lots of pics as you go along - you will thank yourself later...

 

surprising amount of parts available for these cars, but don't ruin anything in a hurry expecting to just buy another - some funny little bits are silly expensive/hard to find so it's worth the time to try and save what you can. when in doubt, do a purchase search first to see what you're up against.

 

looking forward to seeing the project unfold!

[ksechler]

Congrats on the new project!

 

I don't want to be a downer, but make sure you take some time to consider what you are in for.  That car has some pretty serious rust issues.  To do proper repairs will require you to put the car on a rotisserie because the floors and frames are probably shot.  The rockers are shot, doglegs, too, and I'll bet there's a hole in the firewall and inner fender on the passenger side under the battery.  It will take a lot of time and a fair amount of money to get that car on the road.  You might be able to find a better chassis to start with somewhere in the southwest.  

 

Please don't get me wrong!  I'm not telling you not to do this or trying to rain on your parade.  I bought a car that looked much better that yours and I ended up replacing both floors, parts of the rockers, doglegs, and a spot behind the passenger back wheel.  I also had to do extensive repairs to the firewall and front passenger inner fender.  It was on a rotisserie for 2 years!  Just make sure you know what you're getting into.  It would suck to get 2 years and $20K into your project and give up.

[Mark Maras]

 I'll have to agree with ksechler. Think of the visible rust as the tip of an iceberg. Well, maybe not quite that bad, The problem I've had is when I have removed any panel to be replaced, I have found the rust just keeps going, requiring even more material removal & replacement than I had planned. This gets very tricky when you start removing critical strength areas. Yes. you'll find rust in those hidden areas too.

 Unfortunately, The fact is you will end up spending A LOT MORE TIME & MONEY fixing this car than buying a better Z & using the current car for any parts you may need.

 It is very easy to get discouraged after starting a "rustoration". Honest. 

 That said, Should you go looking for another Z & find more rust, IMO you don't want to have to repair much more than floors & rear frame rails. That is a PITA job as it is & is considered an easier job than the rest.

 Sorry for the Rain on your Parade. Don't let the disappointment get to you, you'll have plenty of time for that later.

[Stealth240Z]

I truly appreciate all of the "tough love" and today proved that there is a craps ton more rust than I thought, but I honestly think that I can do this! You see, it's not about owning a gorgeous ready to drive 240Z; for me it's all about taking each challenge and task and learning how to solve it and fix it. I want to learn! Will I have a show worthy, prestine car? No way! But will I have a safe, road-ready sports car that I am beyond proud of? Heck yes!!! This is what I love and I am determined to see it through! This is something that will allow me to learn and spend more quality time with my grandparents, while they are still around. That... means more to me than ANY end product!

Update to come, as I had a very successful day!!

[Mark Maras]

 Ok, Had to check your "Level of Desire." You do have a reasonably realistic view of this project & I like your motivation. Just realize that the Z will be torn apart for quite a while & getting discouraged is an unintended consequence of taking on a rustoration. That said,

 Keep your dream alive & have fun. 

[Stealth240Z]

Thanks man, I appreciate the encouragement! I am super excited for this!!

[wheee!]

Admire your ambition! Good luck with the project and make sure to read all the other "project" threads on here for tips and hints.

[Stealth240Z]

Thank you! I most certainly will. 

 

Get ready for a picture overload! I would love to hear what all you guys have to say from what I'm about to show you. I will not detail each picture, but keep in mind that the passenger side is much worse! All pictures come after some tear down and clean up. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/StealthRanger/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1974_zpst1ufbgly.jpg

 

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/StealthRanger/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1976_zpsri3lqgjp.jpg

 

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/StealthRanger/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1978_zpslkifottq.jpg

 

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/StealthRanger/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1979_zps1ltteem7.jpg

 

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/StealthRanger/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1980_zpsb1yx2c57.jpg

 

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/StealthRanger/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1981_zpsfhb5osgz.jpg

 

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/StealthRanger/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1982_zpswelpe9qo.jpg

 

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/StealthRanger/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1983_zpsocthivbz.jpg

 

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/StealthRanger/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1984_zps0jwszeig.jpg

 

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/StealthRanger/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1985_zpsxbhmqklh.jpg

 

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/StealthRanger/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1986_zpswygqhel2.jpg

 

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/StealthRanger/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1987_zpscyq8zw7f.jpg

 

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/StealthRanger/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1988_zpsrusw0b4z.jpg

 

The passenger side frame rail is just shot, but the driver side looks good. What is not pictured is the passenger side firewall, which definitely has some rot. Why in the world would the passenger side be so much worse? Also, will the Bad Dog frame rails actually replace the passenger side, since it won't have the original to fit over, or will I need something more? 

[Hodgimus-maximus]

ummm It looks like your 240 has rusted in half.  The only thing keeping that care from collapsing are the windows, roof, side windows, and possible the drive train.

[Patcon]

I tend to be a glutton for punishment but that car needs a lot of metal. I hope you get to spend a lot of quality time with your grand parents.