280Z headlight buckets and radiator support

[One Way]

Tear down continues slowly on my resurrection project on this 280Z 2+2 that had been left to sit for 19 years. The headlight buckets looked pretty decent-some surface rusting- until I removed them from the fenders and front side valances. The mounting lips where the valances attach on the headlight buckets are badly rotted. Surprised everything was

still attached and in alignment. Any repair tips for when we begin to restore all the parts and pieces? Also found a few rust through spots on the front radiator support. Most of the support looks good except for the few rotted sections. I will get a better idea after all the rest of the parts are removed and have the shell dipped or blasted. Is rust in the radiator support area common? Suggestions for repairs? Thanks in advance for any helpful info and Merry CHRISTmas to all. Thanks again, John-Lugoff, SC

[Mark Maras]

 Radiator support, Is it rusted thru or pitted? If the rust is worse than shallow pitting the best way to repair it is cut the offending section out, back to solid metal. Cut a new piece and weld it in. If the damage is extensive, I'd look for a donor car and consider replacing a larger section.

 There are some common spots that are prone to rust. I haven't seen a rusted rad. support but so much depends on where the car spent it's life. Also, on different cars the rust will be worse in some areas than others. I've seen Zs with one side rusted out but the other looks fine. On others, the front or back is bad but not both. It's best to assume the rust is everywhere. That way you'll be pleasantly surprised if and when you find good steel. 

[One Way]

It certainly has been a strange tear down on the 280Z. Mark's comments are exactly correct. The obvious and normal rusted areas-lower quarter panels, lower rear portion of front fenders, rockers-not so bad, battery box area-all clearly seen. As we gutted the rear

portion of the interior, and now have moved to the front nose section, we have found so many areas that look virtually factory fresh and just a few inches away the metal is rotted right through. According to the title history, I am the 3rd owner. The first two owners were in NC, but last registration was back in 1996. The car has obviously been sitting all that time but is 100% complete and original except for the Pioneer stereo which was obviously professionally installed a long time ago. There is lots of great metal on this project but also a lot of metal rotted away. The evaluation will slowly continue. Thanks again, John-Lugoff, SC

[ksechler]

...The mounting lips where the valances attach on the headlight buckets are badly rotted. Surprised everything was

still attached and in alignment. Any repair tips for when we begin to restore all the parts and pieces? 

Headlight buckets can be readily found on ebay for $50-$100.  It might be easier to just replace them.