76 280Z Rust Issue

[bhermes]

I am in the process of selling my 76 280Z 2+2.  Recently I had a brake line leak that was fixed but I believe caused a rust issue.  I am attaching a photo of the concerned area.  For reference it is about the size of a baseball.  I have seen some replacement pieces for sale, I think that are welded on, for a fix.  However, it appears to me that these pieces are more cosmetic than structural.  

I do have access to a good welder so welding is an option.

Thoughts/Comments/Suggestions.

 

[psdenno]

You can give patching a try.  But, rust is a little like icebergs in that often you only see the tip of it and a lot more is hidden.  Poke around and see how solid the surrounding metal feels.  You may end up replacing a whole panel if you plan on keeping the car for years.

[Racer X]

4 hours ago, bhermes said:

I am in the process of selling my 76 280Z 2+2.  Recently I had a brake line leak that was fixed but I believe caused a rust issue.  I am attaching a photo of the concerned area.  For reference it is about the size of a baseball.  I have seen some replacement pieces for sale, I think that are welded on, for a fix.  However, it appears to me that these pieces are more cosmetic than structural.  

I do have access to a good welder so welding is an option.

Thoughts/Comments/Suggestions.

 

Is that the left frame rail, under the driver’s side footwell?

I see rust on the floor pan too. Looks like your Z needs frame rails and floor pans.

Any “patch job” will only be a band aid, and the problem will be passed on to the next owner.

Edited July 22, 2022 by Racer X

[bhermes]

This is the passenger side I believe caused by a brake line leak.

When you say needs "frame rails and floor pans".  Is that something that can be purchased?  I saw some sheet metal ones for sale but kind of feel this is cosmetic not structural.

I am getting a lot of interest from my listing but feel it is going to be difficult to sale with the rust issue.

Thanks.

[bhermes]

I was looking at this site.

http://www.datsunzparts.com/thanks.html

 

[Patcon]

The floors and that rail are structural to the car. They are not merely cosmetic...

[Yarb]

You have a structural issue . Far from cosmetic. I realize that’s not good news. Take a ice pic and work your way up and down that frame rail. 

[Racer X]

10 hours ago, bhermes said:

This is the passenger side I believe caused by a brake line leak.

When you say needs "frame rails and floor pans".  Is that something that can be purchased?  I saw some sheet metal ones for sale but kind of feel this is cosmetic not structural.

I am getting a lot of interest from my listing but feel it is going to be difficult to sale with the rust issue.

Thanks.

A brake line leak didn’t cause that.

Yes, the sheet metal is available. There is a company in Florida that is producing an ever growing assortment of pieces for Z cars, including frame rails and floor pans. Oh, and the rust pictured is definitely structural, not cosmetic.

And the rust would concern me if I was considering buying this car.

 

[siteunseen]

Klassic Fab...

https://kfvintagejdm.com/shop/datsun-280z/complete-rear-frame-rail-right-side-datsun-280z/

[26th-Z]

Yes, KlassicFab would be a good choice for replacement metal.

[bhermes]

I know that the damage is structural and not cosmetic.  The question is are the replacement parts structural or cosmetic?

 

Thanks.

[Mark Maras]

The parts are structural quality but that is assuming they're installed correctly. Good welds, rust protection, etc.