Attention body experts: what's your diagnosis?

[Rkroel]

Hello all, just purchased a '71 240Z in good shape save for one thing.

This:

Another view:

This spot is located in the vicinity of the red circle:

Can anyone provide some insight into the seriousness of this encounter with a foreign object? It does not look like the rust has spread too far, but my opinion is definitely not an experienced one.

Thanks again for your help.

Ryan

[kyteler]

Looks like some dork just jacked it in the wrong position then probably sat his fat arse in it.

Note: If you're a dork with a fat arse, I apologise in advance

[Rkroel]

, no im not the fat dork. But it appears that there are scrapes leading up to the gash. Could be a coincidence.

Oh well, what can you do about previous owner stupidity?

Thanks

Ryan

[EScanlon]

Well, I hate to be the one to break the bad news to you, but in my opinion you've got a problem underneath that sheet metal and bondo.

From what I can determine on the pictures the seam between the rocker panel and the front dogleg of the rear wheel opening is gone, that is how I can confirm that bondo has been applied. The major crack in the bondo is the first clue.

Depending on WHY the bondo was applied in the first place is what will determine if you have a Major headache or a simple fix.

I concur that it looks as though someone ran over a parking lot tire stop or a shop jack placed in that position. If the later, then it is a clear indication that the sheet metal in that area has been drastically weakened. Whether it was due to a prior bump that did not have the metal properly straightened and tempered or because the metal is so badly rusted that there isn't much strength left in it, is what will have to be determined when you open it up.

Thankfully you can still get replacement metal, or at least I think so. If not, it isn't that hard of a piece to fabricate by a good body shop that has a good sheet metal man.

The biggest problem is that determining how deep or extensive the rust/bondo damage is can only be done by removing all the bondo and seeing what you find, and possibly cutting into it.

2¢

Enrique

[Zs-ondabrain]

Best bet on that is to grind the area to remove any pending BONDO OR RUST, that will give you a better insight as to what your dealing with, rather than all of us taking our (best guess) at it.

Even a wire wheel will remove basic bonda and rust, and if your not in the mood to deal with the problem (no time or money) you can always primer it for a temporary hold till you can get to it.

But dont wait to long (Please) as time is money and rust sucks arse!

my .02$

Dave

[Rkroel]

Thanks for the info guys. I know its not pretty.

Ryan

[26th-Z]

It looks like you are going to have some problems. New body panels - http://www.rustrepair.com/app2/onlinecat.htm?p=sm-datsun

[Ben]

Yes it needs work, but don't be too concerned. My 240Z has got replacement doglegs on both sides, and when we removed all the paint it was discovered that it's had a new RH read guard fitted (incorrectly) and the LH rear guard was rippled to hell.

I still classify it as a good shell!

Sills rails & floors are the easiest parts to fix - it's panels like the roof that are difficult.

But I second the call - investigate now, prevent it from getting worse.

[Rkroel]

Thanks for the positive words :classic:

We plan on fixing it ASAP.

Ryan