gotham22

The strange thing is that all the damage appears on the drivers side only. I made some wood jack stands this weekend to better support and level the car. I will post pictures this week. Thanks for all the support. They rest of the car looks so good I cant choose the parts car option just yet without giving it a try.

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I thank everyone for their comments and help. I have thought about this a lot and although I am a novice and my setup is no where near ideal I am going to save this car. It’s un-drivable as it is so what do I have to lose? The worst thing is I find out down the road I need to part it out. Besides it will be a great learning experience. I hope I can continue to count on this community to guide me through the process Sent from my iPhone using Classic Zcar Club mobile

A little more progress today. Think I am going to replace the entire frame rail. Where is the best place for a jack stand if I am removing the frame rail. Right now it is on the rail.

Thanks Grannyknot!

So what would be the procedure here? I know I need to cut and grind until I get to good metal. Do i remove the frame rail first or fix the floor pan then do the frame rail? Sent from my iPhone using Classic Zcar Club mobile

Not supposed to see the ground right?! Ugghh. Someone tried to do a half assed fiberglass repair that I cut out today. In the second picture (the one without daylight to the ground) , is this just a coating applied to the metal?

Guys, I was able to do some work on the car today. Started cutting out the cancer!

I want to thank you for all of your replies. It means a lot, especially as I am a novice. I have decided to attempt to do it myself. Doesn’t look like I can make it any worse! Ha! Your advice has been extremely helpful. I love this car! It has been a dream of mine to own one. I just had a baby, she is 4 months old so progress will be slow on the car But I will update the thread as i get stuff done so others like me can learn. This is truly a great community.

No not driving. Figured that would be a bad idea! As for salt, I never drive in the winter or early spring. Too afraid of the salt!! My wife might object to me moving to a non-salty environment!! HA!

Also, does the steering cross member need to be replaced? Or can it be reinforced?

I took some pictures from inside the engine bay. It doesnt look as bad as I thought it would.

I really would like to do it myself. My concern is I don’t have a garage (car is always covered in the driveway). Not sure what fire precautions I need to take welding in my driveway next to my house. I don’t have a ton of room I actually love love trying to do new things and I have been reading up on mig welding. Plus thI satisfaction of doing something yourself is amazing.

Thanks for all the advice. I really appreciate it. I know what I am going through is no different than others, I just wish I could do the work myself. And I agree with you esmit208, if it is going to be done it needs to be done right (i.e. remove all undercoating).

I have to get some pic from inside the engine. Here are pics from the passenger side. Does anyone see glaring issues?

Thanks Patcon. Appreciate the advice. That is the challenge and I want it done properly

Thats what I was thinking as well. I am being realistic. I love this car but when you start to pay that much then you just want a full restoration which I can not afford! Ugggh. Hardest decision I have had to make. if I didn't get it fixed what do you think the best course of action is? Sell it as is? Sell it for parts?

Thanks grannyknot. Sounds pretty bad and expensive. Do you think it is worth saving? I love the car but I don’t want to play 10+ grand to fix it.

I started working on the front suspension of my car and found some rot that looks structural. I have never really worked on cars so I was wondering if some of you might chime in and tell me how bad it really is and can it be fixed\. From what I can tell the rust is isolated to the drivers side front. The passenger side and trunk only have minor surface rust but seem to be in good shape. Also the floor boards seem to be in good shape on both sides. I do not have the skills to do this myself and I am very nervous bringing it to someone as I want it done right and not half arse. Take a look at the pics and let me know what you think. By the way, does anyone know of a good body shop on Long Island?

Guys, wanted to thank you for all your help. I was able to get a cold chisel into the slit and use a pickle fork to separate the two. Didn't have to use much force at all which was surprising

Thanks for all the advice. I wont be able to jump on this until the weekend unfortunately. I do have room to get it apart if it will come apart. Will update all with my progress.

Thanks will try and let you know. I would like to remove the rack completely to inspect and clean up. Probably don't have to remove the whole thing to replace the bushings though as you said.

Hello all, Wondering if someone can give me some advice. I am changing the complete set of front bushings. I have the sway bar out and my next task was the steering rack. I cant seem to get the lower steering joint separated from the pinion. I have blasted it with penetrating fluid for two days and have tried heat. I dont have any leverage to separate them and I dont have enough room for a hammer. Anyone have the same issue? Any ideas. As you can see from the images I removed the loosening nut.

Anyone know where I can find a set of rubber bushings for a 1978 280z? I see complete sets for poly ones but would prefer rubber. Even if I cant find a set I can purchase them individually I just dont know from where. thanks for the help!

I found a nos antenna on eBay. Thanks all for the responses. Much appreciated. Sent from my iPhone using Classic Zcar Club mobile