Are we getting in over our heads?

[Mr.Woof's72z]

1972 240Z and 1974 260Z. It's local, my friend is looking at getting a new car and I already own a '72 240Z. I did a mild restoration on my dad's MGB a few years back but don't have as many tools as I'd like in order to do a restoration on these. Our goal is to get the 240Z in good shape, and if time and resources allow possibly get the 260Z running and driving. So, for those who have done restorations before, what's your take? Both cars are F/S for $3000...

[bigoak]

Hmmm...front end damage...

Unless the 240Z is rust free (not likely), I'd look into pulling decent candidate out of California or Texas. Values are lower there and will likely offset any transport cost to get the car to Colorado.

Do a little research on the site and you'll see consistent advice...buy the most solid body you can afford. Good bodies are under-valued relative to the cost of bringing a bad one back from the brink.

Good luck finding your Z.

[240znz]

How long is a piece of string?

If I were looking to buy it, I'd take it to a local garage, get it on a hoist so I could inspect the underneath. Poke about for signs of the rust monster as that is the most expensive war to win in any restoration. Check to see if all the bits are on the car. As you already own a 240z, you'll know what to look for. But remember that you need to distance the emotional want as it clouds the mind, so maybe make up a check list so you don't get strayed. Assess the check list and price up the repairs needed to get the car to what you want. Be realistic with your prices, then add 25%.

"Retoration/rebuild/good shape" are poles apart in terms of cost.

[psdenno]

Only add 25% to the estimate? I suggest, based on my experience, that you double what you think it will cost and double, or triple, the time you think it will take. If it gets done sooner and costs less than anticipated, rejoice!

Dennis

[Mr.Woof's72z]

I did have to keep reminding myself that no matter how much I love Z cars, it will not be my car and I would be working on it just for the enjoyment of working on Z's (my friend is the one who is interested in owning a Z after seeing and driving mine). We have not had a chance to check out the car in person, though the seller gave me TONS of very detailed photos, though I don't know how old they are. The 240 body and undercarriage looks very good, and all spots where they are prone to rust seems to be in good condition (again, from pictures, not firsthand). Regardless, it will be a long shot if we do manage to pick this up before someone else does, he's already had other offers on the car but would like to sell it to us because I own a Z and both my friend and I seem to be more mechanically oriented then some of the other people who offered. We will see...

[beandip]

If you are going into this with the idea that you will make some money. Stop and find another way to spend your money. You will put more into the car than you can recover when selling it. Now having said this , where can you go out on the used car market and own a superb sports car , that looks great , handles great and is so fun to drive , for less than $10,000.00? As time goes on the value of these cars will catch up. It has come up plenty in the past 8 year that I have owned mine. If you love to work on your Z and even though some times you may become discouraged you persevere and continue because you want to . Not have to. Then the journey will be worth the effort. I truly enjoy just driving my 240 on a clear sunny day more than anything else. She took just over 3 years to redo , but I enjoyed all of the time. because I chose to do it and all was done at home in my garage. Gary