I took the car to a shop to get it evaluated...
the gy there said that while the car needs some work, it would definetly be a good project for me.

the main problems that have me worried are these:

The frame rails are rusted, the sway bar (front)is barely hanging (I know these cars are unibody so is the term "frame rail" correct).

There is some rust but this is to be expected and I can deal with these rust spots after the frame issue.

Would it be a better idea to have the body parts that have rust damage replaced or simply have them restored?

The body parts are not that expensive from what I have seen and im in no hurry at all, I want it done right!

Also on the frame rail issue, I was directed to gentele man that makes replacement.reinforcement frame rails for the 73 Z from baddogparts.com

this is the part i have in question (huge pic warning):
http://www.baddogparts.com/images/frame-rail.jpg
Has anyone had any experience with him/his services?

P.S. I'm not trying to advertise his work in any way i just need to get some input on my body issues.

thanks

 

If you cover up rusted metal it will continue to rot the car. To do the repair correctly the rusted metal must be cut away and replaced then the bare metal and any surface rust can be delt with with a rust prevenitive like Rust Bullet or POR-15 . This will seal the metal from further exposure to moisture. Zedd findings is a good sorce for replacement metal. If you spend the money to have the work done you might as well do it right . Otherwise it's throwing it down the rat hole. Just welding some layers of metal to scab over the problem does not cure it , it only covers it . Not a safe option. my 2cts

 

Obvious to you maby , but remember you want to do it right. I have seen metal just layered over the rusted rotten member and attached with fiber glass and screws then covered with under coat. The owner thought he did a good fix . I ment no flame to you and not knowing otherwise of your abilities I was explaining further what you has said. Gary

 

Yeah, I understand both points..
today I went to 2 Z specific shops in town:
! guy oiffered to do thr frame work and qutoed me anything from 300-900 dollars for the work.
the other guyy offered me a shell from a 260Z(same year) for 600 and he said about 90% of the parts will transfer without any problems.

While I do want original parts, the frame work guy does this type of things for v8 swaps so I know his work is good and he has many clients from Z car club of Houston, so depending on thins I may get the work done by him after the end of the year...

what are some good things to use for rust-proofing? and is thios something I can do or should I have a shop apply it?

thanks!

 

here are some pics:
pics are rather large so 56k beware

Sway bar plate missing in action:
http://www.estebones.com/random/240Z/z004.jpg

From the front of the car to the back...
http://www.estebones.com/random/240Z/z005.jpg

Clearer pic from behind the front passenger side to the back...
http://www.estebones.com/random/240Z/z006.jpg

--Esteban
any suggestions?