Hello everyone, my name is Erik

I am new to this site and to z cars. I just bought a 71 240z for a refresh/ restore project with my dad. The cars engine runs strong and has no immediate causes for concern. The body however, is the opposite. There is moderate to severe rust on the exterior panels, and we haven't seen the body underneath yet. Does anyone know what our first step should be and/or have recommendations?

 

Welcome to ZDriver!

Do you / your dad have auto body collision / restoration experience?

 

We don't have much experience at all. I have knowledge of newer jdm cars, like 240sx's and mr2's but have never dealt with body repairs before. I'm guessing we need to figure out exactly how much rust is okay before starting a restoration before we even attempt to do this.

 

Z's tend to have cancer under the floorboards, under front fenders, most parts can be cut out and replaced, here's a link to some parts. Id say save the car, 71 Z's are getting harder to find, and there's a lot of pride in owning one, so don't get frustrated, its a labor of love.

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/CTGY/SBC1D01

Keep posting pics and keep us updated on your progress.

Congrats !

 

Body work (especially auto restoration) is not something you just jump into and do. You need to know what you are doing. Just like an accountant with zero mechanical experience wouldn't (or shouldn't) rebuild a motor. It takes time to understand, be trained on, and build skills in auto body restoration.

If you want to use this car as a learning project, and you don't care if you kill it, then go ahead and mutilate... otherwise I advise you to take some auto collision courses first or take the car to an auto body shop.

 

Workspace, books, tools, advice, and time will be a priceless memory for you and your Dad.

 

Should have done more research on S30s before buying yours. A strong engine is nice, but an L-series engine is very easy to work on, and since you know 240sx's, you will realize that a L24 is very similar to a KA24.

When buying a S30 the rust is what you need to be most concerned about. IF the body is too far gone, then it isn't worth it to spend money repairing it. Your best bet is too find a shell that was manageable rust. Frame rails and floor pans are no problem, since they make good quality replacements for those. It's the strut towers you need to worry most about. Also if the car has a lot of rot on the body (doors, hatch, hood, etc...) it just isn't worth it. Get some pictures up and we can judge better. But it sounds like you are going to be in a world of rusty pain.