Hey guys so these past couple of months I have fallen in love with pictures of clean and restored 240z. I have only seen rusty old Zs around here. It'd be a dream come true to build and restore myself a 240, plus do a L28ET swap. The only problem is, is that half of the builds I read about are how they are selling their project because they have spent so much time and money in it, but they other half have produced nice cars. I'm 18 years old and am making decent money, I don't really have any experience when it comes to building and restoring. Just the basic stuff such as changing the oil in my truck. So it would be a big learning experience. So I was wanting your guys 2cents, would it be wiser to just buy an early 90's Nissan 240sx or go ahead and try and restore a 240z? Thanks for your time
~ Tristan

 

Welcome to ZDriver!

Well, you're asking a lot from people who don't know you. Those guys selling their unfinished Zs are out of money, time - and probably steam too. Restoring a 240Z can be a huge project and take years. Only you can know if you're ready for it - and have the space, time and bucks to stick to it and get it done. Good idea to check out the restoration threads in the archives here. You will see the kind of work guys get to do.

For starters, why not get yourself a newer Z (80s, 90s) that runs at least, make it your daily driver while you bring it back one step at a time to 100%. Just catching up with all the missed maintenance is a lot of time and money - and you will really get to know that Z up close and personal. In the meantime check out the ride you are getting from it. That ride has a long history and represents what the 240s became over the decades. If you are still hot for a 240 after all that, go for it. You'll stay more fired up over the months if you always have another Z that starts and runs every day.

Take your sweet time picking through the 240 rust buckets. Some rust is just a deal killer. Find a place to store it where you can work on it whenever you want - and just dig in. But for now, get a Z that runs and just drive it. Looks aren't everything. It may not really be your kind of ride after all. If it is, you're family!

 

I can echo that it takes a lot of time and a fair amount of money, depending on the initial condition of the car and how far you plan to take the restoration.
My son was lucky to find a '73 240Z with very limited rust (almost none) and a straight body. Several hundred dollars of additional parts, and he is loving it as a daily driver - upgrading and adding as finances allow.
Step 1 - identify and stop any rust (remove, replace, cover (e.g. POR15)
All Zs will have some rust. Watch for excess bondo. Look for rust in all the common places.
Step 2 - get 'er running safely
Step 3 - drive it. She will tell you what she needs. (My son's approach)
I have tried to document my refurbish experience with lots of photos - please take a look WoodWorkerB.com

 

Thank you guys I really appreciate it, the idea of buying a newer Z sounds really good. I might have to do that, I still love the look of the 280zx. I might have to get one, and I'll see how I like it and then later on down the line get a 240 like you suggested. What's the best Z car after the 240 in you're opinions?

 

Wow WoodWorker that car is absolutely gorgeous, and that sounds great. Mabye I should look for a car that has already been restored in the past, and hopefully not pay out the butt for it, but it could be worth it.