Is it worth it? (New To Forum)
04-22-2016, 01:22 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 4
Is it worth it? (New To Forum)
Hey guys,
I am interested in buying some form of 240-280z. I have been searching for a long time, just looking for something cheap that I can work on and build myself. Money is a factor in purchasing it, but I will be doing ALL of the work myself. I have the required tools and such, and I know I can find the required knowledge. This would be my 2nd Z, behind a 96 300zx Twin Turbo. Okay that being said, I would like to know if you all think this car is worth the money.
1983 280zx Turbo
Its pretty beat up I understand. Thats not an issue for me. The car needs a head gasket, a new radiator and alternator. The bad is the glass. The 2 passenger windows were busted out, along with the rear glass. I see I can get the 2 passenger windows on ebay for about $120USD. But nothing for the rear. It comes with the hood and rear bumper. The interior isn't in great shape from what I can see, I'll try to keep this updated as I get more info about it. If you all will post questions I'll find out the answers. I believe its stock motor/120k miles with a stock auto tranny.
Just wanted to know your alls opinion as if to if it would be worth it. I don't want to spend over what it would be worth in the long run. Just want a Z to cruise around in and beat it up. Seems like this would be a decent starting option. Just to make it clear, this car will be a cruiser, not many miles put on it. Just something to have fun in. I don't plan on painting or doing a full restore. Just a running driving project. Thanks a lot guys
Starting Price is: $350
I am interested in buying some form of 240-280z. I have been searching for a long time, just looking for something cheap that I can work on and build myself. Money is a factor in purchasing it, but I will be doing ALL of the work myself. I have the required tools and such, and I know I can find the required knowledge. This would be my 2nd Z, behind a 96 300zx Twin Turbo. Okay that being said, I would like to know if you all think this car is worth the money.
1983 280zx Turbo Its pretty beat up I understand. Thats not an issue for me. The car needs a head gasket, a new radiator and alternator. The bad is the glass. The 2 passenger windows were busted out, along with the rear glass. I see I can get the 2 passenger windows on ebay for about $120USD. But nothing for the rear. It comes with the hood and rear bumper. The interior isn't in great shape from what I can see, I'll try to keep this updated as I get more info about it. If you all will post questions I'll find out the answers. I believe its stock motor/120k miles with a stock auto tranny.
Just wanted to know your alls opinion as if to if it would be worth it. I don't want to spend over what it would be worth in the long run. Just want a Z to cruise around in and beat it up. Seems like this would be a decent starting option. Just to make it clear, this car will be a cruiser, not many miles put on it. Just something to have fun in. I don't plan on painting or doing a full restore. Just a running driving project. Thanks a lot guys
Starting Price is: $350
Last edited by EHutton; 04-22-2016 at 05:05 PM.
04-23-2016, 08:43 AM
#2
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Tucson, Arizona USA
Posts: 576
Wow, that's rough. Not sure I'd make that thing a driver. Have you gotten a close look to see what the rust situation is?
Hatch window glass is hard to find. You will likely end up at a junk yard.
If the head gasket is blown, there might be even more damage inside.
You said that money is a factor. I don't know to what level you want to bring this car to but IMHO (emphasis on opinion), if you go forward, plan on a long term project, working on it as funds become available. Problem with this approach is losing interest. So many projects get abandoned and much of the work and money spent is just flushed. Be sure this is something you want to do.
My own experience, fully restoring a 260Z required two cars (about the same shape as the one you are considering), three years of intensive work and well over $30K to complete. Yes, it is gorgeous and sometimes wins its class in local shows.
At $350, that's more the price of a parts car and that might be a good buy cuz you can probably sell lots of the parts and make some more money for a better purchase.
EDIT: OK, I re-read your post. If you just want to drive a beat-up Z, it might be OK but you can probably find something running for less than what you'll have to invest in this one. The big risk will still be the drive-train (motor, tranny, diff). Can the motor be turned? When did it last run? Find out what the rust situation is. I can't read the plate so I'm not sure where your are (rust state?). Look underneath and make sure it is safe, i.e. frame rails are OK, suspension is OK, no holes in gas tank. Check the fuel lines for leaks and so on.
Hatch window glass is hard to find. You will likely end up at a junk yard.
If the head gasket is blown, there might be even more damage inside.
You said that money is a factor. I don't know to what level you want to bring this car to but IMHO (emphasis on opinion), if you go forward, plan on a long term project, working on it as funds become available. Problem with this approach is losing interest. So many projects get abandoned and much of the work and money spent is just flushed. Be sure this is something you want to do.
My own experience, fully restoring a 260Z required two cars (about the same shape as the one you are considering), three years of intensive work and well over $30K to complete. Yes, it is gorgeous and sometimes wins its class in local shows.
At $350, that's more the price of a parts car and that might be a good buy cuz you can probably sell lots of the parts and make some more money for a better purchase.
EDIT: OK, I re-read your post. If you just want to drive a beat-up Z, it might be OK but you can probably find something running for less than what you'll have to invest in this one. The big risk will still be the drive-train (motor, tranny, diff). Can the motor be turned? When did it last run? Find out what the rust situation is. I can't read the plate so I'm not sure where your are (rust state?). Look underneath and make sure it is safe, i.e. frame rails are OK, suspension is OK, no holes in gas tank. Check the fuel lines for leaks and so on.
Last edited by beg3yrs; 04-23-2016 at 08:50 AM.
04-23-2016, 08:51 AM
#3
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 4
Wow, that's rough. Not sure I'd make that thing a driver. Have you gotten a close look to see what the rust situation is?
Hatch window glass is hard to find. You will likely end up at a junk yard.
If the head gasket is blown, there might be even more damage inside.
You said that money is a factor. I don't know to what level you want to bring this car to but IMHO (emphasis on opinion), if you go forward, plan on a long term project, working on it as funds become available. Problem with this approach is losing interest. So many projects get abandoned and much of the work and money spent is just flushed. Be sure this is something you want to do.
My own experience, fully restoring a 260Z required two cars (about the same shape as the one you are considering), three years of intensive work and well over $30K to complete. Yes, it is gorgeous and sometimes wins its class in local shows.
At $350, that's more the price of a parts car and that might be a good buy cuz you can probably sell lots of the parts and make some more money for a better purchase.
Hatch window glass is hard to find. You will likely end up at a junk yard.
If the head gasket is blown, there might be even more damage inside.
You said that money is a factor. I don't know to what level you want to bring this car to but IMHO (emphasis on opinion), if you go forward, plan on a long term project, working on it as funds become available. Problem with this approach is losing interest. So many projects get abandoned and much of the work and money spent is just flushed. Be sure this is something you want to do.
My own experience, fully restoring a 260Z required two cars (about the same shape as the one you are considering), three years of intensive work and well over $30K to complete. Yes, it is gorgeous and sometimes wins its class in local shows.
At $350, that's more the price of a parts car and that might be a good buy cuz you can probably sell lots of the parts and make some more money for a better purchase.
04-26-2016, 04:54 PM
#5
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 4
Gas tank was cleaned last year. So it's in good shape.
Rust is just the typical Z rust
Shocks are in decent shape not great
Good Tranny
Runs and drives
Just installed lower gasket kit, but needs upper gasket kit to run.
04-27-2016, 04:01 AM
#6
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Fort Wayne, IN
Posts: 143
You can easily make your $350 back by parting it out, or you could make that money back by getting it running and reselling it.
I have no regrets about buying my Z or even what I paid for it, but if there is one thing I wish it is that I paid more to start with a better one than the one I have.
I'm pretty sure that if you buy that one, you will get it running and have a great car to keep you out of trouble and you will have no regrets. If it were me though, I would look for better bones to start with.
I have no regrets about buying my Z or even what I paid for it, but if there is one thing I wish it is that I paid more to start with a better one than the one I have.
I'm pretty sure that if you buy that one, you will get it running and have a great car to keep you out of trouble and you will have no regrets. If it were me though, I would look for better bones to start with.
04-28-2016, 05:45 AM
#7
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 4
You can easily make your $350 back by parting it out, or you could make that money back by getting it running and reselling it.
I have no regrets about buying my Z or even what I paid for it, but if there is one thing I wish it is that I paid more to start with a better one than the one I have.
I'm pretty sure that if you buy that one, you will get it running and have a great car to keep you out of trouble and you will have no regrets. If it were me though, I would look for better bones to start with.
I have no regrets about buying my Z or even what I paid for it, but if there is one thing I wish it is that I paid more to start with a better one than the one I have.
I'm pretty sure that if you buy that one, you will get it running and have a great car to keep you out of trouble and you will have no regrets. If it were me though, I would look for better bones to start with.
04-28-2016, 08:25 AM
#8
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Tucson, Arizona USA
Posts: 576
Heck, maybe with a good motor/tranny you can keep looking for another car with a blown motor/tranny.
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