ohsemix

So i bought a 280zx for $900 on impulse with my dad turns out it has more rust than i would like but i dont know what to do with it sell it or fix it and whats the most i can sell it for if i do it is rotted on the lower part of the wind shield the spare tire well has a basketball size rust whole and the undercarriage rails are mildly rusted

https://www.flickr.com/photos/106955444@N07/

NismoPick

Welcome to ZDriver!

All 280zx's (minus Arizona / some So Cal 280zx's) will have a bit of rust. The farther north you go, the greater the rust. Looking through your pics (most are underside (doesn't really count)), your car is pretty clean. I've seen and owned MUCH worse.

Having said that, rust repair IS NOT CHEAP. If you start the rust repair process, it will probably never end, because there is always more rust than what is visible. So, if you want to spend $4k-$15k for a full resto, go for it... just know the car will never be worth that if you try to sell it. I've done a full resto on mine (minus paint) and am into the body about $10k.

So, it's your car... my suggestions:
-Drive it and be happy.
-Resto it and spend lots of money.
-Sell it for what you bought it.

We've discussed this many times here, so feel free to search out other people's sab stories (no offense ).

ohsemix

Ooooh ok well i always wanted the car so ill be happy lol but thanks for the advise realy appreciate it. Now begins by never ending car modification and repair journey good thing i still have 2 years untill i get my license that enough time to fix most major damage.

Lesnocker

Um look below at my avatar! Yea take it in could be WAYYYY Worse! Pull the carpet and look at the Body / rear sub frame connections behind the seats. If these are gone the car should go. The windshield area just bondo the hell out of it and you will be fine. Under the car use a wire wheel and SAFTEY GLASSES!!!! Clean the whole deal bumper to bumper. All small holes use bondo. Large "over a golf ball" you need to weld. Then two steps here. use a good rust inhibitor primer then under coat the car. Got two years right get sweating.

ohsemix

Well thats the only rust i can find. now i have to spend $200 in radiator cost and $100 in a new brake booster mine is cracked or the rust made holes in it. i wonder if i can weld it?

SHADY280

the rust at the subframe spot is actually the easiest spot to fix! its the frame rails that suck the most. that and a full quarter panel, and inner fenders.