Hey all. i originally bought an 83 zx to restore, and got screwed because some idiot did a crapload of shitty bondo work on the quater panels. so after about 500$ of work on this thing, the body is completly rusting out, leaving a few good frame parts and roof panels, non leaking t tops, and some other good things. with a solid drivetrain.
theres the backround story.
heres where im at now.
my friend got a car in his yard. its an 83 zx in pretty good condition, all interior parts, t top shade, covers, all electronics work, and with very little rust, very good paint, and the same interior color as the old one. and get this: it only has 72,000 orignal miles. (my previous one is considered low at 105k). heres the catch: there is a frame problem in the spring mount. how can i fix that, if its even worth it to buy the car for a grand. any thoughts or criticizmz are appreciated.

 

Could you explain the problem in more detail? I don't really understand what you mean...

 

the frame is rusted and needs 10 gauge steel reinforcement, right under the spring mount on the drivers side

 

Hmm ... is this particular area in decent shape on your rusted-out Z? I would say, if you have decent welding skills and are very handy with a measuring tape, I'd cut the area out of both cars, and place the good piece where the rusted one was removed. I had originally planned to do that with my Zed, as I've got a major rust problem from the strut mount forward on the right side. I was just going to save up and have a professional autobody shop repair mine, as well as the other imperfections.

If the car is in immaculate shape, aside from the rust problem on the spring perch, I'd say go for it. I know I couldn't turn down a low-mileage, good-condition Zed for a grand.

-Dave-O

 

thanx, but the part isnt the greatest on my old z, but everything else that ive modified or whatever on the old one can be used for the new one and i can figure out some way to do this all. i just came across an 82 280zx 2+2 with 245000 miles on it with some good stuff, like a brand new turbo and a good frame and wheels for like 500$, maybe even 200. should i go for that too?

 

I'd snag that 2+2 turbo, if anything! That's a steal, especially for a turbo! Unless you're more looking for a 2-seater, then you could snag both, and put all the good stuff from the 2+2 that will fit, onto your 2-seater.

I like the 2+2 ZX's more, but that's just me. I know a lot more people are into the 2-seater, so it's personal preference.

 

Ya buy that turbo car and use the engine and transmission. Maybe the spring perch will be good there. If not, let me know and I can cut out that section from my parts car and send it.
Are you talking about the front or rear spring? I'm assuming the front.

 

im going to drive the car with 72,000 miles home today. im not quite sure about the perch, and the mounts look like a tough job, so any help is appreciated- regardless, the 2+2 is still sitting, and im not so keen on the car, because of the way it sounds when its running. its not the normal smooth running engine we all have and love in our zs. ill resaearch more, but i doubt itll be worth it. anyway, thanx all, and ill b back later. peace