First car! I hope this was a good choice. Its a 280zx with a bit of needed work.I bought the car for 800$ and was hoping for a project. Im 17 and a machinist, so basically i can make anything with a few turns of a dial. But im very green to sheet metal work, i can TIG/MIG/Stick weld. Im also decent with wiring, but still need guidance to do big stuff.

Things that don't work/problems:

• Digital dash Speedometer(Always reads 0 Mph)
• Digital dash gas guage(Always says its full)
• Air conditioning and fan
• Clock
• Power Mirrors (Sluggish)
• Power Windows (Sluggish)
• No Radio
• Interior Lights
• Need Interior (Sun damage and crispy)

Any Suggestions on body work or anything in general?
I know the area right above the windshield is rotten
The the structure of the hood (Nothing visible on the outside)
On the fender(i hope) right above the door hinge (See picture)





If you have any help or suggestions, please leave a reply. Thanks!

 

Welcome to ZDriver!

I have restored my rust bucket 81 280zx... replaced both quarters, rockers, floor pans, fenders, hood, roof, and other crap. Took way too long and cost way too much $$$. I did all the work while in an Auto Collision Repair program. I'd never attempt a full resto on my own without training.

 

So is it worth it to restore? Or should i flip it now? I put 220$ into it and made it road worthy So in total i spent 1020$, do you think i can get 1,800 for it?

 

That's a question only you can answer...
Are you going to keep it forever?
Do you care about doing a lot of work, and spending lots of money you'll never get back?
Or do you want to use this car to learn and gain repair experience?

 

Dang you sound just like my dad, more than likely i'd sell it and get one with a good roof. thanks

 

Check out the resources for you at Xenon. XenonZcar.com Includes a factory service manual, even. Loads of other info too.

A restore job needs your heart in it or it won't ever happen. But that is one good-looking Z when you consider her age. Previous owner(s) put a lot of love into her, that much is clear from your fotos. So now it's your call whether to continue the love or not. If not, sell her to someone who has what she needs.