I'm looking at a 280ZX that looks really good except for much body rust... frame is good tho. What kind of trouble is it to fix rust? Also how hard is it to find quarter panels and if necessary a whole new body for a 1981 280ZX? Also are the body panels for an 81 280ZX coupe interchangable with the rest of the 78-83 series coupes?

 

usually nobody looks at z's with rust. dont get it. find yourself another z without rust.

David K- SoCalZ Prez

 

yeah scully, I live in BC and it's hard to find them without rust here too.. they just weren't built for our climate

 

It's not just as easy as replacing the body, you can replace the bonnet, fenders, doors, and hatch, but the rest is a part of the structure, so it is not just as simple as replacing it with a non rusted body. You're much better of getting a car with as little rust as possible

Alan, Australia

 

How bad is the rust? You can find body panel in the junkyard sometimes (i got lucky and found 2 fenders for mine). If it small stuff you can use some fibreglass with body filler, if its large pieces you can buy repair panels and get them welded in. Up here in canada its nearly impossible to find one without rust, so i doubt your search for one without will be inexpensive.

 

Thanks for the help guys... I understand what you people are saying about staying away from rusty cars... makes sense... but if my mechanic says it's mechanically sound then I'll probably get it and fix the rust because I don't have the money to spend on a mint condition z. I would appreciate it if anyone that still have comments about this opinion would contribute it as well. Thx

 

hey it may cost more to fix the rust than buying one that doesnt have any. we arent saying to find a mint condition z, just find one that will be a better start. the drivetrain, even if it is running perfect, costs a penny compared to bodywork and fixing rust.

David K- SoCalZ Prez

 

Rust huh? Yuk.
If the rust is eating too much, you can always cut it out and fiberglass it. It's not too much to do that. but of course fiberglass won't last you though. And if you have a nasty rust problem, i would suggest getting another Z.
If you can get that 280 for a good price and buy another zx body, you can just transfer the enjine. *shrug* just a thought.
-kevin-

 

Up here in canada it is IMPOSSIBLE to find a cheap z without rust, so stop telling him to find one, cuz there arn't any. If he was getting it to spend a fortune i don't think he would be asking how to fix it, he would just drop the car off at a bodyshop. The only alternative is to buy one stateside, but then again we are talking about spending alot more money and hassles with importation etc.

 

not without spending over 6grand anyways