So I jacked up Emily today cause were pulling the engine and I noticed that the jack was smashing the frame. I look under the car and behind the wheels and its crumbling with rust. Is the frame shot? IDK what to do. I found an 83 with T tops... runs and drives.... mines alot cleaner body wise should I just use mine as a donor car. I have 2 L28s and trannies. I'm Kind of panicing.

 

https://www.zdriver.com/forums/280zx...rcement-35247/

https://www.zdriver.com/forums/280zx...z-owner-34825/

 

Well I read both threads but, will it work even if both frame rails are completely rusted out to the point it's crumbling metal? The car has been sitting in my driveway since last summer, it didn't run when I bought it cause I wanted a project. And, even if I could salvage it would it just be easier/safer to get the 83?

 

If it's a solid car get it. I hate to see a S130 die but a rusty Datsun is a nightmare. It's like an iceberg - what you can see is only the tip of the iceberg..

 

Time to make peace with the great z gods in the sky. Original showroom Z goes for $20 k tops. A restored rust bucket id say $5 grand. Frame rot is a death nail. To fab the floor boards, floor supports, is right around id say 30 hours per side. Fab new rockers, dog legs inner and outer rear wheel wells Id say 50 hours a side. Next up D.A. the entire car. Touch up finish work with mud. Stick the car down to ensure proper body line blends. Two coats of primer . Prep work , Two coats base , prep work, two coats clear final buffing. Re install all chrome work lights and a last detailing of the car. All together Id say atleast 200 hours and about 15 grand to get ya in shape. Find a clean z ! ! Everyone tried saveing their rusty projects and in the end they learned the hard way. Now if ya had a numbers matching Olds 442 or a 68 mustang fast back. Yea Place 30 grand in and sell for 70. But its a Datsun.

 

What happened to the English language?

Anyhow yes I think.... get a solid car - they are cheap and available. You might have to get one that isn't local to you but there are lots of solid cars in North America. Way more rusty ones but the value of a solid one just doesn't justify spending the time/money on a rusty one....

 

I saved my very rusty car. For me it was only time and sheet metal. Took me 14 months to do a frame off per say resto. To me it was worth it as it was my first car and it was a 79 coupe slick roof number 5055 off the line. If you can do the work and have space I'm an advocate for saving cars as they will be rare one day. Every car junked just makes mine worth more!!

 

I have to agree.My 81 turbo is in rough shape i have to do the floors and rails on both sides.I got a killer deal on an 82 NA t top car last year the floors in it were in bad shape too.I looked at the available retro fit floor kit with the rails.I went to the local metal shop got a half sheet of 18ga and a 20ft stick of 1 x 3 mild steel tubing and have enough metal to do my repairs for $130 or so for both cars.I have all of the equipment and went to school for autobody repair plus I have a 1200 sq ft shop to work in to boot.I am the 2nd owner of the turbo and 3rd of the 82 so I plan on keeping them both.