I've always loved the car. I've just run across a '79. Really needs a lot of work. Isn't currently running. It is complete and seems to be pretty solid regarding rust. But there is one spot that pretty bad - under the car behind the right rear wheel. Wondering if I should take the plung. I haven't done much work on cars before, but I am mechanically inclined. Am I crazy?
- Sean

 

No you're not crazy! I say go for it...

 

I second that

 

Same here man, sounds like a great project Z to start with. Yeah give it all you got bro'. We will help you out, as much as we can. But do make sure you have a car manual handy. There are quite useful, and make it easy to pick up things on these cars. For a cheap but decent manual, get a Haynes. Even a Haynes workshop manual. Try to use Chilton's as a last resort. They can be mis-leading. Well good luck man, and let's see some pics, after you get the Z.

Oh yeah one more important thing. Welcome to Zdriver brother, hope your stay is an enjoyable one. Lots of cool people on this great website. To guide you when you need it. But also the search function, is a great tool. For things that have been discussed before.

 

sounds like an awesome project, but you could always keep an eye out for one with less rust, not like tehy are expensive cars youknow?

 

I like rust.... No really, there's just an unexplainable feeling you get when you realize your car is pure rust.

 

Nismo, you mean that feeling when you slam the pedal to the metal and it goes slam through the floorboard and you see the road passing right under your feet? A friend in high school (30 years ago) had an old car and i rode in it until i put my feet down and the floormats fell through the floorpan onto the road..... yes I know that feeling!!! (If it is an UNEXPLAINABLE feeling, why am i trying to explain it?) Oh well...

 

I'm hesitant to recommend a non-running restoration candidate to a new one to the scene. If you don't get it running and road worthy soon, you'll quickly tire of the effort and money spent on something that's not giving back any road going enjoyment. If you just like to wrench, then I say go for it. If you really want something to drive that's fun to work on, find another example that's running.

Good luck!

Cheers,
LWW

 

Listen to this man! He said it all...and good luck!

 

I agree that the first thing you should do if your going to keep the car is to get it running. If the only major rust is under the rear you may want to get it professionaly done since you're not comfortable doing the work yourself. Restoring a Z is a labor of love. However, once you get the car fixed up it's a fantastic ride. Good Luck