Hey guys. I recently was able to obtain a 1979 Datsun 280ZX. When I say "obtain" I mean I got it for free.
Except for the cost to tow it, since it doesn't currently run. In fact it's in quite bad shape right now, the chassis is rusted a lot underneath, the gas tank and sending unit is rusted really bad too, and it needs a lot of maintenance.
But I thought you guys might be interested to hear about it, my dad and I are contemplating if we should try and restore this thing, I think we should just go for it.

It reminded me a lot about the S2k though, the way you sit right on the ground with it, the way it's only got 2 seats, and the short shifter like in the S2k. Though, frankly I'd rather have an S2k any day, it would be a hell of a lot more fun, but hey it's free and could be fun to fix up.

I've got pics if anyone wants to see. ^_^
Has anyone else had any experience with the older Z cars?

Edit: Pics of said car lower down on this page.

 

please post pictures. I used to have '85 300zx and that car kicked some butt!

 

280ZX's are OK, I guess, but to me they are primarily parts donor cars for the 240Z

Rusty? Sell it and buy a non-rusty one. It is absolutely not worth dealing with a rusty one, infinitely better/easier/cheaper to spend a few grand up front for a NON-rusted example.

To my mind, FUN fixing-up work is improving suspension, engine, and drivetrain. Dealing with rust? NOT fun!

 

+1. Money spent on fixing up a rusty car is better spent on pizza -- or anything for that matter. UNLESS it's a car you could not otherwise access (too rare or too expensive). I tried this once (non-280ZX).

By the way, someone loaned me an old-car mag in the past week or two, I don't remember which one (Hemmings Classics?) with a feature article on the 280ZX.

200,000 years from now the last human-made artifact left on earth will be a Datsun L-series engine; they are that durable.

 

Only restore something that will be worth something when you are done. I don't think a ZX will be worth anything when you are done, a 240Z might be, but not a ZX.

I'd lokk at getting something like a late 70s Trans Am, they are still somewhat cheap and will be worth something someday and parts are easy to get.

 

True, also because the rest of the car will have rusted away from the engine.

280ZX is a great car, not as sporting as the 240/260, but better appointed (the X stands for luxury). It was about as quick as a Corvette in its day. It really depends on just how badly rusted the frame is - All Japanese cars of the era rust, but if the frame is salvageable the rest of the car is easy to restore; last I saw a full restoration cost around $10-14k.

Assuming its a two seater - the 2+2 are worthless.

 

Unless it's a 57 Ferrari 250 Testarossa, find a rust free example.

 

I didn't think much of the 280ZX when it was new, and wouldn't bother fixing up a sad successor to the real Z's that Datsun/Nissan built its sports car heritage on.

 

For anyone doing restorations to old rusty cars, when you get to the point of repainting, look into two-part epoxy primers. The epoxy based primer will seal the body from future rust if applied correctly.

 

Non rusted 280z exists?

I got to get out of the northeast.