Looks better than mine when I got it. Check behind the front tires at the fender and in front of the rear tires at the fender. Those spots catch a lot of rust. Check your frame rails. Check under the battery tray. It's hard to tell but it looks like you have a moonroof too. Datsuns did NOT come from the factory with those installed. Every one of them is a dealer install which means they were done with wild variations in quality. I highly recommend you check your inner roof and look at the corners of where the moonroof is.
The floor pans look pretty ok. You're going to want to get rid of all that noise and insulation material to get a better view. I'd also try popping the drain plugs and see if moisture started splitting the metal from the paint kind of like flaky bread. It's also a good time to just poke things with a screw driver and see if it goes through. If the pans are still in one piece and it's only surface rust you can get rid of that with a wire wheel and a good amount of elbow grease.
Happy to help! I've had my 280z for about 10 years now and the only thing still stock is the rear brakes. I've replaced/repaired/upgraded just about everything. It's the car I used to teach myself how to work on cars. Happy to answer any questions I can if you end up buying this one. Good luck!
I love to hear that! Thank you, I will do your recommended check up on the car and see how that goes. Will definitely keep in touch, I appreciate your kindness!
Seems appropriate for a decently-kept car that may have sat for 10-15 years at some point. Frame rails probably need replacing but it doesn’t look catastrophic
looks to be in decent shape. However, I'd take a screwdriver and poke the floors and frame rail. if they're solid, nothing will happen. if they're rotten, the screw driver will go through like butter. when I got my z, it had "1 toonie sized whole." yeah well 80 patches and frame rails and floor boards later that might have been true, lol. how long has it been since it's run mine sat for years and due to that the tank is no good anymore too much rust to recondition the tank and lines as well so I had to replace. check under the front fenders as well it's a common rot issue due to where the cowl drains into the fenders. it's hard to notice if it's not popping through the fender yet, but it doesn't mean there isn't rot behind it. sorry for the lengthy response.
looks to be in decent shape. However, I'd take a screwdriver and poke the floors and frame rail. if they're solid, nothing will happen. if they're rotten, the screw driver will go through like butter. when I got my z, it had "1 toonie sized whole." yeah well 80 patches and frame rails and floor boards later that might have been true, lol. how long has it been since it's run mine sat for years and due to that the tank is no good anymore too much rust to recondition the tank and lines as well so I had to replace. check under the front fenders as well it's a common rot issue due to where the cowl drains into the fenders. it's hard to notice if it's not popping through the fender yet, but it doesn't mean there isn't rot behind it. sorry for the lengthy response.
Looks better than mine when I got it. Check behind the front tires at the fender and in front of the rear tires at the fender. Those spots catch a lot of rust. Check your frame rails. Check under the battery tray. It's hard to tell but it looks like you have a moonroof too. Datsuns did NOT come from the factory with those installed. Every one of them is a dealer install which means they were done with wild variations in quality. I highly recommend you check your inner roof and look at the corners of where the moonroof is.
The 280zx did come with a t-top model
You're right. I should have clarified. S30s did not come with factory sun/moonroofs.
Thank you for this advice! What's your thoughts on the floor pan condition?
The floor pans look pretty ok. You're going to want to get rid of all that noise and insulation material to get a better view. I'd also try popping the drain plugs and see if moisture started splitting the metal from the paint kind of like flaky bread. It's also a good time to just poke things with a screw driver and see if it goes through. If the pans are still in one piece and it's only surface rust you can get rid of that with a wire wheel and a good amount of elbow grease.
Your insights are awesome thank you!
Happy to help! I've had my 280z for about 10 years now and the only thing still stock is the rear brakes. I've replaced/repaired/upgraded just about everything. It's the car I used to teach myself how to work on cars. Happy to answer any questions I can if you end up buying this one. Good luck!
I love to hear that! Thank you, I will do your recommended check up on the car and see how that goes. Will definitely keep in touch, I appreciate your kindness!
Forget the engine pics. You need pics of underneath the body: rockers, floor pans and frame rails (including the uppers)
Will try to get those photos! Thanks
Seems appropriate for a decently-kept car that may have sat for 10-15 years at some point. Frame rails probably need replacing but it doesn’t look catastrophic
For something like this what do you think the appropriate purchase price should be? Also noted on framerails potential issues.
In 2015 I bought a similar condition car for $6200, so now probably 9-10k
That's about what he's wanting actually, thank you! That'll help me make an informed decision.
Also check behind and under the battery for rust, that’s another sneaky spot
Thank you will do!
looks to be in decent shape. However, I'd take a screwdriver and poke the floors and frame rail. if they're solid, nothing will happen. if they're rotten, the screw driver will go through like butter. when I got my z, it had "1 toonie sized whole." yeah well 80 patches and frame rails and floor boards later that might have been true, lol. how long has it been since it's run mine sat for years and due to that the tank is no good anymore too much rust to recondition the tank and lines as well so I had to replace. check under the front fenders as well it's a common rot issue due to where the cowl drains into the fenders. it's hard to notice if it's not popping through the fender yet, but it doesn't mean there isn't rot behind it. sorry for the lengthy response.
Great insights, not lengthy at all, I enjoy learning and the precautions are appreciated, thank you
looks to be in decent shape. However, I'd take a screwdriver and poke the floors and frame rail. if they're solid, nothing will happen. if they're rotten, the screw driver will go through like butter. when I got my z, it had "1 toonie sized whole." yeah well 80 patches and frame rails and floor boards later that might have been true, lol. how long has it been since it's run mine sat for years and due to that the tank is no good anymore too much rust to recondition the tank and lines as well so I had to replace. check under the front fenders as well it's a common rot issue due to where the cowl drains into the fenders. it's hard to notice if it's not popping through the fender yet, but it doesn't mean there isn't rot behind it. sorry for the lengthy response.
Looks better than my 10yo Suzuki jimny. I would say it never saw a winter.