Opportunity to Purchase Datsun 280zx

[TheFauxFox]

Recently, I have been given the opportunity to purchase a Datsun 280z from a buddy of mine.

Now, this thing has been sitting, covered, for a little while now. What I know is that the condition is still pretty good at 111k on the ticker, and externally is in good condition (besides pain).

On the interior, the seats have cracked leather, as expected, and a Sony system. The car has a MT. The last time its been fired up was 4+ years ago. I was told it ran well before they put it back in its current home.

I'm trying to decide if its worth my time. I'm also trying to get it kinda cheap if I somewhat restore it myself. I may not have to do much depending several situations.

 

[TN4x4Xterra]

Pics?

What's the asking price and what year is the car?

 

[TheFauxFox]

No current offer, and it probably wouldn't be sold until the summer. Pics may come later...

 

[NMTerras]

I had several 240s over the years. In my book they give you tremendous bang for your buck. First think you want to look at is rust. If the body is reasonably sound, you're already ahead of the game. Pull the mats, look along the running boards and floor. They are notorious rust buckets. Engine wise I was never too picky because I would find a 280 block and rebuild it with a 240 head, schlitzcan the crap stock hitachi carbs and replace with Weber side drafts, headers and you had yourself a cheap, fast car. Last one I had I stiffened up the ride with urethane bushings, handled great but super stiff and when I was too old for a daily gokart ride I sold it

 

[TheFauxFox]

I had several 240s over the years. In my book they give you tremendous bang for your buck. First think you want to look at is rust. If the body is reasonably sound, you're already ahead of the game. Pull the mats, look along the running boards and floor. They are notorious rust buckets. Engine wise I was never too picky because I would find a 280 block and rebuild it with a 240 head, schlitzcan the crap stock hitachi carbs and replace with Weber side drafts, headers and you had yourself a cheap, fast car. Last one I had I stiffened up the ride with urethane bushings, handled great but super stiff and when I was too old for a daily gokart ride I sold it

I'm reading that. I've several pairs of hands who are willing to help me out if it needs extensive work. I'm just considering the base cost of the car (I'd like to get it for under $2500) as well as the rest of the basic parts. And then what I should really look for. I plan to do a complete walk-through in about 3 weeks where it sits in N. Tennessee.

 

[TheFauxFox]

Pics?

What's the asking price and what year is the car?

Forgot to mention, it's an '81:
2.8L I6

It's almost one of those Farmyard Finds

 

[KBTerra]

I wouldn't hesitate on buying it. Growing up my mom and step-dad both had 280 ZX's. The 240 is a nice find as you don't see that many of them. Around here anyway.

 

[TheFauxFox]

I wouldn't hesitate on buying it. Growing up my mom and step-dad both had 280 ZX's. The 240 is a nice find as you don't see that many of them. Around here anyway.

Again, the only things I'm hesitant on is the running condition of the car as well as getting it for the right price.

 

[Creepy Cruiser]

Forgot to mention, it's an '81:
2.8L I6

It's almost one of those Farmyard Finds

Is that the year of the motor or the car? An '81 would be a 280zx not a 240z.

 

[TheFauxFox]

Is that the year of the motor or the car? An '81 would be a 280zx not a 240z.

EDIT, you're right, it is a 280. I made the mistake while doing research. IT WAS LATE, MmmKAY?

 

[TheFauxFox]

I"m trying to look up the costs to restore a 280z, but because of all the tuner-kids, I can't seem to estimate a good number. I'm not looking to boost/turbo/swap it, but rather, keep it pretty original and drivable. No track days for me.

 

[NMTerras]

Just to be clear, its not a 280z. Its a 280zx. Big difference.


Sent from my brain using technology

 

[TheFauxFox]

Just to be clear, its not a 280z. Its a 280zx. Big difference.


Sent from my brain using technology

Si.

<-- Slacker.

If you haven't figured it out yet, I don't know a whole lot about this thing other than the designs over the years.

 

[sweeneyp]

I've several pairs of hands who are willing to help me out if it needs extensive work.

Oh really :hmmm:
---------

Were gonna get up there to check it out, and its gonna be a rust bucket from sitting outside.

 

[TheFauxFox]

Oh really :hmmm:
---------

Were gonna get up there to check it out, and its gonna be a rust bucket from sitting outside.

Hush, you.

Yup, hopefully heading that way this weekend. This is just a thought.

 

[Cameron23]

Pics or ban!!


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

 

[TheFauxFox]

Pics or ban!!


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

Will have them by Sunday. I'm going up that way Friday night after classes (Pssht Statics).

If I see too much rust, I ain't gonna do it.

 

[NMTerras]

I dont know about the ZX's, but the older Zs rust out like a mutha when they sit like that. Don't get your hopes up

 

[TheFauxFox]

I dont know about the ZX's, but the older Zs rust out like a mutha when they sit like that. Don't get your hopes up

I'm fully aware. I've been doing a bunch of research for the specific trouble spots. Some I"m willing to fix, most I am not.

 

[TheFauxFox]

Ok, I just got back. Here are your precious pics:

Overall, the car is in surprusingly good condition with very little rust. The only rust spot that is of any major concern is on the driver side fender well wehre it has gone through. The next worst spot is on the roof where the windshield meets the roof. Very minimal surface rust there.

Before someone points it out, yes I realize the fuel injectors are missing...

 

[Creepy Cruiser]

How much is he asking?

 

[TheFauxFox]

I forgot to past the only major rust spot:

How much is he asking?

I won't disclose that publicly, sorry. If you want to know, PM me.

 

[greentennx]

Looks like it is pretty good shape considering. I love this pic with old EQ. Brings back some memories.

 

[TheFauxFox]

Looks like it is pretty good shape considering. I love this pic with old EQ. Brings back some memories.

Yeah. Would have preferred a black interior though.

I think I wanna do it. So far, it's a minimum estimate of $800 to get it safe to drive. Gotta loose some other things though... Be on the lookout for that.

 

[Cameron23]

they couldn't hose it down for you?

 

[TheFauxFox]

they couldn't hose it down for you?

In 23* temp? Probably not (I know you're reading this "nephew of owner"). The bird poo is from being uncovered this past week for me to look at.

I'm still looking at it and find that I can make 1 of 4 decisions (bigjim will want in on this):
1) Continue without the 280 and live on my life at 18mpg
2) Continue without the 280 and live on my life at 9-12mpg *cough cough*
3) Buy the 280, dump the 9-12mpg (again, cough cough) and keep the X as is til it dies
4) Buy the 280, forget the rest and buy another 4x4...

I'd prefer option 3, but could lean towards 4. #3 is the option I like because it involves having two "bulletproof" engines in two awesome vehicles. Option 4 involves outsourcing to the elitist land of American 4x4 toys. I'm sure you know where I'm going with this.

 

[Macland]

That's a lot of options

X nerds unite!

 

[TheFauxFox]

That's a lot of options

X nerds unite!

Yeah, I've come to realize I love my X too much, not only because its the first vehicle I purchased and paid off alone, but because its already unique to me, and I have a great sense of pride in that. I just miss having 4wd. However, I also owned a '92 BMW 325i for about 6 months in high school and loved every second I drove it. It was small, sporty, and got mucho better MPG than the F150 I drove after it.

 

[Bluedog]

Do you know why the fuel rail and injectors have been removed? Have you tried to crank the engine over to make sure that it has not locked up due to have not been run? The car looks good for its age. This is a base model though, vinyl seats, manual A/C and crappy stereo. The rear louvers are a dealer installed item and not a Nissan/Datsun one either. If you buy it, post up your progress and if you run into issues that you cannot resolve, post it on your build page and I will try to get you answers.

 

[TheFauxFox]

Do you know why the fuel rail and injectors have been removed?
Yes. The owner removed them to clean them; however, it would also make sense to think that they were removed so it couldn't be stolen. Like I said, it ran before it went into storage.

Have you tried to crank the engine over to make sure that it has not locked up due to have not been run?
Yes, the engine rolls over just fine. It can be done by both a ratchet or the starter.

The car looks good for its age. This is a base model though, vinyl seats, manual A/C and crappy stereo. The rear louvers are a dealer installed item and not a Nissan/Datsun one either. If you buy it, post up your progress and if you run into issues that you cannot resolve, post it on your build page and I will try to get you answers.
Thanks, I may take you up on that offer if anything bad comes up, assuming I go forth. If I get it, I'll start a new build thread.