OK, I am the proud owner of a mint NA 84 300ZX, but I always wanted a 240 ever since I was little and my brother had his unbeatable 240Z.... well guess what I found? His car.

It has been sitting in a field for 3 years, has some major rust issues and needs a new starter and clutch, but already has a L28 with the early block (dished pistons) and late turbo head, a nice turbo and 3" turboback exhaust, 280z 5MT, R200 rear end off a 85 300.... along with all the necessities like a centerforce clutch, etc etc....

Now here is where I need some advice, the front frame rails by the crossmember/engine mounts are not in the best of condition... I was thinking of welding new metal in, but need some reccommendations from people that have done this before (and yes I have heard all the horror stories about front frame rails).

Here it the worst spot, this picture is looking down to the passenger side engine mount.

 

darn FUBAR computer.... anyway.....

heres the picture

http://12.245.82.250/images/engmount.JPG

 

Depends on what you're asking....

Would I restore that car? No. It's easier and cheaper to find a rust free car then to fix a rusted out car. Also, to me a 240 that does not have a L24 motor is not worth touching - I passed on a rust-free '70 240 when I was looking because it did not have the original engine (even though is was a L24). To me the fun part about a 240 is keeping it as it came from the factory.

However some feel that the the car was meant to be changed, and keep nothing (body, engine, suspension) the same.

If you are sentimentaly attched to this exact car then, sure buy it and fix it. If you're looking for the best deal on a 240, keep looking.

 

i can be fixed, what i;m doing to my frame rails is having new ones made up, and getting a body shop to weld them on. Mine does not look as bad as yours though. I agree with ca_zcar, if your sentimentaly attached to it, buy it, but if not look for a better one- or even better- buy this one, then buy one with a good body, but crap mechanicals, then transfer all the good bits from your brothers car into the good body one- it will in the long run be cheaper

Alan, Australia

 

I think Alan is right
I would see if I could get a good car first and then transfer the parts.
It might be more expensive at first but will definitly save you cash blood and stress .


IT'S ZED NOT ZEE GOD----DAMIT!!!!

 

hmmm, I think I am going to stick with this one, being that I have more time than money and I know how to weld. I have the L24 (has 80K miles on it too), but have absolutely no desire to return the car to stock condition. Something about that 4.7 second 0-60 time.... and that the car weighed 2300lbs, could outcorner anything on the track, and keep up with a vette in a straight line. This will be alot of work... though if anyone havs any leads on a good body for less that $1500 I would be interested. Thanks!