• What you don't want to see on a Z car....Public enemy # 1

The following pictures were taken from a car I bought for parts. Although I new the car was badly rusted,  it wasn't until I started stripping it down that the extent of rust became  obvious. When I bought it I was mostly interested in the interior parts which were in excellent shape.

I had thought that if the rust wasn't too bad that  I might have a chassis to repair and sell. It quickly became obvious the car was a write off.  I took several pictures of the more common rust areas to give an idea of what to look for if your thinking about buying a Datsun 240 Z.

All rust areas can be repaired, In fact Motorsport sells most of the common panels. Special attention should be given to structural areas and whether they can be repaired properly. A good body shop should be able to assess the situation. There does come a point where it's  just not worth it. This decision depends on money (doesn't it always?) and how well the car can be repaired. Making the car look good is the easy part. The car has to be strong and safe as well. Good old common sense is the best measure of a purchase. Bear in mind the car we are talking about here looked pretty deadly when it was parked at the end of my driveway!.

Click thumbnails below for larger picture.

Rust areas around the battery tray.

Hood area.

The old shotgun blast to the fender rust.

What's often under the rear deck lid.

The fender extension and what it shouldn't look like underneath.

Interior rust underneath the rear cargo area.

Rocker panels and fender rust.

Interior structural rust or, what's under those carpets ?.

Now that we have the carpets removed, more interior structural damage.

Under the hood, structural rust. Adds new meaning to the phrase "something fell off my car".

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Ok ok... here's something...Why do they name hurricanes after women..........When they arrive they're wet, wild and blow. When they leave they take your house and every thing else you own.