[Blissfulignorance]

Hey all,

New here so I hope this is posted I the right area!
I’ve been wanting a project car for probably 10+ years now and I’ve settled on an s30 as a perfect candidate for what I’m looking for. I’m not wanting to do anything show quality just a nice classic fun driver for weekends and the occasional short commute to work.
I found a local 260z as the title says and I’m curious what people with more knowledge think about the value. Of course being based just on pictures, I realize there’s going to be a lot of unknowns but I’ll share what I know of it so far and some pictures.
1974 260z 2+2, it is running and driving currently although not perfect as you might expect being so old. Some of the gauges aren’t working but speedometer and tachometer are (115k on it). It’s been registered in the last year so it’s somewhat legal at least. And it does have some rust, as shown in the pictures.
I’m curious what those more experienced than myself might pay for something like this? I’m not too scared about learning some rust and other repairs (as is the point of a project haha) but I definitely don’t want to overpay, or get something that’s really beyond repair. Any advice?

 

[Route66]

Looks like you would be in for some substantial structural rust repair from the get-go. Maybe both inner and outer rockers and the frame rails look pretty badly crushed. Once you hurdle that expense in new metal, you've still got to consider the front fender pockets, battery tray, floor pans and the real killer, what's lurking inside the front wiper cowl. I wouldn't touch a Z today without having the owner remove the cowl vent panel and letting me snoop inside. Bad enough rot in that area can total the car.

If a fella couldn't find another candidate, then maybe $1500.

 

[pilgrim]

I see a LOT of bodywork, floor plan work and possibly frame rust.

I would NOT buy this vehicle unless I either had advanced body and metalwork capability (and many, many free evenings and weekends to work on it over the next couple of years), or had around $20,000 to invest in rust repair. There is too much rust for anyone except an expert with an emotional investment (like it was your dad's Z) to invest.

Also, IMO the 2+2 is a less desirable car than the 2-seat Z. I don't think it's a good choice for you.

Get another project car and pay a bit more. You will save hundreds or thousands of hours of work.

 

[Blissfulignorance]

Appreciate the input, sounds like I’m better off passing this one up and keeping an eye out for another one considering they’re asking 5k. Plus I don’t have experience with body work at all so far that would be an expensive journey for me.
I didn’t know about under the front wiper cowl being something that could total the car so I really appreciate the heads up on that one!
I wasn’t too worried about the 2+2 situation, I just figured I’d be able to bring the girlfriend and the dog along haha but I guess I hadn’t really considered how that would affect the value of the car overall.
Thanks for the advice, almost let my excitement at being close to getting a project get the better of me here!

 

[Route66]

This is a shot with the cover off, which removes quite easily. This is where the wiper motors are and also usually lots of debris. Pine needles, leaves, dirt, etc. On each side is a drain that dumps out right inside the front fenders, a very poor design which are prone to clogging up and leaving water sitting in the cowl. Enough rust in this area could blow through a resto budget in a hurry. I'd suggest being open to 280z's and obviously 260's. Prices on good examples of these have not quite yet gone off the rails like they have for the 240's. But the market is changing quickly. Some nicer 260z's have started closing in on the $50k mark on auction sites. If you really want one, I wouldn't wait very long.