In the midst of all the new Z craze

"Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction" (rustholes-are-weight-reduction)
09/17/2020 at 04:29 • Filed to: None

I bought an old one

First, my take on the new Z: I quite like it, I love the fact it’s got a manual, but I loathe the fact it won’t come to Europe.

More importantly, I bought another one of my “cars i want to own someday” list.

I’ve been looking for a S30 every now and then for a few years now, and while a few very interesting ones popped up from time to time, they usually sold very quickly. Having a few other project cars, I didn’t want one with too much work, but I also didn’t want to spend too much on it.

It didn’t help that for a few months now, a fellow Z car owner from the EurOppo Whatsapp group regularly sent me links for cars for sale. I at least had the excuse that a 2 seater didn’t fit the bill right now.

A few weeks ago, I got a message on a sunday morning: new ad, car in France with french paperwork, 2+2, reasonably priced, and not completely rotten away.
I sent the owner a message, he called back, sent some pictures, we discussed a price, I told him I’d check when I could come to check it out/pick it up (a 7 hour drive). He called back late in the afternoon to ask if I was seriously considering it, as apparently he got a few other inquiries that pushed him to see the car quickly. I am no smart man, so I bought it on the spot and organized shipment.

The car: It’s a 1974 Datsun 260Z 2+2 (I know a 2 seater looks better, but dad lyfe). Original everything, it’s been in France at least since 1994, and the last
Inspection was made in 2005. So the car hasn’t driven for at least 13 years.

The owner had it running from time to time so the engine won’t seize, and told me the carbs would probably need an adjustment. That’s probably an understatement.

The first issue I’ll have to fix is a broken clutch master cylinder, the part comes with the car. Once that’s fixed, the car will hopefully be able to move under it’s own power. I’ll then assess what needs to be done to put it back on the road.

The car obviously has rust issues, it’s a 46 year old Z car, after all. But surprisingly, most typical rust spots look OK. The paint looks ok, but It’s not the exact shade of orange I want, so a respray is in order.

The most visible rust spot is on the right rear quarter panel.

I’m hesitant to fix this properly or just make a clean cut, as it’s going to be flared anyway.

The driver’s side door will need some work too.

As well as the rear corners.

The spare wheel well is not perfect, but solid

The most critical rust spot is one of the frame rails. Again, I need to see it in person to see the real damage, but that’s going to be the first point I’ll focus on after the clutch.

The interior look rough, but I’ll have to see it in person before deciding what I’m going to do.

The dash is cracked, as always, but nice covers are available and not too expensive.

As for the seats, there are complete vinyl interior kits available, but I quite like the two tone. I might have it reupholstered this way.

I’ll do a compresion test on the engine before I decide what to do, all rubber parts will be replaced, as well as the ignition parts. It will probably end up with some W ebers, electronic ignition, and a stainless manifold and exhaust, maybe a camshaft. But for now, Having it run properly will be fine.

It will need a radiator, too, but that’s an easy task.

I should have the car by wednesday to assess the damage, and see if my third sight unseen buy will be as disastrous as the first two.

DISCUSSION (12)

pip bip - choose Corrour > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction
09/17/2020 at 04:42

nice one.

congrats!

Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction > pip bip - choose Corrour
09/17/2020 at 04:48

Thanks! I hope I can fix it for next spring

old-busted-hotness-still-cant-comment > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction
09/17/2020 at 06:59

Username checks out. I think you’re going to find a lot more rust than what’s visible. There’s a bunch of bondo in there now, and if the rust is popping thru that (as it is) then it’s gonna get ugly.

But ya know what? Cheap Z car! Enjoy your new toy.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction
09/17/2020 at 09:12

Congratulations, looks like a fun project!

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction
09/17/2020 at 09:31

Wow nice find, the 260 was only sold for one year making it quite rare and the 2+2 is even more rare. I’m partial to OEM colors like this 904 white but given what you are starting with anything is going to be an improvement.

Trash those square top carbs like right away, they are terrible . Get some round top SU’s and it’s amazing how well two well tuned SU’s actually work.

Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
09/17/2020 at 09:40

I figured, since it won’t be original, I might as well choose a color of my liking.

I was thinking 3 Weber 40 DCOEs for maximum fuel efficiency

Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction > old-busted-hotness-still-cant-comment
09/17/2020 at 09:41

Thanks! I still hope for the n'est, but realisticly, yeah, it needs a lot of work

Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction > Snuze: Needs another Swede
09/17/2020 at 09:42

I hope there won’t be too many surprises

sony1492 > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction
09/17/2020 at 11:04

Excellent project, excited to see it running with flares

It may have had body work in the past because the rear panel is supposed to have seams to the quarter.(if its like 280's)

Kinja'd!!!

CaptDale - is secretly British > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction
09/17/2020 at 13:18

Awesome. Have fun with that

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction
09/17/2020 at 21:31

Dash doesn’t look too bad. there are some interesting kits with a filler. And then you heat a textured pad to replicate the surface texture.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction
09/18/2020 at 17:35

Not sure on shipping to France but if you need a USA address for part shipping always available.