Too good to be true?

40's Nissan · Jul 7th, 2006, 01:38 PM

Hello....
Would like to get some opinions here.....
A guy who works with me was recently injured on the job, and I had the opportunity to meet his father (I can think of better reasons to meet someone's father, but thats how it happened). As we were talking, I realized that my friend's father shares the same interest in cars as his son and I do. Long story short....he has a 1973 240z body, no rust, and everything needed to put the car together. Some parts are 1970, and the engine and dashboard are from a 280z. He said that because of the different engines, the instrument cluster needs to be from a 280, and the only way to make that happen is to change the whole dash. His son backs up the statements, and ensures me that all I have to do is put the car together...everything I need is there, right down to the last nut & bolt. He even has a template for relocating the dash mounts on the firewall, so that the 280 dash can be installed. The son also states the only rust-work required is a little sanding on the floorboard followed by primer, and maybe a little surface rust from the parts sitting around.

The father is tired of the car sitting around, and the son has his hands full with a 685WHP Mustang that he is building.
The father has told me that all I have to do is come and get it, and its mine. NO CHARGE!
Now for the stupid question of the century....should I go for this deal? Anybody have any suggestions, things to look out for, etc?
For a point of reference, the son is a friend of mine, we are both military and I trust him with my life....so I'm sure he and his dad are on the level.

What do ya'll think?

Thanks
Paul

icice9 · Jul 10th, 2006, 01:39 PM

i say get it... cant go wrong with a 240Z with minimal rust... find yoruself a l28ET engine from a 82 or 83 280ZX and do the engine swap...

240ZT · Jul 11th, 2006, 12:07 PM

For free? Of course you should pick it up. BTW, not true about the 280Z dash. You can use it if you like but it's not necessary. You only need to use the 280 tach.

40's Nissan · Jul 12th, 2006, 05:49 AM

I've made up my mind, and I'll be picking up the car in a couple of weeks. Hell, I could get good money just for the engine right now, so for free I simply cannot lose! I was definitely wrong about the dash...it doesn't absolutely have to be the 280 dash, but the AC will line up a lot easier with it. At any rate, my friend is telling that the dash is in mint condition, so thats what I'm going with.
I also found out that the rear 1/4 windows have been sheeted over as the guy who had the body before my friend was making a road car, so there will be some body work required there. Haven't decided whether or not I want to re-establish the window or do the finish work on the covers....I guess I'll decide when I actually see the car.
At any rate, I'll let you all know when I pick it up....I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions, and I'll show pics as well....

Thanks,
Paul
Chesapeake VA

my93Pathfinder · Sep 11th, 2006, 04:35 PM

Partially true. I have read (and will most likely do this myself) that it is recommended to find a 280Z tachometer and at least install that, as the 240 tach gets to be fairly inaccurate with age.
You can also ask these questions at:
ZCAR.COM | Datsun - 240Z 260Z 280Z 280ZX 300ZX 350Z - Nissan
HybridZ