I am in the process of selling my 76 280Z 2+2.  Recently I had a brake line leak that was fixed but I believe caused a rust issue.  I am attaching a photo of the concerned area.  For reference it is about the size of a baseball.  I have seen some replacement pieces for sale, I think that are welded on, for a fix.  However, it appears to me that these pieces are more cosmetic than structural.  

I do have access to a good welder so welding is an option.

Thoughts/Comments/Suggestions.

 

You can give patching a try.  But, rust is a little like icebergs in that often you only see the tip of it and a lot more is hidden.  Poke around and see how solid the surrounding metal feels.  You may end up replacing a whole panel if you plan on keeping the car for years.

4 hours ago, bhermes said:

I am in the process of selling my 76 280Z 2+2.  Recently I had a brake line leak that was fixed but I believe caused a rust issue.  I am attaching a photo of the concerned area.  For reference it is about the size of a baseball.  I have seen some replacement pieces for sale, I think that are welded on, for a fix.  However, it appears to me that these pieces are more cosmetic than structural.  

I do have access to a good welder so welding is an option.

Thoughts/Comments/Suggestions.

 

Is that the left frame rail, under the driver’s side footwell?

I see rust on the floor pan too. Looks like your Z needs frame rails and floor pans.

Any “patch job” will only be a band aid, and the problem will be passed on to the next owner.

Edited July 22, 20223 yr by Racer X

This is the passenger side I believe caused by a brake line leak.

When you say needs "frame rails and floor pans".  Is that something that can be purchased?  I saw some sheet metal ones for sale but kind of feel this is cosmetic not structural.

I am getting a lot of interest from my listing but feel it is going to be difficult to sale with the rust issue.

Thanks.

I was looking at this site.

http://www.datsunzparts.com/thanks.html

 

The floors and that rail are structural to the car. They are not merely cosmetic...

You have a structural issue . Far from cosmetic. I realize that’s not good news. Take a ice pic and work your way up and down that frame rail. 

10 hours ago, bhermes said:

This is the passenger side I believe caused by a brake line leak.

When you say needs "frame rails and floor pans".  Is that something that can be purchased?  I saw some sheet metal ones for sale but kind of feel this is cosmetic not structural.

I am getting a lot of interest from my listing but feel it is going to be difficult to sale with the rust issue.

Thanks.

A brake line leak didn’t cause that.

Yes, the sheet metal is available. There is a company in Florida that is producing an ever growing assortment of pieces for Z cars, including frame rails and floor pans. Oh, and the rust pictured is definitely structural, not cosmetic.

And the rust would concern me if I was considering buying this car.

 

Klassic Fab...

https://kfvintagejdm.com/shop/datsun-280z/complete-rear-frame-rail-right-side-datsun-280z/

Yes, KlassicFab would be a good choice for replacement metal.

I know that the damage is structural and not cosmetic.  The question is are the replacement parts structural or cosmetic?

 

Thanks.

The parts are structural quality but that is assuming they're installed correctly. Good welds, rust protection, etc.