Stealth240Z

So, I found out that the 240Zs never had factory air. Is this true? If so, someone must've installed a unit. I have pretty much decided to not reinstall the AC system, but I wouldn't mind keeping the blower to let some air in and also help with foggy windows in colder weather. Is this a dumb idea? Should I sell the entire system?

Mark and Zed Head, thank you for the advice. I will look into it. I contact a gentlemen on here who did an extensive restoration on a 240Z that also required some inner rocker panel work. He patched it, so I am going to see how plausible that it for my car. One step at a time. Gosh, if only I were in my career field and had more spending money! This is going to take a while.

Hmm... that could work. Sounds like an even bigger task, though. I do plan to either make or buy and install full length frame rails, so that should help too.

I appreciate the support! I have a LOT of practice to do with welding first before I attempt anything on the actual car, but thankfully I know of three people that are willing to help and teach! I need to pull the engine, then I am considering taking the shell to someone who can sandblast the entire car and spray a coat of etching primer or the like on. If this price is right, I may do this. The sandblaster that my Papa has will probably take ages! Also, should I remove everything from underneath before sandblasting? I also wonder if the inner rocker panels can't be mended like they are, of the metal is decent. Just a thought.

Update time! I called Courtesy Nissan and they did not have the parts nor can they get them, but the guy did give me a number for the a Z specialist. I called quite a few places and e-mailed some others. Z Car Source has the inner and outer rocker panels for like $360 each. After I sent the guy a few pictures to confirm the part, even he asked if I really wanted to restore it. Seems like everyone is betting against me with this chassis! Haha! I am still waiting to hear back from the other contacts. I am also still searching and open to another chassis. I know most of you guys think that I am insane for even wanting to attempt to resurrect this Z, but I like a crazy challenge. I can only imagine how I'll feel if I do in fact get this car back together! It is going to be a very long journey, so I could really use as much support as I can get. I know this car should probably be in the grave but that is what makes it so exciting for me! If I do in fact get the inner rocker panels installed correctly, I know that I can give this Z new life! I made a ton of progress today, including finally getting the other parts car! Here are more pictures from my graveyard 240Z.

Thank you guys for the help! Wait, are you saying that the Nissan dealer has the inner rocker panels? I typed in everything and nothing came up? Today I am going to check my other parts car and check the condition of the inner rocker panels.

Well shoot, ok. Thank you.

Did some more teardown last night of the car. Pictures to come. But first, what is the main structure beam called that the rocker panel would be welded to? If I were to restore this car, can you get replacements or would I have to design something?

Hm.. Ok. Well, I need to find me another chasis.

Thank you for the info. Gosh, I've barely owned the vehicle for a week and I'm already stressed out!! Haha!

I am definitely keeping my eye open for a donor chasis, though.

What I did not show was the driver side frame rail, which is actually quite good! I know I'd replace the frame rails with Bad Dog ones, but I was told the dog leg area was the actual death of the car. But yes, I will do that. Thank you.

I gotcha! I really wish I could understand the chasis and frame better. I just am not seeing the structure in my head and how the load is carried.

Thank you for the advice! My Papa took off the two front fenders yesterday and said that underneath actually looks pretty good. Let me ask you guys this, if I take everything apart, sandblast and find that the only terrible issue is the rocker panel dog leg area, CAN it be mended, even if just for practice? What do I need to really look for when I throughly check this area out? Also, how SHOULD it be repaired, and don't say 'junk it!' Haha!

I have a complete dash, with gauges and all, from the other 1971 parts car that I'd like to sell. I cannot find any good reference for a price, though! It does have some cracks on top, but how much might I be able to get for it?

You guys are great! Ok, will do! I doubt I'll be selling the engine, it's actually quite nice!

I really appreciate your advice and encouragement! All I want to do is work on cars, tuning and rebuilding! I love it!! I will part out some extra pieces and see what kind of money I can get. Thank you all.

I understand, but I am not giving up quite yet. I will dig around some more and see if it really is a dead horse. Who knowws, I might find another shell!

I truly appreciate your detailed outline. I NEVER thought that I'd own a 240Z at my age, so it's the fact that I actually do, but now am seeing that it might be totally irreparable, that is just totally depressing me... I have the base car now so I can slowly work on it when money permits. I can't just shell out $1000 or more for another shell, as I simply do not make enough. So, are the dog legs completely irreparable, even with a ton of custom metal work?

Oh, I gotcha. And that was the area that I thought wasn't going to be a huge deal. Great, now I'm getting a bit depressed... Ok, will do...

Seriously? You don't think that creating or simply installing new frame rails and some floors will do the trick? The driver side really is not bad at all!

Goodness, way to make a guy feel good. Haha! Besides stating the obvious about the car's condition, would you guys answer some of the questions that I asked? Yes, it needs a ton of work, but I know it can live once again.

Thank you! I most certainly will. Get ready for a picture overload! I would love to hear what all you guys have to say from what I'm about to show you. I will not detail each picture, but keep in mind that the passenger side is much worse! All pictures come after some tear down and clean up. http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/StealthRanger/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1974_zpst1ufbgly.jpg http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/StealthRanger/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1976_zpsri3lqgjp.jpg http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/StealthRanger/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1978_zpslkifottq.jpg http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/StealthRanger/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1979_zps1ltteem7.jpg http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/StealthRanger/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1980_zpsb1yx2c57.jpg http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/StealthRanger/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1981_zpsfhb5osgz.jpg http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/StealthRanger/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1982_zpswelpe9qo.jpg http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/StealthRanger/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1983_zpsocthivbz.jpg http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/StealthRanger/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1984_zps0jwszeig.jpg http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/StealthRanger/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1985_zpsxbhmqklh.jpg http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/StealthRanger/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1986_zpswygqhel2.jpg http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/StealthRanger/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1987_zpscyq8zw7f.jpg http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll255/StealthRanger/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1988_zpsrusw0b4z.jpg The passenger side frame rail is just shot, but the driver side looks good. What is not pictured is the passenger side firewall, which definitely has some rot. Why in the world would the passenger side be so much worse? Also, will the Bad Dog frame rails actually replace the passenger side, since it won't have the original to fit over, or will I need something more?

Thanks man, I appreciate the encouragement! I am super excited for this!!

I truly appreciate all of the "tough love" and today proved that there is a craps ton more rust than I thought, but I honestly think that I can do this! You see, it's not about owning a gorgeous ready to drive 240Z; for me it's all about taking each challenge and task and learning how to solve it and fix it. I want to learn! Will I have a show worthy, prestine car? No way! But will I have a safe, road-ready sports car that I am beyond proud of? Heck yes!!! This is what I love and I am determined to see it through! This is something that will allow me to learn and spend more quality time with my grandparents, while they are still around. That... means more to me than ANY end product! Update to come, as I had a very successful day!!