FAQ: Is a Datsun Z-Series a Good First Project Car?

Are you thinking about starting with a vintage Datsun Z-series as your very first project car? I'm here to help you think about the pros and cons. These cars, made from the late '60s to '80s, have some cool things going for them; they're attractive, fun, lightweight, and usually won't burn a hole in your wallet compared to other classic cars from this time period.

Let's dig a bit into the possible upsides and downsides of taking on a Datsun project car. I'm going to lay out potential problems you might bump into during the restoration, giving you the full picture of expected costs, finding parts, and how much elbow grease you're going to need to put in.

By the way, bringing a car like this back to life is the best feeling, but each project car fits different needs. The time you're willing to give should really match what you hope to get out of it. Ask yourself, is the Datsun Z-series going to meet your expectations for a first-time project car? In my opinion, you should take your time and plan it out!

Let's talk about what a Z-series project car might look like.

Disclaimer: This article is authored by a member of the Skillard community and reflects their personal views, not necessarily those of Skillard. We welcome your feedback and corrections in the comments to help us continually improve this content.

What is The Background of the Datsun Z-Series?

Remember the late 1960s and the launch of the Datsun Z-Series? That sure was a big deal in the car industry. The original 240Z model comes to mind with its 2.4-liter engine. It's surprising how much it resembled some European cars and had a totally unique look.

Let's talk about the steady growth of the Z-Series after the 240Z, like the 260Z and 280Z. The year 1978 revolutionized the scene with the all-new, larger-than-life 280ZX. It was fast, easy to handle, and had a plush interior - the 280ZX wanted big, aiming to skyrocket sales. And I'll tell you, it did just that. Oh, and let's not forget the 280ZX Turbo, a big step forward in the 1980s.

Did you know the 1980s also saw Datsun rebranding to Nissan in several parts of the world? By the time the '90s hit, everyone wanted the 300ZX, with its amazing suspension system and a twin-turbocharged engine.

The 2000s marked another milestone for the Z-Series - the arrival of the 350Z and 370Z. Staying true to the spirit of the original 240Z, these models were stocked with the latest tech and better design changes. More recently, the Z series returned with the all-new 2024 Nissan Z.

I really believe the Z-Series has really molded the sports car segment. They've written off any doubts about Japan playing second fiddle to the U.S. or European car market.

Why Is the Datsun Z-Series a Popular Choice?

The Z series was only $3,600 USD new when it came out - but it had the performance and stood toe-to-toe with powerhouse European designs like the Porsche 911.

Have you spotted the way that the Z series functions with its design accurately? They've taken a leaf out of the Jaguar E-Type's book: long front hood and sleek bodywork. No wonder car collectors just can't get enough of it! Another reason for the hype is the amazing past of the Z series, featuring prominently in the East African Safari Rally.

The 240Z, 260Z, and 280Z models are absolutely worth checking out! Their stripped-down designs bring a unique driving experience to the table.

The first model, the 240Z, was incredible for Japanese cars! Sleek design, generous interior - it had them all and won everybody's hearts, sticking around as a classic car favorite. You should know the revealing of the 240Z was a massive win for Datsun's rep, and it helped it break into the sports car industry.

Have you thought about joining a Z-series community? The camaraderie with other owners is pretty awesome. There are places like HybridZ forum and Zcar forums - a couple of places where you can chat, share your thoughts, and get help. Everything you need and then some!

In my experience, these forums tend to draw an older and more mature crowd, so there's a heap of experience and a strong sense of unity.

So, what made the Datsun Z-Series popular is its budget-friendly price (at least, back then - they're getting pricey!), timeless design, impressive race legacy, space for personal customization, and the important change it brought to our perception of Japanese cars.

How Available Are Datsun Z-Series Parts?

Looking for parts for your Datsun Z series ride? It's easy to find what you need with so many options available. These cars built up a pretty big fan base. And it's usually easy to find what you need.

Let's talk about Skillard first (that's us!). We make a bunch of cool custom pieces for Datsun Z cars. Lightweight bumpers, center consoles, rear hatch trim - you name it. And the best part? It's all made here in the U.S.A.!

Then, there's Resurrected Classics. They specialize exclusively in Datsun parts and hard-to-find Z-series pieces you've been looking for, like emblems, fenders, wheles and more.

Next up, let's talk about OEM parts. Head over to Datsun Garage; they have a huge pick of OEM, reproduction, and aftermarket parts.

There's also KF Vintage JDM - they sell incredible reproduction parts for the 240Z. Everything from floor pans to trim to entire body panels. If you have a lot of rust or damage and need to scrap entire parts, they should be on your list for these body panels!

Have a need for speed - or at least better performance? Godzilla Raceworks can help with that. 

The age-old belief that finding parts for a Datsun Z-series - a car that's almost 50 years old - is hard? It can be deceiving, to say the least. There are tons of suppliers, and there's always eBay, which makes it fairly easy to get these parts. The car may have been made between '69 and '73, but the parts aren't running out any time soon. But, if you're looking for the old OEM parts in great condition, you'll usually pay for them, and they won't be in brand-new condition.

How Challenging is a Datsun Z-Series Project?

A Datsun Z-Series needs a lot of planning with any model - 240Z, 260Z, or 280Z. Remember, they're vintage sports cars that are over 50 years old; you might need to deal with some issues. Corroded frame rails, fuel tanks - you get the picture. Ignore these problems, and you're in for a world of pain with engine problems and fuel filter blocks, which makes it a tough restoration.

Do you know how to weld? That will come in useful! Rust elimination is an unavoidable part of the restoration, and even those highly-rated L-series engines can cause headaches. Troublesome hoses, faulty electrical systems - you could be looking at sky-high fuel consumption, and you'd need to replace some parts.

Then, make sure your steering and suspension are in top shape. Old rack bushings can't stay; you need to change them for a better driving experience. You see, these cars are quite front-heavy and with manual steering. You'll want to track down interior replacements and maintain the car's exterior. That's another mountain to climb.

Let's say you're up for boosting your car's performance, maybe with a new engine or other performance upgrades. Brace yourself! You're in for more hurdles. Your drivetrain, brakes, and suspension all need some care. And every upgrade you make adds to the growing cost of the project.

Money talks. If your budget gets stretched, these projects can accelerate beyond $30,000 really quickly. In my opinion, keeping around 650 hours for hard work, and especially making the vehicle function, might be the smart move.

The restoration costs can rack up really quickly. There's another way to go, though - spending more but getting a car that's already well-sorted. It might turn out to be a more cost-effective choice, depending on the price of the car and how much work you'll be doing yourself.

These Z-Series restoration projects are no joke; they need your time, money, and heart. You need to inspect the car closely, budget, and manage these repair tasks both inside and outside the car. Sure, firing up the engine for the first time is exciting, but maintaining that consistency is super important.

The project can be tough, but that's part of the fun of restoring an old car. Just remember, "challenging" doesn't have to mean "painful!"

Are There Insurance and Reliability Considerations?

You have to find a balance between your peace of mind and your dollars when you insure a classic like the Datsun Z-Series.

How much you'll pay depends on a bunch of things: your car's health, its price tag, what you use it for, and how good of a driver you are (keep those speeding tickets to a minimum, they hike your rates!).

Remember that student or military discounts can save you some money, increase your insurance deductibles, or drive your Datsun less each year. Shop around for insurance quotes so you don't end up paying through the nose. Also, try to take advantage of multi-policy discounts if you have other cars or home insurance with your provider.

What insurance coverage is right for your Datsun Z? The one that matches your car's value, its job, and your own pocket. Be it liability or full coverage, this policy should be priced perfectly.

Even though Datsun Z cars are solidly built, they do have their own set of problems as they get older. Tracking down specific parts or performing certain fixes on them? That can be tough. But their simple design makes them a mechanic's dream.

As a Datsun Z owner, keep an eye on rust, especially around the wheel wells and floor pans and under the battery. Repairing rust can cost a pretty penny, but wouldn't you agree that a professional pre-purchase inspection could save you cash in the long run?

A classic treasure like a Datsun Z means you'll have to think about a few things. Expect to pay more for insurance and anticipate potential upkeep problems. You have to get into the nitty-gritty of insurance, stay sharp for rust, and keep up with regular car care.

Trust me - the shape your car is in can make a big difference in how much time and effort you put in. Like, if your car hasn't been driven for years, it might need a lot of work. Make sure you have enough resources for the job and the right attitude, and caring for your car can be a thing you love.

Are You Ready to Have Fun?

Dedicating yourself to the revival of a Datsun Z-Series automobile needs a heap of problem-solving skills. Get ready to deal with things like corrosion or tracking down hard-to-find auto parts, but I promise you, it's worth it.

Who can resist a Datsun Z-Series car, with its big place in automobile history? Here at Skillard, we have the parts you need for a bunch of models - the 240Z, 260Z, or even the 280Z. Think bumpers, center consoles, aluminum door cards, and even spoilers - everything you need with impressive quality.

You have to love old cars, right? We here at Skillard feel the same way. Our impressive tools and our job of helping out with your Z-Series overhaul project show that love. We're here to help get your classic car back to how it used to look.

By finding the best parts, we make the restoration process easier for you. So, take a good look at Skillard for some help on your restoration adventure. Ready to make your Z-Series vision real?