There are two bits of “good” news, call it a silver lining to the dark Z cloud:
First, since Z cars are popular as well as aggressively rust prone, replacement body panels are available. From multiple sources. This is in direct contrast to the Imperial where aftermarket parts didn’t exist. And the prices are “almost” reasonable!
Not only are replacement parts available, there are also many options for upgrading the car. These include things like frame rails that are heavier, longer, and stronger and do a better job of stiffening the whole car. Reinforcements for weak areas of the Z, like front inner fenders (structural parts on this unibody car) and shock tower braces. You can also go off the deep end with full racing suspension and roll cages.
Second is YouTube. There are plenty of videos of people fixing frame rails, floors, and every other part of the car. I’ve been going through these and have a much better idea of how to replace the frame rails and floor. For example, you are better off replacing the entire floor pan rather than just patching the old one. And replacing the frame rails is fairly straightforward after you watch someone do it.
Yup, I’m about to get in over my head…
These repairs are depressingly common – one YouTuber described replacing frame rails and floor pans as “a rite of passage for Z owners.”
I’m probably looking at $2K-$3K in replacement panels and a few hundred hours of work. Done properly the results should be “better than factory”. Better in that the end result will be stronger than factory and have better corrosion control.
Yes, there are times when I put the self in delusion…