Edz280zx Posted April 11, 2012 Report Share Posted April 11, 2012 Figured I'd start a project thread for the new Z. Specs are as follow. 1978 Datsun 280z with an automatic transmission. 98,000 original miles. Original (albeit faded) black pearl paint. Seems to have the optional sport package which leads me to believe this may be a Black Pearl Edition car. The package includes the black paint, special pinstriping (most of which is still there), dual "racing" mirrors, and rear deck louvers. Also came with alloy wheels, but those appear to have been replaced by American Racing meshies. At first glance I thought they were Appliance wheels but noticed one of the center caps still had the A/R logo on it. I've already replaced the headlights with Sylvania Silverstars (highly recommended!). I forgot how much of a pain installing the headlights on these cars is, but it gave me a chance to take the inner fenders out to see how the rust situation was. On inspection it seems that this car was treated to an aftermarket undercoating. Even has a sticker on the quarter glass which says "Super Undercoating". I'll try to get more photo's, but since I don't have a camera just yet it may be awhile. The driver's fender had a pretty decent dent in it as a result of a tree branch, so while the inner fender was out I popped the dent out as best I could. It's still noticable, but looks much better than it did. The only rust I've found on the car is right above the frame rail where the tension rod attaches on what I have always described as the factory "patch". If you've owned one of these cars, you probably know where I mean. It only seems to be surface rust, so I'll probably end up grinding some away and re-undercoat it. The battery tray checked out good as did the area under the hatch. The floorboards look good and under the carpet looks practically brand new. Frame rails are straight and un-molested from bottoming out or ill planned lifting of the car. Things to do so far are front struts as the ones currently on the car were creaking when I first got it, and since jacking up the car for access, have completely went away. Also need to address the brakes as they seem to be a little too hard. I'm thinking that since this car sat for quite awhile, the calipers are probably a little froze. Let's just say that they stop the car, but don't inspire the greatest of confidence. Also going to do plugs and wires as the cap and rotor look farely new. Also the heater core has been bypassed so it probably had a leak tho more than likely it's the hoses on the heater valve. Looks to have fairly new heater hoses and radiator hoses, and they still have the Nissan parts tags still on them...kinda cool. Like I said, my wife took the camera when we separated so it may be awhile for pics, but here's a couple I do have for your enjoyment.... Quote Link to comment
Edz280zx Posted April 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 Got it inspected today and drove it around in the nice sunny weather...Lord it's great to be in a Z again. Here's some crappy cell phone pics for you guys... Quote Link to comment
that one guy Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 ummm..... is that Automatic i see?.... 5 speed swap soon? Quote Link to comment
Edz280zx Posted April 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 That's the plan...maybe not so soon, but it's definitely on the list. I'm gonna daily this one until the 81 is done, then the major work can start on it. Quote Link to comment
that one guy Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 Woo sounds like fun! Future plans thus far? Quote Link to comment
Edz280zx Posted April 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 I'm kinda gonna stay stock with the motor on this one..maybe a header and exhaust. The main focus is going to be suspension and brakes. I'm looking hard at TechnoToyTuning and Arizona Z Car stuff. I want it low but drivable and to stick like glue. I'm thinking about 240 bumpers an airdam and the bre rear spoiler for the exterior along with my 16" Enkei 92's. Quote Link to comment
datsunfreak Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 I'm thinking about 240 bumpers an airdam and the bre rear spoiler for the exterior along with my 16" Enkei 92's. Sooo.... What will become of the wheels on it now? :) Quote Link to comment
Edz280zx Posted April 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 Don't know yet...for now they'll go on the 81 so it can roll around. I need to decide if the enkei's will stay on the 81 or if I'm gonna put different wheels on it. Quote Link to comment
Rustina 510 Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 I'm kinda gonna stay stock with the motor on this one..maybe a header and exhaust. The main focus is going to be suspension and brakes. I'm looking hard at TechnoToyTuning and Arizona Z Car stuff. I want it low but drivable and to stick like glue. I'm thinking about 240 bumpers an airdam and the bre rear spoiler for the exterior along with my 16" Enkei 92's. +1 these plans sound great, can't waitto see the progress on this Quote Link to comment
that one guy Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 Sounds awesome. My friend has 92's on his 240 and they look sick as hell. When you get in the airdam and suspension parts, shoot me the total and let me know how hard it is to install! Love the 280's, so awesome! Quote Link to comment
Edz280zx Posted May 8, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 8, 2012 Little update! Went thru the back brakes and found out that everything was pretty new looking, they had just locked up from sitting. So I cleaned them up and greased the pivot points...work much better now. Did the plugs, wires, and fuel filter and runs pretty good now. Got a new tps to still put in. Cleaned up the interior...still amazed at how clean this thing is. Just needs a dash cover and the headliner re-cemented. Decided that since I sold the 81 that it would go with the 14's and I'd stick the 16's on this one. Got them mounted up today and found out I'm gonna have to roll the rear lip...especially if I lower it. It rubs on really big bumps right now. Anywho... heres some pics for ya guys...sorry for the crappy quality..... Quote Link to comment
datsunfreak Posted May 11, 2012 Report Share Posted May 11, 2012 Tires seem a tad tall, but I dig it. :thumbup: 1 Quote Link to comment
Edz280zx Posted May 11, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 11, 2012 Yeah, they're 225/50zr16's maybe a little too tall, but only by like a 1/2 inch. They sure are wiiide on there tho...lol Quote Link to comment
datsunfreak Posted May 11, 2012 Report Share Posted May 11, 2012 FWIW, I had 225/45-16s on my 16x7.5 Epsilons on my 280Z. Fit perfectly. Again, yours still looks badass. B) Quote Link to comment
Edz280zx Posted May 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 12, 2012 Thanks...I agree, these looked perfect on the ZX, but are a little big on the Z. As soon as I wear them out I'll drop for the 45's. Quote Link to comment
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