I want to coilover my car, but scare to chop off original struts.
So, I've looking for spare parts. Luckily, local Pick N' Pull has new inventory of same year of my Z.
Before pick them up, I study how easy to remove suspension struts from the car. I learned removing spindle pins from strut is one of the hardest job...
Friend suggest to get yellow tank of propane to heat up and hammering one the spindle to move back and force to loosen up before using spindle removable tool.
My spind
Wanted to get reproduction Japanese Fairlady Z Gille Mesh, I remove front bumper to see the capability. Also plan to mount 240z bumper.
After removing bumper, the front height is raised a lot.
It's more complicated to remove valence compare with 240z.
280z got extra metal plate for bumper mounting position that prevent direct mount for 240z bumper.
I thought Datsun Spirits blog used to have photo of the metal plate removal, but he deleted blog post. So don't know how much metal I should r
After pumping fuel, engine is running, Yeah!
But, Clutch, Brake is not working.
Remove Clutch master and Brake Master & booster for rebuild.
Strip paint of BMC and sand down the rust. Prime & paint it.
Using '83 280zx Brake Master Rebuild kit from Black Dragon, just use piston only to rebuild BMC.
Mount the rebuild clutch and Booster.
After 10 years hibernation, I started basic staff.
My goal is to run engine at first.
Engine oil & filter change (5 qt for $15.99)
Antifreeze coolant change (10 qt for $14)
I bought cheapest oil since this is just testing purpose. I learned that Pepboy mobile coupon is really handy and beat the price from any other auto parts shop.
off course, gasoline change.
Drain 10 years old gas... It looks like... pee
After replace fluid, start working on electric items.
Change Battery ($100
I just got '75 280z.
The car was parked on the car port for 10 years under the sun shine of CA weather.
When I checked the car, the body is fairly good condition, only small ding on passenger's side door and fender. Rust is on the hatch area, but not cancer rust.
Finally the car got towed to my home.
The fun began