I own a 1980 280zx coupe and I am finally acquire some money to get to work on it. I was just curious if there was anyone in the Dallas Fort Worth area of Texas who knows of a good shop to put my baby in?

Welcome to the site!

What sort of issues are you having with the S130? Many issues you should be able to deal with yourself, even with limited mechanical knowledge (speaking from personal experience).

Search the archives, you will find many things of great use, even if most of the threads are based on the earlier S30 models. The basics of bodywork and parts preparation are the same, as is the logical progression of troubleshooting various systems (cooling, fuel, etc.). [That was a bit of a blanket statement, but you get the point].

Testing components are about the same, about the only things that are different are in regards to the ecu and disassembly of body parts (only because the S130 has a different body).

Get yourself a Factory Service Manual (check carfiche.com, ebay, the classifieds on our site) and a Chilton or Haynes manual. There are also great books that you will find to be suggested/required reading (Wick Humble's guide to the L28 engine for example).

Post some photos, and let's all get to work on your newly acquired baby!

I've been using Rising Sun Performance in Benbrook (SW Ft. Worth) for almost 10 years for any heavy line work. The phone number is 817-731-6092.

Steve Ehlers and his wife Vickie are the owners. He was a Datsun Master Tech that went independent many years back. They are not the cheapest, and you may have to get on a waiting list, but the work is meticulous... you won't have to go back and redo anything he touches.

Let them do an inspection on your car so you have a priority/ checklist and start saving your money. Measure twice... cut once.

PM or e-mail me if you want to see photos of the work to my 280.

Walt

Hojkue, Welcome to the site. Walt280Z above is correct. Steve Ehlers is as good as it gets when it comes to all Z's. The drive down from Denton is relatively short. I also agree that Steve would give you a very thorough inspection and assist you in compiling a list of "to dos". I'm in Granbury and have been to Steve's shop on many occasions. He just completed building me an '83 5 speed for my '71 and it looks brand new! He is very meticulous as Walt said above. If I can be of any help, even though I'm a 240 type, let me know.