Starting my Restoration

[Darbji280z]

I am strongly considering beginning my resto in the fall. Where on earth does one start? I have very little body work to do, she'll need paint. The biggest part of the resto is going to be in the interior and mechanical components. I will probably rebuild that engine, all new suspension. I'd like to replace my 4-speed with a 5-speed trans.

[Walter Moore]

You are fortunate that the body doesn't require any major work, because that is the hardest part of the process.

I dropped a 5 speed from a 83 ZX in my 240, and am very pleased with the result.

I would be more pleased if I had also replaced the differential, but that is another story. The tall gears in the 83ZX don't match the 3.36 differential in my 240 very well in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, the ratios of the 5 speed are very evenly spaced, and I dearly love being able to downshift from 3rd to 2nd without having to redline the engine first, but overall I think it would work better with at least a 3.54 gear set, if not the "correct" 3.90 gear set.

I mean it is cool to be able to go 45 MPH in FIRST GEAR, but not very practical...

[Sailor Bob]

I have the 3.545 with an 82 5 speed - it's no doubt better than the 3.36, but I too recommend going to the 3.9 if you're going that way. What I have is adequate but I like the zip of the Z and it is diminished with the incorrect rear end. Another thing about that is you need to be going about 50 to use 5th or you'll be under 2K rpm - sounds lousy and it's probably not healthy. Merely my opinion.

I just got a line on a 3.9 For $75 - I will do the switch.

[EScanlon]

Darbji:

While the 280 differs somewhat from the 240, there are substantially enough similarities between the two that reading Wick Humble's book "How to restore your Datsun Z Car" will give you the best insight as to what/how and in what order to proceed.

The book does reference the 240, 260 and 280 models so it should be adequate.

There are also a couple of other books on rebuilding and modifying the OHC engine.

Hope this helps

Enrique

[Rockr69]

I've got an '85 5 speed and 3.54s in the rear. Sailor is right about rpm range in 5th, however, 5th was always designed to be a high speed cruising gear and 2250 rpm at 60 is waaayyyy cool!, but 100 in third is even better!!!

If I could find the 3.90 I'd go with it, cuz I'd rather have a little more quickness than all out speed.MHO

[beandip]

daarbji, to answer your question. I have a question. Are you planning on doing all the work in one venture or bit by bit? You said mostly you were looking at the interior, and paint. Also the engine . If this is the total package you are looking to do at one venture . I recommend pulling the engine , interior completely dash included. Now if you are looking to do a repaint , remove the glass . Also the wiring. Give the rolling shell to a shop. Even if the body is in great shape, you will find that there is some dings and blemishes that need fixing. Have the shop do the engine bay, and jambs and spare tire tub. Hopefully when you pulled the interior you also removed the tar mat on the foot wells and found no rust. When you get the car back you can attack any surface rust on the floors with POR or some other rust preventive. Start reassembly . While the Z is in the shop you can address the gages polishing the lenses and painting the gage ''cups'' inside with white paint. Go through the heater and do what is necessary there. From here I went to sound deadening on the floors and doors and inside the rear fenders and also inside he plastic rear panels. I used a product form B-Quiet and am vary happy. I bought 100 sq. ' of ultimate and used almost all of it. It comes in 1'X 50' rolls. easy to work with and is self sticking. Send me a PM if you need more info. Gary