Hello all

So I have finally decided to begin the slow restoration of my Z. The car is roughly 80% restored when I bought her back in August. As stated above this is a "slow" restoration. I'm doing everything I can myself and anything I can't do I'll at least attempt. Its going to take a while is the whole point really. I'm starting with the skid plate on my Z. Taking it off, sanding it down to bare metal, straightening and painting a nice gray color.

Before I do that here's a few pics of my 1976 280z.

Edited October 20, 200915 yr by Pomorza

Part I. Skid Plate Restoration

Pulled the plate off earlier today. First thing was to give it a nice bath in some Grease Lightning to remove the nearly 34 years of crud on it. After that I used some steel wool to get any other stubborn stains and rust spots out. Took it into my little shop I have where I live and started to sand it using 50 grit sand paper. Did it for about an hour before it became too hot to work. Will update more as I make progress. Hope to have it done before the month is up.

Update

Hey guys. This weekend I pulled my radiator as I had a nasty leak from someplace. Took it to a shop and found the an entire tube (or whatever those are called that run up and down) is cracked. The radiator itself looks like it has been repaired numerous times as there are many areas where lead is present. So I've decided to opt for a new one. Not sure if I'm going to get a new OE on or an aluminum one.

Anyhow in the process I come to find that the lower radiator is also leaking. I'm not sure if its from the hose or the area where the hose is attached to. Can someone please tell me what that is called and if the gasket for it is easily found. (picture is included.). Its located above the alternator.

Pomorza's Z threat.

I'm sure you mean treat as opposed to threat. Take your time. It took me about 9 years to get my Z where I wanted it. I always had other projects going, just like now. Yours won't take as long because you're starting out with a car in better condition than mine was. As far as the picture, I just called that a water outlet. It may have a more specific name than that but I just cut my own gaskets for stuff like that.

I agree with Stephen!

Not to be a nit-picker, but I always thought it was called "water inlet". The gasket may be available separately, but again I agree that it would be an easy one to cut. I've never had a leakage problem with one at the gasket, so I would look closely to try to determine the origin of the leak in that area.

If you need either the inlet/outlet piece or a radiator, I think I have both out in the garage. Both quite serviceable. Not certain if the inlet piece had many variations, but we could exchange pictures if need be. Both pieces came off on a 280Z, but I cannot recall which year. The rad was in use on my 240 until I recently replaced it with the correct smaller size for my application. Good luck with that and the project as a whole!

I'm sure you mean treat as opposed to threat. Take your time. It took me about 9 years to get my Z where I wanted it. I always had other projects going, just like now. Yours won't take as long because you're starting out with a car in better condition than mine was. As far as the picture, I just called that a water outlet. It may have a more specific name than that but I just cut my own gaskets for stuff like that.

maybe thread? I do get the feeling that I'm being threatened by my Z on occasion though too. :laugh:

Update

Ordered a new radiator that should get here by Thursday. Its an OE radiator as I couldn't fork over the 400 for the aluminum ones I found. Hopefully it is the proper one..supposedly it is from a dealership. I did remove the condenser from the car so now there is nothing blocking the radiator at all once I get it in. Will post pictures of the reinstall this weekend, should be interesting now.

I am wondering something though. Are all water outlets on Z motors the same? MSA sells a new one for a 240z but non for a 280z? DeesZ I may take you up on that offer. Mine isn't bad but as you can see from the picture its not in great condition.

Jan

Edited October 21, 200915 yr by Pomorza

maybe thread? I do get the feeling that I'm being threatened by my Z on occasion though too. :laugh:

Yeah, you're right but I always consider it a treat to look a Z pictures.

Update

So this afternoon I put in the new radiator. I also took the time to clean the fan shroud and paint it flat black. I think it looks really nice. All I have to do is put on the hoses, the new cap and fill it up with some fluid and I'll be done. Here are some pictures enjoy.

Update

This past weekend I replaced my radiator. This afternoon I come to find there is a whining sound coming from the engine area. Upon further inspection I come to find there is coolant leaking from the water pump. Not very much at a time but dripping quite a bit. I turned off the car, depressurized the coolant system. I ordered a water pump from MSA and hope to have it in by this weekend. I will post some pictures of the removal and reinstall of the pump.

Jan

Water pump

Hello all. This Wednesday my new water pump came in along with new bolts. Posted are pictures of the parts. I'm a bit new to Z's but do the water pump bolts look right. They're a bit...huge to me so please let me know.

Jan

The bolts look just like what you need. (I think the longer bolts also had washers on mine.)

I just did water pump and radiator several weeks ago.