1975 260z 2+2 needs new drive train and suspension (280ZX?)

[M-Tune]

Hi guys,

I'm new to the forum and have just purchased a 1975 260Z 2+2 for restoration. Unfortunately the car has been standing for many years and is quite rusted, the suspension, diff and all the fittings are very badly corroded and damaged.

I need a complete new suspension set up front and rear and possibly a new diff. In South Africa early Z cars are very scarce, but there are quite a few 280ZXs around. So we were thinking of finding the complete set up of a ZX and installing it into our 260. Would this work? or what would you suggest is the best solution.

M-Tune

[SteveJ]

The suspension is completely different. You'd be better off importing parts from the US and Japan.

[M-Tune]

That could work out to be very expensive, is there not any other model of datsun/nissan or any other make of vehicle which has a suspension we could use?

[sblake01]

The 280ZX differential could be made to work but I'm afraid the suspension would have to be from another 75-78 S30.

[SteveJ]

That could work out to be very expensive, is there not any other model of datsun/nissan or any other make of vehicle which has a suspension we could use?

The suspension components from another vehicle would probably require extensive modification to work well. Used components from somewhere like Zbarn could still be affordable.

A good way to get an inventory of what you need would be to download the service manual. While the ones on the link in my signature are for the US market 280, I think the suspension should be close enough for your needs. You could also download a S130 (280ZX) manual to see the differences between suspension components.

Unfortunately it can take a fair amount of money to keep a 35 year old car on the road, especially when it's rare for your country.

Steve

[M-Tune]

thanks guys I will check out the manuals and try my best to source S30 parts

[Bruce Palmer]

Is there something in the South African import reg's that would keep you from just buying a "done" car and bringing it into the country? By the time you finish fighting the "every part is a struggle" battle because of lack of availability, it sounds like it would be a better plan of attack to just buy a car.

Just curious....

[M-Tune]

Bruce, I looked at importing a car, but it is quite expensive as we work in Rands not Dollars (unfortunately the value of our currency has dropped quite a bit). We restore cars as a hobby and are keen to build a Z, but we will be importing a R32 GTR in the near future. At the moment I am checking availability for 260/280Z parts in SA and i think we will find something to work with... besides we enjoy customizing the car ourselves.

[M-Tune]

Ok, I think we going to rebuild some of the parts that we have and import 2 front wishbones and joints from the US. Where can we purchase these items at a good price?