I'm starting to put my 78 back together. A little history.

I bought this yellow 1978 280z back in 2002 or 2003 with the thought of using it as a daily driver. Car was a Cali car and in good condition,but the paint was fading and the carpet was shot. I paid $1000 for it drove it home , tried to change the title but the ID plate was missing from the dash and the drivers side door. It was a few months before I could take it to an inspection station where they hid another ID and got the title transferred.

Drove the car on weekends and to car club meetings then decided to restore it with the help of my father in law. He was a lifetime Ford mechanic but wanted to help me with this. So one weekend in May of 2003, before it got to 100 degrees, myself, father in law and brother in law, stripped the car and made the crime of the century by not labeling anything and just putting the fasteners and parts anywhere and everywhere.:disappoin

Over the next few weekends we rebuilt the suspension with poly bushings,MSA swaybars, energy sus springs and KYB shocks. Had to replace one A frame when the king pin wouldn't come out. Bought a 3.90 rear end and installed that. Then in late June the car was towed to a paint shop and there it stayed for 3 or 4 months. Car came back with new Yellow paint, 2003 Ford Thunderbird Yellow.

And then for whatever reason I never put it back together. Put all the parts in storage, put a car cover on it and let it sit. Since then my father in law has gone to the great tractor show in the sky and the Z that was so nice got weathered and developed some minor rust. After 6 years it got what it deserved, some rust repair around the battery tray and a new paint job. Same color but better paint.

I am trying to get the garage cleaned so I have room to work on it. Have enlisted someone to assist with putting it back together and am planning to get started either Feb 5th or Feb 12th.

Her is my plan to put it on the road. Any suggestions or input is greatly appreciated.

PLAN TO PUT THE 78 BACK TOGETHER

1. Clean inside and outside of car

a. use rust converter on floorboards

b. spray rust sealer on rust converter after 24 hrs

2. Install fuse block and wire harness. Check that all rubber Grommets are good

a. decide on dynamat or equivalent and install if enough time

3. Install gas tank and all lines including gas filler tube. Check rubber grommets.

a. check hoses and use new fuel injection hose.

b. Install fuel pump, inline filter, and fuel gauge

4. Install interior except seats, door covers, hatch,carpet and dash

a. install rear taillights, gaskets and trim and rear side markers

5. Install clutch and brake pedals, foot feed. Install clutch master cylinder and

brake booster. Install rear brake light sending unit.

6. Install steering wheel, turn signal and light switch, ignition and and dash wiring

harness. ??? Should harness be installed onto dash before dash installation??

a. install all new light bulbs, clean dash and install new gauges if bought.

7. Install engine and transmission. Add fluids to both

a. should intake, fuel rail and injectors, and header be attached to engine before

installation??

b. Install clutch and flywheel before attaching tranny

8. install and hook up all engine components

9. install headlights , turn signals,front marker lights

This as far as I 've gotten. I will still have to finish the interior,put new tires and wheels on and then register it. Will go with classic ins and registration.

Hoping to get plate # 2Zs2mny as I have a 350z and a 77 which is payment to the person helping me.

Will post pics later today.

Sounds like a plan. Going to be a busy day!

Edited January 30, 201114 yr by IdahoKidd

We got the car cleaned out, started to install the expansion tank and the gas tank. We couldn't get the fuel filler hose on, so everything is on and connected but not bolted tight.

Thought we needed a longer hose but found out that we should loosen the whole assembly. By the way, is it easier to get the hose on with the tank strapped tight or is it easier with tank loose and lower??

It's easier to lift the tank while someone guides the hose on the filler neck, IMO. I had the hose connected to the tank already.

That sounds like its the way to go. Now I just have find a clamp!!

Dont forget all new Rubber brake lines .

Yes the dash wiring harness goes on the back of the dash before installing it

Motorsport sells brighter dash light bulbs that go in the original sockets

Thanks but steel lines have been on for a few years.

Got a set of beautiful brand new door panels for it for sale in the classified section. These beauties are in the original Nissan bags with part numbers. Perfect for the restored car. Also have a nice 78 parts car with a new carpeting, center counsel and new nissan lockset including ignition....one key for all. The car had a front damage. The car has been with me since 94.

I have the carpet, door panels, uncracked dash, and a new console. The lock set would be interesting.

Email me at az240z@hotmail.com

Just an update, the work has been slow. Gas tank is installed, harness installed but has to come out. I was going to use a 77 harness but it doesn't work in a 78. The relays are different. Also found out that the engine needs to be redone, at least the head, as the compression is too high.

Am questioning whether to continue or just sell everything.