I bought a 77 280Z for the purpose of restoring. I didn't know much about them prior to owning one except that I've always liked them, and now with no kids around, time for me to have a project car! So my question is, I looked at the color code tag in the engine compartment. Says it's black pearl. However, what I've read says that color didn't come out till 78. The date of manufacture tag on my car says 2/77. I'd like to restore it to it's original color if that's truly it. Otherwise, I might just do something else. Thanks for any info.

Go here: http://zhome.com/History/BlackP.htm to learn more. It is a write up from a couple of years ago by Bryon D. Hill, Carl Beck and Myself. Look for paint code 638 on the radiator support. Note: Black Pearl paint is a metal fleck paint, not a 'solid'. What made a Z a "Black Pearl" was the 1978 model year and the entire accessory package, most notably the pinstripes and louver. It is possible that your car is painted with 638 Black Pearl Metallic Paint, but did not have the other features added.

Edited April 3, 201213 yr by ZCurves

That's what I wanted to know. Thanks. Yes, it has the tag on the radiator support. So in keeping with the restoration, that's what it'll be painted. I'd better get the AC working too!

I bought a 77 280Z for the purpose of restoring. I didn't know much about them prior to owning one except that I've always liked them, and now with no kids around, time for me to have a project car! So my question is, I looked at the color code tag in the engine compartment. Says it's black pearl.

Hi Fallguy:

Just to be clear - do you mean that the color code tag says "638". If that is the case - then my guess would be that some previous owner replaced the original tag. I've never seen a 1977 280Z that was stock or original with the Black Metallic paint.

However, what I've read says that color didn't come out till 78. The date of manufacture tag on my car says 2/77. I'd like to restore it to it's original color if that's truly it. Otherwise, I might just do something else. Thanks for any info.

I'd look up under the dash - under the sound/heat insulation - and see what color is there. To the best of my knowledge here in North America - 1978 was the first model year for Black.

FWIW,

Carl B.