How to attach Rear Panel and Lights

[jeff81]

Hey,

I did not take apart the shell that I am working on. I have a 77 280Z and need to know what parts and how to install the rear light panel. I have read that I need some plastic rivets, but is there a plastic or metal strip that goes above the rivets along the area where the rear hatch closes down? Where can I find those rivets? Are there any other acceptable alternatives to using the rivets?

Please advise this inexperienced new-be. Thank you.

Body work is done and trying to reassemble. I have a good assembly book, but it is for a 240Z and I am unsure of the differences for attaching the rear panel. I also looked at the CD, but was unsure if anything other than the rivets are needed.

Jeff

[Carl Beck]

The finisher panels - Right, Center & Left have a lip that goes over the threshold {the area where the deck lid closes down}. All three are fastened to that threshold by small plastic rivets. The Right & Left tail light finisher panels overlap at their edges on top of the center section.

You can order the small rivets from Nissan Parts. 08510-52097 Rivet-Plastic M5

From the parts catalog - it looks like there are two smaller rivets that go in the bottom of the center section of the finisher.

Part # 79909-E4100 Rivet-Plastic M4

FWIW,

Carl B.

[Zed Head]

I think that the 280Z just has the left and right sets of three rivets holding the top of the light panel, and the center section has two holes for screws to fasten the license plate light. That's what my 76 has. The rivets are exposed, no cover.

The panel with chrome trim and the tail light housing is all assembled as a unit. There's a foam gasket that seals between the white plastic light housing and the body. The studs are pressed through the holes in the gasket and body, with the edge of the top of the panel above the rim of the body, pop a rivet or two in to hold it in place, then put all of the 8 mm nuts and washers on. There's a long plastic extension that is used on the bottom center stud as a spacer to bring the nut out to where it can be reached. A deep well 8 mm socket is almost mandatory unless you have tons of patience and skinny fingers.

[mgood]

Here is mine from a 76 - 280Z, The paint is not stock.

[GreenZZZ]

Here is mine from a 76 - 280Z, The paint is not stock.

Almost looks like the rear panel matches the "butterscotch" interior color that came with the earlier 113 green cars. Very nice.

[Zed Head]

Looking at that picture I realized that the center piece isn't held on by the plate light screws, and it doesn't have rivets. I just repainted the outer panels on mine, and the plate light housing, but not the small center trim piece. Took a look at my car and it seems like it might clip on or have some other way to fasten it, underneath the plate light.

[Carl Beck]

The parts manual shows two small rivets - down where the license plate sits on hooks, near the bottom.

FWIW,

Carl B.

[jeff81]

Well I am unable to find those parts. Does anyone know of a supplier or an alternative to using those rivets. I found the rivets for the 240z, but it is a different part number than the 280z. Please let me know of supplier or alternative mounting methods. (the car is getting close to looking like a car again).

Thanks for the help

Jeff

[240zdave]

Motorsports Auto has them:

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/SIC08B/40-3968