Where do I begin. Just picked up my first z car. 4 speed manual. Got a Chilton and no idea where to start on the project. From Rhode island.

Congrats on the car. I think I'd start by getting a Haynes manual. I remember back in college days when we'd be changing clutches on our Datsuns all the time, we'd joke about the Chilton manual. "Step 1, remove transmission."

Make sure oil and coolant are good. Then check out brake cylinders/calipers, brake lines and brake fluid to make sure you can stop.

Here is a good site to get factory manual information.

XenonS30

Thanks for the advice. Im going to grab a Haynes asap. Engine turns over so thats a good sign. Havent done much. Worst part is rust and rot on lower front shock towers

First, WELCOME to one of the best clubs anywhere: owners of Datsun Z Cars!!! If you've surfed this site, you know that pictures are a required element of participation, so you've already incurred an I.O.U. When you supply details on the car, its the same as talkin' dirty to us!

As to your new project, GO SLOWLY and build a plan. Evaluate what your car needs and go through it system by system. If you take something off the car, label or bag-and-tag it, don't rely on your memory. The same goes for electrical disconnects - tag both ends of any wires before unplugging them. Don't throw anything away until the replacement is installed and working correctly. Try not to scatter-shoot all over the car unless you are planning to totally dismantle it for a rebuild.

Check around to see if there is a local Z club in your area, you can often find a lot of local and free talent in the been-there /done that category.

Keep us posted on your progress.

Connecticut Z car club is one of the best on Earth

Jfa, thank you for the advice! Out to get some zip lock bags tonight. Im in no rush to finish it like previous projects in the past. Cars to nice for hack jobs. Blue, I chech out z cars of newengland based out of newhampshire they didnt look to active.

https://m.facebook.com/charles.martel.735507/albums/254975821341094/

Hi Charles,

Welcome to the club. Plenty of friendly members to give advice when needed.

Where to start? Maybe post some photos of your new untouched project. We all like eye candyLOL

It also gives the members a good idea where you are to start with and then you can get some really good pointers on what to look out for and how to go further.

Pay a visit to Blue's Tech Tips. Its well worth the read.

Carl Beck has a good site for info on the Z Car Home Page

Chas

Connecticut Z car club is one of the best on Earth

+1 on Blue's recommendation. I've been a member of CTZCC for several years, they're very much into the S30 series and they're the home club for car #13. Membership is FREE, check them out here: Connecticut Z Car Club: Welcome

https://m.facebook.com/charles.martel.735507/albums/254975821341094/

FB link is not working.

Welcome Charles, you'll find lots of very very valuable insight and help from members here. Ditto to what jfa said in post #4, go slow and work methodically, tag and bag EVERYTHING every nut, bolt, washer, screw, panel etc. etc. take lots of pics and save for reference. Do lots of reading and research and download a copy of the FSM(I'm not a fan of Chiltons or Haynes).