1973 Rebuild

[Matthew Abate]

I have a couple of updates:

1. The first half of the dash harness inventory is up in my wiring build thread.

Now that that’s in the bag I’m moving on to the second half of the dash harness.

 

2. I’ve been trying to sneak in small things to help me feel like I’m making progress. This week’s small thing was the head liner.

IMG_4916.MOV

IMG_4934.MOV

 

Nice and quiet!

Edited August 19, 2022 by Matthew Abate

[Matthew Abate]

Oh, I should add that I tried just having strips of dynamat, but it showed through the headliner. If you’re going to use any you have to cover the entire roof, and you have to get it on as smooth as possible. The headliner is surprisingly bad at hiding bumps and ridges under it, despite the thick foam backing.

Edited August 21, 2022 by Matthew Abate

[Matthew Abate]

Some updates:

Fresh air intakes

ZX AC Bracket

ZX AC Bracket after sandblasting and paint

That same ‘78 280z rear glass with an OEM rear window seal to fix this gaps in the corners. This was a major PITA to install. Super tight.

I also noticed a scuff in the shape of a Z logo. I think there was a sticker or paint on the glass and they didn’t take care getting it off. Gonna have to polish guy.

Inner and outer (1970 version) weather strips

Edited August 29, 2022 by Matthew Abate

[w3wilkes]

2 hours ago, Matthew Abate said:

Some updates:

Looks really nice! I'll bet you're starting to itch. I think I'd be afraid to drive it, looks more "polished" than factory.

[Matthew Abate]

12 hours ago, w3wilkes said:

Looks really nice! I'll bet you're starting to itch. I think I'd be afraid to drive it, looks more "polished" than factory.

My kids dinged the front left fender the other day with the door from our Subaru, so I am trying to embrace the concept of Wabi-sabi.

The goal here is a Z built from the “best” parts that will go on it, or, a Z that’s what Nissan could have made if they went all out in the beginning. Trying to keep the newer tech / styles to a minimum.

But yeah, I’m getting itchy.

Edited August 29, 2022 by Matthew Abate

[Matthew Abate]

Side Project:

I was able to find Nissan OEM versions of everything I need to overhaul the five speed. Luckily, I don’t need synchros, although you can still get them OEM from Courtesy Parts and the handful of Nissan dealers I called. I had to use a handful of places to get all of these, and I’m not 100% certain two of these are OEM despite reassurances from the retailer, but it wasn’t difficult to get it all in hand. Maybe 30 minutes on Google.

I dropped these off at the transmission shop yesterday. I have no idea how long it is going to take for him to get it done, but I’m hoping to have it back by the end of September.

Here's my parts list:

- 1x Main Input Shaft Bearing (PN 32273-N4800)

- 1x Main Input Shaft Bearing, Adapter Plate (PN 32273-36900)

- 1x Main Input Shaft Bearing, Extension Housing (PN 32203-14360)

- 1x Pilot Bearing, Input / Output Shafts (PN 32272-36910)

- 3x Needle Bearing, Main Shaft Gears (PN 32264-14601)

- 1x Counter Shaft Bearing, Front (PN 32219-E9020)

- 1x Counter Shaft Bearing, Adapter (PN 32203-E9800)

- 1x Counter Shaft Bearing, Rear (PN 32319-N4870)

- 1x Reverse Idler Gear Bearing (PN 32272-36910)

- 1x Front Cover Gasket (PN 32112-08U01)

- 1x Oil Gutter (PN 32137-E9000)

- 1x Front Seal (PN 32114-Y4000)

- 1x Rear Extension Seal (PN 32136-U010A)

- 3x Checking Spring (32830-20100)

Edited August 30, 2022 by Matthew Abate

[Matthew Abate]

Question about the black goop inside the frames for my rear quarter panels: what is it? I was thinking RTV or body caulk. It doesn’t seem like it’s weatherstrip adhesive.

I want to be able to replicate this after I clean all my parts up.

Edited September 1, 2022 by Matthew Abate

[Freez74]

Some kind of rubber sealant they used to keep the joints from leaking around the frame.  I cleaned it off and duplicated it as best I could with Ultra Black RTV.  Seems to work ok.

[Matthew Abate]

RTV seems to do the trick.

unrelated… Does anyone know of a build thread with really good pictures of the original copper 280z air conditioning lines and hoses? I want to see how those were routed and where they went through the firewall so I can approximate that with my setup.

I haven’t been able to find a diagram that show the actual routing.

Edited September 17, 2022 by Matthew Abate

[gotham22]

Does this help? Mine is a 78 280z

[Matthew Abate]

Yes! Super helpful. I found a set of copper lines and a dryer on eBay and was thinking of using them for a vintage air setup, but couldn’t see how they went on. Not sure if I’m going that route or not because I’m concerned about leaks, but at least now I know where the lines go.

[gotham22]

If you need more pics let me know.  I had to remove the compressor to fix the front frame rail.  Now I am debating if I go back to R12 or upgrade.  One more thing on the list