I've been trying to locate an OEM passenger door weatherstripping for my 1978 280Z. Called courtesy Nissan and to my surprise I was informed that they had it for the '77 280Z but not for the "78. They specifically said that they are different parts with different parts numbers. 

I then called Vintage Rubber and Randy sells the same weatherstripping for all years 280Zs and was surprised to hear what I had been told by Courtesy Nissan. He said he would look into it further.

Has anyone had experience with this issue?

I think it could be just small improvements made over the years. Nissan then issues a new part number no matter how small the change.

The courtesy guy is probably not an expert on these old cars and is simply quoting what he sees on his computer. His conclusion: 77 part number is different to the 78 so part must be different and won't fit.

 

I have nether heard of people haveing issues with different type of door seal on the 280Z. Its mostly the quality of the aftermarket parts that caused most people grief.

Presuming this is for a 280Z coupe, rather than a 2+2, I think this is the relevant fiche page (item #44), unless you mean the weatherstripping around the door sash itself. The attached fiche illustrates a couple of part numbers (assuming the weatherstripping is black), from 08/76 onwards, which can be used interchangeably. From the scan these look like 76801-N4600 and 76803-N3400.

Thank you so much, jerz!  That definitely clears up that doubt. I will immediately purchase the OEM seal from Courtesy Nissan.

Thanks so much, jerz! That information definitely clears up any doubts: 77 and 78 280Z coupe door seals are the interchangeable.

I will buy that seal at Courtesy Nissan right away.