So I just recently (yesterday) bought myself my very first Z car. A 1980 Datsun 280zx completely stock. I'm about to do an alt on it in hops to getting it running! She will start with a charged battery then die when charge dies. I was originally told it was lacking the Alt belt but upon inspection the belt was actually there so I presume that would mean the Alt is faulty. is there anything else I should take into consideration and close look at while restoring this? any problem spots or things worth doing for the long run? Unknown miles and while its running there's no weird noises other than an exhaust leak. any help is appreciated!!

Pictures are good.  Take pictures of the engine bay and folks will most likely report if anything looks to be missing or awry. I have an '80ZX I bought as my 1st Z car back in 2016.  It's been apart and back together several times.  It's a driving project.  After driving it all summer it's off the road again while I install aftermarket EFI to replace the original Bosch FI.  The cars are quite reliable, but are getting old, so things like fuel injection and suspension are potentially a problem area.  But, perhaps you bought a nice one.  I bought an abandoned mess that someone's ex wife piled a bunch of wine boxes on in her garage. 

 My car is far from perfect, all I currently have are exterior pictures to show damages. And everything on it is as I got it. I'll take engine bay pictures once home from work but structurally it is sound is just exterior damage. But yeah I'll get the engine bay pictures posted here tomorrow and hopefully you guys can help me figure this gem out 

I could swear I saw that car driving around not far from my house a few weeks back.  i recognize the rear quarter panel and Datsun pickup rear light?  If so, then it runs which is a good start.

Edited October 22, 20204 yr by Reptoid Overlords

I bought it from some kid up in Seattle yesterday and had it towed down to Olympia where I live

1 hour ago, 1980_280zx_mike235 said:

So I just recently (yesterday) bought myself my very first Z car. A 1980 Datsun 280zx completely stock. I'm about to do an alt on it in hops to getting it running! She will start with a charged battery then die when charge dies. 

Use a meter and measure voltage at the battery terminals while it's running.  The dying could be a separate problem.

I'll do that, I know the battery is good cuz I put in the new one the last owner have me with it and it is dated 8/20