26ounce

They are very similar up until the 280ZX was introduced (79 I think). Apart from the engine displacement the main differences are that they get progressively heavier as the model progressed and you can get the 280Z with fuel injection. The L series motor is pretty durable and you can get stock parts relatively easily. Since I bought my 260Z I have driven it to work daily with no problems apart from a dead battery so I reckon the reliability is excellent for a car thats old enough to drink. It's probably better if you try and find a body with the minimum amount of rust than just go for a Z with a good motor. Rust is the main problem facing the survival of most Zs.

Top stuff Owen:classic: That dash looks like it is pretty good nick, actually all the interior I could see looked reasonable. Hate to guess what the seats look like under those seat covers though. I'm guessing that since it is auto the engine is pretty stock then? Looks like you have a project on your hands. SO whats the plan then: retsoration or modification?

I'm 90% sure it is sure wiper pivots. They get filled with corrosion and eventually seize. Have a look under the technical articles where kmack has posted an outline of the fix. note: when you put the wiper assembly back together make sure you test it before bolting the wipers arms back on. It is easy to put the assembly together incorrectly so that the wipers scrape down across the bonnet instead of the up across windcreen.

Thanks for the info Rob. Compomotives certainly look good but that price is a bit steep at $350 a pop. fwd style wheels with a spacer are starting to look like an alternative.

I'm currently running a 3spd auto in my 260Z. I can't say that it is not reliable. But in terms of performance it makes my Z a lot slower than it should be both in terms of acceleration and top end. It also makes it harder to get the power on quickly after exiting a corner. I'm not surprised they sold way more manuals than autos. I already have a 5 speed manual in my garage and will be converting my Z as soon as I finish landscaping my garden (long story). Apparently putting in the clutch pedal is a bloody annoying - no doubt I'll find out soon enough.

I just had the exact thing happen to me on Saturday. I was so pleased with myself when I had put the wiper assembly back in - I became a whole lot less pleased when both wipers went shooting across the bonnet on the first test:mad: Its not hard to avoid if someone warns you. By the way, if anyone knows a painless way to remove the pivots from their sleeves I would love to hear it. I was stuffing around with mine for hours, I got one side completely out and the other about half way when I got frustrated and gave up. Both pivots rotate easily enough, but I'm not sure how long the half-way one will last.

They are some nice looking wheels on that Z. Wouldn't mind a set myself. Whats with the European tail lights, I've heard people talking about European bumpers as well. Is that just the name of after market parts brand or what?

Thanks guys, I'll try your advice tonight. Got a good soaking this morning on the way to work. I had to walk to the bus stop in the rain while the Z stayed inside with no wipers. Sooner I fix these wipers the happier I will be. After the wipers I will start workig on eliminating the exhaust fumes that keep getting inside the car. Found out yesterday that it is not a good idea to drive in a traffic jam with all the windows wound up, I started to feel a bit light headed for a while there:eek:

Well I checked out all the electrics and everything was working, including the wiper motor when I removed the attachment to what I will call the "wiper levers". I pulled the "wiper levers" out, and found that they were seized. They were seized in two places - both the swivels where the wiper arms attach. You know that nut on the bottom of the wipers that you undo to remove the wipers then it leaves two bolt ends sticking up, well both of them no longer rotate. No amount of manipulating or WD40 would loosen them either, we even hit them with a hammer and heated them up. Looks like I'm off to a wreckers fairly damn soon. For future reference, it seems that overspray may have been the culprit. Both the bolt ends had a coating of paint that covered important areas.

I think my wiper motor may have died also. I checked the fuse and took a look at the wiring under the steering wheel. Seems everything there was in order. I had a look at the wiper motor and found it encased in a plastic/rubber bag. Its also a bit tough to tell if the wiper motor is dead or not without a multimeter, I guess it is about time I bought one.

Turns out the car was originally a mid range metallic blue. Found out when I took the door apart to put the driver side window back on its runners. Would of looked nice in that blue way back when. Another surprise is that the wipers don't work. Found out on the freeway when it started bucketing down:eek: Not sure what the problem is, I checked out the obvious things like the fuses but had no joy. Could be the wiper motor?

Just had another look at her and, yep I agree Alfadog, the front of the flares need the same nip and tuck treatment. Thanks for the input Zxtacy, and you're right about being happy - can't wipe the grin off my face! I can't believe how well it handles at 26 years old, the steering has absolutely no play in it and the thing corners like nothing I've ever driven:D. What will it drive like after some work??? As for finding decent Zs in Perth halz, I feel your frustration. I had pretty much resigned myself to getting one while in Brisbane on an upcoming trip. The freighting costs aren't too bad and there seemed to be quite a few Zs over east on www.tradingpost.com.au ,particularly 240Zs. In the end I just got lucky, there was an add in the sunday times for a 260Z (it didn't even specify that it was a coupe) I assumed it was a 2+2 but thought I'd take a punt. As soon as he said it was a 2 seater I was off! Oh yeah, the engine bay is painted black. Are the engine bays originally the same colour as the panels?

Yeah, I agree about the 90 degree angle on the flares, does not look good at all. I can think of two improvements I could make: (1) cut a curved section off that edge so they look rounded like normal flares. (2) put two big mudflaps on each side so that instead of stopping suddenly at the corner they sort of continue. I think I'll probably go with (1) when I get round to it. For the record the flares look fine from the front. Now that I think about it Alfadog, you might also be right about the racing part. That might explain the flares and why he fitted another motor. I'll have a look for any evidence that there was ever a roll cage or racing harness fitted. As for the badge on trhe left, thats a bit of a mystery as well. The badge says "nissan matic" across the badge in large font, but between those two words it also say "full auto". Now I'm new to this datsun/nissan game so I've got no idea why there is a nissan badge on my 1976 datsun.

Thought I'd throw in some more info while I'm supposed to be working. The guy I bought it off was going to fix it up for his daughter to drive. Apparently she was giving him a hard time about the car and how long it was taking, so he eventually decided to sell it. Lucky for me! After buying the coupe body he got the car roadworthy using various parts left over from a previous 260Z 2+2 restoration. He had switched the 2+2 to a L28 fuel injected motor, so I guess the original L26 resides under my bonnet now. He wasn't selling the 2+2, but it is a fine looking car and has the performance to match. Now looking at those flares in the photo I reckon they look pretty good. I just think the bottom edges should be rounded off, having them come down to a flat edge like that makes em look odd.

After much searching I have finally located and purchased my first Z car, a 1976 260Z Coupe. Took me ages to find the coupe for two reasons; firstly they are relatively rare in Australia, secondly they are even rarer out here in Western Australia. Now after many months of lurking on this and other Z sites I will lurk no more! The previous owner had cut all the rust out and had the body in good shape. The interior and mechanics are about what you'd expect for a car with little or no work done since new, not bad just run down. Unfortunately, it has a 3 speed auto and was painted white - both of which I intend to change in the medium term future. Unusual feature - the car has these flares on the rear wheel arches, they are steel and look to be professionally installed. I'm undecided about them and would be keen to hear other opinions on how they look.