adamr

This will help the play in your shifter: http://www.courtesyparts.com/shifter-bushing-240z-260z-280z-280zx-m/t-p-568963.html?cPath=7724_7755&. Is it gas or exhaust? Lots of posts here on exhast fumes. These cars are notorious for that. Check your fuel lines, maybe a leaky injector. You may have a crack in your fuel filler neck, though that may not be the issue on 280z's as it is on the 240s.

If you are like most of us, your wish list is longer than your wallet is fat, and it probably entails quite a few 'garage time' hours. Prioritize your list, do and finish one thing at a time. Spend some time learning how to use this site. Most of all, have fun with your Z. Welcome to the site. Let the obsession beginLOL.

Do any of these conversions discussed here make it necessary to trade up to a 15 or 16 inch rim?

Mine will look almost exactly like yours, sans rear spoiler, in about one week, when the wheels and tires go on. Your car is IT for me -adamr

I'm with Carl, but I don't want to wizz on anyones parade.

How many have you looked at thusfar? Do you really want a 240z? You can likely find other cars in better shape or worse shape for the money. Now, the odds of you finding a 280z in better shape for less money are much better. I happen to really like the 280z myself. Also, it's a little bit tough for me to value a heavily modified Z at $7000-8000, unless the mods are really well done. But then again, I like them to appear stock from the outside. My preference is mine only. Location factors heavily with these cars. In SoCal, you might pay 5000 for a Z. The same car in the northeast might command 7000-8000. Obviously, it's much easier to find Z's with less rust as you move farther southwest on the map. BTW, check the rear deck bodywork, when you open the hatch, above the tail lights. The others here might want to weigh in on that as well. Arne, you got your reply in while I was finishing mine... And BTW, my Rotas are on the way. Sould have them next week. Thanks again for your wheel advice. I'll post pics, of course. -adamr

At the right price, it's the right car for somebody. If you feel comfortable disclosing what you think you will offer for the car, that might influence opinion on the site. Yes, it's nice looking in the pictures. Hopefully the engine has good compression, struts and springs, electrical, tires etc. What will the interior need? Will it pass inspection? What kind of budget you are on would be a factor. None of these cars are perfect, of course. Whether or not you buy this Z, I hope you indeed get a Z somewhere. You'll be hooked. Best of luck! -adamr

JORDE, I have spoken with Jessica at 18 racing. They might have another set of 16x7 silver +4 coming next week. She says mine are definitely on their way-I paid by Paypal.

Those look awesome!

I'm 39. Back in 1988, I had an 84 Monte Carlo SS. One night after work, my buddy and I had a little rat race across town en route to a bar. He was in his 78 280z- green with tan interior. I always liked his Z... Anyway, I was holding my own at around 110 mph when I threw a rod. What a god awful sound! I had little money and needed another car. I was thru pouring money into that Chevy. Remember, GM build quality back then was poor at best. I figured, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. I found a really nice '76 with a good paint job for sale in the grocery store parking lot. $3500. Seemed a little high at the time. It looked great, drove well, and was simply a much better car than the SS. Looking back, it was the best car deal I ever got. I was hooked! I hopped it up and drove it like I stole it. After rolling it on an off ramp at 115 mph and totalling it, I was off to find another. Got a black 78 with wire wheels. Loved it, too. Got T boned by an old lady in a Cadillac, who ran a stop sign, while driving down St. Charles Ave in New Orleans. Sold it and began saving for the next one, which turned out to be another 76. After spending lots of money getting it all fixed up, and getting a really nice paint job, I proudly drover it for many years. I foolishly took it with me to New York, where I exposed it to way to much salt and sand. The cancer came back. Years later, after moving back to Texas, I got stuck in a horrible traffic jam. The car overheated, and steam came billowing from the tailpipe. Head gasket was blown, and the head was warped. The mechanic who fixed it screwed me and the car. I sold it for parts to a father and son who were to use it to ressurect another Z. They came to find it in better shape than their original car, and restored it, yet again. Two years later, they showed up at my work, and asked me to come outside. Immaculate she was! All the rust cut out, perfect paint, Panasports, new struts etc... God, I was so jealous. By this point in my life, I was driving an Acura TL. I needed something reliable, with good A/C. For years after seeing my old car back on the road, I, in the back of my mind, hoped that someday I could afford a play toy/second car. Of course, I wanted another Z. Fast forward 9 years to 2008. I found my orange series one. I've had it for a year. I absolutley love it. In fact, it is an obsession. I'm on here everyday. I watch Ebay for parts I don't even need. Most of all, I simply love driving it. I love the history, the lines of the car, the quirks of the car, the thumbs up I get all over town. Once you've owned a Z, well, you know where I'm coming from. You must, because you are reading this right now. It's great to be back in a Z. I plan on keeping this car till death does us part :knockedou.

Your car looks SWEET! Nice touch with the mirrors and the early bumpers. The car looks like it's in pretty good (great) shape, inside and out. What kind of plans do you have for it? asr

Thanks! I was able to get the desired shine/sheen with light 2000 grit and the Meguires 1 step plastic polish. Yes, the instructions for this product only refer to clear plastic, but it worked well.

Does anyone have experience polishing/buffing black plastic such as the plastic heater control knobs, interior trim, ashtrays, etc? I have some old parts that look like they might clean up nicely, but need more than Simple Greenand a tooth brush. Thanks for your input. adamr

I finally got to the point last week and proceeded to pull the trigger on some 16x7, +4 offset, silver with polished lip. I checked almost everywhere in the US. Couldn't find them anywhere:mad:. Many said it looked like there was a set somewhere at Rota USA, but no one could find them, or the current inventory was incorrect. I cannot get a definite ETA. I'm by no means bashing them. I have never heard any complaints. I hope you are looking for slightly different ones. Obviously, I love the look. What are you getting? If you find the ones I'm looking for, let me know.

If this is the right one, I'd be happy to slip it in a padded envelope and get it to to for $12 shipped. Hope it helps- Adam <center> <a href="http://s682.photobucket.com/albums/vv183/datsunzparts/hazard/?action=view&current=DSCN0390.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv183/datsunzparts/hazard/DSCN0390.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /> </center>

As I read, I realized that the seller was xcyter, and was pretending to to be someone else on here. Kind of obvious. Now caught with his pants down, Xcyter seems awfully defensive about his doings and "who he is". The "I don't give a sh!+ attitude is typical posturing in this situation as well. There is no character assasination coming from me. The guy lost some credibility because he misrepresented himself. I do kind of size people up by their behavior. Only Exciter knows if he honestly wants the buyer to know exactly what condition the car is in. Unfortunately, he's off to a bad start here with the most extensive group of die hard Z enthusiasts. Keep in mind, people, that we are dealing in the used car business, and for most salesmen, bullshit is part of the game, kind of like resume embellishment. Back to the car. Most of these cars have some rust. We all know that. It's always more than it looks. The passenger side dogleg looks like it's had a cheap once over. If he is willing to show quality, hi resolution pics of the critical areas we want to know about, to a potential buyer, that would be refreshing. Maybe he will do so and "edit" his listing. Let's see... I WOULD NEVER PURCHASE A CAR SIGHT UNSEEN. If you do so, expect to find many dissapointing details that you wish you knew about before you sent the $$. -Adam

Time and money... I feel your pain. Then again, maybe you have LOTS of both. Perhaps you might make a detailed list of what needs to be replaced or restored. Take an hour or two. That's nothing compared to what you will spend getting her into presentable shape. It looks to me like there isn't a piece of visible sheetmetal that is whole. As you know, the rust you see is only the tip of the iceberg. Then again, there has never been a rational reason to fully restore any car, and you certainly wouldn't do it to make a profit. $.02 Adam

I don't know much about the Vintage Air, but I can whole heartedly recommend the honda blower motor upgrade on the 240z. I did the conversion as per member posts here, and my a/c CRANKS! It used to trickle out of the vents, now it's almost like a modern unit. FWIW. ADAM

Wow, a beaten up, unrestored, molested old 260zX 2+2 for a quarter mil? Fascinating... Might be worth more with a quick Maaco respray and some pimped out rims.

Thank you both. I've seen lots of your helpful posts. Given all that you have written, I feel confident I can go ahead with my wheel purchase. Guy, your experience really confirms it. I have wanted to do this since I picked up the car a year ago. Just needed to know for sure, and now need just a little more $$. 18 racing/ Wheelbay? Anyone know who has the best deal on the Rotas? How about the Eibachs? MSA? Thanks again! Adam

I am wondering if anyone has the Rota rb 16x7 +4 offeset wheels and Eibach lowering springs? If so, what tire size? I want to fill out the wheel wells nicely, but want the car to drive properly, with NO rubbing (I do not want to roll my fenders, either). Is that possible? Is there anyone out there who can give me the definitive answer as to if they rub? I'd love to see pics if you got 'em. Thanks! Adam

Thanks!

Kind of like the scratch-n-sniffs when I was a kid, they had ones that smelled like gas. I have become accustomed to the exhaust smell, though. -Adam

Thanks!

I'm looking for the correct air cleaner for my Z (12/70). Does the correct one have the downward snorkel? I'm sure the answer lies somewhere on this site, but I have searched and found no results. Carl, I know that you know. Thanks for your help...