mikewags

I recently bought a stock 280 air filter (priced 10 dollars or so) - vs. buying the high performance K&N filter ($45.00) Does anyone recommend K&N over stock? For a 45 dollar air filter do you really get more performance? I know they tend to let more air flow through, but I was wondering if this is true; or just a gimmick on selling an expensive air filter. Thanks!

What would be the best way to go about Reupholstering the carpet and driver's seat? The driver's seat isn't that bad; just the bottom portion (part you sit on) is torn up a bit. Do they sell just the foam and cover, which is secured with clamps under the seat? Am i better off just going to an upholstery guy? I heard they sell carpet kits that are precut for the 280; which sounds easy enough that I can do that one weekend. A friend suggested I put some sound dampening material underneath the carpet to reduce road noise; i thought it was a good idea. Any thoughts on this would be much appreciated! Thanks!

Thanks guys. I will try that out this weekend, removing the rust with a drill-wire brush; cleaning it up, then applying the POR paint. I'm not too concerned with the mis-match in paint (I assume POR is like a primer color) - I just want to make sure the rust is gone, so it doesn't cause any further corrosion.

The links should work now...

Today I began the mission of cleaning the hatch floor area. After removing the spare tire, i found what looks to be like the most rust my car has (could be worse) ... I scrubbed the area clean with a semi-wet sponge; including some of the rusty residue off. I know a wet sponge isn't exactly the best idea vs. rust; although I just wanted to get the area cleaned up a bit before I proceeded to deal with the rust. From the look, I think its just bad surface rust...it doesn't really rust through completely. My question... What would be the best way to tackle rust like this? Would you suggest grinding it off, then painting over it; or do they make good rust removing chemicals that won't wreak havoc on my paint? http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a369/mikewags/Car/hatch2.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a369/mikewags/Car/hatch.jpg

*BUMP* Updated with some engine compartment photos. The engine compartment is generally rust free; along with most of the car. The master cylinder has surface rust on it that I will eventually grind off with a dremel. Also replacing rusted screws with stainless has also become a goal i've set.

I took a few photos of the Scuff plate (for reference) As you can see it's rusted out a bit; I considered grinding the rust off, but concluded it's really not worth it (beyond repair).

I have these "American Racing" rims. They are ok, the only issue I have with them are the Caps (faded & plasticy) - I am also missing one that I will most likely not try to find a replacement for. These are supposedly put on, and then the rim is slid on over them. The question I have is, can I get some authentic Z caps that would fit onto the center peg, and would they fit? Is that center lug area stock? (ie part of the car) Thanks! With the Cap (center) Without the Cap

Those aren't the same as the 280z scuff plates. 280z version is longer with a different shape tapering off the end. I'll take a snapshot of the one i removed tomorrow.

Ahh ok, thanks for the clarification. Thats exactly the piece i was referring to.

Horns/Wipers work fine. I'll look up the wire you speak of my service manual. Question: The lows/highs use the same bulb right? (meaning this is def. a wiring issue/not a burnt bulb?)

Thanks for identifying them! This site sells them: http://www.auto-body-part.net/Rocker_panel.htm Listing: 167-70-40-LH Rocker 70-78 $69.03 A bit expensive. $69 just for that small panel. Better off searching craigslist or various parts cars.

Danglybanger, what color is that? It looks black, but I want to say 'dark forest green'.

This isn't really a major emergency, although it kind of sucks when driving at night. My headlights will only work on BRIGHT mode; which can be a nuisance for other drivers; and potentially land me a ticket. Any ideas on why the low beams won't work? A switch, fuse, or even the headlights themselves perhaps? Any suggestions are much appreciated!

This drivers side door-jam area trim piece i need to get replaced. Basically it is on the bottom of the door jam; between the carpet and the metal plate/rubber seal (in the door jam) --- It has interior material on it, although metal underneath. I'm curious what this trim is called. The piece I currently have was rusted out so I removed it. Any idea where I can get it replaced? I can post a photo of the actual trim later on, although i think you guys get the point... Thanks!

I currently reside in South Florida. The bumpers will most likely stay: my plan is to keep the car stock. I do like the look of the aftermarket air-dams, although I just don't think I can justify that quite yet. The paint job was in December (according to the prev. owner) and it is the original car color (#305) which is a plus, since it matches the engine bay. It also has another 1 1/2 year warranty on it, in which I will take advantage of. There are 2 or 3 small spots that need to be addressed. I will post a photo of the engine and interior soon. I got done with an engine tune-up about a week ago, looking great; just the interior work now which is the bulk of the work needed on the car.

I've been visiting the site now for a few weeks, and decided to post up photos of my new 1975' 280z. I've owned the car for about a month now, after a long time of searching. I just wanted to introduce myself before I start firing a few questions off in hopes to get some help from some other experienced Z owners. It's nice to have found an active Z Forums with other people who are just as passionate about Z's as myself. -Mikewags