mtndude

Thanks much for info. Will do this weekend and see whats loose.

Any ideas what would cause fairly excessive steering play in my 280z?. (about 10-12 degrees on the wheel) ? Is there an adjustment or ?? Thanks in advance! -John

The pot metal casing (notch) on both driver and passenger door lock cylinders have worn so much that the throw of the lever is not enough to unlock the doors anymore. Can these be rebuilt or replaced? Would like to keep the same key as the ignition. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks! John

Thanks so much for the info. I will try that. A pic would be great if you have time.

My 1978 driver's side door lock has gotten progressively worse over the past months. It started out taking 2-3 turns of the key to pop the lock up when it was cold outside (I thought this might be normal or at least not a huge problem) but now it's almost impossible to unlock the door, in any condition. It feels like the key is making the turn but somewhere in all the linkage the force is getting lost before it reaches the lock. It's kind of spongy. If the door is open, pushing/pulling the black lock manually with my hand, it pops up and down beautifully. So it must be something with the actual key mechanism. And also, LOCKING the door with the key works every time. The problem is only in UNLOCKING it from the outside. Any ideas? Not too excited about buying a new lock for $100+ then having to get the keys re-matched.

I've always been so curious as to what exactly the difference is between all the gas companies. I try to stick with Shell or Chevron but is it worth the 10 or 20 extra cents per gallon? Also, I try to use premium all the time but my 280 seems to run fine with regular. I don't drive it very hard. Does the Z need premium?

Hey guys, just wondering if anyone has found or created a bike rack for a Z, more specifically a 280. I found the thread about the roof rack, but I was looking for the more common type that attaches in the back. I know it's easier when your car has a hitch, but has anyone made something work? I'd love to be able to throw a bike on the back every now and then. Thanks!

Thanks, I figured it out. It's wearing out, I'll probably eventually get a new console but for now it works great.

Can someone post a picture of the hinge assembly on the underside of the lid for a '78? Mine has come apart over the last year and I'm trying to piece it back together. Thanks

Our 78 280z needs a clutch and 5sp tranny rebuild and some suspension work. Any recommendations in Orange County/ Inland Empire areas of Southern CA? Thanks! John

Nice!! Loved it. Such a beautiful car, the Z is. Thanks for sharing

So, this is my first time driving my '78 Z on a regular basis in such hot weather. A recent heat wave has brought temperatures well into the 90s. Here's the problem: When I go to start it (cold engine), it runs fine. But when I park and return to start it within 20 or 30 minutes (engine still hot), it doesn't start. It takes a long time to finally get it running, and once I do it runs great. I'm aware that vapor lock is non-existent with EFI, so are there any other diagnoses? Does it have to do with the heat or is that just a coincidence?

Found one on ebay for 20 bucks. After a little elbow grease trying to get the old one off, I finally replaced it and the leak is gone. Thanks!

I know this is an older thread, but regarding the pressure sender unit, if it is leaking, does that necessarily mean it needs to be replaced? Could it be loose or just need some new thread sealer?

Do the interpart louvers have a hinge so they lift up to clean the glass?

Hey guys. I was wondering if people who have rear louvers can post some info about them, I know there are many different types and I'm interested in getting a set. I just don't know what to look for. Are there kinds that don't need to be bolted on or is that pretty much the only way to do it? Any help is appreciated. Thanks

Hey guys, I was hoping for some advice if you have any information that might help me out. I just brought my stock 1978 280z home from getting a diagnosis from AAMCO and this is what I know: The transmission is leaking from the front and thus the oil is a little low. Also the clutch master cylinder (and slave cylinder) needs to be replaced, as it is leaking as well. He estimated $400 to replace the seal on the tranny, refill it with oil, and replace the master and slave cylinders. Is this too much? Does anyone know a cheaper alternative? I'm in southern California/orange county area. I don't have the resources/expertise to do anything super complicated by myself. Thanks a lot

We got the parts, made the repairs, it came out beautiful. Thanks for the help, as always guys!

I'm in need of a combo switch for a 280. I can go $30 for one if its clean.

My son just boogered the front driver side of his 78 280Z. We're on our own for the repair. Any leads on deals for the following? Used is ok. Driver side Front Fender Drivers side Front Headlight bucket Headlight assembly Drivers side Bumper side cap front amber side marker light assembly Thanks to everyone. This site has been a great help keeping his Z running and looking great. John