77Z

Thanks guys. Its stock and the original VR. How can I confirm internal or external? I've followed the harness from the alternator through the harness apparently to the area under the fusible links and the large black plate where they mount. Is the VR under this plate? I've got the service manual and section EE18 and reading that I see the adjustment. But, usually, it reads spot on 12.8vdc. So, maybe its ready to crap out and spiking to the pin is its failure mode. I have a large audio load wired directly to the battery and fused properly but its been flawless for several years. Looking at parts I see alternators go from 75 to 2/77. Mine's a 3/77. Perhaps I have the first month of an internal VR in which case I just need a new alternator.

In my 77 280Z I've read 13 volts on the meter for over 40 years. Just lately it has started spiking upon starting the vehicle. It will shoot up to the pin and the car runs but the audio system sounds pretty funky. So, something is going on. I can restart the car and most often clear the problem. Sometimes not.

Nice write-up Hardway. How important would you consider the thin foam on the back of the seat back? Is it to basically intended to smooth out the hard-shell lines once the cover is on? I'm re-covering my '77 Z with the Motosport leather and new foam. I've done the passenger side without foam but I found some 3mm foam at Lowes I'll use on the drivers side. I haven't buttoned up the hog-rings for the passenger side yet and I'll leave them open until I see how the drivers seat works out with foam. If its awesomer (sic) I'll pull that cover off and try again. Another question; did you use wire in both the front and back edge of the seat back in order to hog ring to each other once the back is secured to the tangs (photo ...42.jpg)?

I found this site via one of the members also parked in Jay Leno's garage. I've owned this Z for 30 years now. I'm obsessed with keeping it stock and original. There are more pics on http://chiefreddog.com/Z.html Looking forward to cruising this site.... Ed