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My Z…..strong like Bull !

Thanks, those are the original Z seats with new foam and re-covered with faux leather (vinyl) covers off ebay. I like 'em.

When I first got my 77 there was a lot to do. The normal like suspension, Interior, Rust, etc, etc……. But one of the nagging things in back of my brain was the butt-ugly ashtray. I don't smoke but I still had to look at it all the time. It were nasty. After searching for a decent replacement with no luck I decided to work it out the best I could. Wire wheel, sandpaper and steel wool. Finally painted with Rustoleum Metallic Silver and it looked pretty good considering It will only hold smallish things now. Knowing it will get a little wear and tear I put a spray coat of Polyurethane for protection. Now it looks great and I can celebrate another small victory in my ongoing re-fresh. Side by side picture is with another ashtray that was in about the same shape as the re-do. What do you think?

I replaced the tranny mount bushings with urethane…….. for the second time. Screwed up the first mount as I had chiseled out the metal sleeves from the original. Not so smart when the directions were readily available. But that's what happens when you have parts laying around too long and just start to wing it when the time comes. And I thought I was old enough to know better.

As far as brands go I have no idea but I just purchased these https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/bayonet-bulbs/ba9s-led-bulb-4-led/6/ and so far have only installed in the oil, fuel and clock gauges. They do dim with the rheostat dimmer on my 77'. I've noticed that with the less power drawn by the LED's my Speedo and Tach are brighter with their original bulbs. Haven't decided whether or not to change them also. The Difference in light color temp between white led's and the incandescent bulbs is equaled out if you leave the green tinted light filters in your gauges. Also got this for my map light https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/miniature-wedge-base/194-led-bulb-5-smd-led-wide-angle-wedge-base/206/919/ and it works great. You should be able to remove each gauge without removing the dash. That information is in the FSM. Also, check your exterior turn signal bulbs first. If a bulb is bad, that would cause your turn signal to not operate

The front bumper I received looks fantastic! Unfortunately it will have to wait till after Christmas to go on.

Geez Siteunseen, I think your 77 could sense bad thoughts from you and gave you a pre-emptive strike. That's what mine does to me anyways….. .

Hi Francis, ditto on what these folks are saying. Being 16 and owning a Z would be awesome. Maybe you are an excellent driver and can turn a wrench, but sometimes stuff happens. My son is now 17. His first car is a 02' Celica GT/5spd. Great car. It's been put in a ditch once (his fault) and tapped in a parking lot twice ( not his fault). All of this in a year. Still runs great and He is a much better driver now. I would hate for that to happen to your Z my Z. Most of the people here love their Z's and love to work on them. You probably will too. The fact is, they have another vehicle to drive when re-building or picking up parts for their Z. Not that they are undependable, but they are 40+ years old sports cars and require some attention no matter what shape they are in. And when you go out and about, your date will probably appreciate little things like A/C and heat ::. Keep your eye out for the Z. One will find you and follow you home.

Thanks for the heads up on the sale! I ordered just the front chrome. Going to have to figure out how to put it on my 77 next. Should be fun. Greg

Here is pair. Don't know what color you are looking for though. I've never bought from these folks but they seem to have some interesting stuff. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Datsun-1977-78-Z-Door-Panels-PLUS-ITEMS-Fall-Sale-low-best-deal-/270674172765?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item3f05701b5d

My first car was a chevy vega (notchback and butterscotch). Everyone is entitled to a mistake, then a VW bug (totaled). Then I stepped up to a used silver 71 240. It just felt right. Drove that car all through college, repainted to shiny black and rebuilt the engine with the help of friends. Many good times were had. Sold it because I thought I would die as fast as I drove the Z. Turned around and started driving trucks and SUV's. I, like many of you, have always had many Z stories to tell when the conversation turned to cars. Fast forward to last May and I bought a 280. I literally dreamt about owning another Z for the past 20 years and have now scratched that Itch. I Feel better now, How much do I owe for the Therapy Session? Greg

This one looks like it was taken care of, Any recognize it? https://chattanooga.craigslist.org/cto/4742880379.html Greg

I am currently starting the rear end re-assembly on my 77. Started with the intention of just installing an RT mount. It evolved into a complete rear suspension re-build. I figured might as well since It was all apart anyway. My spindles came out without too much pain, not an easy pop out or anything like that, just a lot of hammer tapping, heat, PB Blaster and a drift bolt. Not sure that I needed to do the spindles but I'm glad I did. Blues tech tips helped a lot. http://www.atlanticz.ca/zclub/techtips/ Control arm bushings on the driver side was a different story, rusted on. Good Luck

Started to replace My mismatched fuel injectors (came that way from previous owner) with some new Standard FJ707Ts from Rock Auto. I was expecting about a two hr. job. Turns out they were mismatched because the PO couldn't remove 3 injectors because the bottom screw was rusted frozen to the original metal insulator. Thought I was going to have to remove the head it was so bad. Two days later, PB Blaster, snapped screws and bolts, Dremmel tool and drill outs +more than a few very descriptive words, the job is done. Also replaced all the injection hoses and cleaned/painted the entire area. Huge performance difference!

Who got new floor pans? Me! I did! And as only this group can truly understand, I really, really, appreciate not seeing the road go by under my feet with the car moving.

Also, I noticed that there are no seams around the headlight buckets. Did you fill those in and why? Maybe I'm not seeing it correctly. The reason I ask is because I'm thinking about getting paint for my 77 soon and your Z is giving me many ideas.

Nice work! Did you use acrylic paint or base coat with clear on top of it?

If your are still looking, I might know of a guy in Alabama who had 4 of them a couple of months ago. PM me if you are interested.

I'm enjoying this thread also, love the pics! And to agree with rossiz, those touchpoint things made a huge difference for me also. Feeling like I didn't need a tetanus shot after each work session was a huge plus. Not trying to distract from this thread, My seats before and after.

Yep, that Z is a looker! Welcome and keep the pics coming.

Hi and welcome! I'm new here also and this forum is great! I have a 77' and for hard to find parts like ashtrays, panels, non-mechanical parts, etc... EBay is your friend. I've found several dealers who specialize in just Z parts. Retail places like MSA, RockAuto, Black Dragon and Arizona Z Source, as well as others, can also carry carpet as well as a lot of other stuff. Good Luck and kiss your spare time gone:classic:!

I've had success with sherwin williams matching from the original color #. My color # is 240 (racing green) and they had no problem looking it up and putting it in a spray can or bottle. I'm using it for door jambs and engine bay re-do's.

That's a great idea rcb280. I've been pondering what to do with my 77's locks and was not terribly excited about the clothes hanger idea (although willing to go that route). As soon as I get it back from welding, that's what ill be on next.

The ad is still up. I'm just south of Chattanooga and yes, there are some interesting folks around here. But give the guy credit, at least he drives a Z. Maybe when he finds his luber, it will all be unicorns and rainbows.

Spent a good bit of the day re-covering a rubber 280 steering wheel with leather. Before and after shots. Completed for under $20 (not including time and sore fingers). It was worth it