dmorales-bello

I have Eibach lowering springs which I purchased from MSA 2 years ago (black/grey in color, 01 in the front) and Tokico HPs. My car is a '78 280Z with factory bumpers and AC. It dropped about 1" all around after I installed the Eibachs and Tokico combo. Although front and rear fenders had been rolled, during front end alignment we did have to adjust the Techno Toy Tuning TCAs to "pull" the tires back about 1/4" to remedy minor tire rub on the front fender but I'm very satisfied with the stance and handling. I'm running Konig Rewinds 16"x7" with Goodyear Eagle Sport 225/55/16 rubber.

I think your effort spent on the dash is to be commended. Thanks for posting the long process. It will help all those considering doing this job. The result looks pretty even in the pics although I would agree that the "flocked look" might not appeal to all. Your instruments turned out beautifully ! Nice work.

Looks perfect! I think the plain chrome trim looks so much better than the chrome trim with the faux wood decal.

Sounds like you did a fine job !

Hi Derek, Just sent you a PM regarding purchase. Thanks, Dave

After a little more research I've found another excellent choice in 5.25"speakers with proper mounting depth to fit into Derek's pods : Polk Audio DB522. They can be found on Ebay for $69 and actually fare better in comparison to the the Pyle, Retrosound and even the excellent Kicker choices discussed in this thread. Check out the tech sheet comparison between the top 2: the Polk Audio and the Kickers: https://www.crutchfield.com/S-KL82vO5sfhp/compare_107DB522_206KSC504/Polk-Audio-DB522-vs-Kicker-44KSC504.html This information might be usefull for those considering this audio upgrade.

Jai, so glad to see your car's problems are getting sorted out. I wrote you a PM. Please check it and let me know.

Nice progress!

Great pics Jai!! I like the CB radio antenna! What was your "handle" ?

The rear strut bar is the MSA Adjustable bar. It looks different because I covered it with 1/2" high density foam (Home Depot, AC pipe insulation) and had a cover made in the same upholstery material we used on the seats and the speaker enclosure.

This might be a little late for you but my '78 280Z came with the MSA speaker panel from the PO. I swapped the original carpet material covering it for the same material I used to reupholster my seats. Here are some pics including the "inside" of the box with my speaker set up.

I love a reconciliation !!

Hey Mat, I used the Lamborghini Arancio Atlas pearl (from the 2015 Aventador) which is similar to what you're considering. The original factory paint on my 1978 280Z was Datsun code 110 and the base pigment for the Lambo color mentioned is virtually identical to that. I'm very happy with my choice because it truly highlights the car and in a way keeps the original color, however you must be aware that touch ups require an great expertise. I think your car will look stunning. Nice work. Arancio Atlas de Lamborghini.MOV

Love that color!!!

Payment sent Chris. Thanks, Dave

I have a comprehensive auto alarm from Viper installed on my 280Z which uses an app (Smart Start) for your smart phone and/or computer which allows me to remotely monitor the battery charge, start the car, and locate it's position via GPS. I also integrated my door locks so the car key never approaches my paint job.

The TrackeR site actually has a system designed that works much the way you describe.

I bought several of the TrackR devices and gave them to my kids for Xmas. I'm not impressed by it at all. Only works if the "lost" item is within the bluetooth range of your phone and you can hear the unit buzz. If you lost anything away from home you would have to depend on many users using the app in order to locate it. Not very practical IMO.

Hi Chris, I would like a copy. Please pm me with your Paypal address so I can make payment. Thanks, David

6" on my 1978 280.

That's a great way to start the New Year !!

Thanks for all the appreciative comments on my interior guys. I made a point of dedicating a lot of effort to it since I've seen some amazing jobs on engines, engine bay and underside mechanicals but with much less detailed interiors.

Welcome ! She looks pretty reasonably good. BTW, my first Z was 1977 280 that I bought new from Bill Schuller's Datsun in Wilkes-Barre, PA.

Finished it off today and took it for a drive. What a difference! The shift knob is now within easy reach to engage all gears. It was a PITA so it would be nice if MSA took notice and included a properly shaped rod in their short shift kit (specfically for the 280Z). The pics show the car in neutral with the knob 2.5" rearward and 0.5" left from the initial position, much like the stock shifter location. Even though the following before pics aren't exactly taken in the same angle, the difference is noticeable.

I had installed an MSA short shifter kit about a year and a half ago and noticed that the rod supplied by MSA was curved differently from the stock shifter which positioned it about 2.5 inches forward from the stock neutral position, The first pic shows the forward position of the short shifter with the car in neutral. The second picture compares the new black rod to the superimposed chrome OEM rod. This forced me to stretch forward to shift into first, third and fifth gear, and to pull the knob backward with the tips of my fingers when downshifting into second and fourth gear. So even though I liked the feel of the short throw associated with this shifter rod, the experience was tolerable but definitely not comfortable. Called MSA and they said most people had no complaints but other people had in fact decided to bend the rod. I could not find references in the forum. I finally decided to take my center console apart once again and take out the shifter. Using the chrome stock shifter as the model I heated the MSA rod and gave it two different bends and one twist until the correct form was achieved. After a little polishing and a couple of coats of satin black lacquer I'm ready to mount again in a much more ergonomic position. I'll post final pics tomorrow and report on the degree of comfort.