One Way

Thanks for the tips. I may have some time after work to do a little more dismantling and cataloging all the fasteners, parts, etc. Also making notes on other problem items (besides the rusted condition) such as some frayed wiring at the right rear lights. The rest of the harness looks great in the rear section of this resurrection project. Also did some searching on this very helpful website and found someone who replaced the plastic rivets with some clip nuts and screws with oversized heads. Sounds like a great idea but loads more important things to fix before getting to the reassembly process. And yes I am having fun on the project. John-Lugoff, SC I do not plan on removing the rear hatch just yet so I will keep the struts mounted and leave the interior side panels on for right now.

Recently purchased a project car and beginning the dismantling process and have started in the rear hatch, rear seat area. Definitely considerable rust but have some questions on removing the plastic rivets that hold some of the panels in place. Any trick to the plastic rivets? I just did the rear panel covering the tail light section and used a small pair of side cutters to snip off the rivet heads. Any easier process? All the panels are in good shape and do not want to damage them. Also the rear strut covers. How are those removed properly? The strut towers look great from the outside looking past the rear wheels but really want to see what they look like under the upholstery covers. Enjoying the project so far and looks like it will be a very long term project. Thanks for any helpful tips, John-Lugoff, SC

Thanks for those detailed pictures. Honestly I was so thrilled that all those original books and some service records were in there, along with a new box of fuses (possible sign of electrical issues) and an old hair brush-no need for that with my bald head-I have not even bothered to investigate the lock mechanism. It did look pretty chewed up inside the cylinder, but there are much more important things to examine and evaluate on this Z which is in bad need of extensive work. I am definitely saving these valuable posts and pictures to help when I get to putting this Z back together. Thanks, John-Lugoff, SC

I hit the jackpot in the glove box! Intact owners manual, warranty and service booklet, and a few service records. All a bit damp but certainly intact. I am letting them air out on the kitchen table. No luck with the keys. They do not work on the glove box latch or the rear hatch. Keys insert but do not turn the rear hatch button, insert and turn the glove box but will not release the latch. Did that manually after removing the hinge screws as recommended on one of the very helpful posts above. Thanks again, John-Lugoff, SC Just noticed the post about the key codes. The label is still there. The FH- and VH- lines are blank, the ENG/DOOR line has a key code scribbled in. Who knows? Locks changed, worn out, or rusted up? Just part of the new challenge.

Thanks for the amazing knowledge and help received from this great website. I am sure this site will be my most valuable tool as we tackle this resurrection project. I know it will be a slow but hopefully successful project. Thanks again. Day off from work due to disasterous flooding. May spend some time with my new Z or be a help to some others in need from the flood. I will keep you posted on the glove box challenge. Thanks, John-Lugoff, SC.

Thank you for the great tips. I will have some time tomorrow to play around with my new resurrection project since I was informed we will not be working tomorrow due to the flood conditions in the area. Thank the LORD our home has stayed intact here in Lugoff and our daughter is safe and dry in flood ravaged Columbia. I sprayed all the lock mechanisms and will carefully play around with the keys and locks. Just hoping to find some interesting stuff in the glove box. May also start pulling some more parts off to further evaluate the condition of this project. Thanks again, John-Lugoff, SC

Thanks for the answer. Unfortunately all 3 keys are identical. Putting the keys in the door, it feels like it wants to do something but do not want to force the issue. Most likely there may be some issues inside the door panel. I just was not sure if 2 different keys were used. Thanks again, John-Lugoff, SC

I was mistaken or the door locks don't work. The keys turn in the door but will not unlock them. Keys turn the ignition switch OK but I removed the battery and what was left of the tray the day after we took delivery. Did they have 2 different keys for the 78 models? Thanks again, John-Thankful in Lugoff, SC for being spared from the disasterous flooding all around us.

New to the website and just took delivery on a resurrection project that has been sitting for 19 years. Got the title and keys to this project car-did not get either on my other Datsun project still in progress-but not sure if the glove box had a different key. I have 3 copies of the same key which work on the doors and ignition, also inserts and turns in the glove box but it refuses to open. Hoping to find some additional vehicle history or possible owners manual in there. Was there a different key for the glove box? Or will I have to start removing parts? Thanks in advance from a Z newcomer for any helpful advice. John-Lugoff, SC

Thank you for the friendly and helpful response so quickly. Looking forward to the Z challenge. I am a transplanted northerner. Moved to SC about 5 years ago and do not miss the snow and cold of Northern winters at all. Thank the LORD our home and our daughters home have been spared the disasterous flooding occurring today throughout SC. Thanks again, John-Lugoff, SC

I just purchased an amazingly complete 78 280Z. The only thing I have found missing is one of the center caps on the hubcaps. Unfortunately the car has been sitting for 19 years and is quite rusty. I purchased it as a project car sooner than I expected. I am still finishing off a 68 Datsun 2000 Roadster that was abandoned and purchased in very rough shape with lots of parts missing or previously modified. Prior to that purchase I had little knowledge or appreciation for the early Datsun performance cars but quickly fell in love with this car. Slowly it is getting ready to be put back on the road after 15 years of having no official registration. It was purchased with no title, no keys, no history and has been a very enjoyable project except for the scarcity and cost of parts. That is what drew me to the early Z cars as many of the mechanical parts are still available through local auto parts stores and there are many aftermarket suppliers selling body parts, interior kits, repair panels, floor boards, frame rails, etc. to make the resurrection process a bit more efficient. I am looking forward to this new challenge, a bit fearful of the rust damage, but anxious to tackle the project. I had already purchased "HOW TO RESTORE YOUR Z CAR" by Mr. Humble earlier this spring and am sure that will be an excellent resource to help out with this project. I will be looking for a factory repair manual to help out in this resurrection process and this website seems to have loads of helpful info that will be of great value as well. Looking forward to being a part of this online car club. Thanks, John-Lugoff, SC