pfsteichen@comcast.net

Thanks SteveJ, I'm finding out that you are are spot on.

I got my 280ZX driving this past Friday, first time in somewhere from 10 to 20 years for that car. Taking it slow and steady no more than 3000 RPM's or 60 MPH for the first 100 miles. I'm on older tires that have no cracking, hold air and appear very new, no wear. But I'm thinking I'll just change them out. Question is what is the best tire size for the car? I do want to drive the car and corner it, I don't really want the luxury touring car feel, prefer more of a sports car type of ride. The picture is after just a garden hose wash, no waxing yet.

Thanks for the reply.

Lots of progress this weekend. First off I'm told the best replacement filler neck is from Gates Auto part #24717. This Sunday I put the fuel pick up line into a can of clean gas and put the fuel line from just before the filter into another empty can. Then I turned the ignition to on which started the fuel pump, and pushed all of the old gas out of the line. Then at the back of the car I put the return fuel line in a empty can and started the car. It idled pretty good for a car that hasn't run in 10-20 years. The motor sounded a little ticky for me but I don't know what it's suppose to sound like.

I'm making some progress on getting this beautiful car back on the road. But I did make one mistake. I had to take the gas tank out and to do so I cut the rubber filler neck, it's shaped like an elbow and connects directly to the tank. I've been to many web sites including vintage Z car parts(they tried to help me but we came up short.) Solid suggestions greatly appreciated.

I'm very new to the Datsun world. And I need to buy fuel lines from the tank for my 1980 ZX. I've been to Zcar source and Z car depot and some others so far with no luck. What is the best web site for me to go to? I would like to get the rubber filler neck most badly.

A red and black update. This Sunday I failed in getting a siphon to work to drain the tank so I just got busy and took it out. It had about 14 gallons in it and I took it to the proper disposal place. I un screwed the 8 bolts holding the sending unit in place and gently took it out. I can't see any gunk or crud in the tank. The float and everything looks clean and in proper working order.

I suppose that when I turn the key to the on position the fuel pump turns on? The gas gauge is stuck at half, and I don't want to pump what ever is left in the tank up the line. What is the best way to drain the tank? My guess it that it needs to be removed and refurbished. Ideas? Procedure?

I got the cap off, I just wasn't sure which position was locked or unlocked. So as soon as I knew spinning was locked I leaned on it a little bit and it came off. I also just put a battery in it and all of the electronics came right to life. Pretty cool and fun. Thanks to all.

So I just an hour ago got keys for the Z. The locking gas cap just turns and clicks, but doesn't spin up and off. I must be doing something wrong. Ideas?

And the individual that he directed me to has been extremely helpful, thanks a ton. To Marty I should have written the the seller thinks the mileage was around 35K she didn't really know. As for the interior the divers seat needs to be re stitched and the bolster by entry needs to be died or otherwise worked on. The the sift nob, and the part that goes around the sift boot needs attention. After that the interior is pretty mint.

Well I bought this yesterday. A 1980 in original paint with mint wheels 74,000 miles last on the road in 2012. Very nice interior with some minor needs. The car appears to have been loved and garaged it's whole life. I can't be sure but I think it was under coated at the dealer. Pin stripes and anniversary decals are still very nice. A few door dings, scratches, and minor paint chips.

Thanks for all of the great replies. To Racer X: I didn't post any pictures because they all show the license plate and I'm just a little paranoid of someone maybe end running me on this barn find. Honestly I've been dreaming about a barn find for 20 years. Patcon: I haven't tried Ebay but I think that is a good suggestion. I think https://bringatrailer.com/ then look in the results section is an excellent site. What I've finding out so far is that the red black is pretty rare and it does add value over the more typical cars. To Siteunseen: You suggest maybe 30,000, I assume that is after a mechanical restoration, running and driving safely down the road, correct? dutchzcarguy: I've been talking with a restorer in town here who seems very legitimate. He said a mechanical restoration only would be about 7K. After that if it's really nice low miles as is represented by the seller it would be worth over 25K. Sitting as is he thinks it's worth about 15K. When I was younger I wanted to be a basketball player but stopped growing at 5 foot 7inches and I think what you wrote might be the first time I ever felt good about it. I be be back with an update, thanks again everyone, car people really are some of the best.

I was wondering if anyone ever suggested a value for your car? Or if you found out what it was worth about?