daveinc

There are a lot of little electrical issues on this car, however the one that is dangerous is my headlights only work on high beam. They go dark when I toggle the steering switch to low beam. I can noddle with, and figure out most mechanical things, but electrics are the hardest for me. I have done everything I know how to trace the problem but it has me stumped. I am hoping this is some silly little common Z thing that will embarrass me, but is easily fixed :-). (And yes I checked the fuses.) Thanks in advance, David 1978 280Z, 5 speed, factory air (not working either)

I had the same problems with my starter. (1978 280Z) The P.O. had a heater hose leak and fixed it with Duct Tape (no comment). Of course one of the first things I did was replace all the hoses (along with the other normal things everyone has metioned: spark plugs, dist cap, oil, etc). After taking the starter off and disassembling, I found it was completly gunked up from antifreeze, dirt & water. The O rings were rotted and the contact bushing would not move. A good cleaning, some di-electric grease and she was good as new - almost!!! Then when I cleaned up all the cables, especially the ground conection it is perfect. Saved $100 for a new starter. It's the small victories and learning something new that make my day! Best wishes, David

<I also need to find out the amperage of the three fusible links in my car. I think they are 1 x 80 amp (black) and 2 x 30 amp (brown).> Hey Alan. Did you find out what the amperages were? David

Have you checked out Bubbleguinea's Z? Nice work by a guy your age. Best, David

Hi Chris, first of all good luck and have fun. I am exactly where you are now except my Z is a bit older, (as am I). You're age is no big deal, when I was 16, I saved up $600 cash and bought my first car (a Mini) and redid it in the driveway with basic hand tools. Later, my HS wood shop teacher would let me drive right in the shop on weekends (good thing the car was small, it fit thru a standard double door.) He taught me basic arc welding and turned me loose. I learned how to wrench and paint by reading and trail & error. It certainly wasn't a show car, but man I had the time of my life. Thirty years later, I still remember the thrills and hope to do the same with my $500 Z. Remember to enjoy the trip. And you have come to the right place for information and encouragement. These folks are great. p.s. Working as an audio guy, you may get some things done by trading services. p.p.s. Don't paint your car in a woodworking shop! :-)

Hello slightly twisted Dave, Very nice set up on your Z motor. Of course I don't have one of those swirly, spinning, whirring thingies in the bottom right hand corner of the photo...hum. Air conditioning?? He He He just kidding. Thanks for your input. I am enjoying my little project car. All my cars and motorbikes since I was 14 have been "projects". Mostly out of neccessity. However, this is my first car that wasn't my ONLY car/daily driver. Also for the first time I have a garage! Again, thanks and enjoy the ride, David

I recently got my first Z car, a 1978 280. It has fairly serious rust now. (photos in my gallery) I am the third owner, the first owner kept all the service records in a binder. (I'd like to thank him, as it gives a pretty good history of the car. The most dificult thing is reading the mechanics handwriting!) Anyway the car was bought in Aug 1978 and after showing some signs of rust, was repaired and Ziebart applied in 1981. It didn't work, however I suspect that the rust eating my car had already started and perhaps the treatment slowed it down somewhat. I get the impression from all the threads regarding rust on this site that Datsun must have been using some crap for steel!

Thanks for the info. Looked them up and it sounds great. David

I can second dogma on that. Exactly what made my rear clunk.

Just read this very heated thread and hope it doesn't apply here. I apologize if that is the case. (My question has lots of views but no replies.) I have done (and always) do web searches and book research on any subject I'm interested in before I tap into the wealth of experience on this and other forums. As someone new to Zs, I look to the forum to help folks like me not to make the same mistakes that other have already made and resolved. Many issues are not covered in a shop manual, especially non-stock mods or Z problems. My thanks to those that make this such a great resource.

I've seen several beautiful Z fuel injected motors that are super clean and simple (like my brain!). Many of the hoses and smog paraphanalia are removed. Does anyone have advice as to what is extranious and can safely be removed? Will motor run better? Great site. Cheers to all. David

Thanks for the invite Victor! Don't know when I'll ever get out to the wrong coast, but would love to see CA one day. It's a long drive :-) Best, David

Hi e racer, The photo posted by 240dragon72 REALLY makes me want one! http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=14725 David