daveinc

Whoops, it's May 13th. Just got out of a dental appointment, guess the drugs haven't worn off yet! http://www.tzccva.org

Anyone else from "Classic Z Cars" going???

Caleb, You should check out the Tidewater Z Car Club Show. I believe it will be in two weeks on May 14th. Pomono Nissan on Victory Blvd, Hampton, VA. That would be a great time to see lots of Zs from our area, usually some are for sale too. If my work schedule allows, I plan to drive down. Hope to see you there, look for a white 280Z. Best, David

Hey Caleb, I just bought the other car I was telling you about and am going to sell the 280Z. Wanted to give you first rights before I put it out there at a higher price. I told you I would sell it for 1500. Offer still stands. As I mentioned before, this is a daily driver that you can enjoy while you improve it. Exterior, finished all the metal work, (no bondo). You would need to sand, do some bodywork and paint to finish outside. I was going to put on the MSA body kit which replaces the bumpers, but you can choose whatever you want at this point. Interior will need to be redone but is comfortable till you do. All gauges work, even the clock keeps good time. Mechanically, runs great, 5 speed makes it a great highway car, shifts wonderful, new brake pads, calipers, hoses and master cylinder. Lots of normal stuff done too, new plugs, wires, distributor, hoses, filters, belts, etc. Drive it anywhere. You are getting lots of good advice and help on this forum and I would encourage you to also join the local "Tidewater Z Club". We are only 2 hours apart, so I'm sure that someone in the club would be happy to take a look at my car with you. Let me know what you are thinking, I'm thinking. I wish I was 16 again! Later, David

Whoops... Spelled .... KenshinX

I don't know, but if you don't want it, give member "KensenX" a shout. He's in Va Beach, wants a 240Z, but this might be a good project till he finds one. DaveInc David

Yea, Richmond is really cool. Been here about 20 years now.

Hey KenshinX, I sent you a message. May be a good Z-car for you. DaveInc

They are not bad at all, depending on what overall look you are going for. They are not traditional or classic, but a nice racey look. I guess you needed adapter/spacers to fit? Looks better than my steelies with hubcaps! David

When the opportunity came up to get a 1978 280Z for $500 I bought it. I always really liked the design and look, however it was in very bad shape. Barely ran or stopped and had rust holes you can put your fist through everywhere. (What did I expect for $500? :-) Without lots and lots of money for repair and replacement parts it will never be a show car. Even if I did all that it would not be worth the money spent. So I am having fun with it, driving it, fixing what's broke and practicing renovation skills like making my own patch panels. I'm been learning engine tuning, electrical stuff, bodywork, brakes among other things. Spending the saved money on tools. Very satisfying to fix something or solve a problem. Best of luck with your car. They are very cool and fun. David p.s. Ricklandia, I work at a brewery, check out Richbrau.com

Hey Jim, Glad to help. My bumpers are so rusted/damaged that I have removed them alltogether and am looking at alternatives. Don't really want to go with a Motorsport body kit, although it would hide almost all the body rust damage and replace the bumpers. They look too modern for me. I like that "vintage" old sportscar look. I may try to retrofit 240 bumpers or make some custom. On a related note, when I got the car, my front valance was missing and the side pieces flapped around. I cut down that rear bumper piece and created a (very) temporary brace/spoiler. :-) Cheapness is the mother of neccessity! I need to learn metalworking next. Best of luck with your Z, David

I just took my "sight shield" "filler" whatever off. There are several welded brackets and also six or seven spot welds. No bolts or nuts. It is difficult to drill or cut them out without some distortion/damage that will need to be repaired. Hope this helps. Best, David

Thanks Guys, now I have some more things to check. I did pull each fuse and check them individually, that is how I solved the mystery no brake lights problem. I let you know what I find out. I may also get the headlight relay upgrade that one of our members makes. Best, David

It is a late year 1978 280Z. Also I can't get the Air Conditioner clutch to come on with the switch. It works when jumped direct from Battery. However, air is a luxury and I need to fix the other problems first. I only mention it as it may or may not have some relevance. Thanks again, David

Some advice please! 1. My headlights only work on high beam. I have pulled and checked/rebuilt the switch. Pulled the headlight (replaced them too). Pulled all the connections I could find and cleaned them. Checked all the fuses. Checked everything with a meter...there is juice and continuity everywhere. I am stumped!!!!! 2. I notice the car has been hard to start. Pulled the Cold Start Injector and jumped it strat from the battery...works. With the electical connection plugged in does not work. Checked the plug and it is not getting juice. Help! Am I missing a relay or link or something somewhere? I could not get to everything without disassembling the harness completely. Thanks in advance, David

Thanks Wal280Z, mic240Z, & Tomohawk!

I've loved cars (and motorbikes) all my life, especially sports cars. Never having a lot of expendible funds has always prevented me from buying a nice porsche or jag. However, I could buy and (slowly) rebuild one of the "10 most significant cars", in my little garage, by myself. It was cheap to buy, parts are relatively inexpensive and it is simpler to work on. I am I not afraid to work on it or mess it up. I can drive it anywhere, anytime, rather than just look at it in the garage and wait for perfect weather. I rarely see another one. It's fun! My 2 cents. David