Gretchen II

[laneyone]

Hi all, I am a newbie and pretty new to the Z world also. I wanted out of the car payment game after about 20 years of it. I had about 3 grand to spend. Luckily before I bought the 99 corolla, my 10 year old saw a 78ish 280 in a garage and said "what is that??!!" I thought well that would be a lot more fun than a 99 corolla. Not that corollas are bad, we have an 04 and have 138000 on it. We've changed the oil and bought tires. thats it. nothing goes wrong with it. Anyway I bought an 83 zx 2+2 (cause i do have 2 kids) and was in love. It had a bitchin exhaust, a five speed and t-tops. It also had a working voice box which my kids thought was the best thing ever. They named her gretchen. Well Gretchen got run over by a jeep cherokee in march. I was heartbroken. I took the insurance money and decided to go a little older. I found a 77 2+2, except it was 850 miles from me. Off I went. Turns out the gas tank was shot. I drove her 850 miles home with a fuel cell and the original tank strapped behind me in the trunk. The fuel boils off the rails when she gets hot, so every time I stopped for gas it wouldn't start back up without turning over for 5 minutes. It was an interesting trip. She has a refurbished gas tank, a new fuel pump, a new fuel filter, starter, boots for the air induction, tires, brake calipers and discs.... you get the picture. Turns out older was expensive!! It is fun though and wouldn't change a thing. Anyway thats my story. I still have the whole fuel boiling off thing going on. I think that the radiator needs to be replaced so that she doesn't run so freakn hot. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Tim

Edited August 21, 2010 by laneyone

[Travel'n Man]

Tim-

Welcome to the site. I'm just northwest of you a couple of hours in Boone. You may want to use the search feature to research your problems. Most every angle of our cars have been discussed many times with many different angles to fix, improve, modify, change, or enhance what ever issue is at hand. If you can't find your fix, post your concerns out to the group. There are many extremely knowledgeable folks on this board and know these cars inside and out. I have very limited knowledge on the 280's since I deal with a '72. Good luck on your project - I would have to agree for you to start with the radiator and take it out to have it cleaned - rodded - and boiled. While you have the gas tank out I would have it cleaned and coated. Use the search feature and there will be detailed pics on how to DIY with most projects along with detailed info!

[laneyone]

Mitchell-

That is a beautiful Z! thanks for the advice. I start the intake gasket replacement extravaganza in the morning, after that I think the radiator is next. I spent some time in Boone back in the late 80's pretending to go to school. I love that place. Ever been to the Klondike Cafe? I worked there for a time back when it overlooked the baseball feild. I would imagine that you could have lots of fun in that Z on those mountain roads.

Edited August 23, 2010 by laneyone