Mayolives

NewZed, I've located a rebuilt one (77 78). I noticed it had two pickups. Do you think this will do the job? Also, this distributor doesn't appear to have the "black box" that the diagram you showed with B & G connections. I suspect it's a control unit. I have FSM s for 1977 & 1978. Both show "transistor ignition units" and how they function with the distributor circuit. So this is a big question mark for me and what I will need. I'm amazed at how little I know about some parts of these cars, even after never being without having at least one z car in my driveway for decades. I even have a few today in various stages of renovation, etc. Thank you for your help, TB.

NewZed, I may have one in my parts collection from a 78 280z. What can you tell me about installing it? I know how to put the 280z one in and how to time it after it's running. But I don't know about wiring it. The stock 280zx one has the "IC ignition unit" mounted on the side with a 2 prong connection. Will that wiring connect to the 280z unit? Thank you for your advice, TB.

NewZed.….Thank you for the response to my magnet assembly question. I read through the entire tread you referred to at ClassicZcar. It mentioned two places that might be able to help me. Both sources were a dead end. The thread also suggested a antique distributor rebuilder in MI who said he could not rework my dizzy due to having no source for my broken magnet assembly. Looks like I need to locate another distributor or spend the dollars to install a stand alone ignition system that I haven't begun to research. Do you have a suggestion to the least expensive system to use? Thank you for your help, TB.

I posted my need for a distributor magnet assembly and recd. no replies. So, how bout a complete distributor from a 79 through 83 280zx, non turbo car. The magnet ring under the stator must not be broken, because that's what I need. If you have one and need to check the magnet ring, be very careful when removing the 3 screws on the stator. If you use an impact device to free the screws, the magnet will probably break. A little WD-40 or other will free them.

WTB Magnet assembly for 1979 280zx distributor.

Advice needed for my 79 280zx distributor. The magnet assembly has broken to pieces. I have searched and searched for the part or even a rebuilt distributor with absolutely no luck. A Rebuilt Distributor isn't out there listed at any street parts stores or at any of the many z car sites that I have been doing business for many years. I can't spend the dollars to convert to a complete aftermarket ignition system. I haven't even been able to find a rebuilder that will take my old one to refurb for me. I have a few old dizzys in my parts ben and each one had broken magnets. I'm really "up against it". Any ideas where to locate what I need?

QUOTE "My big question is how big of an undertaking is this actually?" I have done this job on a 280. It is time consuming and requires one to keep his concentration on the job at hand. You will need to follow basic instructions and pay close attention to detail like the color codes supplied with the kit. This would be a good time to replace the carpet due to having to run the new wiring under it and the seats, etc. Installing new, modern bulbs as you go will also be a big improvement. This job isn't for anyone but if really want a reliable car body to go along with the new engine swap, go for it! Wiring problems in these old z cars can and will drive your crazy.

For what it's worth...….. I have found and fixed my 280zx cold start problem as mentioned above. The connector to the throttle valve switch was corroded. Unplugging it, gave it a few squirts of contact cleaner, did a little scraping to remove said gunk and a reconnect has cured my problem. Little "buggers" like this can be difficult to find but studying the FSM and marching through it, step by step, usually pays off!

My 79 zx just runs like crap when first started. Back fires through intake and exhaust when I try to add rpms. Checked the new spark plugs and they were gas fouled so I replaced the cold start valve and thermotime switch and their electrical current connectors. Still have the same problem. It runs great when warmed up. All hoses, belts, ht leads, distributor cap, plugs, vac lines, etc. are new. I haven't replaced the "thermal transmitter" that screws into the thermostat housing because I haven't been able to locate a new one and because I really don't know If it is part of the problem. The 79 FSM doesn't have much to say about the thermal transmitter. (It isn't the water temp sensor, located beside it that controls the temp gauge in the dash.) Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

This 280ZX Turbo car is still hanging around and as my last post stated, I pushed it aside several months ago. I have several other Z cars that are in various stages of restoration and just don't have time to strip and part out this ZX. I will seriously consider any reasonable offer and will consider any trade up or down w/dollars. it's a complete, untouched car that will make a perfect parts car to build another turbo z. It's an auto transmission car but I have a number of five speeds and could supply one in the deal. Thank you, Tom. 843 450 6512

Sorry for the slow reply. I've been really busy and just pushed it out of my mind. The car is still for sale and it's an auto. If a buyer doesn't come along soon, I'll part it out but not looking forward to spending the time doing so. I need to sell it. If interested, make me a good offer! Thanks, Tom. 843 450 6512

I would like one. Please let me know how to send you some dollars. Thanks, Tom.

My 78 280Z has the stainless trim pieces on each side. The car just returned from paint where the holes to mount the trim were to be welded in. But that didn't happen so I now must re-install the trim. I'm missing several of the small, pointed end pieces that fit into each side trim piece. They are about 1 1/2 inches long. They are easy to remove by just by drilling out the one rivet that holds it to the body and then pull it from the long trim piece. Please PM me or contact me at 843 450 6512. Thank you for your help, Tom.

I suspect that my request is a bit too late. I just realize how old the sellers post is. Does your 78 have the stainless side trim pieces? The ones that are in three pieces on each side. One on the front fender, one on the door and one on the quarter panel. I need a few of the pointed end pieces that slide into the ends of each trim piece. Please PM me or contact me at 843 450 6512. Thank you for your help, Tom.

I responded a moment ago but I don't see my post. I need the driver's side only. Please send your Paypal address along with the total charge and I'll transfer the payment. My zip is 29582, North Myrtle Beach, SC. Thank you, Tom.

I need a complete door latch mechanism for the driver's side on a 1978, 280Z. It needs to be complete with all the rods, holders, clips and etc . including the parts that attaches to the little button on the top of the door, that you push down to lock and pull up to unlock the door from inside. This part stands between me being able to finish all the door work on this car so obviously having it in hand is very important to me. Please private message me or contact me at 843 450 6512 in order for me to arrange for your payment. Thank you, Tom. (If I can't answer when you call, please leave a message and I will return your call asap.)

Yes. My mast parts are in bad condition. One is broken the other, bent. That's why I chose not to use them. I'm not sure about the condition of the motors. I've never tested them. When I last needed an antenna, a friend gave me an used after market one that was manual and worked fine. However, it was mated to a new, $60.00 Ebay Pioneer radio that was very basic, and of non "audiophile" quality. I always spend the dollars on making the z cars I deal in run well and look good, not on sound systems unless a customer wants to upgrade. This has only happened one time over the past several years and I had the buyer work directly with a sound system shop to design and install it. It would appear that many people today use a secondary source for music in their cars., like an I-pod or cell phone.

I found this 1983 280ZX in a building in South Carolina where had been setting since 1995. It is an original, untouched, unmolested car with all the original interior, exterior and under hood parts. Due to several bad storms resulting in roof collapses, the body is a mess, complete with rust holes a dented roof, etc. In my opinion, the body is far past restoring. When it was parked it had 90,852 miles on the clock and according to it's owner, ran perfectly. It was originally parked due to a family dispute involving his son's irresponsible driving that resulted in several traffic tickets the last one included the police knocking on their door after the ZX outran the policeman who had been chasing it. I found out about the car several months ago and purchased it. Parked behind the car was a 1950, short bed Ford pickup that had only suffered minor damage and was worth lot of dollars. The owner hired a body shop the repair the pickup and they had to move the ZX in order to get to the Ford. The body man managed to buy the 280 when he moved it out of the way of the truck. I had to buy the ZX from the body shop. This car is the luxury model with all the bells and whistles including power everything, t top sun roof, etc. Most consider the 1983 ZX to be the most refined and best built of the series. This car has an R200 differential, four wheel disc bakes,good glass, hard to find, low back leather seats that could be recovered and used or resold for good money. I know these seats, in decent condition, are scarce as hens teeth because several month ago, I tried to find a pair for another ZX I was restoring. The ones I did locate were in terrible condition and were very expensive. I finally recovered the hi backs that were in the car. Under the hood, from radiator to the firewall is untouched and in good condition. I have not attempted to start the engine but it "turns" freely. In order to start it for the first time, I would do several things in order to not damage the engine including fresh oil, oiling the valve train, removing the spark plugs and oiling the rings through the plug holes to free up any stuck piston rings. In the past I have used Marvel Mystery Oil for this purpose. When I bought the car, all it's tires were flat and would not hold air. I replaced them with other wheels with like new, Michelin tires that have less than two thousand miles on them. I will sell the car with the other wheels and Michelins and will include the original Iron cross wheels. This car will make the ideal donner car and will have many parts that can be stripped and sold. After you are done with the transplant, the junk man can have it and should pay in the neighborhood of $200 - $300 for what's left. The car is located in North Myrtle Beach, SC. My price is a firm at $2500., but I'll consider trades or partial trades, up or down. If you have a serious interest in this car, I have many pictures that I can text to you and please call me so that I can answer your questions. If I can't answer when you call, please leave a message with your number and I will return your call asap. Thank you for your interest, Tom. 843 450 6512.

Duff, Earlier today I was searching for a part at zcardepot.com. They also have several choices that may help you ranging from a $19.00 manual antenna to their best one, a $65.00 fully automatic. I know what I would do in order to have decent radio reception. You can chose to deal with a forty year old piece or replace it with a much better one that doesn't cost an arm and leg. Please don't misunderstand me. The one on my shelf is still yours for the taking if you decide that is what you want. I have been dealing with "Mat" at the depot. He is always dependable and manages to ship my orders quickly. Tom

Little Tujunga, Thanks again for the picture. After studying it and the placement of the brackets my memory took over and I've got it. I finally was able to determine what hardware came from the 240 and what came from the 280 that I'm putting back together. All is well in Datsun land again. Tom

I will gladly give you one of mine that still has the antenna in place. However, it's rusted and the rubber parts are dried and broken. If you do have a good motor, I believe that MSA sells the mast part and they are not expensive. I could be wrong but probably in the twenty buck territory. Check them out and let me know what you decide to do, Tom.

Duff, I have a couple on the shelf. Two cam from 73, 240s and one from a 78, 280. I don't know if they are what you want but I'm reasonably certain that all of the early cars use the same one. You can have it for the whooping sum of ZERO bucks plus shipping. Oooo what a deal! After all these years have passed, I feel the need to give you a "hand up" for motivational purposes. Please contact me if you want it, Tom. 843 450 6512

I saw the part you need listed today at maseraticompound .com. Strange name for a company that has so many parts for our cars. Each part is cleaned and inspected before being pictured on their website and they are really good about shipping your purchased fast. They even have, obscure parts like rollers and stops for side windows, etc. I have bought items from them a number of times and they are very good to deal with. So if you are in need of a Datsun left handed widget for a sky hook, they probable will have it in stock at a reasonable price.

Thank you for the photo. And I apologize for my slow response. Would it be possible to send a few pictures of the support brackets? They would be very helpful. Thanks again, Tom.

I'm installing a new interior on a 1978, 280Z, coupe. I need pictures of the rear floor area, in particular, the hinged, press board cover that rests over the spare tire and the associated mounting hardware. The FSM is of no help pertaining to this subject. My long story made short is that I removed all these parts in preparation for installing a new interior and to have the car painted. This took place about two years ago and I didn't label the parts when removed. Although I did have the car painted back then, I stored it until the present. For the last several years I have been dealing in first and second generation Z cars and about ten other cars have passed through my little home based business since I stored the 78, 280Z two years ago. I added to my problem, when I parted out a 73, 240Z and all the press board and hardware floor parts from at least two cars are now mixed together. I've now completed most of the interior work including door panels, headliner, dash work, lock work, glass work, etc and need to finish the rear floor section. Now when looking at my pile of floor cover parts, it just doesn't make since to me. If someone would be kind enough to send me pictures of this area including the placement of the mounting brackets, etc., I would be able to finish my work and send this car along to another happy Z car person. This situation should remind us of the importance of taking pictures of and labeling parts when removing them. I've been playing with these cars for decades and have touched about every part on them, but this deal has me "stumped". Thank you in advance for your help, Tom. 843 450 6512 (mayolives) .