jeff81

It is safe to say that I will definitely be purchasing one just need to decide between CF and glass. Great Job. Let us know when the preorders can begin. (Already started to save) Jeff

Up closer to 40k on parts at this point. I have not cut many corners on parts and components. Will update as car goes to a good shop to get things done. My goal is not economy. After I am done with the build, it should last and be pretty reliable. I accepted the car on the basis that I would get it up and keep it running for the long term. My second father gave it to me. Recently he was very happy that assembly on the car is getting going. He would not sell the car, so I have taken the responsibility to get it up and keep it going. It was the first car he purchased after he got married. Purchased it only about a year old used and kept it ever since (Model 1977.5 280Z). It is a very emotional and personal connection is the only reason why I would take and do such a large and expansive project. I have purchased almost everything new. Still need interior items, radiator, AC condenser, rims, tires, seats, and chassis wiring harness to have an essentially completely new car. Fully stripped and going to be reassembled. Hopefully a fun car to be enjoyed for years to come. I thought I would but an idea of why some would redo a car instead of purchase a new one. Jeff

I may just have to buy one in Carbon Fiber when they are ready. Great Job Jeff

Below are the updates of the current condition of the Z. This project was given to a nice guy, but he just had continual issues keeping the project from progressing. From a serious injury to other problems the car has had essentially nothing done to it. Below are the picks of the condition of the car as I am preparing to take it to another shop. I plan to go ahead and hope to be able to post updates as hopefully something will get done on the project. Modification and changes to the rollbarwillneed to be made. I will post more information on the plan and shop once I get the process moving. Jeff

I have cleared 30k and still a little ways from having it done. Jeff

I have cleared 30k and still a little ways from having it done. Jeff

Piston - What is the type and dimensions on the wheels? Jeff

Looks great to me. Jeff

thank you so much After I get things straight with the body work and other things I may try to order them. I just hope that they fit. Jeff

Could someone look into this for me? Jeff

I have a 1977.5 280Z, but I am doing extensive resto-mod so the hump can get messaged a little. I am doing an LS1, T56, Q45 rear differential. I am not sure if I am doing any catalytic converters. Currently living in an area that does not require emissions testing. I would check this myself, but the body man has the car for who knows how long. Thanks Jeff

I am trying to get some low sitting seats. I was going to go with Bride seats, but with the new caution for drivers over 175 lbs, there is no way that they could work for me. Attached are the width for the seats and a picture. I have searched and with the Corbeau Forza, there was some issues with interior width and these are .5 inches wider. Can someone with a 280Z see if they might be able to fit. I am trying to find a low sitting, recliner, and the possibility of using a 4 point harness. I have spent hours of research, but I don't have access to my car at this point. Could someone do some math looking at the width of their existing seats in a 280Z. Thanks Jeff Size issues: 23 inches at the upper wings 20.5 inches at the base

Hey I am getting started on my Z and have lots of aftermarket products, but wanted to know what books you would recommend concerning: Suspension - I have bought and will have complete AZ Zcar coilovers and brakes Bakes - Wilwood brakes at all four corners LS1 - Crate Engine Q45 Rear Differential - Still need to have it installed with CVs Completely redone body with rollbar and chassis reinforcements (done by a local rod shop) I would like to learn how to adjust and modify my car. I have essentially no experience and would like to do all maintenance myself. Hopefully, I could also update and improve the car on my own once the initial build is complete. Thanks Jeff

I finally got it soda blasted. It looks like it is in good shape. It seems that there was some repair work in the past. Hopefully everything can get fixed. Not perfect, but I think it is an amazing starting point. Jeff

I have decided to go with the power steering kit through azcarbum, Bian. So just waiting on some things before interir decisions are made. Jeff

I have ordered all the exterior things needed from the LED light conversion, HID projector lights, antennae, glass, full seals to name a few. I am waiting on the weather to improve (stop raining for a few days) to get the body media blasted. Few details left to work out on the planning stages. I am trying to make a determination between 2 electric power steering kits that I have found. I am also trying to get a list of what is left to purchase for the odds and end pieces. This build if getting expensive. Seats are one of the last big decisions that I have not made up my mind about. Pictures will be added when available. Jeff

Brian was nice enough to find me a kit, but I am unsure if I should go with that kit or this one here: http://www.unisteer.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=UNISTEER&Product_Code=8051500&Category_Code=CUSTOM+ELECTRA+STEER The price difference is a little and the kit from Brian will most likely be cheaper to install and get up and running. This kit is in the US and costs about the same money except I will have to fit it and maybe deal with a few more other issues like that. I just think having something local with replacement parts might be the way to go for a long term fix. Any advice or opinion are extremely needed and desired. Jeff

I am having a Gen IV installed on my Z. It will be a few months before it get to the issue of connection in the car. The unit can be controled by a relatively small 4 knob setup. Jeff

I have sent off and received the brake light LED conversion. The car has the most of the things off getting ready for the rotisserie and then soda blasting. Here are some pics:

I had a pretty idealistic idea with this. The following are all the parts planned on building and some ideas of what might need to be done to finish this project. LS1 - crate engine; T56 transmission; (Transmission Shift Skip eliminator); AZ Cars full suspension and brake kit; Q45 MM mounts and Drive kits; Vintage Air; JCI mounts and necessary kits; Soda Blasting; All new bushings; New Weatherstripping; Redone interior; Roll bar; Frame supports; Stereo (modest install); seats That is what I have going on now. I am trying to get it able to be able to move to Phoenix or CA, so there will be no problems no matter where I go. In doing so, I am hoping to also equip the car with all emissions equipment from a 2004 GTO. It should be an interesting few years in this build. Jeff

I have been a member for some time, and now work is finally starting to occur on the project. I have really just been getting all the part together and they are really adding up. I am up to about 30ish range for the parts only on the build. I have a geat building doing the work. He has started to strip the car and I thought I should show what I had to start with. I am lucky enough to have been given a 1977.5 280Z from a man that I consider as my second father. He is the father of my forever best friend. I ate more family dinners with him and his family than with my own. He helped me get through things and has always been someone that I have and would not hesitate to go to for guidance or help. Growing up as a car freak, he knew how much I appreciated cars. In the unfortunate situation of his divorce, he decided to give me the car. It was his first car that he bought after he and his wife got married. From my recollection, it only had one previous owner (Don and a few of his children) and no major accidents. Having the car for 5 or so years, I was able to do what I had dreamed and rebuild it to use for countless more years. The Pictures: Will post them after I down size them.

Well, it looks like it will be soda blasted within the next few weeks. After that I am going to go through have a roll bar and some body supports welded in. Hopefully it will turn out well. Is Zero Rust paint better than Por for rust prevention? Planning on doing something after all the welding is done. Jeff

Hey Thank you for the feedback. I am going to have an extended conversation with my mechanic to better understand the situation. I appreciate all the help that I have gotton on this forum. Its amazing how much help that I have received directly and indirectly. I would feel better if he blasted it then did the rollbar and the supports, but this is definitely not the first car he has done. He blasts every car that he works with so that he knows it will last. He works on it like it is his car. That is probably why he is taking so long. Thanks again Jeff

Hey My car is being stripped down and soda blasted. The guy doing the work wants to add the custom rollbar and supports (like engine bay support and frame rails) before the car is blasted. Is this the correct order of things? Please let me know. I thought you strip it down then weld the stuff on? Thanks Jeff

What I meant by cheaper should have really been stated as "cheaper". One piece wheels with the size and width desired are certainly more expensive than the modular wheels that I have been looking into. I am grateful for the help and opinions on this matter. Jeff