LiveFree369

I purchased a clutch kit at summit. Here's the kicker, it's made in China. Iy. Anyway, I also purchased a new muffler, and I'm working on getting a 2.5 inch custom exhaust for my car. I was going to purchase a header, but funds just aren't there right now. So, I'll fit the new exhaust to my stock manifold, and eventually upgrade to a header. Anyone know the best route to custom build an exhaust? I'm planning on buying already bent pieces to fit my car, but I'm not sure how well that'll work, or how to accurately measure these bends so that I know it will fit. I can do the welding.. Hm. Any ideas?

Welcome! I'd love to see some pictures! I recently purchased my first! She's the same as yours, '79 280ZX. This car is definitely my pride and joy. I also do not know much about cars, but I am learning as I go (and yes I have help!) This website has been a great help to me. Fill me in about your car, and progress! It'd be nice to know. There aren't too many individuals I know of that have the '79 280ZX.

Hey everyone. I am going to purchase a new clutch next week! My car is pure stock, as of now(79' ZX non turbo). Here's the thing.. At the Zstore. http://www.thezstore.com I am looking at ACT clutch kits, and the Centerforce II clutch kits. I don't race my car, and I don't really plan on racing a whole lot. There are a ton of cops in my town, but I do like fast engagement.. Not to say I won't decide to challenge some punk on the street, but my main driving is to work, or to school. So. . I want the ACT clutch, but I have heard that clutches that are designed to take a beating/ for racing, when they aren't used that way, can damage your car. Should I stick to the Centerforce, until I do my swap, or should I shell out the cash and get the better, high performance, clutch kit? Responses will be much appreciated! Thanks guys.

Good!

I haven't read through all of these posts... The thing is, it is a bit off-putting how much you rely on your fathers input about your car. If you have purchased this Z, because you love it and you would like to get under the hood, and make her as good as she can be, then GO for it. I don't care if it's an import or a muscle car, and eventually, your father will probably come around. Especially when he realizes the cars potentially. Either way, finish up the garage.. It's something you need to have to work on her, as with any vehicle. These cars have their downfalls, as any other car would. Especially one with the years yours has. All I'm saying is, finish the garage, and work on the car you love. Whatever kind it is.

Thanks reatodato

Hey everyone. I have a '79 280zx. I got a new windshield a couple weeks ago, and to my dismay, found out that water was STILL leaking into my car. I thought that it was coming from the windshield so I took my ZX back to the shop where I had the windshield replaced. They notified me that the windshield is NOT the actual problem! On the right hand side of the car, where the water can get in to naturally drain down next to the door, there is a spot that is no longer welded together.. It is at the top right, above the windshield. I have two options, seal it, or get it re-welded. I do not have the funds to take it to a body shop, or the proper tools to re-weld this tiny area without damaging the brand new windshield (The welding materials my boyfriend and I have will alternately damage the windshield, so not worth it). So, silicone is going to be applied. It should hold up. In case anyone else has this problem, hope this helps. Sorry I do not know the technical term for the actual area. If anyone needs clarification, I can take pictures and explain this in more detail. Also, if anyone wants, I can update and let you know how the silicone holds up. Before I silicone this, does anyone know of anything that can hold up better, or will this do the job? Thank you!

Freakshow- I'm the third owner of the car, the previous owners were both in Michigan, to my knowledge. It's in pretty good condition. There are some bubbles, and some rust on the bottom, but it's original paint. It really is in great shape for a Michigan car though. Oh, and I paid 1,500 for her. ckolander - I haven't found any problems with the rear hatch yet, except for the louvers being too heavy for the rear hatch to stay propped up when I open it. Not much of an issue for me, I can work around it. Islanddozer- Thanks for the link, I will check it in the am! I assure you, even with all the work, this car brings me nothing but joy!

freakshow, I picked up my baby in Wyoming Michigan. Haha.

Hey everyone. I was just browsing through the site, and I noticed a few people saying that their clutch has burned out, or they are having problems with it. I am going to be replacing mine shortly, and have been browsing my options. My car will stay stock for a few years, until I have the money to fix her up like I plan. Anyway, I'm confused as to which would be the best clutch to put in with it being stock. I was told to put in a ceramic racing clutch, but heard that if you drive this daily (without racing), it will damage the flywheel. Any advice would be MUCH appreciated, as she will be a daily (spring summer fall) driver until I modify her!!! My clutch is slipping, pretty bad. Also, I have only found clutch kits for 350-400 bucks. Is this about right?

I purchased my FIRST Datsun a few weeks ago! She is a 1979 280zx N/A. I have only replaced the windshield thus far, which had a very large crack and leaked! There is rust, and bubbles, but very minor for a Michigan car. I am the third owner, 115,000 miles. Everything in the car is stock, for the time being. I have MANY great plans for this car, but they will not be happening for many years. In the meantime, I am going to replace the clutch, exhaust & muffler, u-joints, rebuild the fuel injectors, tires, and possibly rims. I am hoping to have the funds to do all of the above by the end of this summer. I only have a few pictures on hand at the moment, but I will post more soon, with better quality.

Two more pictures, better ones soon to come.

Renatodato. Thank you for the advice! They said there were not any holes and they cleaned up all rust, but maybe something went awry. And yes, you are VERY lucky to be in SF, there are very few Z's around here, and the ones that ARE, all have rust issues. Darn salt/snow! Smokescreen: Glad to know someone else digs the '79 . I'm planning on getting an RB26 in my car, but that is very far from what I have the means to do with her right now. Thank you for the advice, I'll make sure to check all of that out! I do have a bit of a ticking when she's running, and I've come to find out that it was the fuel injectors, which I can get rebuilt for a pretty good price! ($12 each injector.) I'll look on the seats, I honestly cannot say offhand what they are since I have not checked. When I bought her, the guy had the original seats, but the previous owner had installed racing seats. I decided to stick with those. Now for the harnesses...

A few weeks ago I purchased my first Z!! 1979, n/a, 280zx. Body has some rust spots & bubbles, but is in GREAT condition for a Michigan car. So far, I have only replaced the windshield, which was cracked about a foot long on the bottom passenger side, and also leaked when it rains... Sad to say, it still leaks, so I need to take her back in and get the problem fixed... Again. I am going to be putting in a new clutch (the one I have now is slipping..), new exhaust (which is rotting out), new muffler, new U-Joints, rebuilding the fuel injectors, and new tires. Hopefully all this summer. If anyone has any helpful hints in finding good deals or great parts, it'd be greatly appreciated! My main concerns now are the u-joints, clutch kit, and muffler/exhaust. Would LOVE to chat about these cars! My father had one (not running) about 6 or 7 years ago. I've wanted one since, and finally bought one! Wohoo! Better pictures soon!