1976 280z just bought from family member for 700 starts right up need help on what to do first** San Francisco!!!!!

[Mario6280]

I just got this car. It was sitting for awhile but starts right up. It needs work but don't know where to start is there anyone in the san Francisco area that has advice. He did tell me he has added a new radiator and new spark plugs, bushings, etc... Help???

[BluDestiny]

How about do a tune up? like oil change, spark plugs, probably new wires depending on how old they look, Coolant flush, new belts if the look old/are cracking. I'd also check all the suspension, like ball joints and bushings

 

I noticed you said he added spark plugs and bushings. How long was it sitting though?

Edited November 29, 2012 by BluDestiny

[Pac_Man]

A rule of thumb I like to follow is to replace fluids if you don't know for sure how old they are. They might still be good, but it's a good idea so you can keep track of exactly how old the fluids are.

 

Other than that, you have to start with any issues you might be having. Check for rust, vacuum leaks, filters, gaskets... There are a lot of things you could replace on these cars.

[grretc]

Welcome to the forum. There's a lot of members in the Bay Area.

 

Whatever you pull off, make sure you put it back in the exact spot since the car will need to pass smog check.

[Miles]

Check out the brakes: pads, shoes, rear cylinders for leaks, hoses, front calipers, rotors etc.

[Mario6280]

Thanks. This is my second car my Acura legend was a lemon and was totaled. He added te bushings and spark plugs not too long ago about a 6-7 months ago. Before that it was sitting for awhile but he would always mess with is on the weekend. It starts right up. The transmission slips but we think its just the fluid. The brakes are ok he did mention it needed a new master cylinder. Is there anywhere I can find a good shops where I can buy after market parts? Or is are there things I should definitely change regardless of fluids. The rust is minuscule. A tiny bit on the passenger door panel. And surface rust on the passenger floor

[Mario6280]

This is the first car I have add the ability to do the work myself, so I will be learning on this car. But I do want to see it restored. I do not have the knowledge to do most of the things myself.

[Miles]

Welcome.

 

Buy a copy of How to Restore yourDatsun Z - Car by Wick Humble no matter what direction your project is going. Try Amazon, Black Dragon or MSA for source.

 

Download a copy of the Factory Service Manual (FSM). There should be a link in one of the forums.

 

Parts:

Motor Sports Auto (MSA) http://www.zcarparts.com/

 

Black Dragon http://www.blackdrag.../zZxCatalog.htm

 

Many autoparts stores still sell a few Datsun parts, but the two above specialize in Z parts.

Edited November 29, 2012 by Miles

[J-hop]

Xenons30.com is where you want to start (downloadable fsm).

 

They also have the efast system you can download for part numbers but to be honest I don't recommend the efast system I find the scanned microfiche are too low quality. For figuring out part numbers I recommend: http://www.carpartsmanual.com/. They have great resolution (for the most part) parts diagrams.