jfox8 Posted December 14, 2014 Share Posted December 14, 2014 I just want to get a post started on my 280z before it gets too far along. I bought the 280z about a year ago. The previous owner was "Matt," and he spray painted the entire car in this flat black. As a courtesy, he even left his mark by spray painting his name on the underside of the hood. It was on its last legs for sure, and one owner away from a junkyard.The main draw to to car was the overall lack of rust. The photos look worse than reality, and hopefully there will not be too many surprises (wishful thinking i'm sure). To date we have removed the drivetrain, and the interior. The car has been mounted to a rotisserie for ease of access. My overall goal is to bring new life to the car. My father in-law is helping (big time) on this project. He has restored old Toyota Land Cruisers and is even working on a De Tomaso Pantera. I was looking for a project car, and I found the Petrolicious 240Z video. The car will take many elements of the car in the video (240Z style for exteior) while retaining the 280z parts on the interior. I will also be removing the sunroof. I hope to have this thing running in the next 18 months. Parts purchased so far: Tokico springs and shocks. I found a brand-new set of springs on eBay. Purchased lights and the rear taillight covers to convert to a 240z look. Rota RK-R 15x8 wheels in "magnesium look" paint color. New door skins. Purchased a newer dashboard. It will need some work, but the old one was not in the best of shape after removing the cover. Bad Dog 280z frame rails. Anyways, I hope to have an update after Christmas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rturbo 930 Posted December 14, 2014 Share Posted December 14, 2014 Looks just like my Z did when I first got it - also a '76 280z. Looks pretty solid - but so did mine, lol. Hope it's not too bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfox8 Posted October 20, 2015 Author Share Posted October 20, 2015 Well, I am back on the project. The sunroof is now gone, and it its place is a panel off a donor car. The sandblasting is almost done, then it will be time for the epoxy primer. New parts: -Front end off a 240Z -New interior door skins. -Purchased all new suspension components. (sold the old ones when I stopped the project) Plans: -Engine rebuild: cams, flat top pistons, and possibly a triple Weber intake -Finish body work -Get interior panels Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RebekahsZ Posted October 20, 2015 Share Posted October 20, 2015 Put those tires in some trash bags and store in dark climate control. You could be on the chassis for several years and the tires will lose a lot of grip due to age. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfox8 Posted October 22, 2015 Author Share Posted October 22, 2015 Lol, true. This gives me incentive to get it done. I have a lot more time to finish the car, and have been working on it every weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V-Fib Posted October 22, 2015 Share Posted October 22, 2015 Wow, you and I have nearly identical cars. Bought a 1977 that is fairly clean but generously rattle canned black all over. In fact I'm in the same spot as you with regards to my restoration. Sitting on a rotisserie stripping paint, killing rust and welding in new panels. I've decided to keep my ugly sunroof however. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfox8 Posted October 25, 2015 Author Share Posted October 25, 2015 Wow, you and I have nearly identical cars. Bought a 1977 that is fairly clean but generously rattle canned black all over. In fact I'm in the same spot as you with regards to my restoration. Sitting on a rotisserie stripping paint, killing rust and welding in new panels. I've decided to keep my ugly sunroof however. The roof replacement is not for the faint of heart. If I would do it all over again, I would have picked a different car. This was meant to be a $10K and under project, but is turning into a $15K project. That may seem insane for a 280Z, but it will be EXACTLY like I want it. Good luck on your project! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfox8 Posted April 18, 2016 Author Share Posted April 18, 2016 I will try to post more frequently, but here are some new things I bought for the money pit: Replica Competition Steering Wheel Group Harrington Steel Bumpers Both exceeded my expectations. The red car below is what I striving towards (less flares). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfox8 Posted June 30, 2016 Author Share Posted June 30, 2016 Just received the "new" SU carbs from zTherapy, and they are very impressive. I have attached some photos of the car pre-sandblast and post. I should get the body work done in the next 60 days or so, and then it will be time to paint. Some new parts I just received: T3 coilovers Nissan OEM fender mirrors Toyota 4x4 calipers Rear disc brake conversion 15/16 master cylinder 3.9 R200 The engine has been rebuilt with flat-top pistons and an Isky cam. I am hoping to be able to show some significant progress in the next couple of months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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