trippintl0 Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 Hey how's it going. So I have this 1980 280zx. The car used to drive perfectly straight. But after snapping a couple of tension rods and the resulting stress on the unibody, I guess it has done some damage. There is a section right where the engine / steering crossmember bolts to the frame, where the frame is deformed about an inch (pulled away from strut housing sheetmetal). Also, the front support under radiator (where tension rod mounts bolt to) is looking deformed. The alignment is all screwy. Caster is like 2.4 on one side and 2.8 on the other. Camber is like -1.00 on one side and +1.00 on the other. The car is driveable, but pulls to the left. Because of this alignment, car handles nice when turning one direction, but feels like it is going to lose control when turning the other way (like on a long freeway curve). So here's the question. I'm looking for opinions. I like this car, but I realize that it might not be worth fixing it. I think I could weld in new metal, but I don't think I could align the new metal straight enough. Would it be worth having a frame shop straighten it, and then I could reinforce it with new metal (or let them do it)? Or in your opinion, should I just wait until I find a cheap Z that doesn't run, but good frame, and swap everything over? (I prefer 280zx since it's daily driver and I like stock aerodynamics) Sorry for the long post...I'm a little stressed...opinions??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Minkler420 Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 well, i'm no expert. i'm actually just finishing up w/ the mods on my Z, just to bring it up to pristine stock. but it WAS in TWO accidents b/4 it got to it and it was crushed front and back. i just bought two crashed 280Z's and mounted a whole new hatchback, and half the hood. just either be good @ welding, or get someone to do it. if they say 2 weeks for it back, say no. i want it back in a month. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
COZY Z COLE Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 well, i'm no expert. i'm actually just finishing up w/ the mods on my Z, just to bring it up to pristine stock. but it WAS in TWO accidents b/4 it got to it and it was crushed front and back. i just bought two crashed 280Z's and mounted a whole new hatchback, and half the hood. just either be good @ welding, or get someone to do it. if they say 2 weeks for it back, say no. i want it back in a month. Reread what you posted slowly and I think you'll agree , you need to switch what you're smoking... LARRY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueovalz Posted October 5, 2006 Share Posted October 5, 2006 Cozy, you're just so....do I need to say it... cozy :mrgreen: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.