1975 280Z Basket Case to Operable Vehicle

[Guest 73LT1Z]

I have been working on my 1975 280Z for some time. I have been detoured by other conversion projects and a move, but of late am back to work on the Datsun.

 

Here is a link to the Fquick page for it:

Fquick page

 

I am keeping a journal with pictures there, so I won't duplicate it here.

 

I have attached a pic of what it looked like when I got it.

 

When I got it, there was no front suspension, motor, transmission, or right rear brake assembly. I was fortunate to find a great guy in Central Florida that sold me the parts I needed in like new condition for very reasonable prices.

 

The body was in very good condition, and it was a factory AC car. I had recently installed a built 383 motor & bulletproof T56 in my Trans Am, so I had the original drivetrain in the garage. After adding ported heads and intake and a GM Hot cam wit 1.6 roller rockers, I installed these into the Datsun using a JTR kit. I also used JTR Sanderson coated headers into a 3" single exhaust. I made a custom belt setup using both F-body and Corvette accessory brackets and a gutted PS pump so I could run the AC compressor on the upper driver side.

 

I also recycled the TA wheels using some spacer/adapters and coil over struts. To address the missing rear brake parts, I did a rear disk conversion. The front brakes use the Toyota caliper conversion.

 

I did the wiring mods myself. The fuel pump is an external model for fuel injection located in the stock pump's location.

 

I welded in some frame rail covers underneath and fixed a few holes in the floors.

 

Due to the T56's lack of a speedometer cable, I used a Cobra reverse wind speedometer. I painted the needle to more closely match the stock gauges.

 

I am looking into some different seats for the car and have read the threads here regarding these. I am most interested in the Conquest/Starion ( there is a set at a semi-close JY for $110) or 350Z ($).

 

I plan on upgrading the stereo to a single DIN head unit, and putting 4" speakers into the openings in the doors (already there when I got it) and on the sides behind the seats (looks to be a stock location).

 

Still much work to be done, but it is good to be back to work on this project.

 

At some point for uniformity I should put an aluminum block 5.3L truck motor in it, but as the saying goes, if it ain't broke...