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HybridZ

Thinking about a 280z


Guest Oscello

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Guest Oscello

Hello, I recently joined this forum to research a project that i am considering. I found a 1978 280z that looks to be in ok condition but the engine is probably shot. this is the one i am looking at http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/cto/785204805.html

 

thanks to this forum i have already lined up a replacement engine but i was wondering if there were and differences between the 280z (74-78 i think) and the 280zx (79-83) besides cosmetically of course. also how easy is it to switch the front bumper to something a little better looking from say a 240 or 260 maybe even a later 280zx.

Any advice on what to look for?

suggestions, comments

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You can not delete posts on this forum. You can edit the content, but only up to 24hrs after you post it.

 

The other info is basic stuff that can be found by searching the archives. The bumper swap depends on your ability to mix and match things, and possibly make/modify brackets. The 70 to early 74 bumpers can be swapped fairly easy, with some fab skills, but the later models are a bit more difficult...

 

Good luck with it, and start searching thru our vast past threads on this subject. I'm sure you will find the info that will guide you thru the swap. Most here will be glad to chime in and help out, after you've searched for the info first yourself... :2thumbs:

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Guest Oscello

yeah i searched and found the info i was looking for regarding the bumper swap and the differences between the years/models. thank you. sorry i did not search first.

 

however i cannot find much info on what to look for in a car. i have seen that the wheel wells are structural and alot of people have said get a rust free car. but if there is rust where are the good/bad areas?

 

and thanks for the info on the posting regulations, i know most forums have an edit/delete feature.

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First, all rust is bad. The frame rails, floors, battery tray, dog legs (lower area in front of rear tires), rear hatch and also around gas filler are the areas I can think of off the top. This is my second Z and I have replaced the driver floor, battery tray and dog legs. I am sure there is a "rust free" Z out there, but there are getting harder to find. Learn how to weld and/or locate you a good auto body welder you are going to need one or the other.

 

The area around the rear fender wells can be tricky as well because of the Zs' unibody structure.

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