LiveFree369 Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 A few weeks ago I purchased my first Z!! 1979, n/a, 280zx. Body has some rust spots & bubbles, but is in GREAT condition for a Michigan car. So far, I have only replaced the windshield, which was cracked about a foot long on the bottom passenger side, and also leaked when it rains... Sad to say, it still leaks, so I need to take her back in and get the problem fixed... Again. I am going to be putting in a new clutch (the one I have now is slipping..), new exhaust (which is rotting out), new muffler, new U-Joints, rebuilding the fuel injectors, and new tires. Hopefully all this summer. If anyone has any helpful hints in finding good deals or great parts, it'd be greatly appreciated! My main concerns now are the u-joints, clutch kit, and muffler/exhaust. Would LOVE to chat about these cars! My father had one (not running) about 6 or 7 years ago. I've wanted one since, and finally bought one! Wohoo! Better pictures soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smokescreen Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 Welcome aboard!!! I also have a '79 and I love it. I got my clutch kit for less than $100 from schucks but it's nothing fancy. I bought it knowing that later I would building a BW t-5 transmission and just wanted this one to hold up 'til then. Make sure you check up on your fluids as in the master and slave cylinders for the trans. these may have to be replaced along with the clutch pressure plate etc... Also Be sure to follow the FSM in relation to what type and weight of gear oil you are running in the transmission as the have a tendancy to whine when we use too light weight of oil. There is my $.02. Good lookin car! What kind of seats are those? Jason Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C-Dawg Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 wow, cool. i bet it'll be a fun project! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
renatodato Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 Check for rust issues at the roof junction of the windshield before installing another glass. Very common in these cars, but then again what do you expect from a 30 yr old car. I feel real lucky living in SF Bay Area with 18 Pick N Pulls, 2 Pick Ur Parts all within driving distance. And lots of Z's of all types. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LiveFree369 Posted May 18, 2009 Author Share Posted May 18, 2009 Renatodato. Thank you for the advice! They said there were not any holes and they cleaned up all rust, but maybe something went awry. And yes, you are VERY lucky to be in SF, there are very few Z's around here, and the ones that ARE, all have rust issues. Darn salt/snow! Smokescreen: Glad to know someone else digs the '79 . I'm planning on getting an RB26 in my car, but that is very far from what I have the means to do with her right now. Thank you for the advice, I'll make sure to check all of that out! I do have a bit of a ticking when she's running, and I've come to find out that it was the fuel injectors, which I can get rebuilt for a pretty good price! ($12 each injector.) I'll look on the seats, I honestly cannot say offhand what they are since I have not checked. When I bought her, the guy had the original seats, but the previous owner had installed racing seats. I decided to stick with those. Now for the harnesses... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LiveFree369 Posted May 18, 2009 Author Share Posted May 18, 2009 Two more pictures, better ones soon to come. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Straight6Z Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 I also own a 79 zx. I had major leaks all over the place. The hatch was the biggest leaker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhilbertZ Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 www.blackdragonauto.com is a good, cheap place for parts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freakshow Posted May 22, 2009 Share Posted May 22, 2009 I also have a 79 280zx, I love it as my daily driver. I am in northern michigan, big rapids. If you need a hand and I am available, I always love to work on these cars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LiveFree369 Posted May 22, 2009 Author Share Posted May 22, 2009 freakshow, I picked up my baby in Wyoming Michigan. Haha. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freakshow Posted May 22, 2009 Share Posted May 22, 2009 Grand Rapids? How much did you give for it? It has to be an out of state car, or its been redone. I havent seen one with that nice of a body thats been in michigan long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
islanddozer Posted May 22, 2009 Share Posted May 22, 2009 check my reply to this thread reguarding windshield leaks http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=148631 try www.rockauto.com and check catalog out. They show a pic of the part and ship within the week. I've been happy Have fun with it ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckolander Posted May 22, 2009 Share Posted May 22, 2009 Welcome aboard, I also have a 79. Yeah, windshield and rear hatch are big leakers. My solution for the rear hatch is to weld it shut. Right now I'm working on hinges and latch so that I can open the window and I'm cleaning the edges of the hatch so I can weld it. Good luck with your "new" old car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LiveFree369 Posted May 24, 2009 Author Share Posted May 24, 2009 Freakshow- I'm the third owner of the car, the previous owners were both in Michigan, to my knowledge. It's in pretty good condition. There are some bubbles, and some rust on the bottom, but it's original paint. It really is in great shape for a Michigan car though. Oh, and I paid 1,500 for her. ckolander - I haven't found any problems with the rear hatch yet, except for the louvers being too heavy for the rear hatch to stay propped up when I open it. Not much of an issue for me, I can work around it. Islanddozer- Thanks for the link, I will check it in the am! I assure you, even with all the work, this car brings me nothing but joy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Straight6Z Posted May 26, 2009 Share Posted May 26, 2009 I love my 79' but is it me or is the 79' the black sheep of the Z world? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kvansic162 Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 No, you are correct. The older Z cars have lots of modified parts made for them. The early ZX cars....not much offered. I always have to make my own Mods. But it is well worth it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wickedblackiroc Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 i have a stock clutch from a zx. im not sure what year(s). i got it with abunch free parts i picked up last week. all i know is its a stock clutch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
autophile Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 A few weeks ago I purchased my first Z!! 1979, n/a, 280zx. Body has some rust spots & bubbles, but is in GREAT condition for a Michigan car. So far, I have only replaced the windshield, which was cracked about a foot long on the bottom passenger side, and also leaked when it rains... Sad to say, it still leaks, so I need to take her back in and get the problem fixed... Again. I am going to be putting in a new clutch (the one I have now is slipping..), new exhaust (which is rotting out), new muffler, new U-Joints, rebuilding the fuel injectors, and new tires. Hopefully all this summer. If anyone has any helpful hints in finding good deals or great parts, it'd be greatly appreciated! My main concerns now are the u-joints, clutch kit, and muffler/exhaust. Would LOVE to chat about these cars! My father had one (not running) about 6 or 7 years ago. I've wanted one since, and finally bought one! Wohoo! Better pictures soon! Congrats on your car. I'm working on a 79 as well. Do you plan on rebuilding your injectors yourself? If so, How do you do that? My car has a fuel delivery problem, and factory injectors at the dealer are $115 each. I need a more reasonable solution to this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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