My 280Z Restomod LS1

[jeff81]

I have been a member for some time, and now work is finally starting to occur on the project. I have really just been getting all the part together and they are really adding up. I am up to about 30ish range for the parts only on the build.

I have a geat building doing the work. He has started to strip the car and I thought I should show what I had to start with.

I am lucky enough to have been given a 1977.5 280Z from a man that I consider as my second father. He is the father of my forever best friend. I ate more family dinners with him and his family than with my own. He helped me get through things and has always been someone that I have and would not hesitate to go to for guidance or help.

Growing up as a car freak, he knew how much I appreciated cars. In the unfortunate situation of his divorce, he decided to give me the car. It was his first car that he bought after he and his wife got married. From my recollection, it only had one previous owner (Don and a few of his children) and no major accidents.

Having the car for 5 or so years, I was able to do what I had dreamed and rebuild it to use for countless more years.

The Pictures:

Will post them after I down size them.

[jeff81]

I had a pretty idealistic idea with this. The following are all the parts planned on building and some ideas of what might need to be done to finish this project.

LS1 - crate engine; T56 transmission; (Transmission Shift Skip eliminator); AZ Cars full suspension and brake kit; Q45 MM mounts and Drive kits; Vintage Air; JCI mounts and necessary kits; Soda Blasting; All new bushings; New Weatherstripping; Redone interior; Roll bar; Frame supports; Stereo (modest install); seats

 

That is what I have going on now.

I am trying to get it able to be able to move to Phoenix or CA, so there will be no problems no matter where I go. In doing so, I am hoping to also equip the car with all emissions equipment from a 2004 GTO.

 

It should be an interesting few years in this build.

 

Jeff

[jeff81]

I have sent off and received the brake light LED conversion. The car has the most of the things off getting ready for the rotisserie and then soda blasting. Here are some pics:

[jeff81]

I have ordered all the exterior things needed from the LED light conversion, HID projector lights, antennae, glass, full seals to name a few.

I am waiting on the weather to improve (stop raining for a few days) to get the body media blasted.

Few details left to work out on the planning stages. I am trying to make a determination between 2 electric power steering kits that I have found.

I am also trying to get a list of what is left to purchase for the odds and end pieces.

This build if getting expensive.

Seats are one of the last big decisions that I have not made up my mind about.

Pictures will be added when available.

 

Jeff

[jeff81]

I have decided to go with the power steering kit through azcarbum, Bian. So just waiting on some things before interir decisions are made.

 

Jeff

[jeff81]

I finally got it soda blasted. It looks like it is in good shape. It seems that there was some repair work in the past. Hopefully everything can get fixed. Not perfect, but I think it is an amazing starting point.

 

Jeff

[jeff81]

Below are the updates of the current condition of the Z. This project was given to a nice guy, but he just had continual issues keeping the project from progressing. From a serious injury to other problems the car has had essentially nothing done to it. Below are the picks of the condition of the car as I am preparing to take it to another shop. I plan to go ahead and hope to be able to post updates as hopefully something will get done on the project.

Modification and changes to the rollbarwillneed to be made.

I will post more information on the plan and shop once I get the process moving.

 

Jeff

Edited May 22, 2010 by jeff81

[jeff81]

Progress being made. I had the car with another builder. That did not work out well. This summer I sent my car to another builder. They are a full race team with side projects. Below are the updates on the current state of the car.

I am thinking about having a T56 transmission rebuilt or buying a T56 magnum transmission. Not sure of exactly what to do.

The car has had the subframe installed. I am in the process of ordering the JCI engine and transmission mount. Then I will be ordering AZ Z Car complete road race setup.

Hopfully progress can continue to be made.

[jeff81]

Things are progressing well. I will be going out to the builder to check on the car. Got a roof panel shipped. Need the diagonal to go through the main hoop, supports to the strut towers, and the harness bar.

Pictures to be coming soon.

The seats are getting finalized. The roof panel, fenders, and fender flares to be handled than the car needs to get sealed.

Changed to AZ Z Car "Track Pack" for the Q45 rear differential.

 

 

Jeff

Edited September 19, 2010 by jeff81

[jeff81]

Pictures below.

I am unsure whether I am going to just remove the rollbar that is in it now. It was not designed how I asked, but part of the problem ia a general complication of space. I am 6'3", 230 lbs. I'm too large to fit with the desired rollbar, so the fabricator took many liberties. I probably would have just gone without it if he had just explained that what I wanted was not possible. But since it is done, I may just keep it to hep support the unibody. Still unsure of what to do with that, but everything else is going well.

Let me know opinions on what to do with the not to spec rollbar.

 

Jeff

[jeff81]

Some updates -

Things are finally looking up.

Thanks to Dave AZC for the full tack pack. I also did something that is not commonly seen, I ordered his Q45 rear differential front mount. I will post extensive picts later next week.

Still fitting everything. I will be adding AZC parking brake, rear CVs, and few other suspension things.

Starting to get the firewall prepared for a Vintage Air GenII. I think it will be the mini. I am going to try a Dakota Digital Climate Control system.

More picts and updates to come.

Edited December 20, 2010 by jeff81

[mxgsfmdpx]

So jealous of your AZC suspension, brakes, and diff mount. Did you order the track pack? Looks awesome!

[jeff81]

Yes, I ordered the track pack. I, like others, am waiting for the parking brake. All the parts will get hard anondized since this will be a daily driver.

The radiator is getting finished up. I am concerned since they installed a SPAL fan, but it is the one with the unsealed motor. I told them of the overheating issues that some people seem to be having, so they did what I asked and got the strongest fan, but the problem with that is the warning from some of the sites that sell it. One site has caution do not use in wet or dusty situations. Another site has do not use for extended periods of time. Should I be concerned?

[jeff81]

It's off to the body shop. It is having pretty much having everything done. The guy that is doing it is really good. He is going to do delete the sunroof by changing roof skins. It will take awhile, but here is one of the last pics before it was sent.

 

While at the body shop, the aluminum suspension pieces will be sent out to be hard anodized. The other parts will be sent to be to powder coated.

The decided upon color is dark blue (very dark). It is nice that such a long project is finally going forward.

Need to still get the rims addressed. I need to measure, pick out some that will work, and hope for no problems.

I sent the front and rear bumpers to be chromed. (Man, that was not cheap) Since I have family in Nashville, they delivered them to Advance Plating.

I'll get picks of the rims and other components when I am able to do so.

I still have a long way to go. I have to deal with all the electrical work and then the interior. The current shop, will do most of the lines (brake, fuel, etc..), which will hopefully go smoothly.

 

Jeff

[jeff81]

Bodyshop Jail...

My car is actually progressing again. It may hit a speed bump on the wiring, but the rest is progressing slowly. The body shop is telling me they can't cut the fenders, but I need the clearance for tires. I already cut the back end, so I'm unsure on how best to handle this. Here are some updates and progress pics. Any suggestions...

 

I'm also waiting for Justin to send me fender flares. Just need to work out these issues then on to assembly with rims and tires being the last of the real questions.

 

Jeff

[jeff81]

Body work is going along finally. I have problems now that the company that I was going to send my aluminum suspension parts to get hard anodized is no longer in business so I need to find a new place to get that done. Any suggestions?

I also need to find a drip rail in good condition. Any suggestions?

I am going to order a lot of the weather stripping and random parts this week to have sent. They should have the fenders and hood finished within 2 weeks. Hope that I can find the few missing parts and then will be begin the long slow fully assembly. I may have to learn a lot about wiring soon....

Hope things continue without too many more problems/oversights.

 

Jeff

[jeff81]

Things are progressing slowly. I have most of bodywork finished. I am then going to get the drive train finalized and set the ride height. Hopefully I after I get those established I will be able to make a decision on rims and tires.

I have been getting some planning done for what exactly to do to the interior.

I am still wondering if I am going with smoked headlight covers? Any opinions?

[1 tuff z]

A bit off topic but where did you source the donuts/space saver tires on your z? I need a spare to fit over my brakes and the stock 14" won't do it, neither will my old rear drive maxima 16" space saver. Love the color and the build!

thanks

Edited August 1, 2012 by 1 tuff z

[jeff81]

I got them at the pull-a-part.  They do not fit the AZC brake package I am using. 

[jeff81]

Well, it has been a long time to post updates.  The progress is very slow due to having gone back to school again.  I will update everything in more detail when I get more time.  I do need some help with 2 things:
1. How to reinforce front quarter panels? 
2. Where to source inner front quarter panels? This care will be driven often, so need to prep it for all weather.
3. How is the best way to size up tires?

 

Below is an attached recent update to interior.  I had a good experience with the refinishing of the dash.  It looks like it was worth the money to send it out.  I just hope it holds up well.