Author Topic: 1983 Datsun 280ZX  (Read 144522 times)

0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #300 on: March 18, 2010, 11:32:53 AM »
I wonder if the author finally figured out that this is why the tanks were vented in the first place?

doc
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Peter3_1

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1689
  • Reputation: +63/-9
Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #301 on: March 18, 2010, 06:41:48 PM »
What arogance you have Doc. How many people do you know who have the same car after years. Few. The UNDERWRITING is something I am very familiar with, and a Company may decline to underwrite any specific vehicle they chose, or any class of vehicle they chose, or even any class of operator they chose, as long as it cannot be construed as redlining of any racial etc class.
Fact is I underwrote coverages issued by me Agency (personal and Commercial lines with a few exceptions) for almost a decade subject only to company review quartyerly, which became semi-annually as the results came in........ah, screw it!


The man has a policy and the car. Underwriting is and underwriting was/is irrelevent to this discussion.
 

Offline Chris

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1476
  • Reputation: +522/-16
Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #302 on: March 19, 2010, 11:05:31 PM »
Dash Repair


http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23919

I'm looking forward to doing this.
This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

Offline Chris

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1476
  • Reputation: +522/-16
Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #303 on: March 25, 2010, 08:26:35 AM »
Awesome!  My new seat covers are here!  They look great, but I haven't taken them out of the box yet.  The color looks really good.

Now I get to start taking the seats apart.  Oh boy.
This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #304 on: March 25, 2010, 01:04:07 PM »
Awesome!  My new seat covers are here!  They look great, but I haven't taken them out of the box yet.  The color looks really good.

Now I get to start taking the seats apart.  Oh boy.

You know I tried doing that myself a couple of times when I was doing restorations on old Corvettes, and finally gave up when I discovered how cheap it was to take the disassembled seats to an automotive trim ship, and have a pro do it.......you will find that in order to make them look original that they use heat guns to shape and stretch the new covers to the origional shape of the seats......

Its been a long time ago, but they only charged me about 30 bucks a seat, and they looked like new when I got them back.....

doc
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Chris

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1476
  • Reputation: +522/-16
Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #305 on: March 26, 2010, 09:47:17 PM »
Darn... the covers came without the back panel.  Apparently, I'm supposed to slip the new covers on and sew the original panel on to the new covers to close the seats up.  Not sure how to go about doing this.

Installation looks pretty simple -- they just slip into place.
This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #306 on: March 27, 2010, 01:06:56 AM »
Very nice!  I'd love to own one.

I used to have a 1996 Nissan 240SX.

(Sorry, I didn't read all 21 pages... lol)
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Chris

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1476
  • Reputation: +522/-16
Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #307 on: March 27, 2010, 10:07:44 PM »
Step 1: Collect underpants...


After much huffing and puffing, the old seat cover has been removed.


Some sort of nasty batting material.

The original seat backs look okay.  I think I'm just going to replace the seat bottoms and do the backs another time.
« Last Edit: March 27, 2010, 11:07:32 PM by Chris »
This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #308 on: March 28, 2010, 01:10:49 PM »
It looks like that "batting material" is horsehair, like that which used to be used as carpet padding....

doc
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Peter3_1

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1689
  • Reputation: +63/-9

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Chris

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1476
  • Reputation: +522/-16
Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #311 on: March 29, 2010, 07:46:37 PM »
webbing... yeah, that's the word.  Looks like it, but its so far gone, it's more like straw and dust.

Should I replace it with more jute, or would you recommend a synthetic webbing?
« Last Edit: March 29, 2010, 07:52:28 PM by Chris »
This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #312 on: March 29, 2010, 08:43:02 PM »
webbing... yeah, that's the word.  Looks like it, but its so far gone, it's more like straw and dust.

Should I replace it with more jute, or would you recommend a synthetic webbing?

Well....a synthetic would last forever, but I'm a purist when it comes to restorations, so I'd use the Jute.....

doc
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline BattleHymn

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8750
  • Reputation: +974/-63
  • Not right, but not left, either.
Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #313 on: March 29, 2010, 10:02:27 PM »
Very nice!  I'd love to own one.

I used to have a 1996 Nissan 240SX.

(Sorry, I didn't read all 21 pages... lol)

You are missing out by not reading the whole thread!  I am living vicariously through Chris's ZX, since mine is no longer with me in drivable condition.

I am trying to button up my supercharged '73 MGB, and then it is onward and upward to my next big project, my 73 240Z I have had since I was 20.  I have had three different engines in it, tinkered with the idea of putting in a SBC, but couldn't bring myself to put something that wasn't Nissan under the hood.  I managed to pick up a ZXT for a parts car, and will be transplanting the turbo into the 240Z. 

The apple of my eye, though, was my first Z, an 82ZX that died in a T-boning accident.


Since you listed your 240SX, I will list the Zcars that I have owned, or have for parts.  The only one I do not own anymore is the 300ZX.  It was sold for $800, with 300,000 miles on the odometer:

73 240Z 
73 240Z
73 240Z  (in triplicate- I didn't stutter)
75 280Z 2+2
78 280Z 2+2
79 280ZX 2+2
82 280ZX
83 280ZX
83 280ZXT
84 300ZX



Offline Chris

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1476
  • Reputation: +522/-16
Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #314 on: March 30, 2010, 11:19:37 AM »
I am trying to button up my supercharged '73 MGB, and then it is onward and upward to my next big project, my 73 240Z I have had since I was 20.  I have had three different engines in it, tinkered with the idea of putting in a SBC, but couldn't bring myself to put something that wasn't Nissan under the hood.  I managed to pick up a ZXT for a parts car, and will be transplanting the turbo into the 240Z.

An MG B will be my next car when I'm done fixing this one.  I'm considering a V6 swap from a Camaro to replace the BMC lump.
This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

Offline Peter3_1

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1689
  • Reputation: +63/-9
Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #315 on: March 30, 2010, 01:38:00 PM »
Well, over the years, I did the same darned thing wi9th Jag Mk 1 and Mk 11 (two)  sedans and MGA's owned every MGA there was EXCEPT a Mk 11 (two) delux roadster and cpe.  Bought a MGA 1600 that had at one time a Paxton supercharger on it. The bearings had been blown out and the old gal had only 10 psi at idle . Sold it as it was, and the new owner had to replace the bearings. TOO much stress on the bottom end. Competition MGB's cannot stand "high" RPM's and "high" compression, either. Typically they would use the overdrive rear end ( Norman de Laycock electric I think) it would stop working and the carburated engine would go BANG and not run anymore...

If I was going supercharged MGB I'd go MINIMUM to competition springs. I'd add an electronic distributor with a built in rev limiter at, say, 6600, 6700 rpm's. Were I doing it from scratch, I'd use a 1967 engine, disassemble it, machine it , block and head, flat, use new no lead gas insert valve seats, valves to match, a little higher lift cam, match head ports and manifolds (new steel exhaust header) , generally clean everything onside up, and use the lowest numerical rear end gears available.


Try Moss Motors in CA, and, of course, the Advertizers in the SCCA 's monthly mag. for a source of parts that might save you a catastrophic failure in the future, and that's a real paim,,,btdt.

Offline BattleHymn

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8750
  • Reputation: +974/-63
  • Not right, but not left, either.
Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #316 on: March 30, 2010, 03:08:48 PM »
An MG B will be my next car when I'm done fixing this one.  I'm considering a V6 swap from a Camaro to replace the BMC lump.

The four cylinder lump can be massaged for more power, but it is costly to continue down such a road.  If you were close, I'd let you take a spin in mine; I believe it would surprise you!


Have you considered a Rover V8 swap? 

Offline Chris

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1476
  • Reputation: +522/-16
Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #317 on: March 30, 2010, 03:11:42 PM »
Finding a Rover/Buick 215 around here is not an easy proposition.  Camaros and Mustangs are a cheaper alternative.  I'd love a chance to drive an MGB. :)  The conversion kit I saw goes for $700 (with instructions) and I can probably get a donor six for a couple hundred dollars.  I think I'd rather deal with fuel injection than a single Zenith Stromberg carburetor.

Well, I got all the crap I need to fix my dashboard.  I'm off to la fabric casa to get some foam and webbing.


sweet... $30 for enough foam, jute, and adhesive to cover both seats. :II:
« Last Edit: March 30, 2010, 11:33:25 PM by Chris »
This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

Offline Chris

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1476
  • Reputation: +522/-16
Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #318 on: March 31, 2010, 02:57:15 AM »
Very nice!  I'd love to own one.

I used to have a 1996 Nissan 240SX.

(Sorry, I didn't read all 21 pages... lol)

The manual transmission from the 240SX is a good replacement for the (hard-to-find) 5-speed for the 280ZX.  I got very, very lucky finding a 280Z 5-speed from a nice guy near Bowling Green.  He bought the entire car just for the SU carburetors and an intake manifold.
This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

Offline Wineslob

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 14430
  • Reputation: +778/-193
  • Sucking the life out of Liberty
Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #319 on: March 31, 2010, 09:52:06 AM »
It looks like that "batting material" is horsehair, like that which used to be used as carpet padding....

doc

It is called horsehair. You can get it rubberized so it won't fall apart. (used to work in a upholstery fabric store)
“The national budget must be balanced. The public debt must be reduced; the arrogance of the authorities must be moderated and controlled. Payments to foreign governments must be reduced, if the nation doesn't want to go bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance.”

        -- Marcus Tullius Cicero, 55 BC (106-43 BC)

The unobtainable is unknown at Zombo.com



"Practice random violence and senseless acts of brutality"

If you want a gender neutral bathroom, go pee in the forest.

Offline Peter3_1

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1689
  • Reputation: +63/-9
Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #320 on: April 01, 2010, 02:23:21 PM »
The Rover (GM) v-8 conversion is a very good one. They were "production" in GB, and were examined/tested by BL of NJ here. The conclusion was, keep the 4 's send only 8 cyl cars.  Naturally, the BL (Brit Government Motors) decided to send NO 8's for American consumption in MG, but did sent us a Triumph V-8 , trplacing the MECHANICALLY  nightmarish TR-7.


Anyway the Buick/Rover 3.5 or 4 litre fits and weighs within 15 lbs of the cast iron 4 banger. So the suspension, that oddball lever shock arangement and spring rates need not be addressed. And I'd go for the steel wheel car too because you can get them cheaper AND if you go oversized wheels (which I'd do in a hot second) you can get sone VERY nice alloy's from Panasport etc  http://panasport.com/street.html a brand that served me VERY well on my FF Racer.

Plus, you can get the Rover 5 speed to fit the MGB too....., which is something I might consider with the iron 4 as well....
That iron 4 is durable enough in you mind your RPM's and compression rates, and supercharging REALLY boosts that.


Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #321 on: July 15, 2010, 05:41:50 PM »
So I found a replacement rear-view mirror for my car in an '89 Nissan Stanza.  The arm that holds the mirror ends in a 1/2-inch ball and there's a socket inside the mirror, with an upper and lower half.  To remove the mirror, you basically turn it 180° and pull and it pops right off.

Problem is, I can't get it back on. 
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline BattleHymn

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8750
  • Reputation: +974/-63
  • Not right, but not left, either.
Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #322 on: July 15, 2010, 07:05:21 PM »
Chris,

Are you after a mirror?  I have a brown one and a red one laying around.

If either of those is the color you are after, I can send you the whole unit for whatever shipping runs.

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #323 on: July 16, 2010, 06:26:01 PM »
I went back and grabbed a mirror from a 90-something Sentra.  It fits fine.

Thanks for the offer.
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline cavegal

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3015
  • Reputation: +105/-42
Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
« Reply #324 on: August 10, 2010, 06:01:06 PM »
sweet!!!


“Look, we’re led by a man that either is not tough, not smart, or he’s got something else in mind,”  Donald J.Trump. 6/13/16