The Conservative Cave

Interests => Around the House & In the Garage => Topic started by: Chris on January 24, 2009, 02:44:25 PM

Title: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 24, 2009, 02:44:25 PM
Click here for updates: 1983 Datsun 280ZX (http://www.conservativecave.com/index.php/topic,21194.msg529189.html#msg529189)

1982 Datsun 280ZX

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/280zx_exterior7.jpg)

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/280zx_exterior10.jpg)

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/280zx_exterior5.jpg)

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/280zx_exterior1.jpg)

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/280zx_exterior6.jpg)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 24, 2009, 02:44:41 PM
Interior

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/280zx_steering_wheel_badge.jpg)

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/280zx_gauges.jpg)

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/280zx_interior.jpg)

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/280zx_dash_full.jpg)
dirty car

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/280zx_rear_seat.jpg)
Not much happening back here.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 24, 2009, 02:46:34 PM
Smegma

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_280zx_gas_tank_smegma_full.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=280zx_gas_tank_smegma_full.jpg)  (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_280zx_a_pillar_smegma.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=280zx_a_pillar_smegma.jpg)  (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_280zx_front_seat_smegma.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=280zx_front_seat_smegma.jpg)  (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_280zx_passenger_seat_smegma.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=280zx_passenger_seat_smegma.jpg)  (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_280zx_hood_smegma.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=280zx_hood_smegma.jpg)  (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_280zx_door_trim_smegma.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=280zx_door_trim_smegma.jpg)
Clickable smegma, rust, crud, and crap pictures.  #2 is the A-pillar on the driver's side.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 24, 2009, 02:52:41 PM
I picked this 5-speed up from a retired USAF mechanic and body/service shop owner for $1,000.  All the difficult work has been done.  With the exception of the radio, everything on the car works.  I would have ignored the rear seats in favor of the front ones and pulled them out alltogether if they were bad enough to be re-covered.  New stuff:

Rear seats
Tires
Brake calipers, pads, lines, master cylinder
Shocks, struts, bearings, and bushings on all wheels
Fuel pump, lines, filter, and the tank has been sealed
Injector seals (except for injector #5 -- it still leaks)

I spoke to the DMV and the county clerk... I get to keep the Antique tags for the front of the car.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 24, 2009, 10:39:14 PM
I forgot to post some of the TV ads! :rofl:

Black Gooooold
[youtube=425,350]kWF-hH1nloo[/youtube]

Cockpit of Luxury
[youtube=425,350]Nx0J9zU7gzs[/youtube]

T-T-T-T-Turbo
[youtube=425,350]c3TnZQrtAx8[/youtube]
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on January 24, 2009, 11:33:07 PM
I picked this 5-speed up from a retired USAF mechanic and body/service shop owner for $1,000.  All the difficult work has been done.  With the exception of the radio, everything on the car works.  I would have ignored the rear seats in favor of the front ones and pulled them out alltogether if they were bad enough to be re-covered.  New stuff:

Rear seats
Tires
Brake calipers, pads, lines, master cylinder
Shocks, struts, bearings, and bushings on all wheels
Fuel pump, lines, filter, and the tank has been sealed
Injector seals (except for injector #5 -- it still leaks)

I spoke to the DMV and the county clerk... I get to keep the Antique tags for the front of the car.

Sounds and looks like a great deal! The guy did put alot of money into it before you got it.

Nice shape overall.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 24, 2009, 11:50:52 PM
I have to go outside tomorrow and hook up a vacuum gauge to the engine and see if anything is wrong with the motor.  It runs fine and sounds good, but it smokes when you step on the gas (I attributed that to the cold-ass weather.  Apparently I was wrong).  The guy said it has passed every year except this one, and that it would pass after the engine got up to operating temperature.  The vacuum hoses don't look like they've been replaced in 25 years.  Not to mention the gas in the tank is a couple years old; I will have to flush it out and see if that fixes the problem.  And there's the whole stinky leaking injector thing. 

It needs a little work.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on January 25, 2009, 01:45:56 AM
white smoke = head gasket leak or cracked head

blue smoke = burining oil

black smoke = too rich

green smoke = run like ****ing hell. I don't know what it means, but it can't be good.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 25, 2009, 01:47:53 AM
I know it isn't black or green!  I can't tell blue from white, but it looked mostly white yesterday.  I can deal with a new head gasket.  Replacing the entire head might be outside of my comfort zone.  I'll have to wait and see until I can start taking things apart.

Can I take the head somewhere to have it checked?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on January 25, 2009, 01:59:59 AM
I know it isn't black or green!  I can't tell blue from white, but it looked mostly white yesterday.  I can deal with a new head gasket.  Replacing the entire head might be outside of my comfort zone.  I'll have to wait and see until I can start taking things apart.

Can I take the head somewhere to have it checked?

There are some tempoary tests and fixes that some swear by.

One indication would be if the coolant level is low and how fast it goes down once you top it off.

You can also pressure check the coolant system

(http://www.autozone.com/images/in_our_stores/loan_a_tool/heating_cooling/27049L.jpg)

http://www.autozone.com/in_our_stores/loan_a_tool/heating_cooling/coolant_pressure_tester.htm

white smoke will smell sweet, blue will smell toxic



Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 25, 2009, 02:31:09 AM
I went outside, started it up, and revved it to 2000 rpm.  There was a sticky sweet smell to the exhaust.

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/280zx_engine7.jpg)

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/280zx_engine5.jpg)

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/280zx_engine4.jpg)

There is still coolant in the reservior.  I wouldn't mind if it wasn't so damn cold outside.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on January 25, 2009, 02:35:30 AM
It does not have to leak much to smoke.

Wow, even the engine looks pretty clean.

I would start with one of the cheap over the counter fixes/products to see if you can get it stop long enough to pass the smog test, so you can get on the road quicker.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 25, 2009, 02:37:16 AM
hoses galore :(
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 25, 2009, 02:38:40 AM
I would start with one of the cheap over the counter fixes/products to see if you can get it stop long enough to pass the smog test, so you can get on the road quicker.

I need new windshield wipers and a box of fuses anyway.  I was bummed about getting turned away from the inspection station, so I didn't go there today.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 25, 2009, 03:06:11 AM
Looks like I'll be doing a compression test tomorrow as well.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on January 25, 2009, 10:38:52 AM
I need new windshield wipers and a box of fuses anyway.  I was bummed about getting turned away from the inspection station, so I didn't go there today.

Good luck with the car today. I hope you don't freeze your nuts off outside.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: debk on January 25, 2009, 12:31:02 PM
Love the car, Chris  :bow:

Had a beautiful 1978 British Racing Green 280Z....loooooooved that car.

No more car when baby girl came....no place for car seat, and Momma didn't work. Car had to go bye-bye.   :bawl:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Miss Mia on January 25, 2009, 01:07:33 PM
Chris, I like the new car.  Looks pretty clean.  Hopefully you figure out that smoke business pretty soon, I hope it's a simple fix. 

Looks like he did a lot of work to it already.  Congrats!
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 25, 2009, 01:13:41 PM
I'm workin' on it. :(

I hope it turns out to be something simple like the thermostat-to-head gasket.  That's an easy fix.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Tess on January 25, 2009, 04:12:06 PM
Nice... :-)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 25, 2009, 07:04:25 PM
It does not have to leak much to smoke.

Wow, even the engine looks pretty clean.

That's the thing.  There are no visible coolant leaks, the engine does not overheat, and the car runs fine.  I did find out (from Jasper Engines) that a leaky injector seal like the one I have would cause the same symptoms.  I need to see if I can get a new set of injector seals overnighted to me.  The car stinks of gas and that one injector is obviously wet where it screws into the intake manifold.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Thor on January 25, 2009, 08:43:16 PM
Pull the dipstick. If there's a white gooey substance on it, your head is definitely bad.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 25, 2009, 08:59:45 PM
Pull the dipstick. If there's a white gooey substance on it, your head is definitely bad.

Nope, no white goo at all.  The oil smells like oil, nothing else.  I checked the inside of the fill cap and didn't see anything either.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 25, 2009, 10:25:50 PM
I drove to the store and back (again).  Wheeeee! :hyper: :-)

the car stinks of gas.  The stuff in the tank is at least a year old, probably more.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: debk on January 25, 2009, 11:01:12 PM
Pull the dipstick. If there's a white gooey substance on it, your head is definitely bad.



it would be so easy.....but, nope.....just not gonna go there..... :evillaugh:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 25, 2009, 11:03:18 PM
Naughty, naughty (http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/5344/emotcopxa2.gif)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: debk on January 25, 2009, 11:04:46 PM
Naughty, naughty (http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/5344/emotcopxa2.gif)


moi?  :naughty:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Lacarnut on January 25, 2009, 11:10:29 PM
Good luck with getting her fixed. I have been getting new car fever. My 2003 350z only has 43k miles on it; have had this car almost 6 years which is a record for me. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 25, 2009, 11:12:52 PM
Good luck with getting her fixed. I have been getting new car fever. My 2003 350z only has 43k miles on it; have had this car almost 6 years which is a record for me. 

I never cared for the 350z, but the new 370z is pretty damn hawt.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on January 25, 2009, 11:16:50 PM
I never cared for the 350z, but the new 370z is pretty damn hawt.

I saw the commercial recently.... mmmmm. :drool:

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKEFwDrkgbU[/youtube]
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on January 26, 2009, 12:24:25 AM



it would be so easy.....but, nope.....just not gonna go there..... :evillaugh:

 :lmao:

Chris, when you are done playing with the dipstick, let us know about the car.

It sounds like the fuel leak is the major problem, good idea trying to get that out of the way first. You could get aphixiated or have a fire.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Lacarnut on January 26, 2009, 12:30:43 AM
I saw the commercial recently.... mmmmm. :drool:

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKEFwDrkgbU[/youtube]

I have seen a couple of the new Z's (touring model) at the dealership. At a sticker price of $40k for the top of the line with brembo brakes, navig. leather, and other options, Nissan is going to price themselves out of the market like they did with the 300Z. Base model sells for around $30k but the price is starting to creep up. The Enthusiast model at $32k is the next step up.    
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Thor on January 26, 2009, 10:10:56 PM
The oil cap crud can be deceiving. It all hinges on how long the vehicle is run.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 27, 2009, 04:51:23 PM
The hose to the EGR valve was completely blocked.  Unfortunately, I don't have any 1/8-inch hose to replace it with.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on January 27, 2009, 06:55:59 PM
The hose to the EGR valve was completely blocked.  Unfortunately, I don't have any 1/8-inch hose to replace it with.

That might be causing some of the fuel smell.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 27, 2009, 07:06:40 PM
****er still smokes.  I'm studying the FSM for instructions on replacing the head. :(
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Miss Mia on January 27, 2009, 07:11:03 PM
****er still smokes.  I'm studying the FSM for instructions on replacing the head. :(


:(
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 27, 2009, 10:36:06 PM
This guy describes my car's condition perfectly.  From what I've read, replacing the valve seals is recommended after 100,000 miles.  I can't find any evidence of a coolant leak or a broken head gasket.

http://www.zcar.com/forums/read/1/121912

 :p
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Wineslob on January 28, 2009, 10:16:26 AM
This guy describes my car's condition perfectly.  From what I've read, replacing the valve seals is recommended after 100,000 miles.  I can't find any evidence of a coolant leak or a broken head gasket.
http://www.zcar.com/forums/read/1/121912

 :p

Just to be damn sure, check the water in the radiator while the car is running. Remove the cap while it's running, and see if any bubbles are showing up in the coolant. Bubbles = gasket/cracked head.
 I believe the seals can be user-replaced, but you do have to remove the head.

Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 28, 2009, 11:12:36 PM
The seals can be replaced with the head in the car, but the piston has to be rotated to TDC and fed a 5-foot nylon rope into the combustion chamber to hold the valves in place (or you can use an air compressor, but I don't have one of those). 

(pictures) (http://www.geocities.com/inlinestroker/seals.html)

I haven't taken the radiator cap off while the car is running but I did check the coolant overflow tank and it looks clean.  If replacing the seals doesn't work, I will probably take the head off and replace the gasket.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on January 30, 2009, 12:59:30 AM
This guy describes my car's condition perfectly.  From what I've read, replacing the valve seals is recommended after 100,000 miles.  I can't find any evidence of a coolant leak or a broken head gasket.

http://www.zcar.com/forums/read/1/121912

 :p

valve seals = blue to black smoke

Alot of time leaky valve seals results only in smoke at start up to operating temp.

Post a YouTube of you starting the car, and we will all guess what is wrong with it.  :-)

Did you check the flux capacitor? 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 30, 2009, 01:03:30 AM
You think I can afford a video camera in this recession? :loser: I honestly can't tell what color the smoke is -- its very thin.  The EGR valve is disconnected right now, so any diagnosis would be skewed.  I still haven't done a vacuum test on the engine to see what kind of condition the valves are in. 

It pretty much leakss out smoke the entire time, but its mostly visible under throttle.  At idle, you only poison yourself slowly.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 30, 2009, 01:08:24 AM
I'm trying to resolve myself to pulling off the head and rebuilding it.  At least there's only one of them.  I'm trying to find the most painless way to do that.  Lots of research.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on January 30, 2009, 01:08:40 AM
You think I can afford a video camera in this recession? :loser: .

 :bwah: :bwah: :bwah:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 30, 2009, 01:17:14 AM
Eeek! (http://www.atlanticz.ca/zclub/techtips/head/crackedhead/index.htm)

Glad this ain't mine. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on January 30, 2009, 01:24:36 AM
^ very interesting article someone spent alot of time taking all those pictures

Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Wineslob on January 30, 2009, 10:02:39 AM
You think I can afford a video camera in this recession? :loser: I honestly can't tell what color the smoke is -- its very thin.  The EGR valve is disconnected right now, so any diagnosis would be skewed.  I still haven't done a vacuum test on the engine to see what kind of condition the valves are in. 

It pretty much leakss out smoke the entire time, but its mostly visible under throttle.  At idle, you only poison yourself slowly.


Sounds like rings.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on January 30, 2009, 09:13:06 PM
I would start by replacing the motor, tranny and clutch.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 30, 2009, 11:15:37 PM
I would start by replacing the motor, tranny and clutch.
:bird:


You're probably right.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 31, 2009, 12:36:54 AM
I took a glance at all the shit attached to the motor this morning before work. 

I got a little scared.

They put EVERYTHING on the same side of the head.  The only thing on the other side is the spark plugs.  The injectors, fuel line, both manifolds... all on the same side of the engine.  If I can pull the heads, I can rebuild them and replace the rings.  IF.  I have no idea if the rest of that stuff will come off without breaking.  It's worth a shot.  I still haven't done a vacuum test on then engine... I'll try to get out there early tomorow and do that.  I put it off last weekend, but its supposed to be 50° tomorrow.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 31, 2009, 01:27:07 AM
Sounds like rings.

You're not helping. :p
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on January 31, 2009, 02:04:11 AM
:bird:


You're probably right.

I am just giving you a hard time.

I am sure it's something simple like tire psi.

 :lmao:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 31, 2009, 02:04:42 AM
I am just giving you a hard time.

I am sure it's something simple like tire psi.

 :lmao:

Kiss my ass.  :censored:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on January 31, 2009, 02:06:31 AM
I took a glance at all the shit attached to the motor this morning before work. 

I got a little scared.

They put EVERYTHING on the same side of the head.  The only thing on the other side is the spark plugs.  The injectors, fuel line, both manifolds... all on the same side of the engine.  If I can pull the heads, I can rebuild them and replace the rings.  IF.  I have no idea if the rest of that stuff will come off without breaking.  It's worth a shot.  I still haven't done a vacuum test on then engine... I'll try to get out there early tomorow and do that.  I put it off last weekend, but its supposed to be 50° tomorrow.

Glad it will be a little warmer for you Saturday.

Sounds like the head could be a real PIA, but changing plugs should be a breeze!
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 31, 2009, 02:08:01 AM
I already ordered an injector gasket set.  I should have ordered a complete engine gasket set. :(

I have my doubts about Fel-Pro.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on January 31, 2009, 02:13:49 AM
I already ordered an injector gasket set.  I should have ordered a complete engine gasket set. :(

I have my doubts about Fel-Pro.

If you do tackle the head gasket, you might be better off taking the hood off (4 bolts) to get it out of your way. Makes it easier to see and you won't hit your head
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on January 31, 2009, 03:19:42 AM
Stupid Casino teamed up with local dealership...they have searchlights in the parking lot and are giving away $10 in free slot play with a test drive.

On my way home from work, I was thinking....if those lights are shinning in my windows, I am going to be pissed.

$10 in slot play to have Starving Marvin the Dodge Salesman call you for the next three weeks asking you "what did you think"

Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 31, 2009, 03:27:21 AM
LOL.  I try to avoid salemen of any kind.  They all suck.  We get cold calls at work for people trying to sell various shit from flourescent lights to network hardware.  I don't know if our ex-network admin ever answered his desk phone... it was the dumping ground for cold calls.  Anyone trying to sell anything to the IT department got transferred to his voicemail.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 31, 2009, 03:28:22 AM
Well, ****.

I went outside and started the car.  I wanted to go to the Waffle House for something to eat.  To "help" the windows defrost, I tried using the rear windshield washer for the first time.  Now I have a passenger-side floor full of washer fluid, and I ripped up the carpet to find out what it was.

On the plus side, while I was down there I checked all the fuses.  They're all intact which means my Hitachi factory-installed stereo is fried but at least I don't have any other major electrical problems.  Maybe my buddy Kenny can fix it.

This thing smokes like a French whore.  Hell, I was afraid some cops were going to come and find out what I was burning and arrest me.  I had my parking lot lit up like a Christmas tree.  The police are out on a rampage tonight... it's the end of the month and they're pulling people over like crazy to get their quota.

I guess I'm not too concerned about the engine.  If I can get the heads off, I can fix it.  The motor is strong... I didn't have any problems getting it up to 90 mph on the interstate.

I suppose I got what I paid for.  $1000.  Damn.  Looks like I have some work to do.  And now I'll need new carpet.  At least it's a fun car and I'm not stuck with some boring shitbox.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on January 31, 2009, 03:31:46 AM
LOL.  I try to avoid salemen of any kind.  They all suck.  We get cold calls at work for people trying to sell various shit from flourescent lights to network hardware.  I don't know if our ex-network admin ever answered his desk phone... it was the dumping ground for cold calls.  Anyone trying to sell anything to the IT department got transferred to his voicemail.

I forgot about the flourescent bulb salesmen.....funny
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on January 31, 2009, 03:33:49 AM
Well, ****.

I went outside and started the car.  I wanted to go to the Waffle House for something to eat.  To "help" the windows defrost, I tried using the rear windshield washer for the first time.  Now I have a passenger-side floor full of washer fluid, and I ripped up the carpet to find out what it was.

On the plus side, while I was down there I checked all the fuses.  They're all intact which means my Hitachi factory-installed stereo is fried but at least I don't have any other major electrical problems.  Maybe my buddy Kenny can fix it.

This thing smokes like a French whore.  Hell, I was afraid some cops were going to come and find out what I was burning and arrest me.  I had my parking lot lit up like a Christmas tree.  The police are out on a rampage tonight... it's the end of the month and they're pulling people over like crazy to get their quota.

I guess I'm not too concerned about the engine.  If I can get the heads off, I can fix it.  The motor is strong... I didn't have any problems getting it up to 90 mph on the interstate.

I suppose I got what I paid for.  $1000.  Damn.  Looks like I have some work to do.  And now I'll need new carpet.  At least it's a fun car and I'm not stuck with some boring shitbox.

Sorry about the mess, hopefully by pulling back the carpet it will dry and be ok.

Sounds like it will be fun to drive and be a good project for you as it warms up outside.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 31, 2009, 03:37:00 AM
It's a blast to drive, just wish it had more power.  The 150hp 1982 motor is kinda puny.  There are companies that sell conversion kits that will allow a straight bolt-on for an LS1 (Corvette) and LT1 (Camaro) engine/transmission.  That might be fun.  Or I could do a retro-fit to the ZX Turbo that was put out that year... it has a Borg-Warner tranny instead of the Nissan 5-speed.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 31, 2009, 02:55:14 PM
Curious...

Manifold vacuum pressure is 20 Hg and steady.  No fluctuations, dips, or wavering at idle.  I replaced the fuel line that connect the injector rail to the fuel filter.  It was crusty and was most likely the source of the gas odor since I let the car heat up and ran it around the block two or three times and parked it with no smell.  The car appears to have stopped smoking now but I can't tell.  Its difficult to see since it's 50° and sunny outside.  There was nobody lingering in the parking lot that I could ask for help other than that golden retriever, and he wasn't much help.  No bubbles, oil, goo, or crud floating in my radiator.  The coolant is green and you can see the radiator fins through it, so it looks good. 

On the not-so-positive side, I think something in or around the heater core sprung a leak last night.  I will have to check the hoses under the dash now.  I did discover the side of the block below the intake & exhaust manifolds looks like its soaked in some kind of fluid.  I can't tell where it's coming from until I climb under the car.  I'll have to break out my wheel ramps for that.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 31, 2009, 05:25:32 PM
Oil fouling... :(

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_280zx_spark_plugs1.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=280zx_spark_plugs1.jpg) (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_280zx_spark_plugs2.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=280zx_spark_plugs2.jpg) (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_280zx_spark_plugs3.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=280zx_spark_plugs3.jpg) (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_280zx_spark_plugs4.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=280zx_spark_plugs4.jpg) (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_280zx_spark_plugs5.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=280zx_spark_plugs5.jpg)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 31, 2009, 10:38:09 PM
Radio works!  Now I can listen to Rush on my way to work. :)

(loose fuse)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on February 02, 2009, 03:54:43 AM
Sounds like you are making progress. Glad the fuel problem is corrected. Fires are bad!
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Wineslob on February 02, 2009, 12:25:03 PM
Oil fouling... :(

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_280zx_spark_plugs1.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=280zx_spark_plugs1.jpg) (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_280zx_spark_plugs2.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=280zx_spark_plugs2.jpg) (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_280zx_spark_plugs3.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=280zx_spark_plugs3.jpg) (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_280zx_spark_plugs4.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=280zx_spark_plugs4.jpg) (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_280zx_spark_plugs5.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=280zx_spark_plugs5.jpg)

Time for a compression test.............. all cyl should be about 140 psi and no variation of more than 10-15 psi (hi-lo)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 03, 2009, 12:39:28 AM
Time for a compression test.............. all cyl should be about 140 psi and no variation of more than 10-15 psi (hi-lo)

That is on my To-Do list for tomorrow.  I have also noted that a non-working PCV valve and valve stem seals (see above) would produce the same symptoms. but I don't know to what degree.  I will be picking up a compression tester and a new set of Viton valve seals after I get back from the bank tomorrow.  I hope it isn't the rings.  I could concievably tear the engine down and rebuild it, but I would have to move it inside.  Any bets on if I can haul the block up a flight of stairs by myself using a hand truck?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on February 04, 2009, 01:59:48 AM
That is on my To-Do list for tomorrow.  I have also noted that a non-working PCV valve and valve stem seals (see above) would produce the same symptoms. but I don't know to what degree.  I will be picking up a compression tester and a new set of Viton valve seals after I get back from the bank tomorrow.  I hope it isn't the rings.  I could concievably tear the engine down and rebuild it, but I would have to move it inside.  Any bets on if I can haul the block up a flight of stairs by myself using a hand truck?


Don't try to take a block up steps by yourself. Not only could you hurt yourself, you could damage the block if things did not go right.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 05, 2009, 12:04:24 AM
An assembled L28 block with a 5-speed weighs a little over 500 lbs.  The transmission is 75 by itself. 

I hope I don't need to pull the engine.  What a pain in the ass.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on February 05, 2009, 02:56:31 AM
An assembled L28 block with a 5-speed weighs a little over 500 lbs.  The transmission is 75 by itself. 

I hope I don't need to pull the engine.  What a pain in the ass.

It all looks simple until you need back surgery.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 05, 2009, 02:58:08 AM
I think I could get away with rigging a pulley to the support beams on my building.  I should have it up the stairs in no time.  Minus a staircase or two.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on February 05, 2009, 11:16:34 PM
I think I could get away with rigging a pulley to the support beams on my building.  I should have it up the stairs in no time.  Minus a staircase or two.

 :lmao:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 07, 2009, 05:20:06 PM
Compression test results (dry)

1: 180, 2: 190, 3: 180, 4: 180, 5: 190, 6:180

I don't have any extra motor oil lying around so I couldn't do a wet test.  I squealed the tires a little bit in the parking lot :-) and saw a big puff of blue smoke, but that was the only smoke I saw today.  And I can't find the damn PCV valve for this thing.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on February 09, 2009, 02:43:45 AM
Compression test results (dry)

1: 180, 2: 190, 3: 180, 4: 180, 5: 190, 6:180

I don't have any extra motor oil lying around so I couldn't do a wet test.  I squealed the tires a little bit in the parking lot :-) and saw a big puff of blue smoke, but that was the only smoke I saw today.  And I can't find the damn PCV valve for this thing.

Blue smoke is oil....

Did you ever find out where the leak was from? (when you used the wiper/washers)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 09, 2009, 02:53:06 AM
Blue smoke is oil....

Did you ever find out where the leak was from? (when you used the wiper/washers)

No, but I'm assuming it is a loose hose or fitting around the heater core.  Did I mention I had the heater on full-blast at the time?  There are some plastic covers under the dash that I haven't been able to remove to get to the HC and they're not shown in my service manual.  I have no idea where the billowing white smoke was coming from, but it was only visible when the weather was cold.  It's 50° right now... if I went outside, you probably wouldn't see it.

I still have a laundry list of tests I need to do... wet compression, cylinder leakdown, PCV valve, throttle position switch, valve guides, valve stems. :(
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 09, 2009, 02:56:57 AM
Oh... that reminds me.  Dumping a bottle of Seafoam into the tank will produce the same symptoms because I did it with my motorcycle.  I wonder if the previous owner did that?  The gas tank is nearly empty.

Someone else recommended using a high-detergent oil as well.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on February 09, 2009, 02:59:12 AM
Oh... that reminds me.  Dumping a bottle of Seafoam into the tank will produce the same symptoms because I did it with my motorcycle.  I wonder if the previous owner did that?  The gas tank is nearly empty.



Yeah, seafoam can really smoke when it starts to work

but I have a feeling your smoke is oil

Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 09, 2009, 03:04:13 AM
Yeah, seafoam can really smoke when it starts to work

but I have a feeling your smoke is oil

There was a clear difference between the smoke I saw last month and the smoke I saw yesterday.  The stuff coming out previously looked mostly white with no visible blue color.  I did a little tire-squealing in the parking lot and revved the motor up to 4,500 rpm yesterday... I don't normally drive like that, and it was the first time I could definitely say the smoke was blue.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 09, 2009, 03:11:57 AM
Yeah, seafoam can really smoke when it starts to work

but I have a feeling your smoke is oil

lol... someone in another forum referred to it as "having your neighbors call the EPA on your ass".   
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on February 09, 2009, 03:30:13 AM
Hopefully the mystery of the smoke escapes into the pass so that you may get plates for the car.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Wineslob on February 09, 2009, 10:59:27 AM
Blue smoke when first starting the car= valves. This is from oil leakdown when it's been shut off, but lessens or goes away after a few minutes.

When the engine is under acceleration/load is usually rings. Probably the oilscrapers are "stuck" into the piston grooves, and aren't controlling the oil allowing it to be "sucked up" into the combustion chambers. Thats what causes continuious smoke or more/worse when accelerating. Find that PCV valve, it can cause this too, though I doubt it to the level you are seeing.

Try seeing if you get alot of blow by. Usually you'll get a draft/pressure out of the oil fill with the cap removed. You should have a slight vacuum. Sometimes pulseations will show it's not all the pistons if the frequency is not as fast as the revolutions of the engine.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 09, 2009, 10:45:15 PM
There is a Datsun shop downtown somewhere.  They even have the old Datsun sign outside.  I've heard good things about them.  I got a quote from Jasper Engines just for the hell of it.

List Price: $2326.00 
Core Charge: $600.00 
Shipping: $15.00 
Parts: $344.00
Labor: $290.00

How do core charges work?  I pay them and get the money back when they get the core?  Do I have to pay it up front?

Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 10, 2009, 02:35:08 AM
Blue smoke when first starting the car= valves. This is from oil leakdown when it's been shut off, but lessens or goes away after a few minutes.

When the engine is under acceleration/load is usually rings. Probably the oilscrapers are "stuck" into the piston grooves, and aren't controlling the oil allowing it to be "sucked up" into the combustion chambers. Thats what causes continuious smoke or more/worse when accelerating. Find that PVC valve, it can cause this too, though I doubt it to the level you are seeing.

Try seeing if you get alot of blow by. Usually you'll get a draft/pressure out of the oil fill with the cap removed. You should have a slight vacuum. Sometimes pulseations will show it's not all the pistons if the frequency is not as fast as the revolutions of the engine.

I have *tried* to watch the smoke -- I can't see it very well from the drivers seat.  It does not start immediately... it starts 5-10 seconds after the engine has been started.  Since the weather has warmed up above freezing, I see what appears to be a string of white smoke after the engine has warmed up, or is under any kind of load (traffic).  This does not include the blue smoke from my little "fun" in the parking lot.  The tank is nearly empty and the plugs are in horrible condition with the oil fouling and damaged insulators.  I will have to install new plugs and re-fill the tank with fresh gas to see if there is any improvement.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Wineslob on February 10, 2009, 12:35:53 PM
White smoke is usually bad, it means that water is entering the combustion chambers.
The price for the rebuilt is'nt too bad. The core is charged up front and what you get back is dependent on how rebuildable your "core" is. Pretty much if it runs you'll get it all back. What they are hedging against is a "blown" engine, ie: broken rods, crank, holes in the block, etc..
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on February 10, 2009, 03:03:43 PM
White smoke, sweet smell (anti freeze) , blown head gasket. Run the car HARD and she'll probably start to overheat. Stop, and check your plugs. Find one that looks PERFECTLY clean, you've found the leak.

Now, you can try and cheap out with a can of heavy duty boiler sealer (I ran a Packard for 2 years on a boiler sealer fix) , and if that doesn't work, do a head gasket . BUT, send the head out and hav e it checked for warpage, and, if there is none, just have it shaved so it is completely level. Do the valves, seals, seats, clean up the ports while you have it apart.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 10, 2009, 04:02:50 PM
Would test strips be useful for detecting oil contamination in the coolant, or vice versa?  How accurate are coolant pressure tests in detecting a damaged gasket?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on February 10, 2009, 04:39:13 PM
Coolant in the water USED to show up as gray goo where the  contaminated oil/warte vapors condensed on the oil fill cap on the cam/valve cover. NOW, io looks like tiny black beeds embeded in the oil condensed on the fill cal. The car must be COLD after being hot when you check. Oil floating on cold coolant is a giveaway  too. BUt, WHEN YOU START IT UP AND THE WHITE SMOKE LEAKS OUT, sniff it. Smells sweel, you have a failed head gasket.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on February 11, 2009, 02:37:05 AM

Try seeing if you get alot of blow by.

 :evillaugh:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on February 11, 2009, 11:30:21 AM
Also a leakdown test might point out where you lose compression thru a leak. It will even tell you which valve(s)  is(are)  bad.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 11, 2009, 08:18:34 PM
Also a leakdown test might point out where you lose compression thru a leak. It will even tell you which valve(s)  is(are)  bad.

I did a vacuum test and the results were normal... no indication of any valve leaks.  Normally a vacuum test will show a leaking valve as a drop in pressure during idle.  I did find a set of Accustrips that will detect glycol in the oil for $35.  I need to install new plugs, do an oil change, and a wet compression test this weekend to see if there is a difference in any of the cylinders.  I should have done it yesterday but didn't. 

I need to swap over the old registration so I can at least drive it on the weekends.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 11, 2009, 08:57:13 PM
Found a couple other things from this (http://www.zcar.com/forums/read/1/1932485/1932691#msg-1932691) forum...

Wet test:
Quote
the oil control rings could be frozen and causing it to use/burn oil. if the compression rings are ok then it will have good compression and still burn oil with bad #3 control rings.

Non-functioning or disabled PCV valve on a fuel-injected engine:
Quote
increased crankcase pressure resulting in oil forced past seals and rings producing a cloud of acrtid bluish-white smoke

I was suffering from information overload yesterday which is why I didn't accomplish anything. :-)


edited to add:
Quote
Like the title says. I have an A4 w/ 1.8t that's blowing clouds of smoke from the exhaust, the turbo was replaced 8k miles ago for the same symptom (early last February when very cold) , but I'm not so sure that was the only problem. This has happened both times when it was very cold out.

I'm out on a limb here but could this be caused by an accumulation of moisture and then subsequent freezing in a less than perfectly clean PCV system - essentially blocking any crankcase ventilation and pushing oil past the rings?

Well, that was exactly the problem - frozen PCV - brought it in the garage for an evening with the heat on, let it warm up - drove it like stink till all the oil was out of the exhaust - worked great!

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=4209176
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 13, 2009, 02:11:56 AM
I added some more information to the previous post. 

Damn this confusing car.  It is 37° outside right now, clearly cold enough to see any vapor and/or smoke.  About a minute or so of idling with a normal-looking (for a cold night) exhaust, the white smoke starts bellowing out of the tailpipe.  It bellows and bellows, gradually diminishing as the engine heats up.  I drove the car around the block three or four times and idled for a bit until the temperature gauge read 185°.  No visible smoke at all which is what the previous owner claimed, that it will pass emissions once the car has heated up.  Last time I was at the MARTA station, the engine was cold, or at least the coolant gauge was not standing straight up.  The PCV valve is threaded directly into the exhaust manifold.  I'm going to guess that it's all gummed up and doesn't loosen and start working until the manifold has gotten hot.  It's all dark and shit outside and I don't feel like testing it right now.  I'll pick up a new PCV valve and a new set of plugs on Saturday.

The Talking Lady and my fancy little "this-part-is-broken" diagnostic thingy on the dashboard works.  I'm getting a tail light error.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on February 13, 2009, 02:17:20 AM
I added some more information to the previous post. 

Damn this confusing car.  It is 37° outside right now, clearly cold enough to see any vapor and/or smoke.  About a minute or so of idling with a normal-looking (for a cold night) exhaust, the white smoke starts bellowing out of the tailpipe.  It bellows and bellows, gradually diminishing as the engine heats up.  I drove the car around the block three or four times and idled for a bit until the temperature gauge read 185°.  No visible smoke at all which is what the previous owner claimed, that it will pass emissions once the car has heated up.  Last time I was at the MARTA station, the engine was cold, or at least the coolant gauge was not standing straight up.  The PCV valve is threaded directly into the exhaust manifold.  I'm going to guess that it's all gummed up and doesn't loosen and start working until the manifold has gotten hot.  It's all dark and shit outside and I don't feel like testing it right now.  I'll pick up a new PCV valve and a new set of plugs on Saturday.

The Talking Lady and my fancy little "this-part-is-broken" diagnostic thingy on the dashboard works.  I'm getting a tail light error.

It sounds like you continue to figure things out about the car.

Hopefully you can get the plates soon and enjoy the car.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 13, 2009, 02:27:01 AM
It sounds like you continue to figure things out about the car.

Hopefully you can get the plates soon and enjoy the car.

I can take stuff apart and put it back together and I can follow mechanical instructions reasonably well, but I'm no mechanic.  Diagnosing car problems has never been a strong point, but having years and years of information and experience availible has helped.  Outside of the Racer Retard forums, there are a lot of very knowledgable people when it comes to these cars.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Wineslob on February 13, 2009, 09:57:58 AM
I think it's a bad head gasket/warped head. When it heats up thermal expansion "seals" the head.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on February 13, 2009, 11:50:18 AM
BINGO, WINESLOB! Then if you run it REALLY hard, it will finish blowing out that portion of the gasket that leaks. Erosion from the hot combustion will, eventually, erode the leak and open the passage up for REAL damage. The erosion could cut the block, or head or both to the point where a simple machining won't cure it. Thenis is new head, new block or crate engine.

Or, you can do as I did, bolier seal it, and when it eventually and finally burns out, scrap it. In my case, it lasted 2 years.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 13, 2009, 02:04:14 PM
I spoke with the Nissan dealership down the street.  Aside from a head compression test, they can test the coolant for any hydrocarbon/oil contamination and run an exhaust gas analyzer up the tailpipe.  If the head compression test doesn't show anything, the other two should show some kind of results.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 14, 2009, 05:24:41 PM
So I'm in NAPA getting my stuff and the kid behind the counter has this blank look on his face when he can't find a Nissan 280ZX in the computer system.  I don't think it ever occurred to him to look for a Datsun.

I can see this is going to be a lot of fun.

Did I mention I hate auto parts stores?  Except for NAPA.  They always seem to have what I need when I need it.  The rest of them seem to be designed soley for peddling aftermarket floor mats and air freshener.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on February 15, 2009, 01:23:58 AM
So I'm in NAPA getting my stuff and the kid behind the counter has this blank look on his face when he can't find a Nissan 280ZX in the computer system.  I don't think it ever occurred to him to look for a Datsun.

I can see this is going to be a lot of fun.

Did I mention I hate auto parts stores?  Except for NAPA.  They always seem to have what I need when I need it.  The rest of them seem to be designed soley for peddling aftermarket floor mats and air freshener.

I like both Napa and Carquest.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 15, 2009, 11:35:17 PM
Damn warm weather.  I'm off Tuesday, but it's not supposed to get below freezing until Thursday.  I would like to test my PCV theory... I still don't think it's the head/gasket/block.  The extreme amounts of smoke are only visible when the weather is near or below freezing.  Gapped a new set of plugs yesterday.  For some reason, the gap looks different from the ones that are in the car.  I wonder if they could be gapped wrong?  It's supposed to be .038 to .042.  I was able to gap them to .040 with the set of feeler gauge I picked up.

We will see.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on February 16, 2009, 12:00:05 PM
The metal on the old plugs could be eroded away from the spark, prolly was. Tell us, was one plug REALLY clean?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 16, 2009, 03:05:53 PM
The metal on the old plugs could be eroded away from the spark, prolly was. Tell us, was one plug REALLY clean?

No, they all looked like the one I posted earlier.  Oil contamination and a few of them had damage to the insulator.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on February 17, 2009, 01:20:42 PM
Sounds like they had 30,000+ on them! Does it behave better? Less smoke? With your description, , I'm wagering you had intermitent firing on onev or more cyl. until the heat got into the mrtal.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 17, 2009, 02:36:06 PM
(http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/7650/sparkplugssmcropam2.jpg)

Spark plug party!  That thing on the left is the PCV valve.  It's too warm to see any smoke/vapor, and its raining right now.  It runs a lot smoother... you can stomp on the pedal and you get an immediate response and a nice loud exhaust note.  This car desperately needs an oil change.  I should have done that already.  Probably could use a valve adjustment.  :( 

I ran it around the block, to the library, the store, and back.  No smoke.  Nothing at idle, nothing at 4,000 rpm.  And I filled up with fresh gas.

NO SMOKE! :hyper:

I'll have to wait until it gets down to freezing in a couple days to make sure.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on February 17, 2009, 06:30:41 PM
It is AMAZING that the car ran at all! Probably ran on 3 of  6 until it warmed up, and even then there were a couple that were not hitting on every power stroke. 

Don't forget fuel filter, air filter and oil filters when you change the oil. PLUS, I'd be very surprised if the plug wires were not damaged by the resistance they had to overcome, I'd replace them too! THEN you might have a car!
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 17, 2009, 06:40:13 PM
I guess I know what I'll be doing on Saturday!  I don't really like doing oil changes in the parking lot, though.  I need to get it past a smog test so I can drive it legally.  I'm using the previous owner's tags which expired the moment he sold the car (permanent, non-transferrable tags).
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 18, 2009, 01:08:31 PM
I GOT TAGS!  :rotf:

I passed my smog test with room to spare.  Did an oil change and replaced the old, crusty wipers with new ones.  Just in time, too... we got some scattered downpours while I was driving around.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 19, 2009, 12:29:49 AM
TAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGS!
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/PICT0257.jpg)

(lol)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on February 19, 2009, 12:31:45 AM
(http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/7650/sparkplugssmcropam2.jpg)

Spark plug party!  That thing on the left is the PCV valve.  It's too warm to see any smoke/vapor, and its raining right now.  It runs a lot smoother... you can stomp on the pedal and you get an immediate response and a nice loud exhaust note.  This car desperately needs an oil change.  I should have done that already.  Probably could use a valve adjustment.  :( 

I ran it around the block, to the library, the store, and back.  No smoke.  Nothing at idle, nothing at 4,000 rpm.  And I filled up with fresh gas.

NO SMOKE! :hyper:

I'll have to wait until it gets down to freezing in a couple days to make sure.

The smoke usually stops right before the tranny drops out and the engine freezes up.

Just kidding.

This is great Chris, sounds like it's running alot better. Nice Job :cheersmate:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 19, 2009, 12:35:41 AM
The smoke usually stops right before the tranny drops out and the engine freezes up.

Just kidding.

This is great Chris, sounds like it's running alot better. Nice Job :cheersmate:

They took my emissions certificate.  I'm trying to remember what my score was.  I noticed they don't check for CO, but they do check for CO2.  I scored 101/200 ppm.  I forget what my HC reading was... I think the maximum is 1.5, I had a reading of .9 or something similar.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on February 19, 2009, 12:35:49 AM
I GOT TAGS!  :rotf:

I passed my smog test with room to spare.  Did an oil change and replaced the old, crusty wipers with new ones.  Just in time, too... we got some scattered downpours while I was driving around.

Cool.  Very cool.

Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on February 19, 2009, 12:39:24 AM
I'm so glad you have tags. I know how much you needed to be street legal with the car. This is great. In fact, this is about the best news I have heard all day.

I know you were worried that it might take a new motor to get new plates.

Glad it's working out.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 19, 2009, 12:41:45 AM
I'm so glad you have tags. I know how much you needed to be street legal with the car. This is great. In fact, this is about the best news I have heard all day.

I know you were worried that it might take a new motor to get new plates.

Glad it's working out.

Yeah, it was kinda stressful not having a working car.  I checked Craigslist and found some guy that posted a transmission for sale about a month ago.  I need to see if he still has one for sale.  I can have it swapped out for a few dollars and rebuild the current one (or sell it).  I don't know any Pull-A-Part places around here.  I haven't seen any since I left NC.  I should really see what's down in Atlanta.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on March 07, 2009, 04:04:50 PM
So I'm at the hardware store buying a bundle of light bulbs and some evil Repuglican cuts in front of me in line.  I can tell he's a Bushie GOPuke because he's wearing a "Save the whales, eat an owl" shirt he obviously bought from the gift shop at FreeRepublic.  Damn that money-swindling Jim Robinson...

I noticed one of my tail light sockets is all burned and melted to shit.  I'm going to have to cut it off and find a replacement.  But I got new signal lights all around (except for that one).  I'll have to wait until dark to check them out.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on March 07, 2009, 04:16:55 PM
Shorted socket. Check the fusebox, make sure he didn't replace the fuse with a big chunk of copper, could ruin your day.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on March 07, 2009, 04:18:15 PM
I checked them... they look good.  My radio's stopped working, too.  I wonder if I have a problem somewhere else.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on March 07, 2009, 04:28:13 PM
Shorted socket. Check the fusebox, make sure he didn't replace the fuse with a big chunk of copper, could ruin your day.

The front signal light on the same circuit burned out, too.  I can't say which happened first.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on March 07, 2009, 04:52:09 PM
Short in the harness, MAYBE A "RUB THRU" somewhere" ? Got one of those cirduit testers and the  "icepick" with a light and lead tool that you run into the hot lead  the alagator clamp to the ground, if the light goes on, you are before the short, if it doesn't, you're past it....

Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on March 09, 2009, 09:11:41 PM
The front signal light on the same circuit burned out, too.  I can't say which happened first.

Electrical problems can be a real PIA.

Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on March 22, 2009, 03:12:43 AM
Funny (ha ha).  My dash/gauge cluster now lights up when you press the brake pedal (when the lights are off). 

I had to drive down the stree to a darkened, closed building to check my lights.  Still getting a Stop bulb warning, but everything seems to be functioning.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on March 22, 2009, 03:17:22 AM
Funny (ha ha).  My dash/gauge cluster now lights up when you press the brake pedal (when the lights are off). 

I had to drive down the stree to a darkened, closed building to check my lights.  Still getting a Stop bulb warning, but everything seems to be functioning.

Dash cluster lamps coming on when pressing the brakes? Weird.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on March 22, 2009, 03:19:46 AM
Dash cluster lamps coming on when pressing the brakes? Weird.

If you pull on the door handle, the interior dome light comes on as well.  This car has tons of "courtesy" features but no cupholders.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on March 22, 2009, 03:25:37 AM
If you pull on the door handle, the interior dome light comes on as well.  This car has tons of "courtesy" features but no cupholders.

Remember the old plastic cup holders you could hang on the inside of the car door?

Do they even make them any more?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on March 22, 2009, 03:31:36 AM
I looked at some on eBay.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on March 22, 2009, 03:37:28 AM
I looked at some on eBay.

I am trying to remember what year that they started to include factory cup holders
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on March 22, 2009, 03:46:14 AM
This is what my car needs:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/93-97-CAMARO-Z28-FIREBIRD-TRANS-AM-COMPLETE-LT1-ENGINE_W0QQitemZ120361866082QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item120361866082&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A3%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on March 22, 2009, 03:52:48 AM
This is what my car needs:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/93-97-CAMARO-Z28-FIREBIRD-TRANS-AM-COMPLETE-LT1-ENGINE_W0QQitemZ120361866082QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item120361866082&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A3%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

I was expecting a cup holder, and at first all I seen was the price......  :thatsright:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on March 22, 2009, 03:57:28 AM
ha ha ha ha...

(http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/4785/exhaust.png)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on March 22, 2009, 05:04:49 AM
ha ha ha ha...

(http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/4785/exhaust.png)

 :-)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on March 22, 2009, 12:00:39 PM
A V-8 conversuion for a Z-car. What a concept!

http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Datsun_Z_V-8.html

Well, maybe not all THAT new.......
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on March 22, 2009, 01:09:44 PM
A V-8 conversuion for a Z-car. What a concept!

http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Datsun_Z_V-8.html

Well, maybe not all THAT new.......

That's the kit I was looking at.  The 280ZX made 20 more horsepower than the Corvette of the same year, but things have changed since then.  With my obese ass in the driver's seat, the car weights around 3000 pounds.  The L28E is fine for daily driving but lacks motivation. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on March 22, 2009, 04:35:47 PM
PRICES.....ouch!

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/CTGY/PRC01


iDEAS?:
http://www.brokenkitty.com/zcar/zcar.htm
GOOD LUCK TO YOU! It ain't easy/ One of the "neatest" swaps I ever saw was a 283 cheve into an MGA. carbs stuck thru the hood, and there was a pretty finished chrome oval aound the trip duces. Otherwise it looked stock steel wheel MG.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on March 22, 2009, 04:49:37 PM
That's pretty cool.  I'm just throwing around ideas right now... a V8 or a turbo (an option in '82) that came with a Borg-Warner T5.  I will eventually need to replace the transmission.  The bearings are going out and shifting is difficult at times.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on March 22, 2009, 06:12:01 PM
Ever see or hear of this?
http://www.corvettebuyers.com/scaglietti.html

http://www.motortrend.com/auto_news/112_0703_2007_amelia_island_concours/photo_26.html

If that's  not one of the most beautiful Corvette Cpes on the earth, or one of the most beautiful Sports Car Cpes of ANY type on Earth,  I'll be stunned.

neat stuff abounded in the day....:
http://americansportscars.com/frick.html

http://blog.modernmechanix.com/index.php?s=bill+frick

http://www.americansportscars.com/muntz.html
http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z9123/MG_TD_Sport_Special.aspx

Ah, yes, very nice  cars indeed.


Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on March 22, 2009, 06:18:15 PM
That MG sure looks like fun. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on March 22, 2009, 07:07:46 PM
Yeah, and probably got 35-40 MPG on the open road too. Those SU Carbs are very stingy, even if they were invented in the 1890's. The stock TD's fun to drive, if really too slow. So the "Special" had to be a big improvement.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 04, 2009, 04:25:40 PM
Well, shit.  I found the source of the water leak.  The battery tray is attatched to the firewall... or it was.  Half the battery tray is eaten up with rust and the rust spread to the firewall on the passenger side.

I may have to pick up another daily driver for a few months.  Or I can take the bus.  I wonder if that '71 Mercedes Benz is still for sale...
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on April 04, 2009, 06:51:04 PM
Cut out the bad metal, have a patch made on an English wheel that has flutes in it for strength. Drill for battery box, rivet in place (pop rivets, use steel) undercoat to seal it against water and CO, put battery box junkyard replacement in, and drive.

Been there, done that, but with a Sunbeam Tiger.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 04, 2009, 06:56:55 PM
I think I can manage pop rivets.  I'll check it out.

I'm glad it's something relatively easy I can do on my own.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on April 04, 2009, 08:50:25 PM
Yeah ,not all that hard. With the TIGER, I owned it with a partner. We took turns with it, I'd have it for a year, then he....and after I told him about the rust problem I found, and he took it for his "turn" he sold it to an exotic car dealer who MISSED the patch! and so we bought another one from central Texas that was rust free.....
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 04, 2009, 09:23:56 PM
Here is what is left of the battery tray (it's mostly gone) and the firewall.  You can see where the soundproofing is coming out of the hole in the firewall.  The battery tray is shot, but those are a dime a dozen.  The wheel well is pretty solid. 

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/smallfirewall1.jpg) (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/rustyfirewall1.jpg)

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/smallfirewall2.jpg) (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/rustyfirewall2.jpg)

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/smallfirewall3.jpg) (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/rustyfirewall3.jpg)

Click for bigger pictures.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on April 05, 2009, 04:21:33 PM
Cut out the bad metal, have a patch made on an English wheel that has flutes in it for strength. Drill for battery box, rivet in place (pop rivets, use steel) undercoat to seal it against water and CO, put battery box junkyard replacement in, and drive.

Been there, done that, but with a Sunbeam Tiger.

Good idea!

Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on April 05, 2009, 04:56:06 PM
Looks like a real pain in the butt, but more time consuming than difficult to patch. I see at least one self tapping metal screw in this mix. I doesn't have to LOOK the same, as you're looking for FUNCTION over form, right?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 05, 2009, 05:04:34 PM
As long as it keeps the inside of my car dry, I don't care.  Looks like I can get away with a flat piece of sheet metal if the wheel well is solid enough to leave intact.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on April 05, 2009, 05:24:52 PM
Don't forget to paint with that rust stabelizing paint, you know, it is milky white, dries black on rust?  It looks as if there was considerable acid oxidation more than ordinary rust there, so some acid resistant final coat, or that spray undercoat/bed liner stuff.....Looks as if a single piece of steel might do it, with 3 bends in it. Also, there are flange creating vice grip pliers, so you can make a flange on your patch and rivet thru it . Works easiy. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 05, 2009, 06:38:42 PM
POR-15?  Anyone know where I can buy some in town?  Looks like my only option is to order it direct from them.

http://www.por15.com/SUPER-STARTER-KIT/productinfo/SSKB/
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on April 05, 2009, 07:13:03 PM
Any help?
http://www.kbs-coatings.com/Find-a-KBS-Coatings-Reseller_ep_69-1.html
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 05, 2009, 07:19:13 PM
Any help?
http://www.kbs-coatings.com/Find-a-KBS-Coatings-Reseller_ep_69-1.html

Nothing in my city.  I'd have to drive up to Bowling Green.  That might still be cheaper than paying shipping.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on April 06, 2009, 01:20:55 AM
Zero rust offers free shipping.  http://zero-rust.com

The white turns black stuff: http://store.interstateproducts.com/rust_control.htm?OVRAW=rust%20stop&OVKEY=rust%20stop&OVMTC=standard&OVADID=37605394522&OVKWID=23019899022



WURTH Rust Guard is the best stuff I have ever used. I have used it with alot of different applications. Everything from boat trailers, truck tube steps & frames of show cars...its tough stuff. It's easily sprayed or brushed on, but wear your rubber gloves, it can get a little messy.

http://www.drivewerks.com/catalog/shopcart/GADG/POR_GADG_WUGARG_pg11.htm

www.wurthusa.com

(http://www.drivewerks.com/catalog/images/drivewerks/wurth/WRTH-089091901.jpg)

If you have an autobody supply store, or even something like a NAPA that mixes automotive paint, stop in and ask if they carry it, or something like it....





Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 06, 2009, 12:55:56 PM
I don't need a quart bucket.  POR-15 sells a small starter kit for around $20 that comes with degreaser and a surface preparation.  I picked up some wet/dry sandpaper and can of Rustoleum primer to fix up the two or three small rust spots on the body.  I hope it's dry outside tomorrow; today's weather stinks.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on April 06, 2009, 11:25:05 PM
I don't need a quart bucket.  POR-15 sells a small starter kit for around $20 that comes with degreaser and a surface preparation.  I picked up some wet/dry sandpaper and can of Rustoleum primer to fix up the two or three small rust spots on the body.  I hope it's dry outside tomorrow; today's weather stinks.

There are other sizes. You will need about a pint.

Some of that stuff, once you put the lid back on, it will never come back off...I used to put two screws in the lid, one for the vent and one to pour out of (the holes)  hard to exlplain...

Whatever you get I am sure will work fine...don't put too much work into it, as the gubment is gonna give you a five thousand dollar voucher to trade it in on something newer.  :-)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 06, 2009, 11:39:44 PM
I ordered the starter kit from POR-15.  UPS ground, should be here some time in June.  $26 with shipping.

I'm thinking of buying a transmission tomorrow or next week. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on April 07, 2009, 12:12:07 AM
UPS ground, should be here some time in June.  $26 with shipping.




 :rotf: :rotf:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 11, 2009, 03:19:26 PM
I got the lower half of the dashboard and glovebox removed.  I should be able to patch this from inside the car and cover it with new carpet.  The current battery tray is a hollow metal triangle; one side sits up on the wheel well and the other side follows the curve of the wheel well and is anchored to the frame rail.  I'll have to cut out the factory battery tray and fabricate something out of angle iron. 

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/BatteryBox.jpg)
(from a 4x4 forum)

given the current state of the carpet inside the car, I think I'm probably going to start removing the interior and rustproofing everything, followed by some new carpet.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 12, 2009, 01:50:40 AM
Infected area minus factory battery tray... you can see where the wheel well/fender curves down to meet the firewall.  Haven't had any luck finding a new replacement; I'm going to have to hunt down a car that has one intact or pay someone to make it.

(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e180/81zman/rustdamage005.jpg)
http://www.zcar.com/forums/read/1/680953/680953

Been searching all night for a single picture. :yawn:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Gratiot on April 12, 2009, 10:34:25 AM
 :o
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on April 12, 2009, 12:48:34 PM
Looks like the freeking battery exploded and no one cleaned up!  That's gotta affect the tortional rigidity! Yes, time to visit your favorite panel beater or have somethong torched out of a wrecking YARD car. ALWAYS take MORE than you think, at worst,  you'll need, because if you take only what you think you'll need, it won't be enough, then you'll need to find another wrecking yard queen....
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on April 13, 2009, 11:26:01 PM
Infected area minus factory battery tray... you can see where the wheel well/fender curves down to meet the firewall.  Haven't had any luck finding a new replacement; I'm going to have to hunt down a car that has one intact or pay someone to make it.

(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e180/81zman/rustdamage005.jpg)
http://www.zcar.com/forums/read/1/680953/680953

Been searching all night for a single picture. :yawn:

Masking tape on one side...fill it with tiger hair body filler on the other side.....
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 13, 2009, 11:36:20 PM
Mine is nowhere near that bad.  I haven't removed the battery tray yet because I don't have a replacement, but the area where the firewall and wheel well meet are gone.  You could fit your hand through the hole.

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/smallfirewall2.jpg)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 13, 2009, 11:47:16 PM
I'll be glad to get it patched.  Once that's done, I can start restoring the interior and the dashboard (modern plastic cap that will not split in the sun).  I'm not too concerned with the outside right now, but I will eventualy have to take the body panels off to remove some of the rust under the fenders.  It would be awesome to have a fully-restored interior on this car.  The seats/upholstery will be an interesting job.  I saw a guy restore the interior on a 1963 Ford Galaxie with the old metal spring bench seats.  It looked good.

http://kimscar.blogspot.com/
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on April 13, 2009, 11:51:35 PM
Mine is nowhere near that bad.  I haven't removed the battery tray yet because I don't have a replacement, but the area where the firewall and wheel well meet are gone.  You could fit your hand through the hole.

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/smallfirewall2.jpg)

your other pics are throwing me off, LOL

at first I thought, wow, that new battery tray is overkill and then I learn it was someone else's on a 4x4 truck, LOL
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 13, 2009, 11:53:13 PM
lawl.  The battery tray picture ain't mine, and the blue car with the evil rust cancer isn't mine.  My car is gray.

I wonder if I could take a block of styrofoam and shave or cut a mold around the firewall/wheel well area to have a patch made if I can't find one.  That's the only thing I can think of that I would be capable of doing.  It would make a huge mess but I don't care.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on April 14, 2009, 01:26:07 AM
lawl.  The battery tray picture ain't mine, and the blue car with the evil rust cancer isn't mine.  My car is gray.

I wonder if I could take a block of styrofoam and shave or cut a mold around the firewall/wheel well area to have a patch made if I can't find one.  That's the only thing I can think of that I would be capable of doing.  It would make a huge mess but I don't care.

have you searched online for "patch panels" for it?

Maybe you could buy a new, rust free aftermarket part and trim it down to what you need?

Sherman or Wheelers are names that I remember.....  some site like this might have one.. http://www.rustrepair.com/index.htm

Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on April 14, 2009, 01:47:06 AM
http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/your_garage/cars/8619.shtml

Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 14, 2009, 10:21:14 AM
have you searched online for "patch panels" for it?

Maybe you could buy a new, rust free aftermarket part and trim it down to what you need?

Sherman or Wheelers are names that I remember.....  some site like this might have one.. http://www.rustrepair.com/index.htm

Done and done.  I found that site the other day -- they only sell domestic stuff, no foreign cars.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on April 14, 2009, 11:27:29 AM
Done and done.  I found that site the other day -- they only sell domestic stuff, no foreign cars.

I found Datsun stuff, but mostly rocker panels and quarter panel patch panels....

I'm sure someone makes/sells them, it's trying to figure out who.  :banghead:

Just buy a small piece of sheet metal and bend it yourself, start at one end, fasten it with sheet metal screws and get out the hammer....
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 14, 2009, 10:06:47 PM
I need a cordless reciprocating saw.  The "donor" car is in very good shape, but I wasn't able to cut out the sheet metal with a pair of hand snips. :p
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Wineslob on April 15, 2009, 09:55:21 AM
I need a cordless reciprocating saw.  The "donor" car is in very good shape, but I wasn't able to cut out the sheet metal with a pair of hand snips. :p


Don't use tinsnips, they distort the edges of the metal too much. If you can find/rent a "nibbler" you'll be better off. Once you have the panel, use a device that puts a "L" on the edge of the piece you want to patch in. It makes it MUCH eaiser to weld/bondo. (smooth seam)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on April 15, 2009, 11:43:43 AM
As noted before Vice-Grip makes pliers that will put a flange on for you, don't forget that "exrtra"  steel will be the place the overlap covers......good luck.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 18, 2009, 05:17:02 PM
I got most of the tools I need to replace the valve seals on my car.  My car is running like crap because the plugs are oil-fouled again.  I'll need to get new ones after I get the seals done.  It looks very time-consuming.  I was told it's a $1000 repair job but if I to do one at a time, I might have it done in a few weeks.  It's cost me $100 in parts so far. :(

I found some replacement sheet metal for that big hole in my car... $150.  No estimate on having the new piece welded into place yet.  The junkyard is next door to a Ford dealer's body shop, but they were closed.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on April 18, 2009, 06:40:32 PM
Well, when I was racing, I found that the "G" series plugs, that is gold tip, worked very well, and did not foul. The plain plugs, I'd change twice a weekend, and the Gold, every other weekend. pLUS, A set I saved for a decade , when I put them in an old MGB that oiled the plugs up badly, ran fine on the old reced "G" Champions for over a year.


Does the body shop have a panel beater and an English wheel?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 18, 2009, 06:47:28 PM
Dunno, the body shop was closed.  I didn't get a chance to talk to anyone.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Wineslob on April 20, 2009, 10:46:03 AM
I got most of the tools I need to replace the valve seals on my car.  My car is running like crap because the plugs are oil-fouled again.  I'll need to get new ones after I get the seals done.  It looks very time-consuming.  I was told it's a $1000 repair job but if I to do one at a time, I might have it done in a few weeks.  It's cost me $100 in parts so far. :(

I found some replacement sheet metal for that big hole in my car... $150.  No estimate on having the new piece welded into place yet.  The junkyard is next door to a Ford dealer's body shop, but they were closed.


I hate to say it, but this is stop-gap at best. I'm going to guess the guides/valve stems are shot, but the seals will help...for awhile. Look for any bad scuffing/wear on the valve stems when you replace the seals.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 20, 2009, 12:30:53 PM

I hate to say it, but this is stop-gap at best. I'm going to guess the guides/valve stems are shot, but the seals will help...for awhile. Look for any bad scuffing/wear on the valve stems when you replace the seals.

I could take the entire head off and rebuild it, but valve seals are a common problem when these cars age (according to the internetz).  I picked up some higher-quality Ford ones made from Vitton.  The valve guides can be replaced with the head in the car.  I'm not sure what the valves themselves look like.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on April 20, 2009, 01:01:32 PM
Why not get a salvaage, but restorable head first, bebuild thet one, then swap, sell the old one? Less down time, mitigate costs?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 20, 2009, 02:58:16 PM
Good idea.  I found some interesting information about the '76 that the Pull-a-Part has in town.  I should be able to buy a head from them for a few dollars.
Quote
The larger valve N42 came on the 1975-76 280Z. 48 state U.S. 280Zs didn't use a catalytic converter until 1977, so the head came with softer brass valve seats for use with leaded gas. Many people like these for performance because of it's square exhaust ports. And as a easy mod, putting it on a flattop L28 motor puts compression in the mid 10's.

http://datsunzgarage.com/heads/
:cheersmate:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on April 20, 2009, 06:05:20 PM
Then you'll need the harder seats to replace the bronze, and new valves to go with the seats. Unless you can run a tank of leaded first, then every 4th or 5th tank after that. We're stuck with unleaded gas now, and it hurts the valves as the lead deposits used to soften the damage on closing of the valve.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 20, 2009, 07:01:50 PM
LMC (Long Motor Company) sells hardened valve seats and all the other parts to rebuild a head and run it on unleaded gasoline.  I don't remember what the camshaft looked like in that junkyard head... I hope it wasn't rusted.  I know mine is clean and shiny.

I'm a little excited about this, provided I can get the head off the junk car. :rofl:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 25, 2009, 02:40:37 PM
teh zoom... I haz it
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/280zcylinderhead.jpg)

That bolt extractor socket worked great on the first bolt.  I managed to crush the second one enough so I could fit an Allen wrench inside and crack it loose.  Now to disassemble it and check everything.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on April 25, 2009, 07:49:53 PM
Nice, the cam looks a bit "iffy" tho.

Oh, and check out this website re Climate Change
http://scienceandpublicpolicy.org/
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 25, 2009, 07:55:01 PM
It looks like surface oxidation.  It should polish right out.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 25, 2009, 09:27:47 PM
Shit.  I think I sprung a leak somewhere .  Now the clutch pedal drops to the floor and barely works.  I've been driving the car more than usual over the last week, and I think I saw some fluid underneath the car the other day.  The fluid level in the slave cylinder looks good; it could have been the operating cylinder.  I haven't gotten around to that part of the car yet... I was hoping it would hold up for a few weeks until I can put it in the shop.

Clutch System (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/clutchsystem.jpg) :(
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on April 26, 2009, 05:19:17 PM
Clean it up, bleed it down be sure there are no bubbles in the line. . refill , and see if it works. Slide a cardboard sheet under the car when you let it sit overnight and see what fluids are leaking and the quantity.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Wineslob on April 27, 2009, 10:49:49 AM
It looks like surface oxidation.  It should polish right out.



Don't bother with that cam. I woulden't.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on April 27, 2009, 02:08:14 PM
I've seen some VERY nive  lamps made from some like that.....just don't put them where there's something breakable in range of a falling lamp....
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 27, 2009, 03:23:46 PM
You wouldn't recommend cleaning and polishing it? :(

I can get a new one for $130.  But I can always use another lamp.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on April 28, 2009, 11:45:32 AM
Yes, and you can claim it is a modern sculpture, to some, anyway. I did that with a steel frame hydralic press I needed help in getting into the basement. So it sat in the living room awaiting help. A friend sneared at it until I told him it was a new piece of MODERN SCULPTURE, then he was  suddenly IMPRESSED! I laughed and then told him what and why.  :evillaugh:

I've been pro-salvage since I did salvage diving a long time ago in LA CA, AND USUALLY, IT PAYS OFF. I once found an oil painting at the local dump that turned out to be a "name artist" piece with a market value of $5,000. These days the FRAMING is a $500 job.  And, I actually like it.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Wineslob on April 28, 2009, 01:15:43 PM
You wouldn't recommend cleaning and polishing it? :(

I can get a new one for $130.  But I can always use another lamp.


No, once it has rust pits in it, it's shot. Save yourself the agony of a worn cam and get a new one from Comp Cams with a bit more performance.


The 260S cam looks like a good choice.  Not too much duration but I don't see the lobe separation so I don't know how "choppy" it would be. My guess, not alot. It would probably give it a mild, but nice, "thump". http://www.compperformancegroupstores.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CC&Product_Code=84-123-6&Category_Code=  (I believe this the right engine group?)


Ooops! The lobe is 110, just enough to make it a tad "agressive" sounding. But not alot.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on April 28, 2009, 02:57:49 PM
or
http://www.sfxperformance.com/catalog/Engine~Components/Camshafts/page_1.htm

if you want to look around.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 28, 2009, 03:04:58 PM
I rented a valve spring compressor for a few days and started taking that head apart.  oh hell, this thing smells like ass. :rofl:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 28, 2009, 06:27:56 PM
progress:
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/smheadassembly.jpg)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 28, 2009, 08:51:14 PM
This piece of shit valve compressor I rented is worthless :censored:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on April 29, 2009, 01:16:21 AM
Chris, I am pretty impressed with your progress. Looks like you like to get things done.  :cheersmate:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on April 29, 2009, 01:21:17 AM
I broke a small bolt off in the front cam tower. :bawl:  I think they're removable, but I haven't gotten that far yet.  I put some WD-40 on the cam lobes and rubbed a lot of the rust off.  It's mostly oil tarnish and they're very smooth.  I guess the pictures make it look worse.  They're in pretty good shape, but I'll have the machine shop check it out just in case.

I completely fubar'ed the thermostat... there's not much left of it, but the housing is in good shape.  Lots of scale, tho.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on April 29, 2009, 01:28:09 AM
Since you have the cam out, it's best to change it, like others have said.

You would hate to get it all together and find out the cam is flat, junk, etc

Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Wineslob on April 29, 2009, 10:22:56 AM
Since you have the cam out, it's best to change it, like others have said.

You would hate to get it all together and find out the cam is flat, junk, etc



Yup, it's just too cheap to get another cam and not take the chance. That rust put microscopic pits in the cam lobe faces. Remember they are hard-faced and that it's a VERY thin surface. The iron underneath is soft, thats where you'll end up with a flat cam. Go with the mild performance cam, you'll gain about 10% HP just by doing that.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on May 02, 2009, 11:32:43 PM
Whew.  Finally got those damn cam towers/brackets off.  I am not having any luck getting these valves off, but at least now I can measure it for flatness or warping.

I went to two different hardware stores and could not even find an old-fashioned straightedge (I need one at least two feet long).  All they had were framing squares.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Randy on May 03, 2009, 06:58:01 AM
Whew.  Finally got those damn cam towers/brackets off.  I am not having any luck getting these valves off, but at least now I can measure it for flatness or warping.

I went to two different hardware stores and could not even find an old-fashioned straightedge (I need one at least two feet long).  All they had were framing squares.

Try Lowes in the tool section by the levels. They have several straight edges.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on May 03, 2009, 01:23:57 PM
That's where I went.  All I found were levels and framing/drywall squares.   I ended up buying a small framing square. :(  I was able to check the head between the pistons.  There was no warping in that direction.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on May 03, 2009, 04:06:48 PM
Chris, ever hear of pb blaster for getting frozen bolts loose? It works very well for me, but if you use it, don't forget that it is NOT a protective coating. Once you've dissassembled, you must oil/wd 40 the metal to protect it.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on May 03, 2009, 04:09:52 PM
I've heard of it, but I don't think I've come across it on the shelf.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on May 03, 2009, 08:56:44 PM
The junkyard I was dealing with gave me a bogus quote on a transmission.  I thought I called them and got a quote for $250 for a 5-speed, but I was in there yesterday and they tell me it's $500.  For that price, I can fix it my damn self and buy a spare car to drive.

There are two really nice cars nearby that I can use for parts... at least one of them is a 5-speed, and the owners claim the wheels are in good shape.  One of them looks like it has new tires.  My rims are out of round and need to be repaired.  One of them is a 2-seater which has the smoother roofline, but it's that icky red color. :-)

I would still rather have the '78 Mercedes 280 coupe, but I haven't heard back from the guy -- he may have sold it.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on May 04, 2009, 02:41:57 PM
My son sold his 380 sl with the dual chain cam heads. It was VERY VERY rapid, but the newer motor made it difficult to sell.

PB Blaster comes in a white base spray can, and the better paers stores carry it along side Rust Buster, Liquid Wrench, etal. PB works best by spray-tap-let sit 10-15 mon, spray tap , let sit, spray tap try and remove. It has a CHEMICAL reraction between oxidation and the good metal and breaks the bond.

BTW, years ago I tested Marvel Magic Mystery Oil in an experiment of my own design, and found that it indeed has a positive, measurable effect. One that is worth, in my opinion, the price of the product.   
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on May 04, 2009, 03:24:43 PM
Those cam towers were held on by a bolt on one end and a dowel on the other.  I squirted some engine cleaner down the dowel hole in the top of the tower and let it sit for a bit.  A couple small whacks with the hammer, and they came loose.  I did remember to keep everything in order and oriented correctly.

I'm busy looking for another transmission or something I can drive that's worth doing a little work on and re-selling while I work on this car.  I would like to have the 2-door Mercedes to keep... it sure is nice looking.
(http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/9882/dsc08315fr3.jpg)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on May 04, 2009, 04:56:00 PM
I found another '78 for sale for a few dollars more, but its powder blue.  I guess I could deal with driving a car that falls in the 'pastel' category on the color wheel.

The seller sounds like a wordy buffoon that is trying way too hard to make it sound like a "professional" car ad.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on May 04, 2009, 06:55:45 PM
That era ME BE's are noce carws. Great on trips. The only thing is the v-8 enines get less mileage than you'd expect. Also, the soft bushings used in the valve guides and the distributor has been hardened by then. The early 70's cars got bwetter mileage, but the bushings were shot before 100 m miles.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on May 06, 2009, 09:59:51 PM
:yahoo: :hyper:
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/FS5W17B.jpg)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Wineslob on May 07, 2009, 12:41:33 PM
Yup......................thats a transmission................
























 :tongue:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on May 07, 2009, 08:16:14 PM
That's not ANY transmission.  It was possibily the cheapest I could have bought one for, short of pulling it out myself.  I paid $175, nearly $100 less than the useless quote I was given, and a hell of a lot cheaper than $500 from the guy that had one sitting in the front seat of an '83 junker.

There's no way I could have gotten one from the Pull-A-Part place on my own.  The rims get pulled and the car is stacked on top of them.  Plenty of room to get underneath them, but that means you get to play catch with a 80+ pound transmission hanging a foot over your head.

I also got my piece of sheet metal to fix the firewall.  I got more than enough steel to patch up that hole.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on May 08, 2009, 12:25:22 PM
That weekend project has extended some......as they alwways do. But it prolly beats my Jaguar project that ended up lasting several years.....fix drive....bang....fix AGAIN...DRIVE...BANG......for years.....
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on May 13, 2009, 06:23:44 PM
Finally got the heater barb off the cylinder head.  I picked up a two foot section of 1-inch steel pipe from the hardware store and that barb came out like butter.  I'm glad I bought it, because the guy at the tire shop used a damn impact wrench on the wheels and I almost hurt myself trying to get them off with a regular ratchet and socket.  Dropped the worse of the two wheels off for repair; $100 per wheel.  My car still shakes once you get above 60 but not as bad.  At least my new spare is nice and smooth.

I went to a couple of heavily advertised collision repair shops and both of them refused to take my car.  The first one told me he was afraid to ask his employees to work on it; he was scared they'd quit on him.

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/no3valveassembly.jpg)
One down, eleven to go.  That rubber thing on top of the spring is the valve stem seal.  Valve guides look good... no damage at all.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on May 14, 2009, 01:59:30 AM


I went to a couple of heavily advertised collision repair shops and both of them refused to take my car.  The first one told me he was afraid to ask his employees to work on it; he was scared they'd quit on him.


**** him.

I am sure I have just as many years, if not more years of experience as him or any of his employees and I was always happy to try and help someone out, even if the car was not new.

**** him again.

Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on May 14, 2009, 02:16:05 AM
"Collision repair" shops are a dime a dozen around here.  I guess finding someone that will actually do something that can't be fixed by a frame-straightener or swapping out some body panels might take a little longer than I thought.  All I wanted was an estimate.  $1000?  $3000?  I can get estimates on replacing a transmission all day long.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Wineslob on May 14, 2009, 10:21:36 AM
"Collision repair" shops are a dime a dozen around here.  I guess finding someone that will actually do something that can't be fixed by a frame-straightener or swapping out some body panels might take a little longer than I thought.  All I wanted was an estimate.  $1000?  $3000?  I can get estimates on replacing a transmission all day long.


Most places today want insurance work...guaranteed payment.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on May 14, 2009, 10:21:44 PM
"Collision repair" shops are a dime a dozen around here.  I guess finding someone that will actually do something that can't be fixed by a frame-straightener or swapping out some body panels might take a little longer than I thought.  All I wanted was an estimate.  $1000?  $3000?  I can get estimates on replacing a transmission all day long.

It's hard to find true craftsmen.

Look for an independent shop that does restorations. They are out there, just harder to find.

The industry has simply filled up with insurance whores and techs who became owners or managers that have zero business skills.

Someone will do if for a couple hundred bucks cash. I know I would.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Wineslob on May 15, 2009, 10:31:41 AM
It's hard to find true craftsmen.

Look for an independent shop that does restorations. They are out there, just harder to find.

The industry has simply filled up with insurance whores and techs who became owners or managers that have zero business skills.

Someone will do if for a couple hundred bucks cash. I know I would.

I have a 72' Camero RS (split bumper) that needs some body work, and a decent paint job. While it was running (I'm probably going to get it going again) I took it to a couple of shops. Nearly all of them, quite litterally, told me couldn't be bothered with "non insurance" work. What they don't get is, I will ALWAYS remember who they are and NEVER give them my business.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on May 15, 2009, 10:40:14 AM
I have a 72' Camero RS (split bumper) that needs some body work, and a decent paint job. While it was running (I'm probably going to get it going again) I took it to a couple of shops. Nearly all of them, quite litterally, told me couldn't be bothered with "non insurance" work. What they don't get is, I will ALWAYS remember who they are and NEVER give them my business.

Sounds like a nice car.

When I ran shops, it was always nice to have a older project car in the shop, that way there was always something to work on when things got slow.

It kept the bills paid.

Alot of times the shop don't take people serious as they get sooooooo many people showing up with older cars for "estimates" that do not have the means to have it repaired in the first place....

It just all makes me want to lease a small shop again.....I might do that in the next couple of years.

I have seen the type of body work & paint that is done in this town, it looks like shit.  But of course, I am very picky.

Right now, I like the fact that I have health insurance that does not cost me "self employment" rates

Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on May 15, 2009, 01:19:18 PM
The second place I stopped at told me my car was "too old" to work on.  I think I saw a shop down the street from there that had a '72 Vega in the parking lot.  I'll need to go back there and find out if they were doing any body work on it.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on May 15, 2009, 01:41:44 PM
Know any auto ins. guys? Ask where they steer their collision work, then ask is you cn say that you were sent by them. I know when I'd send someone to a shop they'd do the work.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Eupher on May 15, 2009, 11:03:51 PM
The second place I stopped at told me my car was "too old" to work on.  I think I saw a shop down the street from there that had a '72 Vega in the parking lot.  I'll need to go back there and find out if they were doing any body work on it.

A 72 Vega in the parking lot? Wow - I thought all those had been melted down by now to make soda cans.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on May 15, 2009, 11:14:02 PM
A 72 Vega in the parking lot? Wow - I thought all those had been melted down by now to make soda cans.

I like the look on the '72... much better looking than the Pontiac Aspire or whatever Buick was marketing at the time.  I found some forums dedicated to the Vega and those people put a *lot* of work into their cars despite them being more rust-prone than almost anything on the road at the time.  If my car was in that bad shape, I would invest in a MIG welder and learn to do my own work.  As it is, I only need the one hole patched.

I did Google 'auto restoration' shops in my area and came up with a load of different results from the usual collision shops.  I'll have to make some phone calls over the next week and find someone willing to do the work I need.

Also, I found an M-B diesel than needs a new crank bearing and oil line... it's selling cheap.  I might take another look at it if it hasn't been sold.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on May 16, 2009, 07:06:05 PM
here's the Cosworth Vega. twin cam 16 cyl. the only one worth owning.
http://www.gmphotostore.com/prodinfo.asp?number=53217599
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on May 17, 2009, 12:25:28 AM
here's the Cosworth Vega. twin cam 16 cyl. the only one worth owning.
http://www.gmphotostore.com/prodinfo.asp?number=53217599

neat link, it's fun to surf!
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Lacarnut on May 17, 2009, 09:07:35 PM
here's the Cosworth Vega. twin cam 16 cyl. the only one worth owning.
http://www.gmphotostore.com/prodinfo.asp?number=53217599

Looks a little like the Chevy Monza I bought new. With a V8 engine it would haul @ss. Too bad I totaled it after a year and a half.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on May 25, 2009, 01:11:59 AM
Chris, where is the new Volvo thread?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on May 25, 2009, 12:47:44 PM
:rofl:  I was going to wait.  It's sitting in Sumner County right now with expired tags, so it might take me a while because I'd have to drive up to Hendersonville to work on it.

(http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/1769/volvoburnout.jpg)
bork, bork, bork!
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on May 25, 2009, 06:46:32 PM
Those rockers look rusted out.....
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on May 25, 2009, 07:06:33 PM
Those rockers look rusted out.....
:-) That's not my car.  Same color, same style, but that car got the JTR treatment (http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Volvo_200_V-8.html).  I just bought this one so I can drive around while I work on my other car.  I may go for the V8 conversion later.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on May 27, 2009, 12:50:21 AM
Those rockers look rusted out.....

 :lmao:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Eupher on May 27, 2009, 05:37:58 AM
:lmao:

Yeah, with that comment I thought of Ozzy Osbourne.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on May 27, 2009, 01:18:49 PM
WATCH WHAT YOU SAY ABOUT MY (distant) COUSIN, OZZIE! :evillaugh: 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on May 28, 2009, 08:19:56 AM
Yeah, with that comment I thought of Ozzy Osbourne.


HA!  :bwah:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on May 30, 2009, 07:44:44 PM
I got the Volvo running.  It idles but won't go faster than 5mph before it dies... you can drive around at 5mph all day long.  Time to check the throttle position sensor and a few other bits and pieces.  Eh... $300.  I got what I paid for.  It runs fine (when it does run.)

It makes a nice golf cart.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on June 08, 2009, 01:17:00 AM
I got the Volvo running.  It idles but won't go faster than 5mph before it dies... you can drive around at 5mph all day long.  Time to check the throttle position sensor and a few other bits and pieces.  Eh... $300.  I got what I paid for.  It runs fine (when it does run.)

It makes a nice golf cart.

Hope you get it figured out.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on July 25, 2009, 11:25:44 AM
I blew the head gasket on my Datsun. :censored:  Probably take me a couple afternoons/evenings to pull it off and replace it since I don't have another full day off until Tuesday.  I just hope nothing got warped.  The other cylinder head I scavenged is slighly warped and will need to be milled and shimmed to remove a small scratch.  And I might as well replace the timing chain/gears while I have the front cover off. 

Damn.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on July 25, 2009, 02:22:07 PM
 :hammer: why not have it shaved just enough to make it flat?  :tongue:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on July 25, 2009, 08:13:35 PM
I think I may have dodged a bullet on this one.  The source of the leak may be the heater hose where it connects to the cylinder head.  The hose has split at the end and there's water dripping from there, and not from the side of the block (all I saw this afternoon was steam spraying from one general direction. I couldn't tell exactly where it was coming from and I wasn't about to stick my hand down there to find out).  I topped off the radiator and drove it home.  Unfortunately, the water level was very low... I dumped probably three gallons of water in there.  The water pump may need to be replaced... it squealed and shrieked all the way home, but the temperature gauge was normal.  Maybe it was just the "steam cleaning" the belts got.

The gasket will be replaced eventually after I put on the new head.  I guess I'd better get back to work on that. :p
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on July 28, 2009, 10:42:25 PM
clamped and fixxorated:
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/heaterhoserepair.jpg)

Today was a miserable damn day for working outside.  Rain, rain, mud, and more rain.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on October 03, 2009, 05:38:09 PM
Fixed the window defogger, pulled out some carpet, and started working on some rust.  I ran out of sandpaper, so I had to stop and throw a quick coat of primer over the panel I was working on.  Its not done yet, but its a big improvement.

Before
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/280zx_gas_tank_smegma_sm.jpg)

After
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/gascaprust.jpg)

I need to replace that heater hose before the weather drops below freezing.  That will be fun. :p

I thought the car stereo shop that always advertises on TV might be able to help me find out why I'm getting interference in my (mostly) AM radio.  Stupid waste of time. :whatever:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on October 03, 2009, 07:31:38 PM
Now after sandpaper feathering in the taped areas with 1000 grit final, airbrush the paint with clear for a number of layers, then, sand again to blend qwith 1,000 grit then paint compound, then paint polish and , thee, yiou are done!
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on October 03, 2009, 07:35:42 PM
I'll do the prep work, but I'm paying someone else to paint it for me.  It should take me a couple days to pull off all the trim and brightwork and to sand and mask the entire car.  I'm not sure how much to spend on a paint job, but $1000 would be my limit.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on October 04, 2009, 06:30:42 PM
An old trick to make the paint look "deep" is by adding a very little base color to the clear, making a coat, adding clear, making a still lighter coat, repeat again, then finish with several coats of completely clear . after final sanding, compounding and polishing, it looks as if "Pimp my ride" did the paint custom.

$1,000 is sane, for a very nice job, depending on where you live.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on October 08, 2009, 03:54:19 AM
I'll do the prep work, but I'm paying someone else to paint it for me.  It should take me a couple days to pull off all the trim and brightwork and to sand and mask the entire car.  I'm not sure how much to spend on a paint job, but $1000 would be my limit.

Just the materials for a quality complete paint job might cost that. Just saying.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on October 08, 2009, 11:41:36 AM
red paint is very expensive, but gray.....not so much   Plus, ifwe're doing a lot of metal, rust, dent and ding repair it can be tripple the price.  But with more  casual a repaint and owner preowork, a skilled respray should be attainable at $1,000.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: RobJohnson on October 09, 2009, 01:20:12 AM
Chris, it's times like this that I wished we lived closer to each other. I would just paint it for you.  :banghead:

I'm still a certified DuPont Automotive Refinisher.

My shops were always known as the "best in town." We did things right.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on November 18, 2009, 06:25:35 PM
I swapped out a really crusty battery cable over the weekend, and now my on-board circuit tester is giving me an 'OK'.  We'll see if it lasts. :thumbs:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Odin's Hand on November 18, 2009, 09:12:53 PM
It's like Red Green with his own auto repair shop!  :-)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on November 18, 2009, 09:25:12 PM
:rofl:

[youtube=425,350]jlS-hN6EmIA[/youtube]
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on December 29, 2009, 08:29:28 PM
I am STILL working on getting all the valves removed from that cylinder head.  Yes, I'm lazy.  Terribly, terribly lazy.  I finally had enough extra time this afternoon (after going into work at 6am) to pull out another one.  Jeezus!  It's worst than pulling teeth... teeth are easy!  I have one left that won't budge and I just can't get the damn thing out.  Once that's done, I can have it machined and swap out the current one.  I tried to get a quote from Ye Olde Datsun Shoppe downtown, but they don't do machine work.  I don't expect to spend more than $200 for that.

Depending on how much material is removed from the new head, I may have a compression ratio somewhere between 9-1/2 and 10-1/2.  I'm really not sure what it will actually be, so I'll be buying E85 for a few weeks just to be safe.  The new valve seals are E85-resistant.

I need to replace the injector gaskets since one (or more) of them leak badly in cold weather under throttle.  I got more rubber bits for the clutch slave and master cylinders... I'll need a new clutch set for the new transmission and a replacement for a rear axle that's making a funny tick-tick-ticking noise.  I may drive to Memphis and pull one (or both) from the Pull-A-Part over there.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Aaron Burr on December 30, 2009, 05:15:35 PM
Epic thread. It took me two days to read it. Could you recap this build Chris? I've already forgotten a lot of stuff you got accomplished due to all the fascinating side issues and topics.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on December 30, 2009, 08:44:31 PM
I've had to repair the usual things to keep a 27-year-old car on the road -- lights, wiring, hoses, an alternator -- and am making plans for some downtime later so I can replace the cylinder head, injector gaskets, and fix the dashboard with a fiberglass repair kit.  I admit, I haven't done much at this point other than collect parts.  The biggest thing I'm concerned about is having a replacement inner fender welded to fix the hole in the firewall.  I'll have to fabricate a new faceplate to fit a different radio, but I can do that with hand tools.

I wasted a lot of time this summer with an old Volvo I was considering putting a Chevy 350 in, but I have no use for a four-door sedan and I think an MG B with a V6 from a Camaro would be a lot more fun.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on December 30, 2009, 10:08:21 PM
this reminds me of when I had a 3.8 Jag sedan MK11. I had one on the road, and 3 for parts, hell, 20 years later, I till have parts to the Jags in the garage. Needed three parts cars for the oddball stuff that would go wrong. It took 3 hours work for every hour you drove, but she'd hit 120 MPH and had a nice wood interior and looked "classic".

Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 26, 2010, 09:47:46 PM
I finally have enough cash for a paint job but I need to take off one of the fenders and tap out a shallow dent and a few other small button-sized dents need to be Bondo'd over.  I don't want to have it painted until the welding/patching has been done on the firewall.  Meant to pick up an angle-grinder today to smooth the edges out on the donor panel I had cut out but I took it easy today and did mostly nothing.  It will probably be a couple months before the paint is done -- I don't want to pay for one in the middle of winter.

I replaced a few body gaskets and the car seems mostly watertight now despite the hole in the wheel well and fender.

My heater control and blower work but I'm not getting any heat.  I think my heater core could be clogged.  I had heat last year and the only thing I've changed is the coolant... I wonder if some sediment or rust might have worked its way into the heater core.

Next is fiberglass repair for the cracked dashboard. 

I would really, really like to get this new cylinder head installed because my car is currently running like crap.  It runs fine with new or clean plugs.  Anyone got tips for cleaning and re-using dirty spark plugs?  These are brand new.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Aaron Burr on January 26, 2010, 09:58:18 PM
Thanks for the update.

Here's some tips. Brake Pad Cleaner. (http://www.ehow.com/how_2175984_clean-spark-plugs.html)

And I went through heater core hell over Christmas. Blowing one of those out to clean it is much more complicated. Gah.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 26, 2010, 10:10:31 PM
I should have some of that stuff lying around.  I'll give it a shot.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Aaron Burr on January 26, 2010, 10:35:31 PM
Can you afford a new core? That's what I'm doing. The alternatives look....um...kinda nuts.

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMp82zLVxoU[/youtube]

Easy Off? Man oh man....
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 26, 2010, 11:44:11 PM
I could probably find a replacement core from another model.  There are a couple other Nissan models that used the same or similar parts.

Wally World has B&D angle grinders... I bought one but they didn't have any soft polishing wheels or balls.  I want to polish my wheels and valve cover -- they all look pretty ratty.  It would be nice to have some shiny bits on this car.  Looks like that will have to wait for now.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on January 27, 2010, 03:14:00 PM
Polishingball.....,.
http://www.motherspowerball.com/
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on January 27, 2010, 04:30:31 PM
I was looking for a buffing wheel that would fit on an angle grinder.  Haven't found one yet.

One of my front wheels is flopping around like a loose tooth... time to check the tie-rod ends and bushings. :p
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on January 28, 2010, 10:35:28 AM
OK, build oine with a hardware store loose polishing wheel  2 nuts, bolt and washers.  easy enough and cheap. When \it starts to deteriorate, throw igt away and maKE ANOTHER.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Randy on February 06, 2010, 10:36:59 AM
 

I would really, really like to get this new cylinder head installed because my car is currently running like crap.  It runs find with new or clean plugs.  Anyone got tips for cleaning and re-using dirty spark plugs?  These are brand new.

Here ya go Chris spark plug cleaner. (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=32860)

There's also spark plug extenders that keep the tips out of the oil in the cylinder head. They just slow down the fouling time though. Also if you're doing alot of spark plug removal and reinstalling you may consider using some marine never-seize on the plug threads to lube them a bit.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 06, 2010, 10:41:36 AM
Gracias, I'll check that out.

My to-do list for tomorrow involves removing a fender and POR-15'ing the frame underneath and Bondo'ing a small dent.  The snow we got managed to scrape off all the peeling clearcoat that was hanging on like loose skin.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on February 06, 2010, 11:44:37 AM
g series plugs might help. They are the gold plated tips that resist fouling. When racing Formula Ford I found them very durable, much better than platinum plared.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 06, 2010, 11:50:14 AM
I usually buy Bosch or NGK.

I've got a spare set... I just need to swap them out so I can pass an emissions test before the end of the month.  The current plugs have less than 1000 miles on them but are already fouled.  I'm waiting for warmer weather before I do the head swap.  I'll need to change the timing chain/gears when I do that, too -- that's another $200.  And I might as well clean and polish the aluninum valve cover while that's off too.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on February 06, 2010, 12:03:20 PM
Back in the day, I had a set of G-series plugs that were several years old and had sat in my tool box after a season in my FF engine.  A friend had left a MG-B with me to sell. Things were not going well as it ran like crap.  So I checked the manuel and the D-series were close enough. So, I washed them off and screwed them in. Thecar ran great and sold imediately. Try a set of G-series champions. Tough to foul them.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 12, 2010, 08:57:06 AM
I found OEM-style seat upholstery... $300 for both seats. :yahoo:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Eupher on February 12, 2010, 09:50:37 AM
I found OEM-style seat upholstery... $300 for both seats. :yahoo:

Nice! they must be in pretty good shape since that price is somewhat high? Not sure....
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 12, 2010, 10:03:18 AM
It's $50 cheaper than the other company selilng them, and they didn't have them in grey.  $150 per seat isn't too bad considering what my front seats look like right now.  They're outside of Knoxville, so I could drive over there if I wanted to.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Eupher on February 12, 2010, 10:07:46 AM
It's $50 cheaper than the other company selilng them, and they didn't have them in grey.  $150 per seat isn't too bad considering what my front seats look like right now.  They're outside of Knoxville, so I could drive over there if I wanted to.

If you're talking Knoxville, TN, debk might be insulted if you didn't stop by for a cuppa joe or an apple fritter or somethin'.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 12, 2010, 10:12:26 AM
They're in Maryville, TN

I got to meet debk last time I was over there.  We went out to lunch :)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Eupher on February 12, 2010, 10:30:56 AM
They're in Maryville, TN

I got to meet debk last time I was over there.  We went out to lunch :)

Deb keeps ragging on me to retire in that part of the state. (We're gonna hang it up in Jackson, TN, which is midway between Nashville and Memphis - thus spake Mrs. E.)

It's a beautiful area and I think I'd consider it, but I go where Mrs. E tells me to go..... :rotf:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 12, 2010, 10:42:29 AM
I thought you had already moved over there.  I like Jackson... not too big, not too small.  I passed through there a few years ago.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Eupher on February 12, 2010, 10:47:11 AM
I thought you had already moved over there.  I like Jackson... not too big, not too small.  I passed through there a few years ago.

Nope. We lived there for a year when Mrs. E and I got married in 1999, but then I started my Wanderlust again. Since then we've lived in Utah (4 years), NE Ohio (3 years) and in north-central Missouri for 2.5 years now. I hope to finish my working career here in 9 years or so then we're OUTTA HERE again.

Getting to the point where I absolute, completely, hate the snow and cold, but not enough to want to move to a blast furnace like Phoenix.  :lmao:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 23, 2010, 01:14:29 PM
Emissions Inspection
HC: 82 ppm (limit is 220)
CO: 0.12% (limit is 1.2)
CO2: 9.5% (not tested)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Eupher on February 23, 2010, 01:32:14 PM
Emissions Inspection
HC: 82 ppm (limit is 220)
CO: 0.12% (limit is 1.2)
CO2: 9.5% (not tested)

Excellent results! Don't tell Al Bore about those CO2 values. He might wanna send you a bill.  :lmao:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 23, 2010, 01:38:09 PM
Last year, the guy wouldn't even let me in -- said my car was "smoking" and refused to test it.  I ended up swapping out all the plugs and a gummed-up PCV valve.  I double-checked this time and made sure it was good and warmed up before going.

Got my seat covers ordered.  I'm off to the fabric store to look at foam samples.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 23, 2010, 03:33:57 PM
Found some foam.  $25 a square foot @ 4 inches thick for the ultra-dense stuff.  I didn't get a price on the 2-inch foam.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Eupher on February 23, 2010, 04:02:15 PM
Found some foam.  $25 a square foot @ 4 inches thick for the ultra-dense stuff.  I didn't get a price on the 2-inch foam.

Ouch! Jeezus, you'd think you were buying mink, ferchrissakes.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 23, 2010, 04:04:54 PM
I was told the 2-inch foam would be less expensive, but they have to call their supplier for prices.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Odin's Hand on February 23, 2010, 09:32:29 PM
Vinyl seats or somethin' like gata or snake?  :-)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on February 28, 2010, 02:07:12 PM
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/seat.jpg)
Original (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/seat.jpg)

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/floor.jpg)
Original (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/floor.jpg)

That's not really rust on the floor pan... that's the mat under the carpet that stuck to the floor and attracted a bunch of dirt.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on March 16, 2010, 09:19:49 AM
I have some issues with the frame rail on the passenger side.  I went to jack up my car and the whole damn thing crumbled.  So.  I'll see if I can't have some sheet metal and angle-iron welded in as a replacement.  I'm not spending $400 on "reproduction" floorpans unless I absolutely need to.

A very generous quickie-oil place let me use their bay to take some pictures.  Also had them check my differential and transmission fluid, and they didn't charge me anything.  Life was good for a couple hours yesterday.

Driver side frame rail: good
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/PICT0008sm.jpg)

Passenger side frame rail: not good
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/PICT0037sm.jpg)

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/PICT0038sm.jpg)

Also, my tie-rod bushings are completely gone.  Will do that later.  It's kind of lousy out there right now, so I might just swap out a couple of plastic bits for some pretty stainless-steel trim from another car.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on March 16, 2010, 01:39:45 PM
I have some issues with the frame rail on the passenger side.  I went to jack up my car and the whole damn thing crumbled.  So.  I'll see if I can't have some sheet metal and angle-iron welded in as a replacement.  I'm not spending $400 on "reproduction" floorpans unless I absolutely need to.

A very generous quickie-oil place let me use their bay to take some pictures.  Also had them check my differential and transmission fluid, and they didn't charge me anything.  Life was good for a couple hours yesterday.

Driver side frame rail: good
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/PICT0008sm.jpg)

Passenger side frame rail: not good
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/PICT0037sm.jpg)

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/PICT0038sm.jpg)

Also, my tie-rod bushings are completely gone.  Will do that later.  It's kind of lousy out there right now, so I might just swap out a couple of plastic bits for some pretty stainless-steel trim from another car.

Unfortunately what you are proposing as a repair will likely compromise the impact integrity of the vehicle (if not the suspension geometry).......it would be a much better move to go to a junkyard, find a vehicle of the same type, and have them "section" the frame rail out........then have a good welder install it in your vehicle via "fishplate" welding......the repair should be done on a body shop Vector Plate, in order to keep the structural alignment of the chassis within specs......

More expensive this way, but the correct way, none the less......

doc

Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on March 16, 2010, 01:55:08 PM
Thanks for the tip.  I'd say the structural integrity is already compromised what with that big hole there.  My 2+2 has a slightly longer wheelbase than the standard 2-seater -- not sure if that includes the frame rails or not.

I'm having trouble finding bushings for the outer tie-rods.  AutoZone only has the whole tie-rod end with the bushings already attached for $35 each.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on March 16, 2010, 02:04:36 PM
Thanks for the tip.  I'd say the structural integrity is already compromised what with that big hole there.  My 2+2 has a longer wheelbase than the standard 2-seater.

The reason vehicular structural repairs are important is, God forbid you get into an accident, your insurance company WILL inspect the wreck, and if they find structural or suspension repairs that are not done correctly, they can void your coverage.......

Cosmetic stuff isn't important, but messing with frame, suspension, brake and crumple zone components are asking for trouble.......

Every new vehicle undergoes DOT testing and certification, and the insurance companies base their "risk" ratings on those certifications, therefore, modifying the structure amounts to voiding that certification, and technically makes the vehicle illegal to operate on US highways.....

doc
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on March 16, 2010, 02:21:03 PM
My area of expertise in Insurance span from 1970 to 2000 and include the states of NY, NJ,FLA., IL.  and CA. In none of those states may an insured peril be excluded or a paid for coverage part be denied unless the circumstance is listed in the exclusions section. There is no exclusion concerning structural integrity in any of those coverages on the "Family" Persional Auto policy .

There is a MUCH better reason to repair structural problems in the Chassis.  The chassiss could fail at an inopertune time, causing a wreck that results in death.  Maybe youirs.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on March 16, 2010, 03:49:12 PM
My area of expertise in Insurance span from 1970 to 2000 and include the states of NY, NJ,FLA., IL.  and CA. In none of those states may an insured peril be excluded or a paid for coverage part be denied unless the circumstance is listed in the exclusions section. There is no exclusion concerning structural integrity in any of those coverages on the "Family" Persional Auto policy .

There is a MUCH better reason to repair structural problems in the Chassis.  The chassiss could fail at an inopertune time, causing a wreck that results in death.  Maybe youirs.

I think that you will find a provision in virtually any auto policy that states (paraphrased) that any modifications to a given vehicle that alter its structural integrity to the extent that its performance falls outside of its manufactured DOT certification, can result in the policy being null and void......

I'm insured with Allstate, and I'm reading that provision right now in my policy.........it is significantly longer and more detailed than my paraphrased comments above, but it is there, in the very fine print.....it is in the "General Provisions" section of my policy.

doc
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on March 16, 2010, 04:10:47 PM
I took it to Vogely & Todd (http://vogelyandtodd.com/) for an estimate.  They would have to replace both rails for it to meet insurance and DOT requirements, so I'm looking at a $4000 repair bill.  I'm not too worried about it.  That's about what one in good condition goes for around here and that's cheap -- I've seen them for $6-7k and up.  I can save about $500 if I remove the exhaust, transmission, and fuel lines myself. 

It'll be a few months before I can do anything about it.  My lease is up in June and I owe about a week's pay to the IRS by April. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on March 16, 2010, 04:23:45 PM
I'm curious Chris.....where did this car live that resulted in that much corrosion damage to the frame?  Normally the floorpans, rocker panels, fender wells, etc. will go long before the frame........

doc
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on March 16, 2010, 04:36:11 PM
I'm not sure.  The fellow I bought it from lives in town but he was not the original owner.  It looks like there might have been some collision damage that opened up the rail to rust.  The front valance is smashed like someone hit something, but that's the only other damage.  The car could have been parked in somebody's yard... once the grass starts to grow up around the car and gets left there, you never know.  They don't use a lot of salt on the roads here and they didn't start doing that until about a decade ago when they were using sand instead.  The rusted rail is beneath the rusted battery tray but that's the only area of the car with any significant problems. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on March 16, 2010, 04:40:10 PM
I'm not sure.  The fellow I bought it from lives in town but he was not the original owner.  It looks like there might have been some collision damage that opened up the rail to rust.  The front valance is smashed like someone hit something, but that's the only other damage.  The car could have been parked in somebody's yard... once the grass starts to grow up around the car and gets left there, you never know.  They don't use a lot of salt on the roads here and they didn't start doing that until about a decade ago when they were using sand instead.  The rusted rail is beneath the rusted battery tray but that's the only area of the car with any significant problems. 

Ahhh....perhaps the car was sitting for a long time, the battery discharged, froze, and the case cracked, spilling battery acid all over the frame.....that will certainly do it.

doc
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on March 16, 2010, 04:48:14 PM
The gasket that seals the hood in that corner had cracked and rotted and was letting water down there.  I replaced that last year and haven't seen significant amount of water pooling inside the car.  Word around the campfire (the Z car forums) is that area around the battery tray on all 1970-1983 models are prone to rusting because of that gasket and the general shape of the engine compartment.  A battery leak could have caused that, too.  The battery in the car is relatively new -- 2003, I think.  They sell replacement sheet metal for '70-'78 models, but not the '79-'83.  I had to go find that myself.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on March 16, 2010, 04:55:11 PM
Most of the early Z cars that I was familiar with tended to  rust around the rear wheelwell weld joint where it was mated to the inside of the rear fender........sorta in a large circular pattern, when it finally rusted through......

Also (I'm told) many Jap imports of that era were made with a steel alloy (without phosphate treatment) that had virtually no corrosion resistance, and they all tended to be rust buckets after a few years, in some climates.  During that time, I lived in Minneapolis, and they were rusting out like crazy from all the salt in the winter......

doc
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on March 16, 2010, 04:56:11 PM
That is what I've heard as well.  Italian cars were just as bad.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on March 16, 2010, 07:09:06 PM
TVDOC....Actually, there may not be any such exclusion in the family policy as it permits you to operate, as an insured person, ANY OWNED OR NON OWNED VEHICLE! New owned vehicles you have 30 days use before they have to be added to your policy......It is impossible to know what changes that have been made from stock in many cases.

You may find that the exclusion refers only to PHYSICAL DAMAGE and not to liability.

In what state do you live?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on March 16, 2010, 08:45:58 PM
TVDOC....Actually, there may not be any such exclusion in the family policy as it permits you to operate, as an insured person, ANY OWNED OR NON OWNED VEHICLE! New owned vehicles you have 30 days use before they have to be added to your policy......It is impossible to know what changes that have been made from stock in many cases.

You may find that the exclusion refers only to PHYSICAL DAMAGE and not to liability.

In what state do you live?

Missouri.....but I think we are talking about two different things......

When an insurance underwriter prepares actuarial risk tables for insuring a specific vehicle, they rely on the DOT standards performance testing conducted on that particular vehicle design.......it affects rates, when various elements of crashworthiness, rollover test performance, braking, handling, skid pad, etc. are concerned.....from that data the "relative risk" is determined, and based on average drivers, premiums are assessed based on these performance standards.  Each different vehicle design is rated separately.  For example:  you will pay higher premiums for a 4WD SUV, than you will for a passenger sedan.....due to the inherent increased rollover risk in the design.

As a result, the insurance companies will always include the caveat that they are insuring the vehicle under the assumption that its design and structure have not been modified from what they based their initial risk calculations upon......it has nothing to do with inclusions or exclusions.....and everything to do with the initial underwriting basis for that specific vehicle......

This is why if you construct a vehicle from scratch for some custom purpose, you cannot insure that vehicle under a standard policy.....and must find a "specialty" insurer that will write a policy for a non conforming vehicle, with no DOT testing performance ratings......

doc
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on March 17, 2010, 03:11:13 PM
Such are forbidden in the states I mentioned. As they have all adopted the exact same insuring agreement as per an agreement among the various State Insurance Commissioners. Again, the LIABILITY insurance may not  have the insuring agreement altered without prior approval here. And for an ordinary risk, such wording would have to be manuscript.

I have no idea what Missouri permits a company to do. If you check your policy on the page where the exclusion is written, you will find a number on the lower left with an edition date to the right.  This will tell me if this is a standard clause , manuscript clause, or specific to Missouri.

NYS etal long since decided that such clauses were not in the public interest and do not permit them.  Here you may CANCEL the policy at anniversary, you may NOT deny the liability claim. The exceptuion is if there was proveable, intentional  FRAUD on the original application.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on March 17, 2010, 03:35:49 PM
Such are forbidden in the states I mentioned. As they have all adopted the exact same insuring agreement as per an agreement among the various State Insurance Commissioners. Again, the LIABILITY insurance may not  have the insuring agreement altered without prior approval here. And for an ordinary risk, such wording would have to be manuscript.

I have no idea what Missouri permits a company to do. If you check your policy on the page where the exclusion is written, you will find a number on the lower left with an edition date to the right.  This will tell me if this is a standard clause , manuscript clause, or specific to Missouri.

NYS etal long since decided that such clauses were not in the public interest and do not permit them.  Here you may CANCEL the policy at anniversary, you may NOT deny the liability claim. The exceptuion is if there was proveable, intentional  FRAUD on the original application.

Peter......I read you the provision from my policy.......I further stated that this is not about state regulations on insurance.....this is about the process involved in the CREATION and initial underwriting of insurance for a particular vehicle......what I'm discussing happens WAY before an insurance company even thinks about creation of a policy that will conform to various state regulations.

You likely know a lot about SELLING insurance, but it is obvious that you know little about how it is actually created at the initial underwriting level......

Continuing this conversation is analogous to a green grocer lecturing a farmer on how to raise produce......

Since you keep returning to your litany which doesn't address the actual issue......the discussion is over......

doc
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on March 18, 2010, 09:19:28 AM
Look at this poor bastard :rofl:
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nPDFLztqhJk/S6ArZcJUktI/AAAAAAAAEM0/18-3fcatvkY/s720/DSC_5711.JPG)

http://www.zcar.com/forums/read/1/2132067
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ 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
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 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.
 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on March 19, 2010, 11:05:31 PM
Dash Repair
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_DSC00372.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=DSC00372.jpg) (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_DSC00399.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=DSC00399.jpg) (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_DSC00405.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=DSC00405.jpg)
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_DSC00420.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=DSC00420.jpg) (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_DSC00414.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=DSC00414.jpg) (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_DSC00417.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=DSC00417.jpg)
http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23919

I'm looking forward to doing this.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris 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.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ 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
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris 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.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ 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)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris on March 27, 2010, 10:07:44 PM
Step 1: Collect underpants...

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/seatprogress2.jpg)
After much huffing and puffing, the old seat cover has been removed.

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/seatprogress1.jpg)
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.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ 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
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 on March 28, 2010, 07:28:33 PM
maybe jute:
http://www.onlinefabricstore.net/upholstery-supplies/webbing/jute-webbing/jute-webbing.htm
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on March 28, 2010, 09:09:04 PM
maybe jute:
http://www.onlinefabricstore.net/upholstery-supplies/webbing/jute-webbing/jute-webbing.htm

Thats it....

doc
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris 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?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ 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
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn 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


Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris 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.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 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.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn 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? 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris 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 (http://www.conservativecave.com/index.php/topic,21194.msg459942.html#msg459942).  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:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris 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.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Wineslob 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)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Peter3_1 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.

Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ 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. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn 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.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ 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.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: cavegal on August 10, 2010, 06:01:06 PM
sweet!!!
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on August 18, 2010, 02:25:47 PM
Crap! :banghead:

I put the wrong seat cover on.  No wonder the brackets for the belt and seat back wouldn't fit.  Now I have to do it all over again. :bawl:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Eupher on August 18, 2010, 03:58:40 PM
Crap! :banghead:

I put the wrong seat cover on.  No wonder the brackets for the belt and seat back wouldn't fit.  Now I have to do it all over again. :bawl:

I had something similar happen to me when I put front brakes on the Sienna. Had to tear it apart and start over. Fortunately, it wasn't much but my garage was an absolute steam bath and I couldn't see through all the sweat/burning in my eyes. A real PITA.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on August 18, 2010, 06:08:21 PM
Hopefully I can get this damn seat put back together and start pulling the dashboard out.  My defogger doesn't work very well and the car fogs up at the smallest hint of rain.

The blower works, but the door actuator is vacuum-controlled and I'm guessing the problem is a leaky hose somewhere.  At least 90% of the commentary I'm seeing on the various Datsun forums repeats this claim.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on August 19, 2010, 10:17:40 PM
Welding practice is sort of coming along.  I'm using 18-gauge steel and I'm getting some burn-through.  I've seen some instructions that suggest using a copper backing plate to diffuse the heat.  I guess that's my next step -- I forgot about that today.  I doubt I'll be tackling the frame rails by myself but there's plenty of other, small rusty sections that need to be sorted out before I can get a paint job.

Sorry, no pictures yet.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Wineslob on August 20, 2010, 12:47:23 PM
Welding practice is sort of coming along.  I'm using 18-gauge steel and I'm getting some burn-through.  I've seen some instructions that suggest using a copper backing plate to diffuse the heat.  I guess that's my next step -- I forgot about that today.  I doubt I'll be tackling the frame rails by myself but there's plenty of other, small rusty sections that need to be sorted out before I can get a paint job.

Sorry, no pictures yet.

With 18 ga, you pretty much have to use the copper. MIG I take it? 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on August 20, 2010, 12:56:32 PM
Flux-core arc welder.  I don't want to keep bottles of gas in my apartment. :(
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on August 20, 2010, 04:15:19 PM
Managed to get the steering wheel and most of the dashboard off without hitting myself in the face with it.  The dash seems to be caught up on something.

Damn, this thing is filthy.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Wineslob on August 20, 2010, 04:28:33 PM
Flux-core arc welder.  I don't want to keep bottles of gas in my apartment. :(


Ugghh. Fluxcore is teh sux. It's very difficult to do sheetmetal with it. A mini mig from HF would be better and the gas (Argon/c02) is no biggie.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on August 22, 2010, 10:03:27 PM
I've taken every screw I can find out of the dashboard and it still won't budge. :banghead:

On a positive note, I fixed my defogger.  I taped up the rest of the blower holes with duct tape.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on August 27, 2010, 04:01:29 PM
I'm hearing an odd noise coming from the back of my car.  It could be something loose or vibrating on the inside, but the noise is coming from the area around the gas tank.  It only happens when I go above 75mph and not a mile sooner.  As soon as I pass 74mph, the noise starts.  I'm thinking it could be related to the fuel pump since it sounds like it might be an electric motor or a soda can full of ball bearings.  At that speed the engine is turning about 3,300 rpm but it doesn't happen at any other speeds under 75 (I can do 50mph in 4th gear at 3,300 rpm and still not hear the same noise).

As soon as my co-worker gets here, I'm going to have him help me find it.  I'm going to go empty my car out now.

It sort of sounds like this, but not as bad.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGHSnQ_aMVY[/youtube]



edit: nevermind, I found it.  Some sort of luggage rack or bracket on the floor.  I shimmed it with a piece of rubber. :thatsright:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on August 30, 2010, 10:58:20 PM
Rust-free California 2-seater. 
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/new1.jpg)

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/new2.jpg)

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/new5.jpg)

Red!  Aaaaugh!!!  YUCK!
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/inside.jpg)

Looks like the owner side-swiped a tree, but it's 10x better than the rust I have to deal with on my other car. 

Not an ounce of rust...
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/norust1.jpg)

Body damage:
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_damage7.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=damage7.jpg) (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_damage6.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=damage6.jpg) (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_damage5.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=damage5.jpg) (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_damage4.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=damage4.jpg) (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_damage3.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=damage3.jpg) (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/th_damage1.jpg) (http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/?action=view&current=damage1.jpg)

Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on August 30, 2010, 11:03:52 PM
A few small problems with the new car, but it's easy stuff.

- Needs a new thermostat and is probably low on coolant.
- The gas-sending unit is not reading on the dashboard, but the low-fuel warning light does work.  I'll have to figure it the old-fashioned way until I get it home.   
- There is a leak in one of the exhaust manifold ports, but I have a full set of gaskets for the car.

Other than that, I can't think of anything.  The steering on this thing is tight.  I did a quick slalom on an empty back road and the thing handles twice as good as my current rust bucket.  I did remember to crawl under the car this time and check the frame rails and undercarriage.  Perfect condition.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Eupher on August 31, 2010, 06:37:31 AM
So you're looking to dump your current car and pick up this one? Do a bit of surgery to the interior due to the red?   :popcorn:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on August 31, 2010, 09:26:14 AM
I bought that one yesterday for the same price I got my current one for.  It was a steal.

I'm going to keep the current one as a parts car since the '82 and '83 are nearly identical.  I will definitely do something about that awful red color.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on August 31, 2010, 04:40:24 PM
The red interior is my favorite part of a ZX! 

Yours is just faded a bit.  Check out this beauty:
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s233/ignitethefire65/RedLateClothGLeBAY.jpg)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on August 31, 2010, 07:27:27 PM
Finally got this thing home.  I think I'm in love.  Or it's just the fumes from the exhaust leak.

I don't know what the owner was talking about... the suspension on this thing is tight.  You hit a bump in mine and it wallows and bounces.  Oh, and the brakes on this thing are the shit.  Stop on a dime.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on August 31, 2010, 07:38:25 PM
The red interior is my favorite part of a ZX! 

Yours is just faded a bit.  Check out this beauty:
:hammer:

Growing up, the neighbors across the street had one of those 70's luxo-barge Ford Thunderbirds.  It was red, red, red (with a white landau vinyl top).  It looked like a rolling cow barn.

I'm thinking of ways to incorporate the gray and black interior from one car in the red interior of the other. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on August 31, 2010, 08:12:46 PM
Using the gray and black as accent pieces with the red?  That would be neat.  Maybe if you just got rid of the red carpets, the red seats, and did something with the door panels? 

That red seemed to be a really popular color way back when.  That, and tan. 

Also, I am totally jealous of your new acquisition. I am really missing my ZX right now.  :bawl:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on August 31, 2010, 08:15:39 PM
The red carpet is torn up in the front, so it will need to be replaced eventually.  This new car is awesome but the 3-speed automatic it came with really, really sucks.

I'm thinking since the other car has a near-terminal case of rust to throw some snow tires on it and drive it during the winter and save the 2-seater for summer. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on August 31, 2010, 08:38:44 PM
I just noticed the autotragic shifter!  I've never driven one, much less seen one with the autotragic.  Is it really that bad?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on August 31, 2010, 08:44:31 PM
Yeah, it pretty much sucks.  The gear ratios are so wide, this thing can't even get out of its own way.  It's okay for cruising, but that's about all.  Driving it is more like this:

first
seeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeecoooooooooooooooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd
thirrrrd
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on August 31, 2010, 09:02:51 PM
If you think the 3-speed is bad, check this out. :bawl:

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/digitaldash_sm.jpg)
Temperature and fuel gauge don't work.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on August 31, 2010, 09:36:39 PM
I dug up some directions on swapping from a digital to analog gauge cluster last night.  I can't remember if the three console gauges are digital, too, or just the ones in the main cluster. 

IIRC, all that is required are parts from an analog car, nothing special. 


105K miles.  Lucky.  :p
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on August 31, 2010, 09:44:22 PM
I thought the digital dash had an entirely different wiring harness.  Got anything with pictures?

I'm poking through the archives on Zcar, but there's like 5000 results.

My biggest concern right now are the coolant temperature gauge and fuel gauge.  I can fudge the fuel level since the warning light still works, but I don't want any overheating issues.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on August 31, 2010, 09:57:45 PM
According to the nerds at Zcar, there is a fuse soldered to the dash that controls the fuel and temp gauge.  I'm wondering if the previous owner blew that fuse when he pulled the radio out since they are connected.

At least he didn't break anything else.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on August 31, 2010, 10:04:16 PM
Looks like you need the analog cluster, wiring harness, and fuel and temp sending units.  Supposedly, everything is plug and play.  

Also, some guys look like they have problems getting their harnesses from cars with manual heater controls, and trying to put that harness into a car with automatic controls.  IIRC, your donor car has auto controls already, so you're prepared for that eventuality.  

I wish I could find something more authoritative and concise, but I just gleaned what I could from the zcar.com search function.  :p  


I have to pull the dash on my 96 850 Turbo here pretty soon.  I'll trade you any day for that headache!  :thatsright:


Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on August 31, 2010, 10:05:23 PM
According to the nerds at Zcar, there is a fuse soldered to the dash that controls the fuel and temp gauge.  I'm wondering if the previous owner blew that fuse when he pulled the radio out since they are connected.

At least he didn't break anything else.

Yeah, I came across that last night, too.  I figured you were hellbent on getting rid of the dash though, so I didn't mention it.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 01, 2010, 12:13:53 PM
Cool... I still have the shiny trim plate that goes in behind the side window I snagged from the Pull-A-Part.  I hate the black plastic onces.
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/Datsun_280ZX_SeriesI_vs_SeriesII.jpg)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 01, 2010, 07:28:57 PM
I got my Garmin Nuvi in the mail today and the PO disconnected the cigarette lighter.  Now I have to find out which wire is the hot one. :banghead:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on September 01, 2010, 07:46:37 PM
Brown?  I wished I had my ZX manual.  It is over at my parent's house.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 01, 2010, 07:54:58 PM
White/red and black (ground).  If it wasn't for Xenon (http://www.xenons130.com/reference.html)'s site, I think I'd go crazy.

The PO left me with a rat's nest of wires to deal with.  Why do radios have to be so damn complex?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on September 01, 2010, 08:31:37 PM
IIRC, red/white was ignition hot.  I thought the cig lighter was hot all the time?  Maybe I'm confused.  :hammer:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 01, 2010, 08:39:56 PM
Whatever it is, I'm pretty sure the kid I bought the car from cut the connector off the end of it.  There are only a couple wires in that general area that still have their connectors intact.  Everything else was cut to get the radio out. :mad:

Good news, the coolant leak seems to be very minor. There is a skid plate under the radiator to protect the automatic-transmission cooling lines running under the engine.  There is a little bit of coolant pooling up down there, but not much.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 01, 2010, 09:17:56 PM
I went to one of the used tire places that line Nolensville Road here in Nashville to get my tires balanced.  Turns out the tread on both rear tires were separating -- no wonder I had such a rough ride home.  I spent $60 on a decent pair of used ones, but it's almost impossible to find 14-inch tires any more.  I'm seriously considering doing a 5-lug Honda conversion or finding another 4-lug pattern that I can get a 15-inch wheel for.  One of my friends has a set of 14-inch tires in good condition that he has no use for. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on September 01, 2010, 11:53:54 PM
FYI, the turbo wheels are 15", and bolt right on. 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Datsun-Nissan-280zx-Turbo-Rims-/180555610571?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2a09f3f9cb#ht_500wt_1182

You'd need center caps, too, at around $60 a set.   
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 02, 2010, 09:28:45 AM
Damn, those are fugly.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Odin's Hand on September 02, 2010, 09:31:03 AM
Damn, those are fugly.

Yet, vehicle period correct.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 02, 2010, 09:50:32 AM
They look like the wheels that came with the Pontiac Fiero: http://www.theautopartsshop.com/Search/Default.aspx?Pat=1984+Pontiac+Fiero+Wheel&Key=Year+Auto+Car-USA+Parts&gcode=PontiacFiero1984LKQALY01370U107644&gpartnum=84PonFiero%2FLKQALY01370U10
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 06, 2010, 08:59:57 AM
Finally got both cars back here.  All is well with the universe... until something else happens.
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/bothcars.jpg)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 07, 2010, 11:00:19 PM
I loathe rotating tires.  Ugh.  There's some uneven wear on the front two tires and a lot of steering wheel vibration at 50-55 mph.  I'm  moving two good tires from car #1 over to car #2... I hope that fixes it or I'll be needing an alignment.  Probably need new bushings anyway.

For some reason, I keep losing lug nuts off car #2.  This is the second one I've had to replace this week. :mad:


Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on September 07, 2010, 11:48:12 PM
At least your Datsuns aren't eating wheel studs.  That was always my problem.   :thatsright:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 08, 2010, 12:10:17 AM
Finished... looks like the old tires were the problem.  I'm going to take it in for an alignment or at least have someone look at it just in case.  I don't want this thing chewing through tires. 

Oh man, this thing is sweet -- handles real smooth.  Not the tiniest bit of vibration or shaking.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on September 08, 2010, 07:31:36 PM
Chris,

Here are two crappy pictures of the 14" wheels I have on the 240.  I have no idea what make they are.  There is an American Racing wheel from that time period that is close, but the dish is nowhere close to the three inch rim depth these have:

(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s233/ignitethefire65/IMAGE_565.jpg)
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s233/ignitethefire65/IMG_1756.jpg)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 08, 2010, 11:15:25 PM
Nice.  Is that a steel wheel with a chrome wheel ring on it?  I've been considering switching to steel wheels but I haven't found a pattern I like yet.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on September 09, 2010, 04:38:41 PM
Those wheels are all aluminum; no steel, no trim rings.   Have you considered having your snowflake wheels you have on the car right now polished up?  They are rather striking when done up that way, albeit a little more higher maintenance to keep shiny. That is the "other" pair of wheels I run on the 240.   
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 09, 2010, 06:01:52 PM
They are nice but they're a hassle to keep clean and I've had to fork out money to have at least one straightened.  I'm looking for 15-inch steel ones I can dress up with some rings.  I came across some wide stainless steel or chrome rings on a Buick Skylark that looked really nice but I can't find the picture. 

Checking out TireRack.com, they only have three 14-inch tires available but have 42 tires for the larger wheel.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on September 09, 2010, 07:49:06 PM
This might help  (4x4.5 or 4x 114.3mm).  I have it bookmarked from when I was looking for wheels for my MG, which uses the same size as what you are after.
Acura Legend 86-91, CL, Vigor

Buick - Special '61-'63

Chevy II all  4-bolt

Chevy Corvair all 4 bolt

Chevy Sprint '85-'87

Chevy Nova ('61-'70)

Chevy Corvair all 4-bolt

Datsun/Nissan - most models to '89

Datsun roadster -early

Datsun 240SX 89 - 94, 95-up 4 cyl

Datsun 200SX - early

Dodge Colt, Plymouth Arrow RWD 79 - 92

Dodge/Chrysler/Eagle - most 4 lug 83 - 92

Eagle Summit 86 - 92

Ford Capri 91 - 91

Ford Festiva

Ford Mustang all 65 - 68 all 4-bolt

Ford Mustang II

Ford Falcon all 4-bolt

Ford Maverick all 4-bolt

Ford Granada all 4-bolt

Geo Metro

Honda Accord 90 up except V6 Accord

Honda Prelude 92-up

Hyundai all

Infinity G20 91 - 94

Infinity M30 90 - 92

Mazda 323 86 - 89

Mazda 626 88 - 91

Mazda GLC 81 - 85

Mazda RX-7 GSL 84 - 85

Mazda RX-7 SE 86 - 88

MGA, MGB all 4 bolt (14")

Mitsubishi/Eagle

Mitsubishi Gallant 83 - 97

Mitsubishi Mirage 88 - 92

Mitsubishi Precis 87 - 94

Nissan/Datsun - most models to 89

Nissan 200SX 80 - 88*

Nissan Altima, Stanza 93 - 98

Nissan 240Z*, 260Z, 280Z /ZX*, turbo 70 - 85

Nissan 510

Nissan B210

Oldsmobile - F-85 61 - 63

Plymouth - Arrow 79 - 88

Plymouth - Sapporo 79 - 88

Plymouth-Mitsubishi Conquest (15")

SAAB - 900  79 to '87 come in 5.5 x 14, 5.5 x 15, or 6 x 15 *

Suzuki Swift 89 - 98

Toyota - most exc. MR2 and P.U. to 89

Toyota Celica RWD

Toyota Corolla RWD

Toyota Supra 4 lug

Triumph TR 2-6

Volvo P1800 68 - 70


Credit to:  http://pages.prodigy.net/larryhoy/mgwheelinterchange.htm (http://pages.prodigy.net/larryhoy/mgwheelinterchange.htm)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 09, 2010, 07:54:10 PM
Oh, good.  There's plenty of those around here.

I had another wacky ride home... I think I may need an alignment.  I managed to fix another squeak and rattle.  That spare tire sure is noisy.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on September 09, 2010, 08:01:35 PM
What happened?  Did you lose a wheel?   :-)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 09, 2010, 08:03:51 PM
No.  I had all four wheels balanced today but I'm still getting lots of vibration above 70mph.  I'm thinking maybe the camber or toe-in may be off on the front wheels.

When did alignments get so expensive?  I remember when they were 30 bucks.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 09, 2010, 08:18:16 PM
Funky... my car has the blue-and-yellow California plates, but according to the CA DMV, the blue plates were not issued after 1982. 

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/plates/licenseplthistory.htm
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on September 09, 2010, 08:22:09 PM
Are the tires you bought bad?  I hate dealing with shimmies and shakes.

Also, if you are good with some stakes, string, and a dial caliper, you can set your own alignment.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 09, 2010, 08:24:17 PM
I don't know.  They look OK... no dry rot, wear, or exposed metal.  Just regular-looking normal tires.  I had to go through this with the other car and I found out one of the front wheels was out-of-round.  Damn alloy wheels.

...and I just remembered I took those front wheels off of car #1, so they should be good.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on September 09, 2010, 08:32:00 PM
You can get a bad new tire, so a used bad tire is perfectly within the realm of possibilities, too.  Maybe try switching one wheel off of the other car, and rotate that one wheel to all four corners, driving it on each corner, and maybe you'll catch your culprit? 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Eupher on September 11, 2010, 07:58:07 AM
Over time, I think that tires get funky anyway and crappy tires are more susceptible to "funkiness".

About 45,000 miles ago I bought a set of Hankooks for my Sienna minivan. Lots of whirring and "out-of-round" sounds, but no shimmy or shakes. I did the brakes all around and the sounds stayed. Especially noticeable at highway speeds. Finally, just yesterday, I put a brand-new set of Goodyears on the van. Sounds are gone.

Lesson learned. Hankooks are crappy tires. I had 45K on 'em and while they weren't bald, they damn sure didn't behave very well in the rain. I gotsta have good rubber on the car. Will pay extra for that security.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 11, 2010, 01:04:50 PM
I will probably stick with the 14-inch wheels for now.  I've narrowed my choices down to a few tires.

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/205-70-14.jpg)
TireVan (http://www.tirevan.com/default.aspx)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on September 11, 2010, 02:48:28 PM
Have you considered the Sumitomo HTR 200?  My brother has those Solus tires on his TSX.  He liked the tread pattern better.  :rotf:
I know that he really has trouble with them in the wet, and they are a bit noisy, and he really hates them now.  I have never owned General or Michelins in the model you listed,  so I can't comment on their veracity.   

I bought a set of Sumitomos about five or six years ago, because my local tire guy was out of the Falkens that I wanted.  For the price, I don't think you can beat them.  I have them on three of my four cars now(the Continental ContiSport on the Volvo haven't worn out yet). 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 11, 2010, 03:45:48 PM
The Sumimoto has half the treadlife rating of the others.  Other than that, it's pretty similar on price and features.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Wineslob on September 13, 2010, 04:36:38 PM
Funky... my car has the blue-and-yellow California plates, but according to the CA DMV, the blue plates were not issued after 1982. 

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/plates/licenseplthistory.htm


The car probaby had the plates taken at some point, possibly a State transfer? Is it a Ca. car?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 14, 2010, 04:55:34 PM
Good... the Pull-A-Part is going to buy my Volvo from me for what I paid for it.  I'm finally getting rid of it.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on September 14, 2010, 08:54:13 PM
I wish I were closer.  I'd probably buy some parts off of you 240 before it hit the scrap yard.  :p
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 14, 2010, 08:56:09 PM
What did you need?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on September 14, 2010, 09:21:02 PM
I'm after the center console (the bit behind the gear shifter that also holds the seatbelt light for the rear passengers), although yours probably looks like mine- crushed! 

If yours has the third brake light, I am after the plastic cover that goes around the light.

I'm also after the two pieces inside the red box:  the trim around the door handle, and the piece of trim behind the door handle:
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s233/ignitethefire65/Volvo-240-Door-Pocket.jpg)


I don't need the door pockets, but if yours has them, and they are in good shape, I would suggest you put them on ebay.  They bring good money.  I paid $70 for mine, and had to fight a couple other bidders to get them.


Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 14, 2010, 10:08:32 PM
I'll make a list and try to get to Hendersonville early.  The interior is blue and is in pretty good shape.

It's going to the Pull-A-Part, so it will still be around for a few weeks. 

I fixed the cigarette lighter, ammeter volt meter, oil pressure gauge, door, dome, and navigator lights.  There was a loose fuse and I managed to find the correct ground point for the cigarette lighter circuit.  I thought I had checked all the fuses, or its one of those that like to wiggle loose during driving.  Now I can plug in my GPS.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 15, 2010, 02:21:04 PM
That took entirely too long.

I got the outer trim pieces from the two front door handles.  The brake light cover was broken, and I didn't have time to get the console cover for you.  It went to another junkyard and the guy they sent didn't speak English and got lost on the way back here.

I'm rid of the damn thing.  Thank God.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 16, 2010, 10:58:24 PM
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s233/ignitethefire65/IMAGE_565.jpg)

I'm headed to the Pull-A-Part tomorrow to scrounge some hydraulic parts off an early 300ZX (they're a bolt-on for a manual transmission swap on the 280ZX).  They have a '76 280Z... is there anything you're interested in?  I'll see if I can grab it for you.  I may be taking the cylinder head and valve cover while I'm there if I have the time.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on September 16, 2010, 11:33:11 PM
Thanks for the offer, Chris.  I can't think of anything immediately off the top of my head, though.  Except for rust-free floors.  :-)

If your valve cover is not in bad shape, you can polish them.  I'll attach a picture of mine tomorrow.  I'll wipe it down, but pay no attention to the rest of the dust bunnies under the hood.  :p
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 16, 2010, 11:37:09 PM
Yes, but I'm lazy and I'd like to polish the cover off the car if I can.  It's awfully large and I imagine it takes a while to polish something the size of a small refrigerator.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on September 17, 2010, 12:31:49 AM
Quote
It's awfully large and I imagine it takes a while to polish something the size of a small refrigerator.
:lmao:


I've only polished one from "scratch".  It did take some time, but very rewarding.  Your car is a bit wider than mine, too.  I would break my back trying to lean over that thing and polish it! 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 17, 2010, 12:36:06 AM
The valve cover on car #1 is pretty crusty and covered in some funny green color.  I really don't want to try to clean all that off in the driveway.  Plus, there is a breather/blower motor on the ZX model that covers the center part of the valve cover.  It's a pain in the butt to deal with... apparently, it was installed to cool the cylinder head and prevent vapor lock.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 17, 2010, 02:36:10 PM
My trip was a bust.  There was enough difference in clutch parts between the 300ZX and the 280ZX to make me wonder if it would even fit.  After bashing my head into the bare steering column for the third time trying to get to the pedal brackets, I gave up.  Screw it... I'll pull the parts from the car I already have.  At least I know those fit.

The 280Z does have some really clean tail light covers.  I'm going back tomorrow for the valve cover (I wasn't entirely sure if it would fit my car.  Looks like it does.)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on September 17, 2010, 07:00:11 PM
It will fit your car, no problem.  Also, the black plastic going over the valve cover was supposed to blow air on the intake manifold/injectors.  Rarely have I seen one with the fan still working. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 18, 2010, 05:14:36 PM
I lost my 1/4-inch rachet driver.  :censored::mad:

Picked up an exhaust flange gasket that I neglected to order with the others.  Hopefully it's a simple job of unbolting the collector pipe from the head and exhaust tube.  I really need to get this exhaust leak fixed but I'll need to fix the clutch on the other car so I can drive it.

Man, it's hot outside today. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 30, 2010, 02:53:51 PM
One freshly rebuilt master cylinder.
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/PICT0147_sm.jpg)

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/PICT0150_sm.jpg)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on October 06, 2010, 06:05:36 PM
The fuel line going to what I'm guessing is the cold start valve got swapped out at some point for a porous, fabric-type hose that leaked fuel like crazy.  I think it might have something to do with the poor start/run conditions I've been dealing with.  Swapped it out with an appropriate hose and everything seems to be running a bit better at this point. 

Also, a 1/2-inch clamp is not a suitable replacement for a 1/4.  Nothing like getting a gasoline spritz right in the face.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on October 06, 2010, 06:35:52 PM
The fuel line going to what I'm guessing is the cold start valve got swapped out at some point for a porous, fabric-type hose that leaked fuel like crazy.  I think it might have something to do with the poor start/run conditions I've been dealing with.  Swapped it out with an appropriate hose and everything seems to be running a bit better at this point. 

Also, a 1/2-inch clamp is not a suitable replacement for a 1/4.  Nothing like getting a gasoline spritz right in the face.

That fabric braided hose may have been the original hose.  I've replaced several such hoses on my Zs, but couldn't tell you if the one to the cold start valve was cloth braided originally. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on October 06, 2010, 06:44:42 PM
I wasn't sure if it was original or not.  After my experience with the previous owner, I naturally assumed he put the wrong type of hose on the fuel line.  That thing sweat so much fuel, my guess is that it was causing a drop in pressure.  Whenever I drove somewhere and shut the car off, I always had a hard time getting it to start again. 

I'm still looking for the coolant leak but haven't gotten around to removing the skid plate and checking the lines running to the transmission.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on October 20, 2010, 07:21:58 PM
I'm surprised this damn car hasn't exploded yet.  I swapped out the spark plugs with new ones and noticed that two of the plug wires were cut and the core was exposed.  By what, I have no idea, but I swapped them out with the ones on the other car.  Fired right up and ran pretty well even accounting for the exhaust leak.  Sputtered a bit but it didn't stall at the store like it was doing before during short trips.

I really need to fix that exhaust leak.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on October 23, 2010, 05:59:27 PM
I guess we'll try this again.

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/cylinderhead.jpg)

Broke a couple studs off, so I had to bring the exhaust manifold home with me.  This one looks a little nicer than the last one I picked up.  The camshaft looks usable, which is good.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: true_blood on October 26, 2010, 08:14:23 PM
The studs holding the exhaust broke? Now, what do you do to get that exhaust off? Have them tapped, maybe?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on October 26, 2010, 08:15:53 PM
Yes.  I picked up a torch and a set of extractor bits.  I made some progress drilling pilot holes for them yesterday.  I'm going to cut the header pipes off the manifold flange with an angle grinder later, because this thing weighs about a hundred pounds with the pipes attached.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: true_blood on October 26, 2010, 08:18:57 PM
I take it you are using new headers? Going to clean up the heads as well?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on October 26, 2010, 08:21:45 PM
Yes and yes.  I'm just going to clean it up and swap it out with the head on the '82.  The last N47 head I picked up was slightly warped... I managed to get this one off without warping it.

Can't find my pipe wrench. :mad:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: true_blood on October 26, 2010, 08:23:33 PM
Very nice. Is this for the daily driver or the "spare" car?
Good luck man! :cheersmate:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on October 26, 2010, 08:27:18 PM
I haven't really decided.  I may put it on the daily driver to make it a little more interesting, but I have to fix a few problems first.  It's still difficult to start when it's warm, so I'm going to swap the cold start valve and thermotime switch over from the other car to see if that fixes it.  If not, I get to take the glove compartment out to get to the fuel pump relay.  The fuel pump in the newer car is loud compared to the other car -- I'm wondering if the relay is overheating and causing the pump to work overtime.

Kinda wish I didn't have to be at work tomorrow.  It rained today and I didn't get anything done.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: true_blood on October 26, 2010, 08:30:25 PM
It's always something with cars Chris, but I still love'em. (The same with women! lol :lmao:)
Good luck! :cheersmate: Let us know you made out.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: true_blood on October 28, 2010, 08:18:15 PM
Make any progress on the header and manifold/head?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on October 28, 2010, 08:19:33 PM
No, I've been busy with the finicky fuel system on the other car and my new job.  I'm going to swap over a couple sensors Friday after work (if I survive).
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: true_blood on October 28, 2010, 08:22:07 PM
Very cool man. Good luck! :cheersmate:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on October 28, 2010, 08:32:52 PM
The dumb kid I bought it from said something about his dad replacing the distributor.  I really can't figure it out.  Runs like crap when warm, runs fine when cold.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on October 29, 2010, 07:35:18 PM
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zxturbo.jpg)

I have to admit, the turbo wheels do look good on this model.  I think I may have to reconsider not buying a set.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: true_blood on October 29, 2010, 08:27:46 PM
Did you get a chance to work on it today Chris?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on October 29, 2010, 08:28:30 PM
Naw, it got dark two hours ago.  I'll mess with it tomorrow.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on October 30, 2010, 05:10:49 PM
Well, the throttle valve sensor is not the culprit.  I replaced some cracked vacuum lines (20 feet of hose -- damn California emissions) and it's running a bit smoother, but the start/stall issue is still there.

I'll check the air flow meter and fuel relay tomorrow.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: true_blood on October 30, 2010, 05:24:16 PM
She's keeping you busy, that's for sure. Sounds like a "heat soak" issue maybe. Maybe take off the starter and check the solenoids. Some of the bolts may be loose? How close is the starter to the header(s)? Maybe try wrapping the header or headers?
Good luck man! :cheersmate:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on October 30, 2010, 05:32:59 PM
The starter is fine.  It's the stalling immediately afterward that I'm having a problem with.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on October 31, 2010, 12:57:46 AM
How close is the starter to the header(s)? Maybe try wrapping the header or headers?
Good luck man! :cheersmate:

ZX have a gear reduction starter that sits on the opposite side of the motor (not a crossflow engine design). 

I had a problem similar that I traced to a problem with the air flow flap meter.

You might also want to check and make sure your throttle position sensor is set properly. 

Best of luck, man.  I hate working on stuff when it is cold.   :p
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on October 31, 2010, 04:35:16 PM
Fugh.  I finally got the cold start and thermotime valves swapped over from the other car.  The cold start valve on the '82 is slightly larger than the one that was installed on the '83 and I had a hell of a time getting the fuel lines back in place.  The termotime valve is only activated when the water temp reads 170 or higher, so I may have to take it for a drive to make sure it's fixed, but it fired right up after I got everything bolted back together. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on October 31, 2010, 07:07:04 PM
That was disappointing.  Looks like I'm back at square one.

I did get $20 off a new K&N filter, so that's cool.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on October 31, 2010, 08:43:18 PM
I had a problem similar that I traced to a problem with the air flow flap meter.

You might also want to check and make sure your throttle position sensor is set properly. 
That's next on my list.  I grabbed an EFI supplement to the factory service manual that Datsun uses.  I'll just have to take my time and run down each test one at a time.  My fuel pump is pretty loud, though, so I may check it first.

I'm planning ahead (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=14893232&findingMethod=rr) for the cold weather this year.

Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on October 31, 2010, 11:00:17 PM
That's next on my list.  I grabbed an EFI supplement to the factory service manual that Datsun uses.  I'll just have to take my time and run down each test one at a time.  My fuel pump is pretty loud, though, so I may check it first.

I'm planning ahead (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=14893232&findingMethod=rr) for the cold weather this year.



I have a pair of those.  They work.  Make sure your feet stay warm, too. 

When we go skeet shooting and target shooting in the winter (we've went when it is as cold as 2 degrees F before), I wear my coveralls, and my pair of Redwing work boots.  My trigger finger gives out long before I even notice the cold.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 09, 2010, 07:26:41 PM
My radiator is leaking. :mad:

It's not the original core.  Looks like someone welded this thing in their garage.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: true_blood on November 09, 2010, 07:45:59 PM
One thing after another, huh Chris?
That's cars for ya. :banghead:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 09, 2010, 08:10:55 PM
I knew it was leaking when I bought it. I just didn't know from where.  Good thing it's a slow leak but buying coolant is getting expensive.

Going to unplug the MAF tomorrow to see if it fixes my hot idle/start problem.  Nothing's worked yet.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: true_blood on November 09, 2010, 08:27:21 PM
Good luck man!
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 10, 2010, 03:16:06 PM
This shade of red looks good on a Ferarri.

(http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/1131/aotdcolorsdarkred.jpg)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: cavegal on November 10, 2010, 03:21:57 PM
This shade of red looks good on a Ferarri.

(http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/1131/aotdcolorsdarkred.jpg)
On that model Ferrari, primer would look good on it!
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 10, 2010, 03:22:48 PM
I'm trying to decide if I want to keep the same general color or switch to something else entirely. :-)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Odin's Hand on November 10, 2010, 03:28:26 PM
I'm trying to decide if I want to keep the same general color or switch to something else entirely. :-)

Black under clear coat.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: cavegal on November 10, 2010, 03:32:03 PM
I'm trying to decide if I want to keep the same general color or switch to something else entirely. :-)
The original is that yellow with black stripe, that seemed nice.. the burgundy is nice though.   
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 10, 2010, 03:34:27 PM
I'm thinking yellow.  I might even get the racing stripes.

(http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/7094/zzzapzl.jpg)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: cavegal on November 10, 2010, 05:19:09 PM
I'm thinking yellow.  I might even get the racing stripes.

(http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/7094/zzzapzl.jpg)
I like that myself.. better than the Burgundy .
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 10, 2010, 05:56:12 PM
le sigh...

Disconnected the MAF sensor... no change (it actually made it worse.  I think this is supposed to be normal).  Ran the motor @ 3,000 rpm and disconnected the electrical connection going to each injector one at a time.  #2-5 caused the engine to stumble until it was reconnected, which is normal.  #1 and #6 produced no change in the performance of the engine.  They are either not getting a signal or they are not getting fuel, or that cylinder is not getting a spark (left my wire tester at home -- I did this at WalMart).  Also, taking off the oil filler cap causes the engine to stumble and die as well (I think it's supposed to do this).

None of this explains why it only acts this way while the engine is warm.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Thor on November 10, 2010, 06:00:40 PM
le sigh...
Also, taking off the oil filler cap causes the engine to stumble and die as well (I think this is supposed to be normal).

I don't think that's "normal". Usually, the oil is a sump type system. Opening the cap shouldn't change anything. Have you checked the compression, too??

IF deleting # 1 & 6 didn't change anything, I'd change out or clean those injectors.  I'm still leaning towards a vacuum leak someplace.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 10, 2010, 06:04:31 PM
Haven't done a compression test yet.  I forgot to do that.

Everything I've read says that removing the oil filler cap will cause the engine to stumble because it reduced crankcase vacuum and some other yadda yadda.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Thor on November 10, 2010, 06:08:21 PM
Everything I've read says that removing the oil filler cap will cause the engine to stumble because it reduced crankcase vacuum and some other yadda yadda.

Can't argue with that, just doesn't make sense The crankcase is not normally "pressurized". (positively or negatively) However, it IS a Jap car......  :fuelfire:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 10, 2010, 06:10:46 PM
I swear I've replaced every single vacuum hose on this engine.  If there's a leak somewhere, I have no clue unless there's a hole in the MAF bellows.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 10, 2010, 06:27:53 PM
My wire tester says all my plugs are getting a spark.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Thor on November 10, 2010, 07:01:37 PM
Is this an automatic or stick??
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 10, 2010, 07:05:53 PM
This one is an automatic.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: true_blood on November 10, 2010, 07:23:36 PM
Does your car look similar to the one you posted? If so, I say go for the yellow and black racing stripe. (No side stripe, it'll make the car look cleaner in my opinion.)
The car still stalls when warm/hot?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Thor on November 10, 2010, 08:17:18 PM
This one is an automatic.

Is there a modulator vacuum line? If so, was it replaced?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 10, 2010, 08:18:05 PM
Don't know... what is that?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 10, 2010, 08:29:08 PM
Here is the entire vacuum system
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/vacuum.jpg)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Thor on November 10, 2010, 09:13:40 PM
That looks a LOT like how my 310 GX engine  was set up.  Let me think on this for a bit.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 11, 2010, 08:24:24 AM
Injector #1 is definitely not working.  That is also (roughly) where the exhaust manifold leak is.  Injector #6 works, barely, when the engine is started cold.  Was not working last night when the engine was started hot.  As soon as I have some free time, I'm going to do a continuity check on both injectors and their connections.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Thor on November 11, 2010, 11:59:39 AM
Get those injectors fixed and then let's continue the troubleshooting from there. I wouldn't rule out the "control unit".
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Eupher on November 11, 2010, 03:06:02 PM
Uh...forgive my asking a pretty damned silly question, but if an engine is fuel-injected and if one or more injectors aren't working, doesn't that mean that those cylinders aren't firing? You're running a six-banger normally, two injectors are dead, so it's really a 4-banger???

 :confused:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 11, 2010, 03:08:49 PM
Pretty much. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Thor on November 11, 2010, 04:04:10 PM
Uh...forgive my asking a pretty damned silly question, but if an engine is fuel-injected and if one or more injectors aren't working, doesn't that mean that those cylinders aren't firing? You're running a six-banger normally, two injectors are dead, so it's really a 4-banger???

 :confused:

and, with 1 & 6 not firing, one might not notice it, depending on the firing order.... until they go to give it gas, etc.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 11, 2010, 06:13:13 PM
Good news.  All the injectors are getting a 12-volt signal along the wiring harness, including #1 and #6.  Got it running smoothly in the parking lot and unplugged #6 and it stumbled, same as the others.  I think there may be an intermittent or weak spark on that cylinder because I got a lower reading when I tested that wire yesterday.  I'm not sure what kind of condition my spark plug wires are in since I mixed-and-matched them from the other car last month, but I should probably buy a new set just to be safe.

#1 is definitely dead.  Should be easy enough to pull the injector and see if it's working or not. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 11, 2010, 08:13:08 PM
Hooray, I adjusted my headlights.  Jeez, no wonder I couldn't see.  On of them was pointing off into the sky.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: true_blood on November 11, 2010, 08:14:53 PM
Very cool. Maybe you're onto something Chris.
Good luck. :cheersmate:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 11, 2010, 08:27:52 PM
Picked up a bitchin' new screwdriver.  It's like three feet long and fits the injector screws perfectly.  I can't wait to try it out.  Or poke somebody with it. 

It's the small things in life that we sometimes enjoy the most. :-)



(ETA:  I had a hell of a time trying to remove the injectors from the last car I grabbed parts from.  Might as well buy the right tools and make the job easier.)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: true_blood on November 11, 2010, 08:36:11 PM
 :cheersmate: :cheersmate:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on November 12, 2010, 10:51:46 PM
Chris,

I have around half a dozen sets of injectors floating around that I will never use.  If you want a set, shoot me a PM.  They all came off of running cars, so they should work just fine.  If the injectors are not your problem, at least you can narrow that out of the equation.



Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 13, 2010, 07:09:35 AM
Thanks.  I may take you up on that.  I'll PM you my mailing address if I need them.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on November 13, 2010, 10:14:48 AM
No problem, Chris. 

I doubt it is your brain that is messing up.  They are actually pretty sturdy.  I've only ever had one go wonky on me, and I managed to re-solder the area that was bad. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 13, 2010, 12:43:19 PM
I swapped out the questionable spark plug wires with a new set and it seems to be running smoother.  Haven't had it stall on me yet, but I haven't really checked.  I tried the screwdriver-stethoscope trick but I couldn't tell if it was the injectors clicking or the valves.

I checked my car this morning before heading out and my water temperature sensor is leaking coolant, on top of the radiator dribbling on itself.  My power-steering system is loosing fluid somewhere as well.

Edit: still hard to start.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 14, 2010, 11:28:43 PM
I'll probably be an old man by the time I decide on a color. :thatsright:

Other than the advertisement, I can't find any other car online in that color.  I guess it wasn't a big seller.  I looked at some other colors and shades... yellow looks like a woman's car.  Cherry, candy, or apple red look okay and would match the original color relatively closely, but it's been overdone.  I like the original metallic grey of my other car, but I don't want two with the same paint job.  The factory Gold is not bad, but it's a little too dark.  I like this particular shade of brown, but I would have to break up the monotonous single color with some stripes on the hood and maybe a decal or badge on the side.

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/datsun280z.jpg)

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/datsunrearview.jpg)

Here is the original 'gold' from the factory:

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/factorygold.jpg)


Spoke too soon --> http://jdm-car-parts.com/special-tip/zzzap-registry-begins-track-down-existing-zzzap-cars/

No, I don't think I care for that shade of yellow either.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on November 14, 2010, 11:42:28 PM
FWIW, I always thought this ZX body styled lent itself very well to tasteful pinstripping.  You could use that as your breakup for the upper body line, and the hood, and then get one of those ZX style vinyl applications that goes just above the lower body line. 

Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 14, 2010, 11:49:43 PM
I have the vinyl rub strips on my other car... they don't look good with the grey, but they might with this color.  At least they keep me from getting a lot of door dings.

Not a huge fan of pin-striping. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on November 14, 2010, 11:56:06 PM
I'm with you there.  I only have pinstripping on one other car, and I leave it on there because I am too lazy to pull it off.  The ZX, along with a lot of other cars from that era, really seems to wear them well, though. 

Have you thought about those screw-on aluminum panels that you can get for the side?  Those would break up your lines, too.  You might want to do some serious rust proofing, first, though. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 14, 2010, 11:57:18 PM
Not sure what you mean.  Do you have a link?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 17, 2010, 05:30:09 PM
Huzzah!  I think I have a bad fuel pressure regulator. 

If the cold start system is not running, the car tends to idle low, stumble, and hesitate.  I finally got it home, sputtering and twitching the whole way.  Opened the hood and yanked the vacuum line off the FPR and the idle immediately jumps to 900 rpm and stays there. 

I don't really want to drive it with the FPR disconnected but it barely runs with it the way it is.


CRAP! The regulator on the older car has a different shaped bracket and they're not interchangeable. :mad:

Found a Beck-Arnley regulator for $45 plus shipping.  It has the correct bracket.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Eupher on November 18, 2010, 10:26:04 AM
Huzzah!  I think I have a bad fuel pressure regulator. 

If the cold start system is not running, the car tends to idle low, stumble, and hesitate.  I finally got it home, sputtering and twitching the whole way.  Opened the hood and yanked the vacuum line off the FPR and the idle immediately jumps to 900 rpm and stays there. 

I don't really want to drive it with the FPR disconnected but it barely runs with it the way it is.


CRAP! The regulator on the older car has a different shaped bracket and they're not interchangeable. :mad:

Found a Beck-Arnley regulator for $45 plus shipping.  It has the correct bracket.

good job! I'm sure that's a relief in getting that problem solved.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 18, 2010, 06:50:00 PM
Injector #1 is still not working, which may be contributing to my hard-to-start problem.  I'm going to try replacing them both at the same time but I have to mail order the new FPR unless I want to pay a 50% retail mark-up.

I may swap the digital gauge for the analog one this weekend.  I need to take a closer look at the leaking power steering, though.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Thor on November 18, 2010, 07:13:17 PM
Injector #1 is still not working, which may be contributing to my hard-to-start problem.  I'm going to try replacing them both at the same time but I have to mail order the new FPR unless I want to pay a 50% retail mark-up.

I may swap the digital gauge for the analog one this weekend.  I need to take a closer look at the leaking power steering, though.

IF the power steering isn't leaking TOO badly, I've used Transmission Stop Leak with some success. There might be a stop leak for power steering, too. Also, have you tried CLEANING the injector?? There are kits for that.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 18, 2010, 07:15:42 PM
I'm hesitant to use those stop-leak products.  I just don't trust them.   

Another problem is I don't think the '83 automatic uses the same power steering system as the '82 5-speed.  It would be a lot of work to swap them over.

I think swapping a good injector from the other car would take less time than using a cleaning kit.  I can always try that later.  It seems to work intermittently, so a dirty injector may be the cause.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Thor on November 18, 2010, 07:20:21 PM
I'm hesitant to use those stop-leak products.  I just don't trust them.  

Another problem is I don't think the '83 automatic uses the same power steering system as the '82 5-speed.  It would be a lot of work to swap them over.

I've had good luck with them, again, depending on how major the leak is. I had a steering leak in my 81 Cutlass Wagon convert (350  instead of some V6 POS), dumped some tranny stop leak in it and it was golden until I got rid of it three years later. I hated getting rid of it, but I was living in one of the counties that had a smog check up in MN. Since it was a 71 model 350 Rocket engine, it didn't have any smog equipment, which they actually DID look for, it would have never passed the physical inspection.  It's a quick fix" that may last a while or may not. Either way, it won't hurt anything.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 18, 2010, 07:29:12 PM
It's not a huge leak... maybe a cup a week, but you can definitely see it on the steering knuckle.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 20, 2010, 05:28:12 PM
Swapped out the fuel filter today and dumped a bottle of injector cleaner into a full tank.  No results yet.  My pressure regulator will be here on Tuesday.

Ford has a Merlot Metallic that I saw on a Five Hundred today.  It looks REALLY nice.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v368/mtangelo/P1010002.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v368/mtangelo/P8130020.jpg)
http://ffcars.com/forums/showpost.php?s=3ea6083747f1da271e68bfe426b00889&p=1510802&postcount=4

Also, it looks like the PS fluid is dripping directly from the steering knuckle, but it could be coming from somewhere else.  The dust boots are non-existent and are pretty shredded.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 27, 2010, 03:58:03 PM
Replaced injector #1 and all is well (or at least better) with the world. :yahoo:

Still dealing with a hard start problem.  I'll take a look at that tomorrow.  I wonder if all the gaskets on this car were replaced with silly putty at some point, because every time I strip something off, it comes with this grey film that looks like modeling clay.  Maybe the old ones are delaminating... I don't know.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Thor on November 27, 2010, 04:48:18 PM
could be some sort of gasket sealant or the rubberized gaskets have simply worn out??
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 27, 2010, 04:51:14 PM
It looks like gasket sealant.  I'm just wondering why it was necessary and if it came from the factory that way.  The only gaskets on the injectors are two o-rings.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 27, 2010, 05:46:11 PM
What an odd day.  Some neighborhood goons gave me some shit for my "totally 80's" choice of cars.  The pathetic part?  They were walking.

My brother seems to have acquired a new vehicle that has locking lugs on one wheel.  That wheel just happens to have a flat tire, so I get to haul my extractors and angle grinder over there tomorrow.  I can't find my big set of Vise Grips... they might come in handy. :(
Hopefully I will have enough time to replace my FPR while I'm there.

The older car is becoming a parts car more and more every week.  I don't feel motivated to put things back on when I take them off, so it's slowly filling up with parts and pieces.  I should probably get around to changing that flat tire, though.  I don't want to damage that wheel.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: true_blood on November 28, 2010, 03:16:47 PM
What an odd day.  Some neighborhood goons gave me some shit for my "totally 80's" choice of cars.  The pathetic part?  They were walking.
Some douche bags just don't appreciate cars. They look at them as "appliances".
Not I. :-)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Thor on November 28, 2010, 04:26:46 PM
Well, after all, it IS a classless 80s vintage car.......... :fuelfire: :tongue: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :-)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 28, 2010, 04:27:55 PM
Says the guy who likes his Nissan Sentra.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 28, 2010, 07:54:50 PM
http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/slideshow/1803105

Neat... take that, factory service manual.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Thor on November 28, 2010, 08:47:06 PM
Get it right Chris, it's a 79 Datsun 310GX. (Ooops, that's a classic 70's CAR!!!  :o :-) ) Only reason I like that car is that I could squeak almost 40 mpg out of it and it doesn't look half bad with some nice rims on it.  I also know that vehicle's power train inside & out...... but that's another story........
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 28, 2010, 08:52:43 PM
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010/03/curbside-classic-outtake-nissans-datsun-rabbitgolf-imitation/

Congratulations, you owned a Pulsar (which was eventually replaced by the Sentra).
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Thor on November 28, 2010, 08:58:10 PM
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010/03/curbside-classic-outtake-nissans-datsun-rabbitgolf-imitation/

Congratulations, you owned a Pulsar (which was eventually replaced by the Sentra).

LOL, NO......... it was an F10 remake, actually.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Thor on November 28, 2010, 09:03:48 PM
Mine was a two door wit the "Targa Band".... I used to have a pic of it. It wasn't half bad for its day

Mine was solid Maroon, except for the "Targa Band" which was some extra piece of decorative metal across the back

(http://kroska.com/images/vehicles/Imports/d310.jpg)

BTW, that article is wrong, the 310GX came out new in 79. 78s were F10s and didn't look like that
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Thor on November 28, 2010, 09:19:10 PM
Hmmm, I found one for sale. I think the price is a little high.

http://ames.craigslist.org/cto/2071404518.html
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Odin's Hand on November 29, 2010, 08:38:21 AM
What an odd day.  Some neighborhood goons gave me some shit for my "totally 80's" choice of cars.  The pathetic part?  They were walking.

Run them over.  :-)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 29, 2010, 12:14:47 PM
1967 Madeira Maroon
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/1967maderamaroon.jpg)

http://www.69pace.com/paint1967madeiramaroon.htm
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Thor on November 29, 2010, 02:59:16 PM
Ya know, if you want to do a REAL restoration, keeping it the original stock color makes it worth more down the road.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: cavegal on November 29, 2010, 03:18:54 PM
Ya know, if you want to do a REAL restoration, keeping it the original stock color makes it worth more down the road.
Agreed. Hubby had a 70 Challenger. kept it original down to the rims. We had to sell it when we moved up here to the snow. His buddy had a purple one sold it for bucks.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 29, 2010, 06:49:11 PM
Wait, I thought my car was an un-collectable piece of 80's trash :rotf:

I'm considering sticking with the original color, but a repaint would have to be really, really good (probably between $1500-2000).  The pinstriping has got to go.  Nissan is still using the same paint color and I've seen so many faded, worn paint jobs on cars that aren't even half as old as mine, which is disappointing.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Thor on November 29, 2010, 07:41:06 PM
Wait, I thought my car was an un-collectable piece of 80's trash :rotf:

I'm considering sticking with the original color, but a repaint would have to be really, really good (probably between $1500-2000).  The pinstriping has got to go.  Nissan is still using the same paint color and I've seen so many faded, worn paint jobs on cars that aren't even half as old as mine, which is disappointing.

Ya KNOW I was jerking your chain.......  :-)

However, you have to admit that MOST vehicles from the 80s pretty much had "teh SUCK" going for them. Underpowered, poor craftsmanship (ESPECIALLY American cars), FUGLY designs, etc with very FEW exceptions
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 29, 2010, 07:45:51 PM
I'm thinking about some kind of engine swap, but I've heard horror stories about the early Z's getting twisted into pretzels by people who got overzealous with their engines.  You can't put a 400 hp LS1 in one of these cars without some kind of structural reinforcement.  I'm looking at a mid-90's Mustang V6 with a supercharger from a Thunderbird SC.  Or I can stick with the base LT1 at 275 HP, but those are harder to come by with a 5-speed, which is what I'm interested in.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: true_blood on November 29, 2010, 07:48:29 PM
I'm thinking about some kind of engine swap, but I've heard horror stories about the early Z's getting twisted into pretzels by people getting overzealous with their engines.  You can't put a 400 hp LS1 in one of these cars without some kind of structural reinforcement.  I'm looking at a mid-90's Mustang V6 with a supercharger from a Thunderbird SC.  Or I can stick with the base LT1 at 275 HP, but those are harder to come by with a 5-speed, which is what I'm interested in.
Check out ls1tech.com in the classified sections for any LT1's. There may be some there. Good luck. :cheersmate:
(I'd pick that over the Ford's supercharged any day. Just personal opinion.)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 29, 2010, 07:52:31 PM
I'm not sure I want to go more than 300 hp with this car with the t-tops and all.  I don't do drag racing, but getting passed by a Civic is embarrassing (did I mention how much this automatic SUCKS??).

And I want some pretty Ford valve covers under my hood just to piss people off. :-)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: true_blood on November 29, 2010, 07:59:55 PM
I'm not sure I want to go more than 300 hp with this car with the t-tops and all.  I don't do drag racing, but getting passed by a Civic is embarrassing (did I mention how much this automatic SUCKS??).
And I want some pretty Ford valve covers under my hood just to piss people off. :-)
:-) :naughty: Good luck. Let us know how you make out. :cheersmate:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 29, 2010, 08:13:55 PM
donor car? (http://montgomery.craigslist.org/cto/2048480782.html)

I found a local guy with a complete SC supercharger for $500 bucks.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: true_blood on November 29, 2010, 08:21:12 PM
$500?!
How many miles? Any leaks?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 29, 2010, 08:22:04 PM
I don't know... it may have been sold by now and I haven't called to ask yet.

http://nashville.craigslist.org/pts/2073349629.html
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on December 01, 2010, 03:07:22 PM
Apparently, I'm supposed to be using Dexron ATF instead of DOT3 power steering fluid.  That could be why it's drip, drip, dripping out of my car and onto the ground below. 

One more task for the weekend.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Thor on December 01, 2010, 06:48:50 PM
And........while you're at it, throw in some transmission sealer.... (hmmm, where have I heard THAT before??)  :fuelfire: :rotf:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on December 09, 2010, 10:02:50 PM
You can take that 'sealer' garbage and shove it up yonder.

I really need to get this gauge cluster swapped out.  I'll give that a shot this weekend.  As far as I can tell, I only need to swap out the cluster up to and including the electrical harness going to the ECU.  I would like to be able to tell how much I have in my gas tank... I managed to run out of gas this week even though I though I had filled it up to the top.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on December 31, 2010, 04:39:36 PM
Hm... intake manifold bolts were already loose.  I didn't have to put a whole lot of pressure on them to get them to break loose. 

Did I mention it's 68° here?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: cavegal on December 31, 2010, 05:59:06 PM
Hm... intake manifold bolts were already loose.  I didn't have to put a whole lot of pressure on them to get them to break loose. 

Did I mention it's 68° here?
:lmao: what is this.......68F you speak of? LOL...
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: thundley4 on December 31, 2010, 06:08:01 PM
:lmao: what is this.......68F you speak of? LOL...

It was in the mid 50's here today. Finally some glowbull warming.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on January 08, 2011, 07:57:45 PM
I've been pondering... I'm going to register car #1 as an antique.  It's a one-time $35 fee for the registration and I already have a permanent plate I can use.  After I pull all the parts I need from it, I'll sell it for scrap.  I need the R200 (3.99 gear) instead of the existing 3.5 gear for car #2 and the transmission/pedal assembly. 

I think my next car may be an MG B.  I haven't fully decided yet.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on January 09, 2011, 01:16:17 PM
Your potential garage is starting to look WAY to much like my garage.



:popcorn:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on January 17, 2011, 05:57:31 PM
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/PICT0011.jpg)
Take THAT, broken door dinger! :hammer:

I now have a non-dinging, silent vehicle and the interior doesn't sound like a pinball arcade.

Also, the car wash down the street has this awesome green stuff that works miracles on aluminum/alloy wheels.  The owner didn't give me a brand name (he just said 'it's a high-PH degreaser/cleaner').  Hey, it's free -- they have 30-gallon buckets of the stuff.  My wheels haven't been that shiny in years.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on January 30, 2011, 02:20:36 PM
I bled my steering system and replaced it with Dexron ATF instead of the no-label "power steering fluid" that was in there before.  The AFT has a higher viscosity and I don't see any more leaks (yet).  I tried to wipe everything down but it's still pretty grimy.

Torn boot... is this a big deal?
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/boot1.jpg)
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/boot2.jpg)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on January 30, 2011, 02:23:58 PM
The boot is supposed to keep the shaft from pulling debris into the steering box.  I'd get it fixed pretty soon.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Wineslob on January 31, 2011, 02:21:04 PM
I've been pondering... I'm going to register car #1 as an antique.  It's a one-time $35 fee for the registration and I already have a permanent plate I can use.  After I pull all the parts I need from it, I'll sell it for scrap.  I need the R200 (3.99 gear) instead of the existing 3.5 gear for car #2 and the transmission/pedal assembly. 

I think my next car may be an MG B.  I haven't fully decided yet.


Glutton for punishment?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on January 31, 2011, 02:21:56 PM
shakes Magic 8 ball

"All signs point to Yes"
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: cavegal on January 31, 2011, 03:15:53 PM
shakes Magic 8 ball

"All signs point to Yes"
Yes to MGB?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on January 31, 2011, 06:10:07 PM
Yes to MGB?

Just say "yes" Chris!  :-)  Come to the dark side (Lucas Electrics). 
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s233/ignitethefire65/IMG_00881.jpg)
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s233/ignitethefire65/Boost.jpg)
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s233/ignitethefire65/MGSUPER.jpg)

See?  Nothing on fire!   :tongue:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on January 31, 2011, 06:16:19 PM
 :rotf: But it's not moving either.

You do realize your car has ten different colors on it, right?


I'll have to drive down to the Fairgrounds and see if that B is still in the sales lot across the street.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on January 31, 2011, 07:07:12 PM
Just the hood is black.  The rest of it is all original, save for the seats.  I still have the original vinyl seats.  I can't bear painting over the original paint yet, since most of it is still good.  And the vinyl is in great shape, albeit a little faded.  Not bad for 38 years old! 

I'm using these, because I paid almost a grand just in materials to completely refurbish the seats on my previous B.  Then, it got hit in an accident, and that was that.  :p

Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on January 31, 2011, 07:48:28 PM
Don't forget that the most important thing on the B is rust.  Anything else can largely be fixed for not much scratch, and without a large output of effort.

What year is the car you are looking at?  If you don't know that, does it have the chrome or rubber bumpers?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on February 01, 2011, 08:03:52 AM
I'm embarassed to say it, but I'm looking at a rubber bumper version.  They're less expensive, the steering gear will clear a Camaro/Mustang V6 oil pan, and the dashboard doesn't have the Abingdon Pillow.  I can always find chrome bumpers for a conversion later.  It just requires a tiny amount of cutting and welding (or pasting).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MGB-Sports-Car-/120676398666?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item1c18dfb64a
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Wineslob on February 01, 2011, 01:38:57 PM
Chris, Battle did not say MGD.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on February 01, 2011, 02:07:23 PM
Chris, Battle did not say MGD.
:rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: :rotf:  H5
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on February 01, 2011, 02:16:44 PM
I'm embarassed to say it, but I'm looking at a rubber bumper version.  They're less expensive, the steering gear will clear a Camaro/Mustang V6 oil pan, and the dashboard doesn't have the Abingdon Pillow.  I can always find chrome bumpers for a conversion later.  It just requires a tiny amount of cutting and welding (or pasting).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MGB-Sports-Car-/120676398666?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item1c18dfb64a

There isn't anything to knock on owning an RB car.  The only change I would make to one (since I already have a CB), is to drop it to the lower ride height.  I think the RB looks best, when the bumpers are painted body color.  If you decide to leave the bumpers black, you can help trim up the body line up front with an air dam.  They really look sharp that way. 

That being said, the previous car I had was an RB that I was in the middle of converting to a CB.  The worst part is fitting the front bumper brackets-  at least it was for me.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on February 01, 2011, 02:31:16 PM
I've never seen an RB with body-color bumpers.  After dropping the car back to the previous height, I would at least swap out the front bumper for a chrome one.  The rear one can wait.

I know it's vain, but the front end on the RB is so unattractive.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: cavegal on February 01, 2011, 03:03:30 PM
I've never seen an RB with body-color bumpers.  After dropping the car back to the previous height, I would at least swap out the front bumper for a chrome one.  The rear one can wait.

I know it's vain, but the front end on the RB is so unattractive.
What is RB. Re-built?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on February 01, 2011, 03:13:03 PM
RB="rubber bumper"
(http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii196/cra1961/MG3.jpg)

CB="chrome bumper"
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/2010%20Nashville%20British%20Car%20Club%20Show/1967MGB2.jpg)

I'm actually using Google Street View to try and find that car dealer on 4th Avenue.  No luck yet. :rofl:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on February 01, 2011, 05:57:24 PM
I've never seen an RB with body-color bumpers.  After dropping the car back to the previous height, I would at least swap out the front bumper for a chrome one.  The rear one can wait.

I know it's vain, but the front end on the RB is so unattractive.
(http://www2.mgcars.org.uk/images/bbs/posts/70_201012081929123197_71420625802073_1292165700.jpg)
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s233/ignitethefire65/paintedbumper.jpg)
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s233/ignitethefire65/paintedbumper2.jpg)
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s233/ignitethefire65/paintedbumper3.jpg)
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s233/ignitethefire65/paintedbumper4.jpg)

instead of the factory spoiler, an ST spoiler:
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s233/ignitethefire65/paintedbumper5.jpg)


That is what I was going to do, until I found that it was going to cost me more money to find a repairable front rubber bumper skin.  I went with used CB parts instead. 




Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on February 01, 2011, 07:33:49 PM
I don't think I'm going to be doing anything until I scrap the other car (after I take all the usable parts off of it).  So I've got at least six months, probably longer.  I need to find a set of cheap 4x4.5 wheels before then.  The stock wheels are too valuable to let them go with the car to the Pull-A-Part.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on February 01, 2011, 07:53:38 PM
I'm guessing you have snowflakes on the scrap car? 

Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on February 01, 2011, 07:54:52 PM
No, just the standard six-spoke wheels.

I don't care for the snowflake wheels.  If I had them, I'd probably sell them.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on February 01, 2011, 08:53:52 PM
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s233/ignitethefire65/paintedbumper.jpg)

Now that looks nice.  Looks just like the MGB RV8 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MG_MGB#RV8) without the ghey retro styling.  You could probably get away with doing that with a can of spray-on vinyl and some clearcoat.  (That spray-on vinyl stuff actually looks pretty decent.)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on February 01, 2011, 09:17:25 PM
Quote
Now that looks nice.  Looks just like the MGB RV8 without the ghey retro styling.  You could probably get away with doing that with a can of spray-on vinyl and some clearcoat.  (That spray-on vinyl stuff actually looks pretty decent.)

That is the exact same thing I thought, when I first saw one.  There is a red one running around teh interwebs that has the ST spoiler and front bumper painted up.  It is sharp, and the one that changed my mind about considering an RB car in the first place. 

Frankly, I think MG did a good job with what they had to work with, when restyling for a rubber bumper.  It just needs a little bit of paint to come to its full potential.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on February 14, 2011, 11:48:14 AM
FIRE SALE!!

Details coming soon...
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on March 18, 2011, 06:44:17 PM
Melty sadness... :sad1:

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/PICT0008sm-1.jpg)

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/PICT0009sm.jpg)

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/PICT0010sm-1.jpg)

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/PICT0011sm.jpg)

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/PICT0012sm-1.jpg)

Finally... there is sunlight in the world after 5pm and I can take pictures and do stuff again.  It doesn't look too bad, but it doesn't look great either.  I just don't know if I want to fix it, but it's too nice to throw away. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on March 19, 2011, 12:31:55 PM
Dude, that sucks.   :(
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on March 20, 2011, 06:11:48 PM
I took another look at it... it's mostly vacuum lines and replaceable parts like injectors.  The biggest problem is the engine wiring harness.  

I have until the end of the month to get rid of the older 280ZX, which means I have ten days to figure out how to remove the wiring harness that runs through the firewall.  I got three steel wheels from the junkyard for $50 so I could save my original alloy wheels and clean them up.  I also got most of the usable trim pieces off the older car and was able to swap out the broken tail light cover from one car to the other.  At least now I have a complete undamaged set.  Sure looks nice.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on March 20, 2011, 07:50:52 PM
What was the cause of the fire, if you know?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on March 20, 2011, 08:18:56 PM
It was the fuel hose going to the cold start valve.  If you've replaced one, you know what a pain in the ass it can be.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on March 30, 2011, 07:11:17 PM
*sniffle, sniffle*

Well, it's gone.  My neighbors finally bitched up a storm and I had to sell the rustbucket '82 ASAP.  $250 and a free tow to the scrap yard.  I kept the alloy wheels, center caps, and hood... that's worth another $500 if I wanted to sell them.  Didn't have time to grab anything else, but I got the phone number of the junkyard it's going to.  I'll head over there later and see if I can remove the rest of the engine wiring harness to replace the one in the '83. 


:(
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: zeitgeist on May 04, 2011, 03:57:41 PM
*sniffle, sniffle*

Well, it's gone.  My neighbors finally bitched up a storm and I had to sell the rustbucket '82 ASAP.  $250 and a free tow to the scrap yard.  I kept the alloy wheels, center caps, and hood... that's worth another $500 if I wanted to sell them.  Didn't have time to grab anything else, but I got the phone number of the junkyard it's going to.  I'll head over there later and see if I can remove the rest of the engine wiring harness to replace the one in the '83. 


:(
Sounds like you need some deep woods real estate, worked out gravel pit, or other convenient stash location (out of business former full service gas station would be good). Neighbors do tend to object to large numbers of unregistered collectible vehicles in various states of disassembly. They usually really object to those undergoing the miracle of long term engine bay under a triangle.

I have a neighbor who is great a camouflaging his vehicles with tarps and leaves.  :-) Who knows what else might be residing in those piles.

That doesn't look too bad but I am sure it will take plenty of time to correct.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on May 04, 2011, 04:18:58 PM

I have a neighbor who is great a camouflaging his vehicles with tarps and leaves.  :-) Who knows what else might be residing in those piles.



Has your neighbor had any success in camouflaging said vehicles from his spouse, too?  If so, I would be interested in becoming a student in the ways of his camo-tarp-leaf-foo. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: zeitgeist on May 04, 2011, 05:33:09 PM
Has your neighbor had any success in camouflaging said vehicles from his spouse, too?  If so, I would be interested in becoming a student in the ways of his camo-tarp-leaf-foo. 

If she isn't, she would be the perfect dump wife, a real 2001 Space Oddity, an example of what happens to old vegan hippies. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on August 13, 2011, 08:14:54 PM
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/PICT0012sm-1.jpg)

I picked up a replacement engine wiring harness last weekend and pulled the metal heat shield that sits in front of the vacuum booster and washer tank.  I need to scrub all the melted plastic from it and I'm considering painting it to match the engine compartment.  While I have all that mess off the car, I need to pull the intake manifold off to get to the exhaust header.  That gasket still needs to be replaced.

A little while later... scrub-a-dub-dub.  The heat shield is nice and clean.  Prime and paint tomorrow.  It's been below 90º the last two days.  Perfect weather.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on August 20, 2011, 03:40:39 PM
Picked up an analog cluster (272k!!) to replace the digital one and took home a cold start valve and thermotime sensor as well.

Couldn't find a replacement fender, but I did find a door that was in good shape.  I'll have to take everything off it (window regulator, wiring, door lock and levers) unless I want to pay for it, so I decided to put that off for now.  There were no good passenger fenders for the front... both cars got crushed there when the junkyard jacked the car up.  I contemplated grabbing a radiator, but I'm still not sure if my radiator is leaking or if it's at the block. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on August 20, 2011, 09:01:53 PM
Picked up an analog cluster (272k!!) to replace the digital one and took home a cold start valve and thermotime sensor as well.

Couldn't find a replacement fender, but I did find a door that was in good shape.  I'll have to take everything off it (window regulator, wiring, door lock and levers) unless I want to pay for it, so I decided to put that off for now.  There were no good passenger fenders for the front... both cars got crushed there when the junkyard jacked the car up.  I contemplated grabbing a radiator, but I'm still not sure if my radiator is leaking or if it's at the block. 

Keep us up-to-date on how that cluster swap goes.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on August 20, 2011, 09:06:13 PM
It came out a lot easier than I expected after I yanked on it hard enough.  I was afraid of breaking it.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on August 20, 2011, 09:20:49 PM
It came out a lot easier than I expected after I yanked on it hard enough.  I was afraid of breaking it.

It's been a spell since I pulled one, but I remember the center three gauges being much worse to take out.  If that cluster is made out of that whitish plastic, that stuff is tough. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on August 21, 2011, 01:02:26 PM
Those blue injectors you sent me... what did they come out of?

I had to go back for the analog wiring harness.  It's amazing how easily the dashboard comes out once you remove the speedometer.  Four screws at the top, four bolts at the bottom, and two screws holding the heater control switch in place. 

I may have misplaced them, but I think some mother****er walked off with my 1/4-inch and 3/8-socket sets at the junkyard. ****ing ******* thieves. :censored:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on August 21, 2011, 08:27:23 PM
Those blue injectors you sent me... what did they come out of?

I had to go back for the analog wiring harness.  It's amazing how easily the dashboard comes out once you remove the speedometer.  Four screws at the top, four bolts at the bottom, and two screws holding the heater control switch in place. 

I may have misplaced them, but I think some mother****er walked off with my 1/4-inch and 3/8-socket sets at the junkyard. ****ing ******* thieves. :censored:

Since I had to pull them from the manifold to send them to you, I am positive they came out of an 82 or 83 zx. 

How big of a mess is the harness?  To the best of my memory, I don't think I've ever pulled the whole interior harness on one.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on August 21, 2011, 09:38:31 PM
Since I had to pull them from the manifold to send them to you, I am positive they came out of an 82 or 83 zx. 

How big of a mess is the harness?  To the best of my memory, I don't think I've ever pulled the whole interior harness on one.
That's odd.  Was it a turbo manifold?  Those injectors have a larger flow rate than the standard ZX injector.  The injectors on my car(s) are either green or brown.

It's not bad.  Once you get the dashboard pulled out and flipped upside-down, it lifts right out.  It's held in by those funny rubber grips that Datsun used. 

Someone had already done me the favor of disconnecting the harness under the right side of the dash.  There were at least half a dozen large connectors there.  I would have been there for another hour if I had to deal with all that crap.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on August 21, 2011, 10:13:44 PM
I took a second look at the manifold, and it has the BOV.   :whistling:

I'm not sure how the ECU would handle those, if it is advanced enough to adjust the duty cycle, or if it is within the range parameters of the stock ECU to run them. 

I searched and your stock injectors are 188cc, and the turbo injectors are 265cc  @ 80% duty cycle.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on August 21, 2011, 10:25:21 PM
I checked a couple posts on zcar.com from people who say they put turbo injectors on an NA motor and they failed their smog tests.  I wonder if ZCCA (http://www.atlanticz.ca/zclub/techtips/EFI&fuel.htm) has any useful information on the matter.  There are two donor cars at the Pull-A-Part... I can get regular injectors there for $5 a pop.  I would have grabbed some today but I couldn't reach them. ::)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on August 21, 2011, 10:57:56 PM
I checked a couple posts on zcar.com from people who say they put turbo injectors on an NA motor and they failed their smog tests.  I wonder if ZCCA (http://www.atlanticz.ca/zclub/techtips/EFI&fuel.htm) has any useful information on the matter.  There are two donor cars at the Pull-A-Part... I can get regular injectors there for $5 a pop.  I would have grabbed some today but I couldn't reach them. ::)

All you need to get them out is a razor blade and a phillips screwdriver (an impact screwdriver works great on them). 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on August 21, 2011, 11:12:30 PM
Yeah, but they don't make it easy.  The cars are jacked up onto a pair of old rims... the top of the fender comes up nearly to my chest.  With nothing to stand on, it's difficult to reach that far.  It's almost easier to unbolt the entire fuel rail and injectors, and lift it out as a single piece.  Probably should have done that today as well, but I was hot, sweaty, and miserable after getting that wiring harness.  I didn't plan on going back there today at all until I came across an earlier post that mentioned the pigtail for the digital-analog conversion.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on August 21, 2011, 11:30:24 PM
That yard is open on Sundays?  Lucky!
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on August 21, 2011, 11:34:23 PM
Seven days a week, but they changed their hours.  They used to be open until 8pm.  Now they close at 5:00 every day.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 24, 2011, 03:31:44 PM
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/PICT0011sm.jpg)
Got the old, crusty wiring harness off the engine.  I need to take a wire brush and a rag to clean up the engine before putting the new one on.  Hope I can do that tomorrow.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 25, 2011, 04:52:36 PM
Got the TPS and cold-start valve swapped out along with a couple fuel lines and some almost-new spark plug cables (15 cents each at the Pull-a-Part... less than $1.50 for all seven :II:).  Couldn't get that last injector swapped out so I called it a day.  I'm going to have to find at least one injector for a non-turbo model.  I know I have at least one lying around here, but there's no way I'll be able to find it now.


The terminal locations on my Toyota line up with the old Datsun battery.  I wanted to see if the car would fire up on its own but I'm not going to do that without having that last injector installed.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 25, 2011, 06:11:41 PM
Good news, the replacement cluster I picked up works.  Now to figure out how to rewind the speedometer. :whistling:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Wineslob on September 30, 2011, 04:16:47 PM
(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff68/kayaktn/280zx/PICT0011sm.jpg)
Got the old, crusty wiring harness off the engine.  I need to take a wire brush and a rag to clean up the engine before putting the new one on.  Hope I can do that tomorrow.

Maybe I missed it......did that thing catch on fire?   :panic:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on September 30, 2011, 04:17:52 PM
Yesh.  Very much so.

One of the fuel lines worked itself loose while I was driving home and sprayed gasoline all over the engine.  I dumped a couple gallons of antifreeze on it to put it out.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 09, 2011, 07:22:45 PM
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-mGoqZXGao&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

I love the tan interior.  Nice.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on February 28, 2012, 09:08:15 PM
Small world... I think a lady at work is married to the guy I bought the '82 car from.

Facebook:  Ruining your life one friend suggestion at a time. :-)


Still working on getting the fire damage repaired.  The intake manifold needs to be removed and cleaned.  I can't decide if I should do that first or try to get it running in the condition it's in now.  I keep flip-flopping back and forth and can't make up my mind.  I have all the replacement parts I need; I just haven't had the time to do the work.  I don't own an acetylene torch and I'll probably need one to remove the exhaust manifold.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: obumazombie on February 28, 2012, 11:00:37 PM
A friend from basic had one of those 280z's. I got to drive it. I love the manual transmission, and the dual fuel gage feature. A very nice driving car as I remember.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on February 28, 2012, 11:11:48 PM
The 5-speed is a blast to drive.  Sadly. the automatic is a horrible, depressing experience that never should have been sold to the public.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Wineslob on March 02, 2012, 02:31:49 PM
Small world... I think a lady at work is married to the guy I bought the '82 car from.

Facebook:  Ruining your life one friend suggestion at a time. :-)


Still working on getting the fire damage repaired.  The intake manifold needs to be removed and cleaned.  I can't decide if I should do that first or try to get it running in the condition it's in now.  I keep flip-flopping back and forth and can't make up my mind.  I have all the replacement parts I need; I just haven't had the time to do the work.   I don't own an acetylene torch and I'll probably need one to remove the exhaust manifold.


I'd tear it apart after a fire. You never know what's (hidden) damaged and could cause more problems.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on March 02, 2012, 02:34:13 PM
I'll definitely have to do that at some point. 

Might as well do it now.  I'm just worried about stripping or breaking an exhaust stud.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on March 04, 2012, 06:07:04 PM
I got a f'n parking violation from my apartment.  Now I HAVE to do something.  Assholes.

The weather is nice, so I got the vacuum hoses and new wiring harness swapped out and 80% complete.  Will try to fire it up tomorrow if I get a chance. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: zeitgeist on March 05, 2012, 04:05:39 PM
I got a f'n parking violation from my apartment.  Now I HAVE to do something.  Assholes.

The weather is nice, so I got the vacuum hoses and new wiring harness swapped out and 80% complete.  Will try to fire it up tomorrow if I get a chance. 

You need to find a garage in forclosure,  something cheap to stash that thing in.  Must be something for short money out there.

I was looking at welders and torches today when I was at Lowe's ( no particular reason just looking at prices )  Arc welder @ 250. Torches @ 250 Mig set @650. 

When I use to have to heat stuff up I just used a regular propane torch.  I did have one propane torch with solid oxygen pellet system which I managed to burn a hole through my trailer floor lighting the pellets.  (not a particularly proud moment but it was cold as the dickens out that day in my defense). 

Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on March 06, 2012, 07:44:41 PM
My apartment complex removed the parking violation after I moved the car toward the curb.  (Residents aren't allowed to remove violation stickers.)

Damn, what a bunch of whiners and crybabies my neighbors are.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: obumazombie on March 07, 2012, 12:25:43 AM
My apartment complex removed the parking violation after I moved the car toward the curb.  (Residents aren't allowed to remove violation stickers.)

Damn, what a bunch of whiners and crybabies my neighbors are.
Doubtless populated heavily by libs.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Wineslob on March 07, 2012, 01:54:23 PM
Fire it up..............sans exhaust.  :fuelfire:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on March 07, 2012, 01:56:03 PM
Fire it up..............sans exhaust.  :fuelfire:
Hell, the exhaust gasket is mostly gone... it already sounds like there's a giant hole in it. :rofl:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on March 10, 2012, 08:54:31 PM
Starter spins but does not engage.  Good thing I have a spare solenoid. 

My Toyota battery is 200+ amps weaker than the 770 CCA battery the car came with.  Going to give this another shot tomorrow.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on April 01, 2012, 11:03:26 PM
This is disappointing.  Might have to ditch this car completely and get a replacement.  Maybe a Mustang.  They look nice in red.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on April 02, 2012, 09:53:10 AM
Well, that's it.  It's over.

It was fun while it lasted.  Bye bye, car.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Eupher on April 02, 2012, 10:40:55 AM
Wow, chris. A lotta hours and a lotta effort put in and documented on this thread. It's a shame it just went *poof*!.  :p
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on April 02, 2012, 03:55:30 PM
Yeah.  Hell, my motorcycle got stolen so that thread went nowhere too.  Maybe I should just give up on trying to have fun.

I'm not sure what I'm going to replace it with.  I want to be like BattleHymn when I grow up and have a Datsun and a supercharged MG B.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on April 02, 2012, 04:27:23 PM
Yeah.  Hell, my motorcycle got stolen so that thread went nowhere too.  Maybe I should just give up on trying to have fun.

I'm not sure what I'm going to replace it with.  I want to be like BattleHymn when I grow up and have a Datsun and a supercharged MG B.

 :tongue:

Any word on your other two options you were considering for replacement? 


Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on April 02, 2012, 04:29:32 PM
Not yet.  I have a bunch of stuff I need to take care of in the next 60 days so I won't be doing anything immediately.  My lease is up in June and I need to start getting stuff moved out now.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on April 02, 2012, 04:34:32 PM
One thing that I've done in the past when trying to make my mind up on purchasing certain cars, is to go test drive what I'm looking for, to get a feel for it.  I know you have kind of questioned whether some cars would be a good fit for you, and taking them for a quick test drive would help you make up your mind one way or the other.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on April 02, 2012, 04:42:28 PM
If I bought an MG B, I would have to get roll bars installed.  I don't want to end up like David Davis. :(
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: obumazombie on April 02, 2012, 04:43:10 PM
Why is the 280 project over ?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on April 02, 2012, 04:45:48 PM
Why is the 280 project over ?
A fuel line broke the other year and everything that was plastic on top of the engine caught fire and melted.  I've replaced everything and can't get it to run again.  I'm tired of messing with it.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: obumazombie on April 02, 2012, 04:46:18 PM
Dang it , that sucks.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on April 02, 2012, 04:55:55 PM
One thing that I've done in the past when trying to make my mind up on purchasing certain cars, is to go test drive what I'm looking for, to get a feel for it.  I know you have kind of questioned whether some cars would be a good fit for you, and taking them for a quick test drive would help you make up your mind one way or the other.
The Lane Motor Musem does a charity fund-raiser a few times a year where they let people drive the museum's cars.  They have one MG B (and what looks like every MG T in Davidson County). 

Wonder if I could get in on that.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on April 02, 2012, 05:15:38 PM
The Lane Motor Musem does a charity fund-raiser a few times a year where they let people drive the museum's cars.  They have one MG B (and what looks like every MG T in Davidson County).  

Wonder if I could get in on that.


You might want to try out an MGBGT, too.  You'd avoid the roll bar install that way.  

I'd really like to have one of those, but they're pretty difficult to come by in my parts.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: zeitgeist on April 03, 2012, 06:26:14 AM

You might want to try out an MGBGT, too.  You'd avoid the roll bar install that way.  

I'd really like to have one of those, but they're pretty difficult to come by in my parts.

I will have to take a look at the local British Auto bone yard next time I go that way.  I think they have one or maybe it is a MGC/GT (6cyl?)

I was never a fan of the GT.   What's the point?  All the problem (or labors of love to some)  of an MG without the ability to go topless.   Lucas electrical and SU carb what will they think of next?? :-)  Yes I had a few.  I had a Bug Eye with a blown engine, an A which I had to replace the front A frame on, and a B which had an interesting intermittent fuel pump.  (I took the air pump and smog off, rejetted the carbs, added headers and an Abarth exaust to get it running right after fixing the fuel pump problem).

If you enjoy working on your car then a British Vehicle is right for you. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on April 03, 2012, 08:14:07 AM
There is ONE GT for sale on Craigslist and the owner has already stripped the car and pulled the engine... then put it up for sale.  There are a couple of nice roadsters in the $3000-7000 price range. 

If I find another nice 280ZX, I might go for it but it would have to be a slicktop and those are hard to find.  I'm not thrilled with having t-tops.  That car didn't leak, but the last one did.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: zeitgeist on April 03, 2012, 08:33:50 AM
There is ONE GT for sale on Craigslist and the owner has already stripped the car and pulled the engine... then put it up for sale.  There are a couple of nice roadsters in the $3000-7000 price range. 

If I find another nice 280ZX, I might go for it but it would have to be a slicktop and those are hard to find.  I'm not thrilled with having t-tops.  That car didn't leak, but the last one did.

Just go find a Thing and make an all electric Staff Car.  You'll love it. :fuelfire:  You'll have to beat the liberal chicks off with a stick they will so be wantin to ride with ya. :rotf:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on April 03, 2012, 08:38:09 AM
I wouldn't mind a Karmann Ghia with a 1300 Volkwagen motor.

Quote
The 1500/1600s all used a substantially taller final gearing, and these motors were tuned for torque, and reverted to a lower peak power rpm. The 1500/1600s were great for lazy American drivers, but with its tighter gearing and rev-happier motor, the 1300 could still accelerate about as fast, if not faster. It was the only VW engine tuned for a sportier power band, and had the gearing to take advantage of it. That meant a bit more noise at speed, but the lively feel of the 1300 was unique to all Beetles ever built.

Curbside Classic (http://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-european/curbside-classic-1966-vw-1300-the-best-beetle-of-them-all/)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on April 03, 2012, 08:40:29 AM
Nice... http://www.autotraderclassics.com/classic-car/1979-Datsun-280ZX-603768.xhtml?conversationId=20830
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on April 03, 2012, 11:03:02 AM
Hmmm... http://www.musiccitymotorsports.net/web/1675/vehicle/2672744/1984-Porsche-911
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: zeitgeist on April 03, 2012, 11:06:31 AM
Nice... http://www.autotraderclassics.com/classic-car/1979-Datsun-280ZX-603768.xhtml?conversationId=20830

Nice and not bad coin.  I see it even had the hand warmer for when you have to push it in cold weather. :rotf:

I did a drive by on the bone yard, one MGB (or c) GT but could have been a customer's car waiting for parts.  ( it happens).   Numerous B roadsters waiting for a wealthy sponsor or to become donors ( hard to tell which at this place).  The guy does fantastic restoration work and I do mean fantastic, right down to using the correct dies to stamp the serial numbers on new label plates.  

I could see a nice Karmann Ghia.  I saw one at a show up here  a couple years ago that was a survivor /  barn / all original / MINT in the most horrible green color.  I will have to see if I have a pic of it.  This thing's engine compartment was cleaner than most kitchens.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: zeitgeist on April 03, 2012, 11:08:47 AM
Hmmm... http://www.musiccitymotorsports.net/web/1675/vehicle/2672744/1984-Porsche-911

Looks like the same color as my old Mercedes Sl320.  Sweet.  A bit on the pricey side and I am guessing the insurance would be  :rofl: up there. (theft)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on April 03, 2012, 11:11:01 AM
The price looks pretty good... older models usually run about $15k+.  I wouldn't mind an old 912.  VW engines/parts are cheap and easy.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Zeus on April 03, 2012, 11:11:32 AM
(http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=ArMKBkd1hvKUZUiOYH70Dr4SH9EA;_ylu=X3oDMTFoNjRmYmZuBG1pdANCbG9nIEJvZHkEcG9zAzEEc2VjA01lZGlhQmxvZ0JvZHlUZW1wQXNzZW1ibHk-;_ylg=X3oDMTNlM2phdHVjBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDMTMwNTg3MGUtNzQ4Yy0zZTRjLWFlNDgtODFlOTIzZjA3YjI0BHBzdGNhdANvcmlnaW5hbHN8dGhlc2lkZXNob3cEcHQDc3RvcnlwYWdlBHRlc3QD;_ylv=0/SIG=12a61fs98/EXP=1334678958/**http%3A//media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/thesideshow/veitch.jpg)

93-year-old florida woman retires her '64 mercury after 576,000 miles on the road. (http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/93-old-florida-woman-retires-her-64-mercury-204007316.html)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on April 03, 2012, 11:12:28 AM
Yeah, I saw that.  I think the Henry Ford Museum should buy the car from her and keep it.

My sister has macular degeneration.  I have enough eye problems, I don't need another one. :(
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: thundley4 on April 03, 2012, 11:13:12 AM
(http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=ArMKBkd1hvKUZUiOYH70Dr4SH9EA;_ylu=X3oDMTFoNjRmYmZuBG1pdANCbG9nIEJvZHkEcG9zAzEEc2VjA01lZGlhQmxvZ0JvZHlUZW1wQXNzZW1ibHk-;_ylg=X3oDMTNlM2phdHVjBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDMTMwNTg3MGUtNzQ4Yy0zZTRjLWFlNDgtODFlOTIzZjA3YjI0BHBzdGNhdANvcmlnaW5hbHN8dGhlc2lkZXNob3cEcHQDc3RvcnlwYWdlBHRlc3QD;_ylv=0/SIG=12a61fs98/EXP=1334678958/**http%3A//media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/thesideshow/veitch.jpg)

93-year-old florida woman retires her '64 mercury after 576,000 miles on the road. (http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/93-old-florida-woman-retires-her-64-mercury-204007316.html)

Was it the old Mercury's that had a rear window that would roll down?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Zeus on April 03, 2012, 11:14:08 AM
Was it the old Mercury's that had a rear window that would roll down?

Naw that was the Rambler.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on April 03, 2012, 11:15:13 AM
Was it the old Mercury's that had a rear window that would roll down?
Yes, it was the Mercury Breezeway.

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2012/03/junkyard-find-1965-mercury-park-lane-breezeway/
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: zeitgeist on April 03, 2012, 11:24:06 AM
The price looks pretty good... older models usually run about $15k+.  I wouldn't mind an old 912.  VW engines/parts are cheap and easy.

I knew a girl like that once. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on April 03, 2012, 11:26:08 AM
I knew a girl like that once. 
Yeah, I did too.

She also clattered and smoked, too.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Eupher on April 03, 2012, 12:02:53 PM
Yeah, I did too.

She also clattered and smoked, too.

Well, at least she didn't suffer from Rod Knock and Frozen Lifters. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on April 03, 2012, 02:18:59 PM
Ouch.  Just watched a guy roll his 912 on YouTube.

I guess if you can't afford to wreck it, you can't afford to buy it. :p
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: zeitgeist on April 03, 2012, 02:38:54 PM
Ouch.  Just watched a guy roll his 912 on YouTube.

I guess if you can't afford to wreck it, you can't afford to buy it. :p

Famous line from the Benz group.........Drive it like you stole it. (The Benz had an auto activated roll bar)  Have you ever seen the video of them barrel rolling one in a tunnel?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zauEeIwQV0g
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on April 03, 2012, 05:23:07 PM
Chris,

I hope you put the 912 on your short list.  They are very cool, because they are different.   :cheersmate:
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: zeitgeist on May 16, 2012, 03:04:32 PM
These (attached) are the Webbers for my Cuda.  Never installed on the slant six ( 225 CID ) originally came off a Chevy 235 CID IIRC.  Not too many manifolds in this country for the slant.  More in Oz where they are a popular option.  That is a Lynx manifold.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: freedumb2003 on July 04, 2012, 06:49:44 PM
I went outside, started it up, and revved it to 2000 rpm.  There was a sticky sweet smell to the exhaust.


Cracked head -- crack might be small.

The smell is coolant being roasted in the block.

Nothing else smells like that.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Eupher on July 04, 2012, 08:56:53 PM
Cracked head -- crack might be small.

The smell is coolant being roasted in the block.

Nothing else smells like that.


Yup. Blew out a head gasket in my POS 1993 Ford Taurus and in addition to the sickly sweet smell, I had white smoke (a lot of it) out of the exhaust.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 16, 2013, 08:46:51 PM
The dopes at the Pull-a-Part misidentified a 280Z as a 280ZX and put it in with the regular import cars (the ones nearest to the entrance/exit).  I scored a valve cover and camshaft for $35.  Going to clean and polish the valve cover and hang it on the wall.

Normally, it would have been placed with the vintage autos in the rear of the yard. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on November 16, 2013, 08:53:40 PM
The dopes at the Pull-a-Part misidentified a 280Z as a 280ZX and put it in with the regular import cars (the ones nearest to the entrance/exit).  I scored a valve cover and camshaft for $35.  Going to clean and polish the valve cover and hang it on the wall.

Normally, it would have been placed with the vintage autos in the rear of the yard. 

I have a polished one that I hang on the head of my 240.  :-) 

They sure do look nice polished up.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 16, 2013, 09:00:13 PM
I have a polished one that I hang on the head of my 240.  :-) 

They sure do look nice polished up.
There were a couple of guys pulling a transmission on the car next to me.  They had battery-powered impact wrenches and stopped to help me. They had the cam towers unscrewed in less time than it took me to remove the valve cover with a hand wrench.  None of us had an Allen wrench that would fit the other side of the cam tower so I may go back tomorrow.  It's supposed to rain, though.

I originally went there to find some relatively nice brake rotors for the Camry.  Never got them.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on November 16, 2013, 09:03:15 PM
There were a couple of guys pulling a transmission on the car next to me.  They had battery-powered impact wrenches and stopped to help me. They had the cam towers unscrewed in less time than it took me to remove the valve cover with a hand wrench.  None of us had an Allen wrench that would fit the other side of the cam tower so I may go back tomorrow.  It's supposed to rain, though.

I originally went there to find some relatively nice brake rotors for the Camry.  Never got them.

What did you grab the cam for?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 16, 2013, 09:14:21 PM
What did you grab the cam for?
I want to turn it into something useful.  A reading lamp for the bedroom maybe.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on November 16, 2013, 10:16:14 PM
I want to turn it into something useful.  A reading lamp for the bedroom maybe.
 

Would you like me to start fishing in the scrap bin at work for your home decor?     :tongue: :-)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 16, 2013, 10:26:58 PM
Would you like me to start fishing in the scrap bin at work for your home decor?     :tongue: :-)
:II:

My bedroom is as popular as ObamaCare, Cuba, or Siberia.  That is, nobody goes there unless they absolutely have no other choice.

I'm thinking a simple wooden base and a small bulb/socket/lampshade.  Walla.  Man decor.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on November 16, 2013, 10:35:31 PM
Any interest in these? 

(http://imageshack.com/a/img21/9454/rfak.jpg)

(http://imageshack.com/a/img69/6796/j6oa.jpg)
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on November 16, 2013, 11:41:35 PM
How much do they weigh?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on November 17, 2013, 12:07:32 AM
The one on the right weighs about 4 1/2 to 5 pounds.  The one on the left is a little smaller and feels like it weighs about 1/2 pound less.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: obumazombie on November 28, 2013, 09:23:21 PM
The one on the right weighs about 4 1/2 to 5 pounds.  The one on the left is a little smaller and feels like it weighs about 1/2 pound less.
We still talking about pistons here ?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on November 28, 2013, 11:20:01 PM
We still talking about pistons here ?

Yes sir.

The bigger one would fit into a Case 504 six cylinder.

The smaller one would fit into an International DT466 six cylinder.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Wineslob on December 09, 2013, 12:32:55 PM
Nice paper weights.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on January 14, 2014, 10:04:56 PM
As soon as I get rid of the Honda in my driveway, I swear I'm going to buy another one of these.

I may be looking for a while.  It's going to be a 5-speed two-seater with the 3.7 rear drivetrain from the 2+2 manual.  And t-tops.  Those t-tops were f'n awesome.  All the benefits of a convertible without the hassle.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on January 15, 2014, 12:44:41 AM
I know I miss my ZX. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on January 15, 2014, 11:28:25 AM
http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/4271490337.html

All it's missing is the differential/axle from the 2+2.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on January 15, 2014, 12:45:34 PM
My gosh, that could have been a picture of my first ZX when I bought it. 

This one has the wrong ashtray, and I wonder if the radio screen is working properly.  The antenna looks lime it is stuck, and what happened to the passenger door molding in the second shot?  The rear bumper kissed a pole or something, because it is sagging a bit.  Other than that, it looks nice and fresh.  I wonder why there are no photos underhood? 

Why do you want the 3.7 diff?
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on January 15, 2014, 01:03:38 PM
Maybe it was the automatic transmission attached to it, but I didn't care for the 3.5 in the red car I was driving.  The 3.77 in the 2+2 was a big improvement over the other car.  That thing would scoot (and it was easy to do burnouts).
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on January 15, 2014, 03:39:07 PM
Maybe it was the automatic transmission attached to it, but I didn't care for the 3.5 in the red car I was driving.  The 3.77 in the 2+2 was a big improvement over the other car.  That thing would scoot (and it was easy to do burnouts).

The car in that listing should have a 3.90 diff.  Possibly the only diff more desirable than that is the rear out of a turbo car (which, if my memory serves me correctly, is 3.54), due to its use of half shafts instead of CV joints.  

On a personal note, I run a 3.90 diff in my 240.  
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on January 15, 2014, 03:55:56 PM
The car in that listing should have a 3.90 diff.  Possibly the only diff more desirable than that is the rear out of a turbo car (which, if my memory serves me correctly, is 3.54), due to its use of half shafts instead of CV joints. 

On a personal note, I run a 3.90 diff in my 240. 
I must have remembered it wrong.  I know the automatic and the manual have different differentials, and the 2+2 may or may not have been different from the 2-seater.  What I remember is that 5-speed would run like a scalded cat if you held your foot down.  The 3-speed auto?  Not even close.  That thing was more like being punished than actually driving a car.

I need more garage space.
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on January 15, 2014, 04:25:11 PM
I must have remembered it wrong.  I know the automatic and the manual have different differentials, and the 2+2 may or may not have been different from the 2-seater.  What I remember is that 5-speed would run like a scalded cat if you held your foot down.  The 3-speed auto?  Not even close.  That thing was more like being punished than actually driving a car.

I need more garage space.

IIRC, you could have anything from a 3:36 to 3:90 hanging out the back, depending on transmission and body type.  There were at least three different types of five speed transmissions to boot, with different gearing in each one (although two of them I believe only differed in the final gear, whilst the odd duck of the bunch had the same ratios as the older four speed transmissions with an additional gear tacked on). 

I'm not sure what rear is under the 76 2+2 I have as a parts car, but I know that my old 79 2+2 parts car has the 3:36 and odd duck 5 speed in it.  The 79 also came with the 140MPH speedo. 

I can only recall driving one auto 280ZX, and its acceleration would be best described as "stately".  It wasn't TERRIBLE to the point of being dangerous, but it was certainly not fast. 

The way I see it, we share an almost uncanny similarity in our taste in cars, to the point where we've both owned some of the exact same odd or unusual vehicles.

Maybe we should collectively decide on a few models, buy them, and then swap them out between each other every three months or so.  That way, we could both double our garage space.  :rotf:   

 

Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on January 15, 2014, 04:32:40 PM
That might be worth considering. :rofl:

My parents bought a place out in Leipers Fork that has three two-car garages and a couple of covered driveways on the property.  I'm going to see about moving stuff out there, but I don't have the address. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on March 21, 2014, 01:57:42 PM
101 uses for a raggedy 280Z.

[youtube=640,480]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcjC00J8FaM[/youtube]
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on March 22, 2014, 09:41:40 AM

2:36  :rotf:   Every guy knows that feeling.  EVERY guy. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: obumazombie on April 03, 2014, 04:07:20 PM
2:36  :rotf:   Every guy knows that feeling.  EVERY guy. 
Nothing a little plasma cutting, grinding and rewelding won't fix !
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: seahorse513 on April 03, 2014, 06:05:01 PM
After looking at that, I am gonna cry!! My dad had 3 of those...My fave was the t-top copper colored one!!
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: BattleHymn on April 03, 2014, 06:21:00 PM
After looking at that, I am gonna cry!! My dad had 3 of those...My fave was the t-top copper colored one!!

I wouldn't cry too much.  That car looks like it had a lot of body issues that would have cost some good money to resolve. 
Title: Re: 1983 Datsun 280ZX
Post by: Chris_ on April 03, 2014, 07:13:14 PM
I wouldn't cry too much.  That car looks like it had a lot of body issues that would have cost some good money to resolve. 
I wonder how bad it was underneath.