Eds 280zx

Restores, Revamps and Repairs
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edynz
Posts: 22

Eds 280zx

Post by edynz » Sun Dec 05, 2021 9:42 am

So I am the happy new owner of a Z car :D
1982 280zx JDM L20e

I met the seller in Ashburton, took it to Robbies garage, the mechanic gave it a drive / look over.
A few areas of concern but sumised its good for its age and rust is expected, Best keep it garaged. :wink:
Wanted something that was not going to need too much work.

Work done advised by seller
- Air filter
- Coolant, Oil / filter
- Spark plugs
- Fuel pump, Fuel filter
- Handbrake
- Tenson Rod Bushings
- Tie Rod Boots
- Bump Stops
- Control Arm Bushings
- Sway Bar End Link Bushings
- Sway Bar Mount Bushings
- Slave cylinder
- Rocker cover gasket
- Thermostat
- Distributor and rotor
- Right rear brake caliper rebuilt
- New exhaust from headers back 2.5" High flow. 3 inch shotgun tips.

Problems I know of
- Rust areas passenger floor pan and driver rear wheel arch
- Suspension

DIY Plans.
- buy various manuals on car/engine/upholstery
- replace original shocks/suspension, mechanic said it would feel like a boat at speed, and it does :lol: - will probably go KYBs, not decided
- brake hoses
- review all bushings
- practice welding, prep for DIY rust repair
- headlight covers
- wooden steering wheel
- upholstery seats black vinyl / red trim
- replace missing / damaged clips and other interior bits, eg. 1 cig lighter plug is missing.
- make dash protector, not sure the 280zx have cracked dash problems but want to avoid damage
- maybe.... purchase body kit + wing
- maybe.... keep an eye out for a turbo, maybe l28, maybe carb (i will drive it for a while before deciding)

Will be a a lot of learning so appreciate any suggestions things I should consider doing.
Keen on faithful modernizations,
With any changes from whats stock I will still keep these parts aside feels very wrong not to.

Most of what i am looking at buying is from Zcar store https://www.thezstore.com
Wonder if there are some things i should buy now stock it for future work ( eg. glass rubbers if planning on a respray/window repair work)

Cheers to everyone on the forum for advice to date, looking forward to driving and working on the car.

Heres one photo.
Learning and fixing begun already, :lol:
It didn't want to start. Needs a slight touch of gas to start when cold.
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Grunzter
Posts: 541
Location: Epsom, Auckland

Post by Grunzter » Sun Dec 05, 2021 4:55 pm

Awesome car.
Sounds like a lot of the basic stuff done which is nice.

I have some unused sway bar link bushes if you need them, I see they have been replaced on yours.
Also have the rear control arm bushes, 2 sets, again guessing you don't need them.
And a set of new OEM rear subframe bushes. They were pressed in, but then pressed out...
My suspension is all custom, so nothing is of any use to me.

If you need any black coupe interior parts let me know, may have it in my stash that I will eventually list...

I would get the floor pan rust sorted first, will give you some piece of mind.
Then suspension, and if $$ allows a cool set of wheels/tyres... :) just my 2 cents.

Regards
Grant
1981 280ZX #33 IMSA GTU Race Car
2012 Fairlady Z34 ST (For the son/wife...)
2007 Fairlady Z33 NISMO
(Sold) 1984 300ZX Z31 2+2 Turbo
(Sold) 1980 Datsun 280ZX 2+2

User avatar
Grunzter
Posts: 541
Location: Epsom, Auckland

Post by Grunzter » Sun Dec 05, 2021 4:59 pm

Z store is good, back in the day that was the go to shop before the internet changed our lives :P

Also keep an eye on:
https://zcarsource.com/
https://zcardepot.com/
https://www.datsun-garage.com/

they have regular sales, and a good selection.
1981 280ZX #33 IMSA GTU Race Car
2012 Fairlady Z34 ST (For the son/wife...)
2007 Fairlady Z33 NISMO
(Sold) 1984 300ZX Z31 2+2 Turbo
(Sold) 1980 Datsun 280ZX 2+2

User avatar
stevenewenham
Z Club Member
Posts: 148
Location: Auckland

Post by stevenewenham » Mon Dec 06, 2021 11:31 am

If you want to protect your dash without the aesthetic abomination ( my opinion obviously ) of a dash cover,
baby oil works well Years ago I had a conversation with the owner of Dashboard Restorations who told me
he had found an Aussie product that worked for dash protection against cracking , whereas others didn't..
Out of curiosity he had it analysed, to discover the active ingredient was the same as baby oil!
Mine's 43 years old and crack free, so it works.

edynz
Posts: 22

Post by edynz » Sun Dec 12, 2021 12:15 pm

Grunzter wrote: Sun Dec 05, 2021 4:55 pm I have some unused sway bar link bushes if you need them, I see they have been replaced on yours.
Also have the rear control arm bushes, 2 sets, again guessing you don't need them.
And a set of new OEM rear subframe bushes. They were pressed in, but then pressed out...
If you need any black coupe interior parts let me know, may have it in my stash that I will eventually list...
I would get the floor pan rust sorted first, will give you some piece of mind.
Thanks Grant.
In the process of putting a checklist of things to do/$ priority.
I potentially will take you up on that offer,

edynz
Posts: 22

Post by edynz » Sun Dec 12, 2021 12:17 pm

stevenewenham wrote: Mon Dec 06, 2021 11:31 am If you want to protect your dash without the aesthetic abomination ( my opinion obviously ) of a dash cover,
baby oil works well Years ago I had a conversation with the owner of Dashboard Restorations who told me
he had found an Aussie product that worked for dash protection against cracking , whereas others didn't..
Out of curiosity he had it analysed, to discover the active ingredient was the same as baby oil!
Mine's 43 years old and crack free, so it works.
Thanks Steve.
Good to know, Thats one less time consuming thing to do. :D
How often do you reapply?

User avatar
stevenewenham
Z Club Member
Posts: 148
Location: Auckland

Post by stevenewenham » Mon Dec 13, 2021 11:19 am

2 or 3 times through summer.Just squirt plenty on then spread with a rag.

edynz
Posts: 22

Post by edynz » Tue Dec 21, 2021 7:18 am

A couple of snaps from the drive to Tekapo Sunday just gone.
Drove well on the long drive. Feels reliable! :D

Parts ordered due in the new year

MSA front air dam
MSA spoiler
Headlight covers (not sure i will use these but want the option)
KYB front/rear suspension
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stevenewenham
Z Club Member
Posts: 148
Location: Auckland

Post by stevenewenham » Tue Dec 21, 2021 12:01 pm

Your car looks good.
White really suits it.
Do they usually have contrasting mouldings along the side?
If so, it looks better, like yours, without..

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bernjean
Z Club Member
Posts: 1709

Post by bernjean » Thu Dec 23, 2021 12:57 pm

Nice looking car, you will enjoy it.
Bernie Kant
Club President

edynz
Posts: 22

Post by edynz » Thu Dec 23, 2021 5:32 pm

stevenewenham wrote: Tue Dec 21, 2021 12:01 pm Do they usually have contrasting mouldings along the side?
I am not 100% sure on that, 280zx for the American market definitely were contrasting. S130 Fairladys JDM may not have been.
The air dam I am planning to fit will likely be matt black. But the original valance will stored away for safe keeping.
bernjean wrote: Thu Dec 23, 2021 12:57 pm Nice looking car, you will enjoy it.
Thank you Bernie, definitely no regrets so far. :)

edynz
Posts: 22

Post by edynz » Wed Jan 12, 2022 7:45 am

new steering wheel in
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stevenewenham
Z Club Member
Posts: 148
Location: Auckland

Post by stevenewenham » Wed Jan 12, 2022 9:30 am

Looks good. Very traditional with wood rim and drilled spokes.

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Grunzter
Posts: 541
Location: Epsom, Auckland

Post by Grunzter » Wed Jan 12, 2022 11:44 am

Cool start.
The cars colour combination of white exterior and black interior is the best!
1981 280ZX #33 IMSA GTU Race Car
2012 Fairlady Z34 ST (For the son/wife...)
2007 Fairlady Z33 NISMO
(Sold) 1984 300ZX Z31 2+2 Turbo
(Sold) 1980 Datsun 280ZX 2+2

edynz
Posts: 22

Post by edynz » Sat Mar 12, 2022 4:02 pm

stevenewenham wrote: Tue Dec 21, 2021 12:01 pm Your car looks good.
White really suits it.
Do they usually have contrasting mouldings along the side?
If so, it looks better, like yours, without..
I found this re S130 build year differences, The years 82-83 bumper matches the body colour.
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