Flotte817

Ok so I've done some research but I still can't find what exactly this body panel is called or can't seem to find it online to order it.
The panel is the rear assembly panel from what I've gathered...it's the panel that the taillights and taillight covers are held on to. I've uploaded a photo so ya can help me out....
The reason why I ask is because on my 1978 280z that area is bent in and need it replaced. Hope you guys can help me....
Btw I've all ready downloaded the FSM online and couldn't find it on there guys!
Thanks for stopping by....

Flotte817

Sorry guys this picture will give you a better idea.

zxguy1986

Well, it's not really a 'part' you can buy off somebody's shelf. It's a body panel exclusive to the years that model was produced by Nissan and the only place you will likely get another one is from someone who has taken - or will take - the same or a similar Z model apart. It's not a 'part' Nissan would have stocked for repair or replacement... Nissan assembled the car in Japan and would not have made separate body panels available from the factory for very long - if at all.

If you are restoring the car in the photos, you may be in a position to repair the rust/dents/cracks in the panel you have rather than find a replacement panel. Otherwise, you need a pro recycler or just someone who is parting out a similar Z. Search for a '73 280Z for 'parting out' or 'for parts' and see if you can talk someone into taking a can opener to its magnificently beautiful Z butt. Include similar years. Send them your photos. They'll understand what you're looking for.

Flotte817

Damn, I was afraid of that..I know they make panels for the lower side and the top side under the hatch but never this specific one. Do you know what it might be called? I took it to a body shop and they said there's no way in hell they can shape it back to its original form... any thought or advice on what to do?

zxguy1986

Well, I take it that you have a 240. They are still very hot cars but in a shrinking market. Somebody might have produced replacement body panels in fiberglass, etc. Search for them...

Also best bet is to find a recycler with a 240 on the lot. The same model body was produced for several years, so lock all those years into your search. Take any year with a matching body panel... You gotta call them about it. If they have a body on the lot, it won't show on the parts search... Try car-part.com and search for common 240 parts... If a single yard shows a lot of them, they may have the body. Call them and ask.

Last resort, spend a pile convincing a duplicator to make you a new panel. Rich people do it all the time for their 1932 Chryslers and 1946 Hudsons. Hurts a lot $$$$ but gets the job done.

Oh yeah, I forgot. Your chosen body shop may just lack the talent it takes to restore your original panel. Take photos of it to other body shops and ask them... You aren't married to the shop that has the car now...

Lazlo

Buy a welder and some 20 gauge steel and be prepared to spend a couple of weekends working on it.

There have been quite a few Z's in which people have modified the taillights and this might be a good option for you. You could do a whole panel and the retro it with some round corvette style lights and trhis would probably be way easier and cheaper than getting the original panel back into shape.

Flotte817

You know I've seen that when people out corvette lights or supra tailights, but to be honest...I really don't like that! And I don't understand why people even do that! I want my 280z to be original so I can drive it with no problems like in the 70's not have a Frankenstein of a car! But I do appreciate y'all's help guys! I guess what I'll do is find a 280z that's parted out and hope for the rear to be intact!