I just picked up a 1975 280Z that was sitting in a field for around three years. It was started once in a while and the engine was rebuilt just before being parked. My problem, and there are many, is that the wiring is f--ked up big time. When I got the car the only lights that worked were the headlights, the backup lights, the flashers, and one brake light. Oh yeah, the map light and the dome light when it wanted to. In order to move the car around town i fixed the brake light issue, loose wire, and had to re wire the tail lights into the rear window defroster! when I turn on the defroster, my tail lights come on. (No defroster though.) when I step on the brakes, (you're gonna love this) my dashlights, glove box light, another light behind the dash and all my front marker (including front and side) come on! As well as the brake lights. Now, I am new to the world of "Z", but have done some tinkering with cars such as 81 Vette, 80 Monza (V-8) conversion, several camaro's my brother 68 charger, 69 SS camaro, a MG midget, well you get the idea. I am by no (or should I say KNOW) means a liscensed mechanic. But have messed around with shade tree stuff. I think I might have bit off more than I can chew with this one. Any ideas, places for parts, etc... would help. Oh yeah, I beed it to pass NM emissions by next August! It failed the first time. HC allowed 500, HC produced 1872! Ouch, and I thought it ran pretty good for being a field rat for 3 years! Did I mention the mouse living in the car? NOT ANY MORE!!!

 

Yikes... you got a lot of work to do! Welcome to ZDriver.

 

O.o! Your lights worked after sitting in a field for that long? Well what shape is the body in? That's the big thing with Z's the rest of the car is not too too hard once you get the hang of these things, except wiring though. That one's kinda universal amongst a lot of us. It's the bodies that tend to be a PITA. Oh and before i forget...

*HUGS*


welcome to Zdriver.

 

Both front fenders have big rust holes, (a football might pass through them), but "black dragon" has fenders for around 199 each. Rust around the under body but I might be able to have the chassis dipped. I'm not trying to make a show car resto. Just a fun daily driver that will kick the sh-t out of some of the young punks with their honda's and mitsubishi's. Like I said, I helped my brother work on his 68 Charger, and my other brother had a 69 SS camaro. (After he totaled the 62 Vette!) So I know what muscle is! (Straight line anyway) Thanks for the replys and the HUGS!!! Hopfully I'll get some pics up soon!

 

welcome to the z world. not a muscle car but a great classic sports car....but hey who says u can throw down some muscle in a z

 

I used to live in nm are the smog laws the same in santa fe as they are in abq if not register it there

 

I,m going to register it in Los Lunas. The problem is that you need a viable street address and some one to give you your mail from MVD. (for most of the country, it's DMV. but New Mexico is, how shall i say it? F---ed UP!!)

 

Just my experience, but get replacement body sheet metal from Courtesy Nissan (www.courtesynissan.com) or your local Nissan dealer, if they're decent (some are better than others with the old stuff). Black Dragon and MSA are great suppliers and I've had really good experiences with them, but non-Nissan fenders have truly awful fitment. Like cutting, re-welding, and reforming bad fitment. Have fun with your Z, and welcome to ZDriver!
Dave

 

Thanks for the info Dave! I just had my right rear tire let go at 85MPH this morning. I saved it from spinning but it was quite a ride for 10 - 20 seconds! The whole steel belted center section came off and tore up the wheel well and 1/4 panel. From now on I don't want an E ticket ride, I want a "Z" ticket ride!! Damn, that will wake you up in the morning! Thanks to all for the nice welcome I recieved on Z Driver. Hopefuly I'll get some pics up soon. Thanks again. God Bless and Support our Troops!!

 

Wow, glad you weren't hurt. Sorry to hear about the quarter panel, though. Were you able to determine what did in the tire?
Dave

 

just old. I needed to peplace all 4, but didn't expect that!

 

Paid $400. for it. Did the stripes myself.

 

yogi im nismo619 located in clovisnew mexico 400 miles from u there is a z guy there in alberque his shop is closed down but he has alot of z carsthere thats all i know i called him once but lost the number. If u havent fixed your wire problem i have a 1982 280zx complete interior wireing all the way back to the lights etc. if interested ill sell it to you write me back.

 

its probably a loose ground and plus what would he need a complete 280zx wiring harness for?

 

I was thinking of changing it out to duel carbs. new intake etc.. any idea's?

 

Ah jeez... here we go again. You want to go from fuel injection to carb? Do you also want to get rid of your color tv for black and white?

 

front drum brakes are always an option

 

I like the classic look of carbs. If they make a fuel injection kit like the old time webers, I'm all for it. six one barrel injecters. cool.

 

i would say try the z31 NA efi swap.