Hey Guys, Ok so my 83 280zx I’m still gona be working on but, I’ve been browsing for another z. found a few options but this one in particular is on the cheap side. I’m going to go take a look tomorrow night. My question is other then the usual body cancer hack jobs ECT that you normally look for what else should I look care fully at? He says it runs but needs work. Ill put a link for the add. Also I’m not fluent in other z models the ad says a 76 280 zx, wasn’t the earlier ones just a z? I have read on this be for but don’t quiet remember. Cali and smog state guys 76 doesn’t need to be smoged correct? Any tips and info on this lady would help guys. Thanks in advance.

http://modesto.craigslist.org/cto/2086405180.html

Dnt think I put this post in the right spot. Sorry move if needed thanks

 

Nice. Have you read over the checklist (stated for 280zx's, but applies to S30's as well)

https://www.zdriver.com/forums/240z-280zxt-s30-s130-tech-tips-275/280zx-common-problems-checklist-purchase-inspection-16386/

And moved to S30 section.

 

Yes have read tho this post great info. Thanks nismo. I was hoping for some power train info and drivability info.. what type of "normal" issuse they have .are these f.i or carburated. What engine do they run stuff like that. I havent actually had my eyes on an early z since i was a kid. Just pics on searches.. she looks like shes been sitting in the garage for a long while idk maybe a good buy right..

 

Shoot, for $500 it looks pretty clean. Someday, I would love to have an S30 2 seater. Almost had one a couple of times. And both were '74 260z's. I would give it a good look over. But if it doesn't have serious rust issues. Or a bad title, then I would say go for it. Good luck man.

 

Totally my thoughts too im just hoping that it wouldnt take to much to get on the road and reliable. Not looking for another project car right now. But like u said for 500!!

 

OK so I went and checked her out…Hmmmm she does have some cancer issues mostly surface rust but in a few places it run pretty deep drivers fender on the top has eaten through bout an inch or more and the typical lower door section has some bubbling going on floors look good, it has set in but not to worried about that. Exalent, car to spend the time and money on. The oil gauge died on the tri cluster so he put in and secondary stand alone gauge that’s just chillin near the floor board. Ummmm. So that was the bad.

The good, clean title, engine is strong! Sounded great fired right up on the cold start warmed up great. Everything else is there for the most part. Missing some trim stuff. Minor. OHHH it is black interior as well!!

The guy said it was his DD till it started having some minor issues this is where the “NEEDS WRK” came in. The breaks were going bad then, the pass half shaft started popin and then the breaks failed. So he parked it. So he takes the half shaft off starts the break job does the fronts found that it was the back breaks “cause” rear wheel cylinders died. Sanded down some of the cancer spots, and then did nothing to it lost interest and there it has sat in his garage for the past 8 yrs.

So I feel pretty confident about it over all. He is a mechanic for work, as am I not working at the moment but yea, so I know how it goes to turn wrenches all day and not want to come home and do it too especially on something that uve lost interest in. His loss my gain

Info comments ect Guys?? what do you think

 

So it runs goods, and has a clean title. And is fixable, sounds like a pretty good deal.

As for mechanics working for a living. And getting tired of cars. I can punch a hole in that theory. My brother works at a dealership all day. And still can't stay away from his cars, or friend's for that matter.

Personally I couldn't work on cars for a living. I would go crazy. Because I like to work on my cars at my own pace. And I wouldn't want to learn to work on newer cars. They have entirely too much useless crap on them. In my opinion. I like a car, I can pop the hood on. And not stand there, and say what the? You get my point. lol

Hope you get it man, good luck. And keep us posted.

 

YUP YUP> I believe ima go for it. Told the guy not to sell it that Id be back for it next week, Going to set up a ride out and use AAA for the tow its about 30 miles from my place. Take another look more thourghally during the day time. Prolly throw that half shaft back on so I can at least buzz down the block (who needs breaks lol) before paying for it.

Very true everyone’s different. I worked at Karl model there in Yuma was working two FT jobs at the dealership and throwing papers (good money when the snowbirds are there) and I would come home work on my own customers cars and friends cars when needed, But (I used to be a VW nut) the 62 bug that I had that was still a runner and needed work I just let it sit, I had been thru the whole car a few times and was just done with it. Still have it just sitting in my back yard lol... I hate working on new cars especially there electronic systems god what a nightmare. Have to take 5 mins to get off all the plastic crap before you can even see the engine! Yea new cars suck to work on for many resons, need special tools to do any real work on them. UUHHHGGG yea main reason why Im not working as a tech I hate them.

 

Going out tomorrow to get her and bring her home, and I hate to tow a vehicle home Id much rather drive her home so I’ve got it set up to go out and work on her a little before doing so just wanted to check with you guys since I haven’t had the pleasure of working on the S30’s till now. If the parts house has indeed given me the correct part needed to get the breaks going. So I asked for the right rear wheel cylinder and this is what they gave me. Is it right?? Thanks guys. Will post pics once I get her home and cleaned up.

 

Don't know much about those parts. But congrats on purchasing the 280z! Looking forward to the pics, when you get it home. Awesome man!

 

That is a wheel cylinder, but I don't know if its the correct one. Sorry not much help on my part.

It's cool you were able to get the car!!!

 

Yea Thanks man!! I’m totally stoked cant wait for the time to pass. Since the guy doesn’t get off work till five.

Lmao YUP ur right it is a wheel cylinder hehehe.. It is cool thanks.. I’m lucky the guy saved it for me I was suppose to go out and get it the begging of this week but I blew a lil too much money when I went out for my BDay last weekend and had to wait for my pay check. lol

Will post up pic's prolly tomorrow night yeeeee. Till then later guys!!

 

Congrats on the purchase! Looking forward to the pics.

 

Thanks Mike your Z looks freaking sweet mang!!! That’s some major inspiration...

Well Like the title says I got her home wow that was kinda a crazy mission to pull of at night lol. This will be long but here I go anyway.

Well I went out there at 5:20pm after my son’s karate class. Put the half shaft on, swapped out the wheel cylinder, bled the brakes, filled the rat, up did the paper work, and handed over the cash took off at 7: pm and this is a thirty min drive from my town lol

So I take off and get threw his town and she’s running like she hasn’t been on the road in that eight yrs for sure but she’s strong and keeps going. So I go to jump on the highway and all of a sudden she doesn’t wana do better then 30mph is revving but sputtering like mad but just not wanting to go. I’m like ****!!! No flipping way man this blows so I get to the next exit creeping and pull in to a gas station.

well I’m bummed out at this point cuz she’s dying on me plus I gota be in class to test as well at 7:30. So I’m like screw it ill leave her here and make my class. So i'm in Class and I am tiring to focus but she’s on the back of my mind big time. Well testing starts to run over a lot and I’m sweating it. Hers my lady I just got sitting at a gas station with no tags ugggghhhh...

Well class finishes and my son and I as well as the rest of the people in my class are awarded are belts YAAAA!! Right Karate is a great thing to do with my son he is super happy and proud, and it’s a great work out too…

ANYWAY... I get back to her and she’s still there thank god. I’m going through her and I’m seeing some disconnected wires and some other things looking a lil deeper ya know well I plug em in and try to start her nothing damn, do some more looking and Low and behold the batteries not bolted down and has slid over. I say 100 bucks that’s why she didn’t wana run right there to my brother. Slide it over and take a bungie and strap it to the fender lol yea I know but it works... well she didn’t wana start so I unplug what I plugged in cuz she was running before and she struggles but starts.

So we hit the road and yup she’s running great and start back down the highway. I go bout idk 15 20 miles and she starts getting hot uggghhh ok so I start to pull off and hear a pop phhssssss. I’m like fuuuuccccckkk right. and she blows smoke all over (steam really)

Well I pull into another gas station pop the hood and see this big line off steam coming from the manifold i’m like great she cracked on me. Nope blew one on the hoses well I dig through the car thank god I found some fuel line and get that back on fill back up the rat and she fires back up whhhheeeewww.

I’m good no white smoke out the pipe safe kinda thought the head gasket was that pop at first... jump back on the freeway way and she runs me the rest of the way home.. YEEEAAAA!!!!! She’s a good old girl already Ill put some much needed TLC in her and shell treat me good I’m sure.

I know this is a long winded post but I thought Id share my adventure XD night all will post up the pics tomorrow when there’s some light outside lol till then later guys..

 

Enjoyed reading it. Quite an interesting story. Glad you got it home. Looking forward to the pics.

 

Ok guys here they are

 

Heres the shots pf the rot going on.. one place thats pretty bad Ill prolly just replace that frnt driver fender it be best.

 

yea so I lied about the black interior. Did they come stock with the black dash set up or has one of the po's allready started the black swap in??

 

a few pics in question here ull see the ones im talkin out havent down loaded the fsm yet but if you guys could clue me in thatd be great!! digin the garden hose right lmao not my handy wrk but its all good..

 

Ok thats all of em. no I haven cleaned it her out yet. notice the four shocks still in there boxes and also the Snap-On fender covers come up!! woot woot lol. So Im gona go out and get her cleaned out, think Ima swap the zx rims on there my tires are better, and Im not digin the stock steelies and hub caps..Um whats the best way to pop off the emblems??? gona take them all off as well as the crome side molding gota get the zx down and im going to sand up those cancer spot hit em with rust bullit and do the primer black paint job thatll do for the exterior for now. have a lot of things to wrk on and parts to get..yeaaaa Im happy about this buy for sure!!! Comments, thoughts, suggestions ????? later guys

 

Wow, it's in pretty good shape. Is that a Mustang I see in the background? heh heh Looks like you have a few projects going on. Same as me. lol

Hey if you need extra hubcaps like those. I have a couple. I was wondering which Z they came off of. I have had them for years. They are in pretty good shape.

The interior, looks like it was a saddle or brownish color. And it does look like they were converting the interior to black. Looks good, a fun project.

 

Yea over all she’s in good shape… got a few issue’s known at the moment and I’m sure more will come up. The oil pressure gauge is set up to an after market external gauge, volt meter isn’t functioning, Speedo needle is gone, as well as the light doesn’t work inside the Speedo, need to put those shocks on, re-bleed the brakes since I just got them good enough at the guys house. Needs rear end mounts prolly just do all of them front to back. Ignition switch is broken holding in there but almost had it. Heater core is bypassed. Umm Im sure there’s more but that’s all I got locked in my head.

Yea that’s a “66” stang it’s my dads toy but I do all the work to it great car to drive I love muscle cars too she’s just about done. The interior is show quality even got the factory choice a/c in there. Except the carpet is sun bleached I have to either re-dye it so it’s all original or get a kit. Built 289 under the hood with a holly four barrel she’s a cold blooded bastard but show me a old skl rod that fires right up when its 30 degree's out, without a block heater in it lol. Full dual exhaust. I have to get the a/c comp installed buy new line's and stuff but she’s a DD watch the Speedo go up and the fuel gauge go down lmao.. He has a 91 Chevy too.

My rides are: 02 F-150 super crew, 62 vw sedan, 65 vw baja 83 zx, 76z, 89 30’ southwind.

I might take you up on them caps Im missing one of the Z center caps.
The interior dose look like a saddle color not a crap brown ill finish off black when I go to restore her... Ok Im done typing feel like Im writing books on here lately lol

 

jeeeesus, you post to much haha. I'm trying to catch up! but no the dash and center counsel and carpets are ALWAYS black in the S30's. though they can have that butter scotch interior, which in my opinion, is a nice change of things and looks very nice when re-done. I hate to say it, but if you have rust like that on the fenders, you WILL find much much more hidden rust. possibly in the hatch sills, the floor pans or frame rails towards the front where they meet into the core supports. also check the rear "secrete" compartments. they rust out easily to. Doesn't mean it'll be a wreck, but you'll have some welding and patch work to do. And you won't ever know it until you pull the interior and start searching.

The motors themselves on these cars are stout, but the electrical systems kind blow, The AFM's are prone to problems.

since the car sat for 8 years, did you change the engine oil and gas before driving? i sure hope so if not, do it now, and change the fuel filter. Also do the wires plugs cap and rotor, they corrode and rust. sometimes even the battery cables get crappy on these cars and cuases them to run bad. Beyond that stuff, it more than likely will just need alot of body work and some minor suspension stuff to tighten things up a bit.

also, since you blew one hose already on the intake manifold none the less, i'll bet ya the hose clamps on this car and hoses are original and need changing. all of them. there isn't that many so no worries. but they are made out of a crap material that swells over the time and then just pops.

I just forgot the last stuff I was going to say... i'll chime back in if it comes back to me.


EDIT: oh yeah, the emblems, theres no good way to remove them. the studs will break on them, but they just pop out really. you can access the back sides on most of them like through the fenders, under the hood, behind the interior panels for the side rear quarter emblems. the hatch interior panel removes and you can maybe reach the hatch emblems.... maybe

 

the last two pics of the crappy lookin wires, all those are for temp sensors. not a huge deal. At least from what I can tell in the pics.

here was my 280z's butterscotch interior






I really miss that car...

 

Yea I have been posting a lot lately lol. Ok cool so the dash and consol are probably stock then that’s good news. The carpet has been cut out, but from what’s left looks like it was brown. Haven’t seen sun bleaching reach up to pedal clusters before?? I agree the “saddle” Look's good I like it too. Is that the true name for this color scem?? The seats are jacked but the headliner, as well as around the strut supports the compartments and the rest of the trim are really good only one nick in the headliner. It will all stay till I go to restore it then I will go all black.

On the rust a lot of it looks like stuff (leaves ECT) sat on it and wasted away cuz most of it looks like surface rust. I did see a lil bit of bubbling at the base of the hatch all the rest looks good. I do have some on the pass floor board drivers is mmmmok just a lil there. I have it up in the air now the rails looked ok I will check out the rest that you said to look for but I’m not going to be gutting it out as of yet. My goal is to have the s30 for my DD while I bring back the zx then ill restore this beauty.

The engine did feel strong driving home although I was just cruising didn’t wana get on her especially with the issues I had. I haven’t done the pulling of plug wires to make sure she’s running on all six. I want to clean out the afm just to be sure it is clean as well… Best way to clean it??? The gas tank was completely empty I added 5 gals of fresh 89 for the ride home. Engine oil looks fresh and oil filter looks bran new cap is new as well. I am going to do a full tune up any way I like to run full syn in all my cars. This thing didn’t even have battery connecters on it just bare wire's bolted to the bat I cleaned the wires and put connectors on with an optimum bat I already had. Need to check and clean the cables on the other side.

I will be changing out all the manifold hoses and any others that dnt look that great.

Thanks for all the info… on those crappy wires the one that is disconnected outa the three round connectors. If I plug that in she won’t start, and shell die if I plug it in while running. As to the red wire... I found what looks to be a temp sensor next to the thermostat housing but it’s a black wire black to red usually not smart but idk. The temp gauge is working...

Got the emblems off sept for the hood and rear quarters...

Your door panels look better then mine do lol and im missing the crome.
Again thanks for the info... looking forward to more and getting her road worthy soon.