gbelous

I recently picked up a 81 280zx, 5 speed. The previous owner had a cassette/radio in it, but took it all out and left just the basic wires that are from the car end. I have a head unit that I would like to put it and from reading the other posts in here, it doesn't seem TOO hard so I wanted to make sure I was going about this correctly...
I will replace all the speaker wires instead of using the stock small ones, but as for the power, I can just connect the new head unit to the stock power, for both the accessories and constant, right? Then just attach the antenna and all should be good.
Is this accurate? Anything I should be aware of while doing this?
I've heard fabrication for the support can be a pain, but I can take my time with that, just want to get the wiring done right the first time.
Thanks for any help!

NismoPick

Welcome to ZDriver! and props for doing research.

The stock power & accessory wires should be fine to use, unless they are burnt.

gbelous

Thank you! I'll have to post some pictures when I get a chance to take some.
But the wires are fine, the radio in the car previously worked fine to my knowledge...so maybe I'll tackle this this coming weekend.

280zx2by2

its alot of work but it is worth it

i like showing this pic...

gbelous

Nice, Looks simple but doesn't sound it.
What's the best material to use as the face plate that holds the head unit? Any rigid plastic?
What exactly is so tough about this install...most say it's hard, but don't say exactly what is.

NismoPick

"Hard" is relative to the person doing it. A radio install is simple for someone who has installed tens or hundreds. The only "hard" part would be the backing plate. I made mine w/ some wood & covered it w/ black velvet.

gostlrs

ya stereos are cake...i relocated mine to where the heater controls were, no need for heat or air here in phoenix.LOL... i plan on putting gauges where the radio was once i get the beast running again

gbelous

Looks good in the heater control spot, but don't think I can lose those...I'm in CT.
Okay, so for tens or hundreds is simple...so for me this will be the first. Should be fun!
I guess there's only one way to learn...by doing it. So we will see. I don't mind a challenge.
Thanks for your help!

280zx2by2

i used a very thin plywood because it was easy to sand to get a good fit... dont laugh

and i went to a fabric store and the had some pleather that matched my interior almost exactly

best thing is to get one of those voltage meters and become an electrician for a weekend... worked for me and the instruction with the HU help ALOT with wire placement

NismoPick

Soft velvet pwnz...

Bleach

I used some aluminum plating. I cut the front part to fit and then left some long strips of plate below the faceplate which were then bent backwards.
Drill some holes in the lower part that is bent back and then bolt it in place. It was solid and a perfect fit. I then painted it black.

gbelous

nice, both ideas sound good...ill have to shop around and see what i can find...and what i can work with with the tools i have.

gostlrs

for heat..i am gonna get a dc converter and buy a small house space heater with remote and strap it down in the back, that should be more then enough to keep me warm.

NismoPick

^^^ Might want to check the power draw ratings first. Those suck electricity like crazy. And it would be a nice fire danger. That's one of the many reasons car heaters use coolant.

Why not just keep some form of a heater core under the dash & hook up a fan to it?

Bleach

Electric cars use 12v ceramic heaters and stick them where the heater core used to be. You still have to blow air through it though to draw the heat out.

JEZ280ZX

Hi,
I recently replaced my radio with a cd player.I got a replacement fascia plate from Motorsport Auto...http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/RF/50-3301
Cheerz,
Jez.

Bleach

My recent 280ZX already has a plate. I have not taken it apart to inspect the quality of it or how it is constructed.



I had an aftermarket plastic plate at one time. It was ripped out by a thief. Probably with one finger. The metal one I made was much stronger.

SHADY280

i went to best buy and for 17 bux i picked up the whole kit like motorsport sells, then i built a whole custom console so it doesnt even look the same. and ditched the old console, its too dated.

Bleach

yup! I agree. I want nothing short of a 370Z center console in mine.

Ratfink

Pictures SHady?

Niku-Sama

the stereo wiring musta changed since 79 cause i get Acc and everything power wise through the stock harness EXCEPT for the constant 12v to keep the radio presets and clock in order, i have to pull it from the ciggerette lighter and ground it with something other than the lighter ground other wise it tried to heat it all the time.

i have been thinkin it might be worth it to move the ciggerette lighter to the center console box (for things that minght need 12v in the future) and move the mirror controls to where the fader/balence and the lighter used to be