Just bought a 81 280zx non 2+2 and I was wondering how hard it would be to convert it to a 2+2. Is it possible to Install 300zx rear seats? Or just 280zx 2+2 rear seats? What parts would I need to complete this? Where can I find the parts to complete this?

 

There is no practical way to do the conversion. As I recall, the 2+2 is about 11 inches longer to accomodate the rear seats. The roof, rear quarters, and quarter glass is different, as well as the hatch. Heavier springs in the rear, longer drive shaft, different clutch assemply, the list goes on.

If you are real short... you could conceivably make room for a seat small enough to hold a leprechaun, but then you have to figure out how to attach the seat belt for it. I had a 2+2 and am a tall person. I have to drive with the seat all of the way back and the drivers seat was literally touching the rear seat. I was never able to put anyone back there besides my dog.

The 2+2 model is not considered desirable. I would bet that you could find someone willing to trade in a heartbeat. I know I would have jumped on the chance to trade my 2+2 for a coupe.

 

Ok thanks

 

Please tell me Lazlo, why is a 2 x 2 not considered desirable?


Old Codger

 

The 2+2 is not considered as desirable because they are heavier and not proportioned as well as the coupes, too thick through the middle.

 

More weight = less performance, the back seat isn't usable, visual proportioning, many interior restoration parts not available.

I heard it described once as all of the ugly and none of the upside.

As a parts car, very desirable. When I parted mine out, I got the 240MM clutch assembly, 3.90 rear end, CV axles.... Some of the late model 2+2's were outfitted as a turbo, except for the engine, to try and claw some of the performance and reliability back that was lost with the added weight.


2+2's are still a Z, and I had a lot of fun with mine. I wanted a full interior restoration and finally realized that I was going to sink a ridiculous amount of time and money into that last 10%, or else just live with an unfinished car.

 

Agree 100%. The sad thing is that you can't ever get all those $$ back by selling it. SO you better decide at the very beginning that you are spending all those $$ just to make YOURSELF happier while you own it - and drive it. And that's what you get! And I know I would do it all again anyway...

 

First addressing the OP. If you want a 2+2 just offer a trade or out right sell yours and buy one. To do a conversion would be a major undertaking requiring cutting the car in half. Most times major projects like this end up not being finished once started. In the end you'll end up ending the life of a 280.

We drive a 280 as a every day driver and to the Lake on weekends. Every week we get someone offering to buy our 2+2. Almost to the point we get worried about the car vanishing while we are out on the lake. We come back to the parking lot and usually find someone looking at it.

280's in Indiana and Illinois are very rare at least where we drive besides ours can't tell you the last time we saw one on the road.

 

Well....I'm a little "Thick" in the middle too...So I guess me and my 2 x 2 are made for each other.


Old Codger