Hey guys!

I picked up a 83zxt a few weeks ago. I bought from a guy who quit working on it after the transmission went bad, so I have my work cut out for me for the next few months. My goal with the car is to have a nice weekend driver and take it to Z meets. I have had a few Zs in the past, but either have been too broke or did not have a place to work on them so I had to get rid of them. I have a much better job now and a garage to keep them in, so I found a good deal and bought it!


I am going to create a list of needs (and some wants) for the car and update it as I satisfy each of needs. Hopefully, this method should keep me motivated and focused on what needs to get done. Also, I am hoping if anyone had/has a similar need, we can exchanged information.

Pros for the car:
1. Only has 86k miles!
2. The QTR and rear panels are solid
3. It runs
4. It came with newerish tires
5. The rear hatch shocks actually work
6. T-Tops do not seem to be leaky

Needs:
1. Transmission
2. Holes in the floor pans
3. Interior
4. Exhaust from the cat back
5. The car does not have any keys. I think they lost them and they install a switch for the full pump and a push to start.
6. Dash is really cracked
7. A lot of the hardware and clips are missing from the interior
8. Someone tried to jack up the car on the weld seams under the rocker panels and JACKED them up. (Get it?)
9. Needs seats. They "installed" 280z seats with sheet metal screws and wooden blocks (I will share pics). I found seats today and will install them once the floor pans are fixed.
10. E Brake does not seem to be working that well.
11. Engine bay needs to be clean.
12. Update the air intake.
13. Paint the hood and the car, but first the hood.
14. The spare tire rust spot.
15. Surface rust on the roof.
16. Carbon fiber hood.

There is definitely more, but I can't think of them right now. I will continue to update, add, and remove items as time goes by.



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Alex?

Lookin good!

 

Yup! Hey, Marc.

Thank you, sir.

 

the hood is classic you should keep that.

You can get a new ignition switch. you can get the key numbers off the lock for the rear hatch. find a real locksmith (not ace hdwe) and they should be able to fix you up. try zman of washington but he might have gone out of business. A good locksmith can cut the keys to spec rather than grinding something that might work. can also repair locks. cheaper to remove them yourself and carry them to the shop.

 

Thanks for the advice, rogerz.

I have a friend who is an automotive locksmith that could probably re-key the locks for me. I still have a set from my Z that was rear-ended and totaled.

In regards to the hood, not to insult anyone who likes them, but it is a little too flashy for me. I live off of a main road and it is a hunting ground for cops. I do not need anymore tickets... I have seen the rising sun painted on the underside of the hood, that I might do.

 

if you get the number off the rear lock no need to rekey just get proper keys made.

 

Hey Freshzx, are you going to the Z Nats in Atlanta in October? I have family in Marietta. Maybe I'll see you there. I have an 82 280zxt, dark red, 2+2.

 

I am now! Haha, now I have a goal date to get everything up and running. I should have everything up and running by then. I will message you when it gets closer.

Since I cannot find a used T5 transmission, I am going to have mine rebuilt. I found a smaller shop to do it for between $650 - $950 with a 1 year unlimited mile warranty. I figured I might as well pull the engine too and replace all of the gaskets, water pump, belts, and that sorta stuff while I am at it.

 

I Have a T5 but you need to deal with shipping!!

 

Where are you located?

Edit: Sorry, I was on my phone when I replied. I did not see you location. I think the shipping might break the bank on that! =-)