Z31 Resto Thread
 

Hello group!

Thought I'd make this thread as a placeholder for when I start working on my newly acquired Z.

I've owned tons of F-Bodies, Corvettes, and several imports from a turbo Cressida to an FD RX7 and I have to say, I've always had a soft spot for Z cars.

A few days ago, I came into possession of a Z31 a friend of mine was restoring himself. I won't go too into detail as I cannot take credit for anything he's done (or acquired) himself but I'll try to touch on a few things done.

It's a 1986 300ZX N/A with some 230k miles on it.

Over the course of his ownership, he's completely dismantled the vehicle ensuring any and all rust (if any) was taken care of. This was followed by having redone all the wiring (including having rebuilt an extra complete wire harness or two) ensuring any and all electronics were functional. All your typical wear items were replaced from the struts, to the brake lines, master cylinder, and more. And lastly, the motor was removed (along with the engine bay having been completely gone through and repainted) and was completely overhauled, including the heads having gone through a machine shop and more.

All that's left for me to do is to - tend to areas that leak, figure out the "air injection system" which I couldn't find in the FSM, and the exhaust situation. The vehicle also hates cold weather, and only once it's actually warm does it run like a dream though I've seen some old threads having to do with some cold weather start, etc.

After which, I'll just have to deal with other issues like the air compressor needing replacement, figuring out the overhead temperature sensor/system, and misc mechanical issues that won't really pose as a big deal. I have a plethora of extra parts to go through as there are lots of extra interior and exterior parts to go through as well as stereos and electronics.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.zdr...d22a5e6a55.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.zdr...0a13c7e53b.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.zdr...13e2416773.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.zdr...cebece8efc.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.zdr...898159f436.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.zdr...a7cc1b1f93.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.zdr...4a9a0112ab.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.zdr...b444b0f416.jpg

Posting the thread here will only motivate me to get it road worthy as I know it'd mean a lot to my friend now that it's with me.

Okay, they're a little ratty but I love the seats!

A part of me considers replacing them - I ran a Sparco in my Land Cruiser.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.zdr...4cd0263977.jpg

Gotta like that Sparco seat. Still, the many functions found in the original seat plus it being OEM is worth considering. Recovering should be a less expensive option I would imagine. :)

Well, I was also considering a Recaro as well depending on the size/style and of course comfort. Plus I figured it'd look cooler having a nice black seat to match the black JDM center console. Mine is in new-condition.

Only the passenger side has a small tear and I would be the only one driving/riding in it.

+1 I think the originals could only add to the car's resale value if and when you decide to sell it.

You do make a good point about resale, considering the overall condition of the car IE fully overhauled engine and other expensive items.

I have no plans to sell it, not to mention Z's here don't go for much so I should look at it like an investment towards my driving experience.

I'll have to do a walk-around video of this thing at some point once I clean up the garage a bit.

While not essential, it's nice to have the seats match the remainder of the interior. Can't help but notice when it doesn't.

I recovered mine in my 85T seats and cost me around $500 from the below link and the entire seat covers were real leather and not 1/2 vinyl like the OEM seat was. I never did it before and it took me about 8 hours to recover both seats. Hog rings are easy to deal with, and a little wd40 makes it much easier to slide on the covers over the seat foam. This was much easier than I thought.

https://ridies.com/product/25933/198...4aAtw3EALw_wcB

Not a bad price!

Good set of pliers definitely helps.

The picture above was of my old Land Cruiser - rather than replace the rear seats, I too recovered them myself. The old seats below.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.zdr...569654df0d.jpg

Even though it looked much better having new leather in the rear, I wasn't totally happy with it.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.zdr...4a96431d2c.jpg

If I find a pair of Recaro or Sparco seats I like, I'll just have to snag them up for the Z.

I must say, I've become really spoiled with many of my other vehicles.

I did not realize it was this hard to find interior bolts, and other bits and pieces right off the shelf whereas I could still buy new gaskets, seals, bolts and other things for my old Land Cruiser, Tacoma, 4Runner, and other various vehicles.

However, I did finally have a bit of time earlier to conduct inventory and see all the extra parts I've got on hand. Something like 3 ECM's, 2 factory radios, tons of hardware (much of it labeled, some of it not), tons of interior and/or exterior metal brackets, several complete engine wiring harness (I know one is completely rebuilt, along with the currently installed wire harness), tons of interior parts, several parts waiting to be replaced like springs, shocks, sway bar end links, headlights, and more. Along with extras like tons of misc small items, side mirror assemblies, HVAC piping, vacuum and coolant lines, MAF sensors, tons of other electrical components, and more.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.zdr...da78af75cf.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.zdr...ac3f29a555.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.zdr...a87363f032.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.zdr...40a881eb39.jpg

Thinking maybe I can use some of this stuff for bartering? I'm sure some would like a few goods if it means I could trade for some goods I need as well.

Is this forum active enough?