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Update: After much searching, I ordered this one from eEuroParts: Somewhat disappointingly, it took them a week to ship it, and another four days in transit. But it fits perfectly. As you can see from the part number stamped on it, it's the same BMW part Consigli found two years ago (280161024). It just wasn't listed under the same part number. Maybe that's why they hadn't sold out yet. Just sharing in case it helps someone else. Sent from my [device_name] using http://Classic Zcar Club mobile

Hey y'all! I'm Kyle out of Austin, TX and I'm just starting a ground-up restoration of my 1976 280z - a few months into the teardown so far. I end up traveling for work a lot which limits my time in the garage significantly, so progress is slow so far, but I will try and update this thread as progress happens. I'm the lucky 2nd owner of this beauty and had the opportunity to attend ZCON in Austin last year before starting the tear down. I'd highly recommend ZCON for anyone who hasn't gone yet. I'll start with a few pictures of the "before" state and add pictures/video as I have the time to edit and upload. I'm a complete novice but have learned a lot already through trial and error, and especially from the local Z group of friends. Looking forward to sharing the trials of this project and getting everyones insight on how to handle certain aspects of the teardown and rebuild. I want to do as much of the work as possible myself - from welding frame rails to reupholstery to wiring and more. It won't be a concours car, but it will be a (mostly) home-built rebuild that I can say I did most of the work on. Enough background, below are some starting pictures before work started. If I have time today I'll add a list of known issues that I'll need to tackle and would appreciate any preliminary feedback! The day I bought the car in May 2017. Bought from the original owner. Didn't trust myself to even test drive it, you could tell he was sad to let it go but happy it was going to a fellow enthusiast. A month after I bought her ZCON was in town. Met Matsuo-san, designer of the S30 and had him sign some original Datsun ads I had purchased. At the judged car show, photo by professional photographer. Credit to Westin Easley Productions. At this point I had done almost no work to the car - not enough time and more importantly, I was still at an apartment with a single stall and no extra room for working/disassembly. Not perfect by a long shot, but she's mine! At COTA for parade laps. At Cars and Coffee with some friends and their beautiful Zs. That's all for now!

Cool! Where did you find that beast? Must be some crazy person to give that up!

So a little fiberglass to fill the rust divots A little high build primer Sand to 400 grit Then a little glazing putty Then some Eastwood semi-gloss I was going to try to plate the studs but my plating tank heater is dead. So maybe next weekend... Interesting that no one chimed in on whether the boosters were yellow zinc under the black??

It's a show from the '70s.

Whaaaa? Who told you that? [emoji51]

Long story... drop by sometime and we can discuss over a beer or two.

Appreciate it! Your thread is partially what inspired me to do as much of it myself as I can, or at least try to. Love the ingenuity and fearlessness of trying things out - like the DIY heat lamp and powder coating station.

I still think that the original problem with #4 was a poor wire connection at one end or the other. I think we ruled out other possibilities. That said, @jalexquijano have you explored the possibility that Previously #4 had a bad connection and now #3 and #4 have the same problem? Oh yeah, I still want to know if all the plugs were black.

Yes, welcome aboard. You have a very nice car to start out with. Zed Head has a '76 and knows them inside and out. He's a frequent flier on here, good guy and very helpful.

Mark has suggested several times now to check all plugs, have you done so yet? Are the rest of the plugs like 3 and 4, fouled?

Well ruined another pump, I need to find something better. Some small that is high pressure and can take the tiny particles on a shaft. I believe they are my issue . I got this Sk intake looking pretty before the pump started to leak:( It looked pretty nice before, so it cleaned easily.

looking forward to it, view near Hog Pen Gap, North Ga from last year. Sent from my iPhone using Classic Zcar Club mobile

I'm in along with my local buddy Gary @GGRIII. The plan is to drive down in his flat top fueled 260.

Kathy and I are in.

Cody and I are in...

We're IN Jim Smirlies (S30driver), Kagy (wifey), Tavish (the varmint) and I will arrive on Sunday the 14th driving the 720 miles down from N.W.Arkansas through Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama into Atlanta. We are booked into the extended stay portion of the Sonesta on the ground level. Look for the NWAZCC banner on the canopy tent and the little white fuzzball---We can't wait to greet each and all you guys. Thanks in advance Steve for all of the hard work you've put in to this awesome event. Looking forward to a week of Z'z and the drive to Helen!

I know the buyer appreciates all this pre-sale inspection and maintenance.... [emoji6]

The older that dog gets the more you two look alike!!!

Drill press speed was 650 RPM. The 80- and 150-grit were abrasive cloth; everything else was wet-dry with a little WD-40. Have fun; that's what it's all about.

We have a shop here but they're Monday through Friday and I needed it today or else would have to let my Mom drive on of my cars. I love my Mother more than myself but she thinks cars are like appliances, use them till they quit then buy another. Second place on my love list.

Thought that "don"t run the engine with the bad parts in it" would come through the comments, but, just in case...don't run the engine with the bad parts. Actual voltage is probably higher if you're just reading the highest number on the gauge. You might be damaging more stuff. And the speedometer is mechanical. So any twitchiness there is not from an electrical problem.

What size grit are you using? I think my is 50-80 grit. Been on there for 34 yrs, it use to have a braided rope design on both edges, wore off decades ago. My wife says " It makes me feel claustrophobic just looking at you finger" I say "No honey, that's just me that makes you feel like that way"