zbane

The weather cleared up for a few days recently so I was finally able to do a little bit of rust inspection/cleanup in the front driver wheelwell. In doing so, I discovered that the rust I knew about was just the beginning (no surprise there), and that there was quite a bit of rust underneath the rubberized undercoating. I began peeling off the stuff in one area where it seemed loose, and it came off in several rather large swaths, but became much harder to deal with at the edges (much like peeling off sunburnt skin). In a couple of places that seemed "moist," I dug in with a blade and managed to break adheasion, only to find more uglyness. That undercoating can hide rust very well indeed. Here are a couple sets of photos to show ya what I mean. I am curious as to how everyone has managed to remove their undercoating.

Now this is DD material! Just imagine your commute to/from work/school... (second of the above links)

Here are a couple shots of my FSM regarding the shocks. The dimensions are the same for the two versions, but the compression/expansion measures are different. If you want other pages, let me know, but this one page (split in two for easier viewing) pretty much covers it.

I drive my ZX as a DD. While I don't worry much about short distance drives (@100 miles), anything over that tend to make me a little nervous-not that the car will break down, but IF the car breaks down, the hunt for parts while on the road is not fun. I've done that once, that's enough. If you just need a DD, look for a smallish front driver-prisms are nice enough, but I would steer you to a second gen (1998-2001?) Honda CRX. I had a 98 as my first car, and wish I still had it. the HF model was quick, and returned @35mpg in town, with a teen driving it . There are many go fast parts (non-ricer), repair parts, etc., and the interior space is quite nice-for a two seater. Need more space? 1991-93 Honda Accord 4 door 5speed. FWIW

www.zdayz.com I know it's late notice, but anyone in the eastern Tennessee vicinity should check this out. Registration can be done online, and you can purchase one day passes, or passes for the whole enchilada. For information about Deal's Gap, go here: http://www.tailofthedragon.com/

mention this to an attorney, or your insurance company. A similar situation happened to my sis many years ago-a slight tap (her fault) with no damage, no police report (no damage), and no hard feelings...until three months later, all of a sudden the bumper was bent and rusting, and about to fall off, yada yada yada... A quick phone call from an insurance investigator made everything go away.

Toyota's a part of GM? I think not. They do produce lemons from time to time (as all carmakers do-a friend had the worst Volvo built, but that's a different story. Caleb-whenever you have a car rebuilt after a severe front end collision, which yours sounds like, it will never be the same. There have been several discussions on this site about the z31, and from what I gather, either they are great, or they will drain yor wallet. Turbo vehicles can be fun, but they (the turbos) need servicing from time to time-not cheap, so be thankful that these two are na. Considering the budget and time constraints, I would start looking for a new-2-u car, as Jason said, miatas go faily cheap. My sister has had hers since 1991, and barring the new engine (forgot to change the oil:finger: ), the car has done very well...except for the rust. Miata not your thing? There are many a good car out there just waiting to be found. Start looking around, and don't let your eyes grow bigger than your wallet.

for the record, here are some shots of the car in question, and some shots of another reasonably priced ($3100) beauty. http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars/private/DATSUN/1200/details.aspx?__Ns=pCar_PrivateSpecialFlag_Int32%7C1%7C%7CpCar_ImageCount_Int32%7C1%7C%7CpCar_LastModifiedDate_DateTime%7C1&Make=DATSUN&__Nne=3&R=1190551&Cr=0&state_id=0&__No=14&__N=4294966615+0+834+285+257&distance=25&trecs=65&__sid=1125BFAE79DF&silo=1003&seot=0&State=All%20States

How about this-find yourself an L28T from a later model year 280zx. Sure, it's a turbo, but it is a Nissan L28, and before you go and drop it in, you can do all the work you want to it, all the while driving your Z...

We have the same compressor and engine, so I figure I may as well post these shots to give you an idea. Note that the Blue Pulley is the one mentioned by Stephen

Zbarn is another choice, but the return time for information is a tad slow. z1motorsports might be an option, they deal mainly with 300zx's, but still worth a call, you'll never know if you don't ask.

Except for when he's on the lam(!

here's a recent thread about the 300zx, thier pitfalls and pleasures. As with any z car, there are problem areas/issues, one of which was touched on by Mr. Camouflage, the lack of workspace. http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24754

I wonder-Is there is any crud built up in your injectors?

Welcome to the site from another North Carolinian! You honor your father and his memory as you work on your Z car(s), and I think it wonderful that you are going ahead with the work. While it is truly unfortunate that your father is not alive to help you with the project, he is with you through the knowledge he shared with you over the years. Take your time on the site, there is more information here than you could imagine.

If we all chip in, I bet we could pull it off-some of those houses have 6+ bedrooms... We could have our own private timeshare sort of thing. But still, it is way too expensive for my blood.

Check this place out-it's in the Savannah area... http://www.unlimitedspeed.net house lots start at $675,000, and then there's the $1,800 per month homeowner fee.... I wonder what sort of cars will find their way around that track, and of those being driven, how many will be driven as intended?

That looks great! I just saw an ad for the Krylon Fusion spray you used, and was curious about how it would do. Now I know, and will keep that stuff in mind for later use. Thanks for posting the photos.

You could always try Courtesy Nissan-I've asked them questions in the past, and they've always been very helpful. They list many of the parts you are looking for, perhaps you should check them out. They have a great website-here's the link: http://www.courtesyparts.com/secondtier_s30.html

The search function on the site will guide you to all the answers you just asked, but here is a different option- http://carfiche.com/manuals021/cars/ This site has many FSM's for a wide variety of vehicles, including yours. You will need to check the afforementioned site for availability of the manual, because they rotate manuals, but it is a great resource to have on your computer.

Very true, Mohamed! As with all matters automotive, staying ahead of repairs by doing comprehensive maintenance (i.e. replacing the clutch when it starts to slip/before it fails) is the way to go-especially with a performance/specialty vehicle (like our beloved Z cars and BMWs). I'll keep that kit in mind, should our clutch start to go, but I tellya, it seems pretty darn bulletproof, though it only has to deal with @240hp (for now)

A search for cowl rust pulls up a bunch of good stuff, not the least of which is this thread: http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22362 It might point you in the right direction.

Mohamed, Congratulations, the M5 looks wonderful, and it's cool that it's color matches that of the Z! Those rims are really nice as well, I've not seen them over here-they are unique.

Mohamed, I, for one, am happy for you. I know exactly what that M inspired grin feels like-take it from me, there is more power available to you than you think. If you want to add more power, check out http://www.dinancars.com/ And Mohamed, this is very important-When you want another Z car (and you will!), I guess you'll just have to come over here to find one! Anyway, have fun with the "new" car!