gotham22

Haven’t update this thread in awhile but I was able to get some work done. Started removing engine parts to pull the engine. Radiator, fan, canister, alternator and starter are all out. Along with other bits and pieces. Two things I am dealing with now. When trying to remove the exhaust pipe from the manifold two of the three bolts broke. Do you guys know of a what to fix this? Is it fixable? Second thing, when I am not working on the car I have to covered using a cover craft car cover. We have had some pretty heavy rains here the past week. When I removed the car cover and opened the passenger door there was about an inch of water sitting directly under where the seat would be. Any idea where that could be leaking from? I know the car covers are not water proof but that seems like a lot of water and has me kind of stumped Sent from my iPhone using Classic Zcar Club mobile

Love the color! Looks amazing Sent from my iPhone using Classic Zcar Club mobile

FInally good news!! I did a compression test this morning and all 6 cylinders read 160. Whew! time to start preparing for the engine to come out...

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Anyone have a good site they buy their metal from? Sent from my iPhone using Classic Zcar Club mobile

Ok so I mis measured. Looks like it is 18g. Sent from my iPhone using Classic Zcar Club mobile

I used a sheet metal gauge Sent from my iPhone using Classic Zcar Club mobile

Wheee! Been following you thread and love it. Been super helpful.

It appears that the floor pans are 16 gauge. Does that sound correct? Anyone know a good source to but sheet metal? I found this site - https://www.onlinemetals.com. I guess it is as good as any.

Agreed. Like I said scary thoughts! Sent from my iPhone using Classic Zcar Club mobile

Its been awhile since I posted. Haven't been able to work on the car much. My daughter is 6 months now and she has been taking most of my time. I removed much of the tar coating on both the drivers side and passenger side floor pans. I wanted to make sure there was no hidden rust. Thankfully i did not find any more. Since I havent been able to work on the car frequently I gave it a quick coat of eastwood frame sealer today to make sure I dont get any flash rust. Next steps will be to do a compression test on the engine and then pull it so I can replace the frame rail. Having scary thoughts like "since the engine is out why not strip the car and do a full restoration..."

Got the car supported in multiple places and level. Removed the carpet on the passengers side and found a hole on the floor pan. Very minor considering what I have been dealing with so far. Funny how your perspective changes!

Hi all, I am in need of a front cross member for my 1978 280z. Does anyone have one?

Does anyone know what gauge sheet metal I need for the firewall and floor pan patch? How about the frame rail fixes and strengthening? I saw another thread where someone was using 18gauge. Is that correct? Also, if anyone is looking to sell a steering cross member please let me know. As you can see mine has seen better days. Sent from my iPhone using Classic Zcar Club mobile

The strange thing is that all the damage appears on the drivers side only. I made some wood jack stands this weekend to better support and level the car. I will post pictures this week. Thanks for all the support. They rest of the car looks so good I cant choose the parts car option just yet without giving it a try.

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I thank everyone for their comments and help. I have thought about this a lot and although I am a novice and my setup is no where near ideal I am going to save this car. It’s un-drivable as it is so what do I have to lose? The worst thing is I find out down the road I need to part it out. Besides it will be a great learning experience. I hope I can continue to count on this community to guide me through the process Sent from my iPhone using Classic Zcar Club mobile

A little more progress today. Think I am going to replace the entire frame rail. Where is the best place for a jack stand if I am removing the frame rail. Right now it is on the rail.

Thanks Grannyknot!

So what would be the procedure here? I know I need to cut and grind until I get to good metal. Do i remove the frame rail first or fix the floor pan then do the frame rail? Sent from my iPhone using Classic Zcar Club mobile

Not supposed to see the ground right?! Ugghh. Someone tried to do a half assed fiberglass repair that I cut out today. In the second picture (the one without daylight to the ground) , is this just a coating applied to the metal?

Guys, I was able to do some work on the car today. Started cutting out the cancer!

I want to thank you for all of your replies. It means a lot, especially as I am a novice. I have decided to attempt to do it myself. Doesn’t look like I can make it any worse! Ha! Your advice has been extremely helpful. I love this car! It has been a dream of mine to own one. I just had a baby, she is 4 months old so progress will be slow on the car But I will update the thread as i get stuff done so others like me can learn. This is truly a great community.

No not driving. Figured that would be a bad idea! As for salt, I never drive in the winter or early spring. Too afraid of the salt!! My wife might object to me moving to a non-salty environment!! HA!

Also, does the steering cross member need to be replaced? Or can it be reinforced?