Av8ferg

So I looked up vehicle survival/attrition rates and this is what I came up with. We will never know the exact number and can only speculate based on current statistics. So one study from the EPA stated that a car produced 31 years ago has .002 chance of still being on the road. 172,000 x .002 = 344. Another report was from registered 240Z’s stated that 234 240z’s were still registered in the US in 2013. With about 18 lost annually. See links below. With that said, I think sport cars have a lower attrition rate than a normal passenger car and I’d guess there is at least 1-2 cars unregistered 240z’s (being restored) for every one on the road. So with all that, I’d guess there are between 500-1,000 240z’s still around. What do your think? https://cta.ornl.gov/data/tedbfiles/Spreadsheets/Table3_12.xls https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/how-many-survived/nissan/240z Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Crap, I was in Portland last week. Not sure if it was posted then. When I layover somewhere I also look on CL to see if there is anything nearby, I don’t recall seeing it. I did see that freshly painted air cleaner posted and almost jumped on it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

How many of you have damaged or peeling chrome off of plastic parts? A good example is the bezel around your tail lights, maybe some badging or interior parts. Well, I was looking the chrome trim on my door panels (I just purchased a set of used door cards) wondering if the chrome plated plastic strips could be repaired and when researching the interweb I stumbled on this product by a company name ALSA. The make brush-able and spray can chrome. I was very skeptical until looking at all the video of people using this product. Looks pretty amazing. When I looked into sending my tail light bezels to be re-chromed they wanted around $150 per light (yikes). Anyway has anyone ever tried this stuff? I might buy a little and test it out and then try on my door cards. https://alsacorp.com

Well Zella is pretty hot! Nice bumper conversion. What tire and wheel size did you go with? You won’t get much by the enthusiasts in this forum....they see everything. ? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You live in Alabama...you should enjoy them more. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

To clear up space I put a couple racks that hang from the ceiling. You can get them at Lowe’s. I put stuff that doesn’t need to used often up there. Floor space is premium and this helped. What about the concrete on the floor? I hear epoxy isn’t very resistant to fuel and oil. Anyone have any suggestions for a good mechanics floor? I need to do mine but haven’t decided what is the best product to use. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If you had debris in your fuel system you may also have clogged your injectors. You can pull them and test them. Let me know if you want specifics on doing that. It requires building a small nozzle adapter and a battery. Also work for cleaning them out, which is what I did. I start by checking you getting fuel, and that its at the right pressure. ~36 psi. When was the last time your changed your fuel filter? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sounds like possible a fuel delivery issue. Buy a fuel pressure gauge and put it on the fuel line after the filter. Particulates in the fuel can settle when the car is off but then slowly reclog the system after a bit of time under pressure. You’ll be able to watch the pressure gauge and know what’s happening. My 2 cents Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I’m not sure where he lives but happy too if it works out. Captain are we sure all 77 doors and cards are the same. I know there was some mid-year production changes to the car in 77, like the sloped vs flat rear decking. We know the doors changed in 77, I learned that the hard way when I harvested a 76 drivers window only to discover it didn’t fit my 77. If anyone need a drivers window that’s in nice condition let me know. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Okay, re-attack on the door cards discussion. So the ones you have for sale are for a 77/78 from what I read. I have a 77. Manufactured in 11/76. My door cards are in rough shape. If these fit my year what do you want for them? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I totally believe it, because you can no longer completely trust companies like JD Powers. YouTube allows people to find unbiased opinions. I’m sure many are biased but I think there are some legit independent reviewers available and there is a big market for that. I used it to by my last car. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Well, take your extra ECU and put it in a metal box (ammo can?) with metal tape to seal the gaps then when the EMP hits you’ll be cruising around the ville in your 280z when everyone else will be rolling in Adidas or bicycles. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Captain, once you’re on the smartphone crack pipe you’ll never come off. It’s a double-edge sword, I use my iPhone for everything and don’t think it would be easy to go back. It’s critical for my job so I’m stuck. These devices have damaged our society but older people (like us) had learned to communicate with people face to face because we grew up with out this capability, something young people these days struggle with. I wish as a society we could go back that won’t happen unless we get hit with with an EMP or CME. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have several AFMs that I picked up over the past year to have backups. When I was investigating my idle problems I decided to try one of my backup AFMs on my car that successfully past the bench tests. What I discovered was the my 77 has a different mount bolt pattern than the 76 AFM I pulled out of a yard. Has anyone else seen this? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Here’s a good Z AFM video I watched some time ago that I found educational. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I asked for one of these from Santa and got socks and shirts instead...maybe next year. Hope you all had a great Christmas. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I regret not buying that windshield when we discussed it in that thread, I was more worried about getting the car started. I’ve seen several Zs in junk yards over the past 6 months with windshields but assume they are probably not in the best condition. Will be looking closer next time. BTW that 75 Z is was successfully crushed and now in Z Valhalla. I called the yard last month and its steel was sent to China to make coat hangers, Good luck on your quest. If I come across one that is good I’ll let you know, There is a yard about 90 miles from me that has 4 or 5 unpicked over 280Z’s. I plan of going back next month with a parts list of things I need.

I agree with ZHon this. The car will be worth more put back together, That’s a lot of work so it brings value to the car to a potential buyer. I think in pieces you’re really cutting into your value. I think as is 3k-4K is all you’re going to get and that’s if you find the right buyer. I’d buy a put together car over yours if I were looking, I quick scan online and you can get a feel for the market value. Here’s one I just pulled up. https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/d/1978-datsun-280z-black-pearl/6766436998.html $5500 for a nice Black Pearl CA car. Why pay $7 for a car in pieces that needs several thousand just in paint.

I agree, 7k is too much for the car in pieces. I’m no expert but I have be closely watching the market for these cars for about 18 months. Too many unknowns for a buyer to shell out 7k. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

He lives in Alabama...”rolling” I get it. Sorry Dogs! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Welcome to forum. I don't think you'll get many smart arse comments on here and like was said earlier the people on the forum have a love for these cars and are motivated to help the community, so again welcome. I got on here about a year ago after buying a Z that I really had wanted for 20+ years. I asked plenty of stupid questions as I educated myself. Great people on this have guided me well on my path to restoring my car. My first question for you is, what motivated you to buy this car?..the answer will better lead people on here to what your original inspiration was. Capt Obvious had a great write up on the different paths people go with these cars when referring to a guy selling one in PA. I'll see if I can find it. Your intended usage will also be a driving factor. Daily Driver, Show Car, Weekender, Track Car and so on. You have a lot of work ahead of you, and it will require some endurance to see this through. Too many guys don't have the enduring motivation to see these project through properly. Recognize now that you are not Garage Monkey and will not be finished in 3 weeks or 3 months. These projects are sometimes a year or more into the making. I see your are already attacking the rust...the Achilles Heel of these cars. Another idea is to start a journal of your progress. I did this and its beneficial for several reasons. 1. After doing extensive research on topic but not being able act on it I was able to ensure I didn't have to do all the research again. E.g. What is a largest tire you can fit on a 280z and not rub the body without fender flares, and how will it impact steering and ride? I need tires but haven't bought them yet but I know when its time, exactly what I need because its in my journal. 2. It will help you troubleshoot your problems and finally recall things you have forgotten. My final piece of advice. Pictures pictures.....take more than you need before you disassemble something. Picture are free, so don't screw this up. Your memory will fail you I promise, especially if pulled a part off 3 months ago. Example, I dissembled my 77 fuel rail to clean it, and replace the rubber hose pieces. it sat for maybe 3 weeks apart and even with pictures I wasn't 100% confident I was putting it back together right. Without pics I would have been on this forum asking stupid questions again.

What’s your plan with this car? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

CO...thanks. I can’t wait to try this techique out. I appreciate the offer to open the lock...might take you up on it. Having Thanksgiving at my Mom’s house where the car is, I might just sneak out for a bit and check it out.

So, was able to pull my sending unit out on my 77 from the rear hatch. Before this discussion i thought they all we like this. I bought a new o-ring and locking ring when I put in it back in. I’ve read somewhere to be careful pulling off the wires from the unit as they can fracture at the connection easily. I didnt have a problem. I know they changed the deck lid configuration in the middle of 77. I have the deck lid that curves upward towards the taillight versus the standard flat deck (wish I had the flat decking) .

SledZ, that interior looks like it the windows were left open when Mount St. Helens erupted in the 80’s. Where was this car?