Sailor Bob

An inadequate platitude, but as you noted could've been alot worse. Sorry.

Ya - I like the factory thing ok. The antennae cost $70 when I replaced it so got to use it, but if I wanted it is very simple to rig the antennae to the new unit. When using the Ipod I just set the amp to 3/4 and use the Ipod volume to adjust and the Ipod also has an equalizer built in. I like it.

Anyone can report a scam - I just sent in a note to ebay. Then I placed a bid - joking aside - nice car.

I have louvers and still get the fumes when the window is down - I am going to put an extension on the TP in the spring. Gary - My louvers can play a couple of tunes at the correct speed as well - I fixed it with a small piece of weatherstripping on each of the contact points. No marks.

Sorry, I thought it was clear: I bought an after market system (Radio & speakers (that is what the thread is about)), but didn't feel good about messing with the stock setup, so I installed speakers in the back hooked up to a Sony Am/Fm/CD player (behind passenger seat) with an auxillary input. I have an Ipod tied in through the aux - this is on a 6' long jack cord so I can hold it in front of me when driving (selecting songs). Hope that clarifies. I was trying to say there are alternatives to messing up the original setup.

I took mine to a future shop for an install, when he described what his intentions were, I backed out. I decided not to do a dash install and simply placed the unit behind the passenger seat, I wired it as directed (for switched and unswitched) running the cable under the steel carpet/door lip. It is invisible and I never have the radio and the stereo on at the same time so no overloading. The car keeps the stock appearance which I prefer. I have spoken to a local whip shop - they will build a glass box to fit for under $60. I use an Ipod as Aux with a wire that reaches the steering wheel -very convenient.

Tie rod ends -pickle fork should do it. A good mechanic will give them a knock with a hammer and they will fall apart - not for the amatuer though. Good luck

Those Canadians are so nice.

Welcome aboard, I have a question for you on heaters but I'll let you settle in first - maybe tomorrow

Just paid $1500 for driving lessons for two of my four kids, $750 for another last year - still have one to go. $500 Books for second oldest for this term. $700 Bball for son two weeks ago. Irreverant number of nickle and dimer situations daily and piles of stuff that is too mundane to list. So - I guess kids are still my real primary expense. Camping - trailer soaks some cash Oh and gadgets - I love electronics (360/PS3/WII/52" HD tube/Ipod......) Z is actually a ways down the list (tranny/clutch/slave and installation last month)

Hey Uncle - I PM'd you - didn't hear back.

I think there was a thread similar to this last year, but like grandpa Simpson I don't mind telling a story a second time (perhaps with a different twist to make it more interesting). I got my first Z in 77 it was a red (orange) 71, bought in Victoria BC off a used car lot - it was in the same row as the Corvettes, Tbirds, Chargers, Camaros, Mustangs, Comets, Vegas, vw bugs, couple of Chevettes .... way down at the end a Z - looked perfect, interior was like new - turned out later the rear quarters had a couple of pounds of bondo. Anyway to me it was the best looking car there. It had two levers 1 for choke and the other I later figured out was a form of throttle control - nice. I abused that car beyond any resonable expectation for a couple of years, befor I realized it was likely going to be my tomb. Tarped it for a while (after a significant accident) and sold it to a guy who poured a pile of cash into it only to write it off on a freeway. I spent 20 odd years wishing I had that car back (occasionally dreaming about it) and three years ago I saw one for sale on an internet car site, got me thinking and after a few months of searching I found a 280 in California I could manage. When it arrived (shipped by rail) I was both excited and concerned - what the hell had I done - the car was only $2400, but the shipping (I still can't say it out loud) was the killer. To my very pleasent suprise the Ebay vendor was 100% honest - although not perfect the car was in very good condition (as one would expect from a California car) 71,000 miles, almost 0 rust, took it out for a drive almost right off the trailer. Driving it was like steering a sailboat, you had to keep some helm on her on a windy day to keep her on the road and there was a slack point amidships where the wheel did nothing - the steering and suspension was shot. I took it to an appraiser so I could get it insured - $7000. Spent a winter working on her, handles like new now and now she brings me pleasure every day. I was drifting a bit, mmm.. What was the question again? ..... oh ya and thats how I invented the toilet.

Hmmmmm - me thinks there is something odd and disappointing about this.

We don't know what exchanges have taken place privately between the vendor and the buyer, frequently questions are asked and answered through emails. It is nice to see cars that haven't been altered or repainted on the market, original counts for alot.

And then you realize it's your daughter!

Been watching this one since the start - nice car. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1978-DATSUN-280Z_W0QQitemZ110191756127QQihZ001QQcategoryZ6187QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I love it - that's what I call a good deal? I like the colour as well, the original colours have character. Congratulations

Probably not, but there is one listed on ebay today - 72 Auto Orange - white interior. Nice Car.

Never yet

I have the problem with a 77 - looking at your avitar (Stephen) I believe your chromed pipe is longer, perhaps yours is modified.

Me too: Eibach springs and Tokico blues, worked out very well. The springs were on sale through "moptorsport", I think it may have been a clearance item. There a couple of threads on the subject that could tell you whatever you need to know. Good Luck

dade280 - you got some serious rust going on there - I am assuming that channel is the frame. You may get some other suprises inside the fenders.

I think 215 hp in a early Z would not be legendary, but very impressive compared to the standard L type setup. My neighbour has a Celica (late 80s type) with a GTE single turbo (another straight six) that puts out about 215 hp - his car is much heavier (I'ld guess over 3K). That car can move - lots of power and will ruin tires if you are enthusiastic. I am sure an RB20 would impress and would at least be a sister engine type.

Yup - Series 1 and mostly original are the eye catchers, I like the idea that no one (as described) has been packing around with it befor (too much other than obvious bodywork). If I was certain it was only panels to be done - I might go a bit more than 2k, but east coast cars ???? I kinda like the colour as well, baby puke/crap yellow appeals to me.

I have stayed out of this conversation til some of the heavyweights weighed in - you guys have overhauled most of the isses. I'm not certain that all is out yet. Some of you are aware that I am looking. I like this car, I would have bought it at the correct price, but the issue is reduced to how much money is one willing to invest overall. I would like to have a nice driver on the road for under $10K. I think this car has barrels of potential, but to get it working I can see my whole winter gone + 5-6K + shipping and whatever suprises arise. As you know if front fenders look like they need work - you will need to take a look behind them in the drain passage - could get into lots of OMGs. At $2000 I would take it on.