Datsun 280z/280zx Build Thread

[Deleted]

So, few days went by, and I was able to get out a couple days when it was beautiful outside!

Seeing how it was so nice out, I decided to start stripping the engine bay and getting everything off and prepared for cleaning, paint, and installation. First up was the radiator


Removed the electric fan that was mounted backwards for some reason lol


Decided to tackle the fuel rail next.
Before

After



Time to bleed the brakes! All the hoses and lines will be replaced, along with all the fittings. I used an empty pepsi bottle to drain all of the fluid.


Removed all of the air conditioning/heat components. I wont be using them, and all together its an unnecessary 50 pounds worth of junk!


Injectors werent bad, but arent good either lol Im going to end up using the ones off of the other z.



Intake is off! Words cannot explain how difficult it is to remove the bolts. The bottom of the intake is held on by nuts with studs in the block. only issue is, the headers get in the way so using a socket is even more complicated. Resulted in me swearing alot, and a ton of 1/8 turns of a wrench lol


After pulling the intake, I decided to remove the valve cover. Still wasnt as dirty as I had thought.

[Deleted]

Inspected the valve train, springs, rockers, lifters, and cam. All looks good, minor sludge but still not bad!

[Deleted]

So, where I stand now with the car is alot better where I was a month ago.

Heres an updated project list:

Remove major engine bay components

Remove engine, clean, paint, replace externals

Clean and paint engine bay

Replace brake hoses

Clean and paint calipers

Install pads and rotors

Remove subframe and sand and paint

Swap out shocks/struts

Install gauges in dash

Swap wiper motor

Get windows tinted

Dip the car (secret super sexy color)

And a few more things I know im forgetting lol


I had some big ideas for the interior, but the budget shrunk the last 2 months, and I can only focus on the main things at this time. There are some other small projects to do, but for now, im impressed with the progress!

[darrell]

Nice job I'm darrell. Datsuns are great cars when their taken care of.

Sent from my LG-L38C using proboards

[Dan]

Nice man... and did you say "minor" sludge???

[Deleted]

Lol yes minor xD being hopefully Dan! Well I was planning on removing the engine to paint the bay, but with everything off the block and just the block/head I have plenty of room to paint so now, I'll be taking everything out of the bay, cleaning and paint, then the bay will be cleaned and painted. Its definitely coming along! I'll hopefully have the bay clear and ready to paint by Saturday, so if anyone is free

[Dan]

Hell yeah man... Got a busy Saturday planned today or I would come out there and help.

[Mark]

I was just getting back in from Myrtle Beach today or I would have been out to help.

Awesome work James.

[Deleted]

Its all good gentleman, I actually didnt do too much more on the z. I know im a few days late, but heres what I got done.

First project of the day was to clean up the nasty engine bay. Years of dirt and grime takes its toll on a car.

Before:








I forgot to take a couple of after shots, but it came out pretty clean. I used oven cleaner, simple green, and a little elbow grease. I wanted to paint the engine bay, but theres some surface rust and alot of small spots I couldnt reach, so I think after OC is when ill pull the engine, and get it blasted which would be easier than attacking it all with a wire wheel.

Finally cleaned, primed, and painted the valve cover, fuel rail, and intake manifold. 4 coats primer, 5 coats of color. They will all be cleared and color sanded this saturday.

I got so focused with getting everything done, I forgot again to take some before pics! Ah, well, heres some after shots

Valve Cover:





Intake Manifold:





Fuel Rail:

[Deleted]

So after all the painting was done, I decided to tackle the dash and the suspension. As far as the suspension goes, the shocks/struts, brake calipers, hub, any other parts I deem usable will be swapped from the other z. These assemblies also have quite abit of rust and pitting, so I dont feel comfortable putting these back on the car. I went ahead and started breaking the front suspension down, got both sides out as one solid piece





After the front was done, I moved onto the interior. I dont have any big plans for the interior before OC, but afterwards is when ill start focusing on it. As for the current project, I need to remove the dash for painting and installing the gauges into the gauge pod on the center console and into the instrument cluster. Sadly, time got away from me and I didnt get very far, actually only got the steering wheel and part of the dash out.




I wanted to get to the rear suspension, but like I said time was running short, and I needed to raise the rear of the car up more for some room.

[Deleted]

I wont be able to get out again until saturday to do some more work, but the next month is going to be quite busy for the z. I still need to reassemble majority of the engine bay, although im waiting on the crank pulley to come back in the mail. *Cue giddy girl dance most of us guys do while waiting on car parts.* After I get the pulley back, then the reconstruction shall begin! So, for now its time for me to go, but ill be back in a couple days, with some more progress!

[Mark]

Looking good James.

[Mark]

Looking good James.

[Dan]

Looks beast man... Great color choice

[Deleted]

looks good, i know im new and havent met anyboedy yet, but if ya ever need a hand im generally free as long as its light out.