280zx

Tariq.Malik

Forum User
Good evening,

My first post by way of introduction and a request for help with advice. I am Tariq a mature chap, not looking to recreate my youth but looking to this car as a project. My first car was a C110, the 240K GT. I have bought myself a RHD 280zx, shipped in from Cape Town. I am hoping to use the experience I gain from this car on a 240z, which would be my ultimate retirement project.

However, I need advice from the Z club community around the body of my 280zx. I do not like the over sized bumpers so would like to replace them but despite searching I cannot find something that grabs me.

Can someone suggest some options for me or am I contravening convention here?

Regards
Tariq
 

Attachments

  • IMAG0063.jpg
    IMAG0063.jpg
    451.9 KB · Views: 77
  • IMAG0064.jpg
    IMAG0064.jpg
    405.1 KB · Views: 74
  • IMAG0065.jpg
    IMAG0065.jpg
    391.9 KB · Views: 73

Mr Tenno

Digital Officer
Staff member
Site Administrator
Welcome to the forums Tariq!

I'm not familiar with the 280zx personally, but we do have a few owner members who should be able to help you out.

Looks like a good starter project - what's it like underneath?
 

Tariq.Malik

Forum User
In the words of Ness "tidy". The hoses are old and need replacing, the fuel hose had split gushing fuel, so I have ordered hoses. Trying to work out what sizes I need so I can replace them all. It drives a bit sluggishly, over 284k on the clock so I think an engine is due.

Upgrade the exhaust system? Visit the brakes suspension and fuel system. I do not like the white so want to find a suitable colour.

But above all, being a "noob" I would like to learn from those who have already explored and upgraded their cars.

Tariq
 
Last edited:

Pete

Well-Known Forum User
Good evening,

My first post by way of introduction and a request for help with advice. I am Tariq a mature chap, not looking to recreate my youth but looking to this car as a project. My first car was a C110, the 240K GT. I have bought myself a RHD 280zx, shipped in from Cape Town. I am hoping to use the experience I gain from this car on a 240z, which would be my ultimate retirement project.

However, I need advice from the Z club community around the body of my 280zx. I do not like the over sized bumpers so would like to replace them but despite searching I cannot find something that grabs me.

Can someone suggest some options for me or am I contravening convention here?

Regards
Tariq

Personally I would regard the bumpers as an integral part of the body design on the 280ZX.
 

Tariq.Malik

Forum User
Welcome to the forums Tariq!

I'm not familiar with the 280zx personally, but we do have a few owner members who should be able to help you out.

Looks like a good starter project - what's it like underneath?

A fuel injection L28 engine, hoses need replacing. I have it booked into a friend's garage for a pre MOT check to give me an idea as to what is needed to make it road worthy before I look at the aesthetics and possible engine rebuild.
 

Ped

Club Member
Hi Tariq, good to see another 280zx on here! Your bumpers have the over-rider bits like the US models. The UK spec cars don't have these so I think look better. Mine is a series 1 car, so the back bumper sides are a bit different. Think they would fit though. You would need the lower front corners and valance too as yours is a one piece aftermarket by the look of it. Here is mine....

corner_right_sept_2018.jpg

rear_sept_2018.jpg
 

Tariq.Malik

Forum User
Also, any advice
Hi Tariq, good to see another 280zx on here! Your bumpers have the over-rider bits like the US models. The UK spec cars don't have these so I think look better. Mine is a series 1 car, so the back bumper sides are a bit different. Think they would fit though. You would need the lower front corners and valance too as yours is a one piece aftermarket by the look of it. Here is mine....

corner_right_sept_2018.jpg

rear_sept_2018.jpg
That looks a lot better then mine. I had mine shipped from South Africa, as I could not find any in the UK. As soon as I paid up, arranged shipping, I found one on eBay for £5k, almost the same cost as mine with all the shipping, HMRC duty etc.
 

toopy

Club Member
Have to say, i prefer your SA version with body colour on the top of the front bumper, not so much the chunky over-rider's though! :D
 

iandecjak

Club Member
I dont think the SA bumpers look to bad, they sort of suit the car and are a bit different. I know when I removed the rear bumper to repair the fule tank I was suprised as to the weight of the rear bumper. If I was looking to chnage it would be to save weight if that is at all possible. If you could do the same on the front I reckon you could easily take a second off the 0-60 mph time :cheers::cheers::coolgleam::coolgleam:
 

Tariq.Malik

Forum User
Slowly striping the car and fnding a few issues.

Expected some rust, so that was. What is did not expect was the rear window seal to be held in with what seems to mastic.

Is that usual?

Where would I find a new seal?

Thank you.
 

Attachments

  • IMAG0082.jpg
    IMAG0082.jpg
    295.1 KB · Views: 19
  • IMAG0081.jpg
    IMAG0081.jpg
    232.4 KB · Views: 19
  • IMAG0093.jpg
    IMAG0093.jpg
    220.6 KB · Views: 19
  • IMAG0095.jpg
    IMAG0095.jpg
    181.6 KB · Views: 18
  • IMAG0094.jpg
    IMAG0094.jpg
    233.2 KB · Views: 18

Huw

Club Member
Not unusual if the screen has been removed in the past as they crack and leak.

I used VintageRubber.com for a seal for my 2 seater. They also do a 2+2 rear screen seal datsun-nissan-280zx-2-2-rear-hatch-glass-seal

When you come to put the window in I would suggest you use one of these: WINDSCREEN RUBBER SEAL INSERT TOOL + 5.5M PULL IN CORD FOR STRINGING WINDSCREENS

When you fit the new one you can use a bead of windscreen sealer, not always necessary. Something like this: ARBOMAST AUTOGRADE SEALER (black) for WINDSCREEN RUBBER (2 x 380ml tubes) + Noz
 
Last edited:
Top