280z Gentleman’s Machine

[Robert Campbell]

This is my 280Z with a 280ZX turbo engine in it.

I’m planning on turning it into a refined gentleman’s sports coupe and working out all the ratrod looks it has now.

It will probably end up black with a black interior for that menacing but elegant look.

1. So far, the alternator has failed and it coughed a bit over 3000 revs.

2. The driveshaft and half shafts need refurbishing as they have a lot of play in them.

3. I was planning on removeing the front and repeater indicators and replacing them with an LED strip along the inside of the headlight covers. LEDs to replace the rear lights.

4. The exhaust needs rerouting as it’s banging against the body.

5. I’m slightly nervous about the fuel tank and lack of rear bumper.....?

6. The interior is all over the place, so will replace all the clocks with either Smiths or Speedhut USA. I also have instruments for fuel/air mixture and turbo boost. I’m unclear what I’m supposed to do with the information they provide me, or if I actually need them...?

 

[Robert Campbell]

I’ve done some paintless dent repair on it already, but I imagine that it will need a bare metal respray and a lot of the panels don’t match.

I’m also planning on replacing all that blue silicone piping with black.

 

[Robert Campbell]

Underneath is quite sound and had all the bushes replaced, but the ride is really hard, so will replace the dampeners too.

 

[Robert Campbell]

The gearbox is a four speed so will replace with a 5. The wiring is also a birds nest as the previous owner in the US appears to have replaced the engine but simply piggy backed the wiring over the top of the old. Subsequently there are bare ends everywhere that do nothing...