Another newbie!

Prime

Club Member
Hi all,
I'm a new member and recently picked up a Californian 1976 280z LHD automatic.:280Z:
Looking for some advice for a classic restoration.
The interior is in a bad way, would love to convert to 5 speed manual, currently a non runner.....Lots to do!
First question - is importing parts from America safe enough? if so any recommended suppliers?
Otherwise who are the best go to guys in the uk?

Many thanks:thumbs:
 

AliK

Vehicle Dating Officer
Staff member
Club Member
Welcome Mr Prime!

Looking forward to seeing photos of your project and following your progress.

You've come to the right place for advice and expertise - I am of course deducting myself from that statement! ;)

Mike Feeney (Forum handle "Mr F") is our club man in the U.K. who supplies most things.

Sean Dezeart: Anglo / French member who does a great line in exhausts and other z pornography.

I buy a lot of stuff from the US and never had an issue except VAT but I'm also fortunate enough to have friends with large suitcases who regularly go there. Some people I use:

Z Car Depot: https://zcardepot.com/

Z store: http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/CTGY/Classic

This guy has been good for me every time but there have been some mixed reviews from others:
https://www.californiadatsun.com/

Lots of goodies here

https://jdm-car-parts.com/collections/datsun-240z-260z-280z-280zx-nissan-fairlady-

eBay seller:datsuniverse has good stuff but not the cheapest.

The club classifieds are often full of goodies and good prices.

Many of the guys here camp on Yahoo auctions JP for the desirable JDM parts.

As far as specialists go, I found uk options very limited and not had the most positive experiences so I will let others comment on that front.

Welcome to the club / forum!

AK
 

Jon_Flynn

Club Member
Welcome to the forum Prime! Share some pics of the car :)

Can't add much to what Smiley has said as that's a comprehensive list as I've seen since I joined after getting my Z earlier this year. The only other exception is Saccyclone who is on here and has a few Zs go through his hands in the states so can often provide assistance and knowledge as well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Prime

Club Member
Cheers guys, thanks for your help and the warm welcome. I'll definitely get some pics up soon.
A new exhaust sounds like a must!
All the best Mark
 

Wyn

Club Member
Hi all,
I'm a new member and recently picked up a Californian 1976 280z LHD automatic.:280Z:
Looking for some advice for a classic restoration.
The interior is in a bad way, would love to convert to 5 speed manual, currently a non runner.....Lots to do!
First question - is importing parts from America safe enough? if so any recommended suppliers?
Otherwise who are the best go to guys in the uk?

Many thanks:thumbs:


Can I ask what you paid for the car delivered to the uk, total figure delivered to your door ?
Just curious compared with what a uk rhd car might cost in comparison now ?

I take it the shell is solid ?

btw sorry I cant help with many spares, but always worth the know :thumbs:
 

Prime

Club Member
Hi Wyn,
I bought the car at the NEC classic car auction. Guide price £6500 - £7500
Sadly no history. Body work is good - some very minor issues most importantly hardly any rust! Original paint too. The interior is terrible, you would think everything is as original just badly worn. Engine and all seems good but does not run. Famous last words, but I'm hoping it's just a fuel delivery or air intake problem.
To date I've only managed to put in a brand new battery and test the sparks, all good there!

All the best
Mark

P.S. Prepare to have your knowledge tested, I'll be in touch!
 

Prime

Club Member
Hi Sean,
It was an impulsive buy! I had been looking for my first project car. For a few months I considered getting a Triumph gt6 mk3.
Then I discovered a US import 280z, uk registered and mot'd. I couldn't resist taking a punt at the auction and won! Such a great looking car and I liked the idea of a 2.8 fuel injection.
Also quite nostalgic, the very first car I owned 25years ago was an old Datsun Sunny on its last legs but great fun!
Yes I will definitely keep LHD.
Cheers Mark
 

SeanDezart

Well-Known Forum User
..... the very first car I owned 25years ago was an old Datsun Sunny on its last legs but great fun!

So this one'll be in it's Prime ?


























Sorry - couldn't resist that...:eek:

I like the story and it's WAYYYYY better than a dodgy, old Triumph you'll find.
 
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