280z - Inheritance gift to boy #1
Posted: 23 Apr 2017 18:02
I'm super stocked to take on this new project. It's been 5+ years since purchasing my 510 and I've learned a lot. Not only in technical skills, but when shopping and spending wisely, this era of cars can actually be an investment?!?!
And so as the project title states, that will be the theme of this build - to (someday?) receive double my investment. My self-imposed rules are simple, only parts & material (including tax) are counted, labour is 'free', and any tools that are purchased will have 50% allocated to the project cost. My goal is to keep everything under $10K Canadian. Each post I'll include an update on the project cost, offsetting suggestions to the perceived value are welcome - bearing in mind that these vintage cars fetch quite a bit more out East than in the West.
Like any good hockey team, each player needs a role, and the same goes for my cars if there's any chance for me to keep them. Too much overlap, or sitting idle due to lifestyle changes mean I get restless and sell. I hate seeing anything sit unused. Since I've already got a nimble & responsive 5 speed 510, the plan for this car is to be a super reliable resto-mod GT cruiser, something that me or my wife can DD in the summer. That means automatic, A/C, and possibly power steering if required. Yes, auto is not everyone's cup of tea but I believe there's a market out there for some who want the look of a classic but not the work or drivetrain noise. So let me introduce you to my new Datsun. It's a 1976 280z automatic with 83K miles on the odo. The car was in Ontario the last 20+ years, possibly originated out west prior to that. The car starts and runs and the interior is reasonable. The seats will need a recover and new carpet/headliner. The dash has a few small cracks. All switches and most lights even work.
The biggest issue are the rotted out floor boards and frame rails that run under them, the quarter panels, and rear valence.
Thankfully the engine frame rails, rocker panels, hatch area, and spare wheel well are all solid. I'm wondering how much as due to the 'ECP' treatment LOL.
Circled is what I believe is the original color - 302 Leaf Green metallic although the paint code stamp has faded too much to confirm.
Never heard of Cheviot rims. They're wearing 215/60 R14 tires - two of which will need to be replaced. The purchase price, $2100 including towing - a good start to my $10K limit. The plan is to try and get this safely on the road this summer with the OEM drivetrain - starting with the floor pans and run new frame rails from the firewall right to the rear bulkhead. Given the amount of torque I plan to eventually put through this car it will need to be STIFF. Next is the rear valence and a set of 240z bumpers. Speaking of bumpers, the OEM 280z bumper was shockingly heavy!!!
While this car will be no S30 lightweight, the winter plan is to swap in a Toyota 1UZFe VVTi (complete with it's 5 speed auto). This lightweight 4L aluminum engine should maintain the car's 2500lbs weight to keep this GT cruiser balanced & responsive. A modern fully stock OEM powertrain will add reliability while still providing a super-fun ~300hp output and awesome v8 soundtrack. In an effort to increase it's 'badassness' market value I'll drop the car a good 3" (simple spring/damper setup, no fancy coilover) and hopefully have enough budget left over for a set of 16x8 (or 9" if I can roll the fenders enough) with 245/45 R16 performance tires.
Patience, shopping around, and a lot of DIY rather than purchasing OEM-replacements will be required to succeed.
And so as the project title states, that will be the theme of this build - to (someday?) receive double my investment. My self-imposed rules are simple, only parts & material (including tax) are counted, labour is 'free', and any tools that are purchased will have 50% allocated to the project cost. My goal is to keep everything under $10K Canadian. Each post I'll include an update on the project cost, offsetting suggestions to the perceived value are welcome - bearing in mind that these vintage cars fetch quite a bit more out East than in the West.
Like any good hockey team, each player needs a role, and the same goes for my cars if there's any chance for me to keep them. Too much overlap, or sitting idle due to lifestyle changes mean I get restless and sell. I hate seeing anything sit unused. Since I've already got a nimble & responsive 5 speed 510, the plan for this car is to be a super reliable resto-mod GT cruiser, something that me or my wife can DD in the summer. That means automatic, A/C, and possibly power steering if required. Yes, auto is not everyone's cup of tea but I believe there's a market out there for some who want the look of a classic but not the work or drivetrain noise. So let me introduce you to my new Datsun. It's a 1976 280z automatic with 83K miles on the odo. The car was in Ontario the last 20+ years, possibly originated out west prior to that. The car starts and runs and the interior is reasonable. The seats will need a recover and new carpet/headliner. The dash has a few small cracks. All switches and most lights even work.
The biggest issue are the rotted out floor boards and frame rails that run under them, the quarter panels, and rear valence.
Thankfully the engine frame rails, rocker panels, hatch area, and spare wheel well are all solid. I'm wondering how much as due to the 'ECP' treatment LOL.
Circled is what I believe is the original color - 302 Leaf Green metallic although the paint code stamp has faded too much to confirm.
Never heard of Cheviot rims. They're wearing 215/60 R14 tires - two of which will need to be replaced. The purchase price, $2100 including towing - a good start to my $10K limit. The plan is to try and get this safely on the road this summer with the OEM drivetrain - starting with the floor pans and run new frame rails from the firewall right to the rear bulkhead. Given the amount of torque I plan to eventually put through this car it will need to be STIFF. Next is the rear valence and a set of 240z bumpers. Speaking of bumpers, the OEM 280z bumper was shockingly heavy!!!
While this car will be no S30 lightweight, the winter plan is to swap in a Toyota 1UZFe VVTi (complete with it's 5 speed auto). This lightweight 4L aluminum engine should maintain the car's 2500lbs weight to keep this GT cruiser balanced & responsive. A modern fully stock OEM powertrain will add reliability while still providing a super-fun ~300hp output and awesome v8 soundtrack. In an effort to increase it's 'badassness' market value I'll drop the car a good 3" (simple spring/damper setup, no fancy coilover) and hopefully have enough budget left over for a set of 16x8 (or 9" if I can roll the fenders enough) with 245/45 R16 performance tires.
Patience, shopping around, and a lot of DIY rather than purchasing OEM-replacements will be required to succeed.