Ryan’s 75 280z restore

[Ryanotown22]

I’m baaaaack

Just picked up this 75 280z in Tucson after winning on eBay. Supposedly it came from Mesa in 2004 so maybe someone might recognize it. It’s color 301 light brown metallic and has a partial wrap on it. Really really stock I will take some more pictures but seems like a really solid base to work on. The only major issues I see so far is the gas tank is dented pretty bad and frame rail on drivers side looks like it got mashed somehow but no rust I can see.

[Ryanotown22]

More photos

[Randalla]

Nice find Ryan! Don't recognize the car but it looks great! Did you sell the other one or still have it? Looks like you caught the DiseaZe like the rest of us

[Ryanotown22]

I ended up selling the 78. I really enjoyed working on it and there was kinda nothing left to do unless I wanted to get extreme so I let it go. My plan with this one will be keep it more stock and just replace parts I can’t fix instead of replacing every single thing and changing the entire car.
So far I know I need to replace all the fuel hoses and get rid of those worm gear clamps. And it has a leaking drum cylinder other than that I think it should be drivable.

I cranked it over and pressurized the fuel system and it had leaks on the rail connections so I wasn’t going to mess around and blow up.

[Jeff G 78]

Nice looking car. Good luck with the restoration.

[Ryanotown22]

All the engine bay fuel hoses have been replaced as well as the clamps boy I do hate the 75 fuel rail the 78 is so much nicer in one piece. Did all the common tune up steps and started it up. It was running really rough so I tapped on all the injectors and bam purring good now. I was going to get it on the timing light but the timing plate on the motor is in really rough shape and I can’t see the numbers

My immediate to do list
- swap ignition switch this one is really gummed up and you have to tickle the key just the right way to start it. ordered one from zcar depot waiting on arrival

-ordered new spark wires, plugs, cap, rotor, ign coil waiting on those to arrive.

- flush all the brake/clutch fluid

-fix shifter slop (got the brass bushings today)

-dome light fuse keeps popping so I need to investigate that

-replace rear fuel lines/clamps (I don’t like fire)

[Randalla]

Sounds like you'll be in business in no time Ryan. I'd suggest draining and re-filling the transmission and diff. with some good quality fluids as well. Lights, and gauges all work? Anxious to see the car in person. Ironically, I have 2 1975 280's that I believe I now have sold. Much prefer the 75-76 to the 77-78 280Z's.

[Ryanotown22]

Short Running video

[Randalla]

Motor sounds really strong and looks so clean, Ryan. Any idea how many miles are on it? I think you got a good one.

[L320-Dale]

Motor does look and sounds great!

Dale