I've wanted a Datsun Z since I was in high school. Even then, they prices were going up. Now that I'm doing some welding, I wanted the opportunity to hone my skills on something of consequence. I was able to get this one for $200 and a fully disassembled '96 CR125. It's in super rough shape, but that's what I want. It's an early 260z, meaning it shares the body with the 240 rather than the later year ones that are more like the 280z. It almost got sent to the crusher. It's been sitting a long time, not sure how long though. Engine is seized, rusted out everywhere.
I'll post updates periodically in here rather than a full build thread. I want to share the journey with you guys because this is the best forum on the internet!
I love that car. If I were to get an "old" car that is it. Look at the the Americans were making back then and look what this is.
Interior is mostly trashed. I was surprised to find the original factory hubcaps in the trunk! I was also surprised to see the spare tire well not rusted out. My plans as of now are to rebuild the L26 engine in it so I can see for myself what the true Z driving experience is like. This'll take me years to fully complete due to limited time. Down the road, if I feel like I need more power, I figured I'd RB swap it. I already have 240Z round top SU carburetors to replace the 260Z's flat top carbs. From what I've read between that and removing all the smog stuff, it's supposed to liven up the engine a bit.
Quote from: paul1478 on November 11, 2020, 10:30:16 AM
I love that car. If I were to get an "old" car that is it. Look at the the Americans were making back then and look what this is.
It was truly ahead of it's time. The styling is absolutely timeless as well. Even fully stock, they look amazing.
always had a soft spot. ive driven a lot of z's over the years, 240s, 60's and 280s. (and 300 z31 and z32') and 350s. great cars indeed. congrats :toot:
Quote from: m in sc on November 11, 2020, 10:58:55 AM
always had a soft spot. ive driven a lot of z's over the years, 240s, 60's and 280s. (and 300 z31 and z32') and 350s. great cars indeed. congrats :toot:
Thanks! I had a z31 in high school, but for me the s30 chassis was always on the top of the list.
Congrats on the new project Z. :cheerleader: The early Z's are really going up in value. Nice score on the hubcaps. Looking forward to seeing the transformation.
My dad still has his all orginal '71
I have had a number of Z's (240's and 280's). 2.8 with triple Webers, 5 speed, 3.90 diff, awesome cars. You can sell the factory hubcaps for a good bit, that was a great score
I work with a guy who has the largest collection of Z car parts east of the Mississippi. Smittybuilt in Finleyville, PA. # can be found in Hemmings if you need resto items
Quote from: rdsarefun on November 11, 2020, 04:40:48 PM
I work with a guy who has the largest collection of Z car parts east of the Mississippi. Smittybuilt in Finleyville, PA. # can be found in Hemmings if you need resto items
Ok awesome!
The values have been insane on them recently. I had a 280 a few years ago, the guy I sold it to put a small block in it, actually sounded pretty good believe it or not.
then theres the roadkill rotsun. Love that POS
theres a guy in town with a rough 260 w a small block laying down like 550 hp, its crazy.
When I was a teenager I got a ride in a Scarab conversion Z. Corvette running gear including a 350, a Close Ratio 4 speed and I believe the vette IRS out back. That thing roared.
I just realized I never updated this thread. Since then I've moved and gotten a real shop space. Once I get the body entirely stripped it'll make it's way out of the carport and into the shop. The engine's #6 cylinder was fused to the block. No amount of EvapoRust, Marvel Mystery Oil, heat, or deadblow hammering made any difference. I finally got it out using a regular hammer and pounding harder on it than I'd ever imagined doing to an engine. It did come out, leaving a few mm cavity in the cylinder wall. Luckily it's not deep enough to mess up my plans. I'll be having it bored out to 2.8l and using flat top '81-'83 N/A 280zx pistons to raise the compression. I'm aiming for 10:1 and a moderate street cam. The plan is to stick with the Hitachi SU carbs and eventually move to a Weber style DCOE Triple setup, most likely the Japanese-made OER's.
nice! that right there is a labor of love. :toot:
Quote from: m in sc on May 25, 2023, 11:41:18 AMnice! that right there is a labor of love. :toot:
Oh, absolutely! I think of it as a love letter to the Z.
A while back I removed the entire rear suspension and fuel tank. The tank appears salvageable. The gas inside is one of the most foul things I've ever smelled. I know my way around old gas, but this was prehistoric. When I dumped it out, it looked liked thin dirty engine oil it was so black. Removed the tail lights, trim panels as well as the hatch. Also pulled out the interior panels and vinyl. All the vinyl will be replaced. The spare tire well rust worked it's way through part of the bottom in the time since I bought it. Drilled out the spot welds and removed it. I'll try my hand at shaping some sheet metal to weld in and try to salvage it, but lacking an English wheel and pretty new to body work, it seems like a long shot. My goal is to reuse anything I can within reason to reduce cost of the project.