When is a car too far gone to restore? The CAR WIZARD shares his insight on this '83 Datsun 280ZX

We all have seen cars and wonder if they can or should be restored. The CAR WIZARD 🧙‍♂️ gets this 1983 Datsun by Nissan 280ZX in his shop and he has to address that very topic. In this video the Wizard has invited his friend, Bill, to share his experiences with restoring late model Datsun's.
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[@robertsomerville320]

Hey Wizard, a typical issue with these early Nissan/Datsun EFI engines is the Nissan AFM unit. The spring inside the AFM gets weak/stuck. Give this a try... open the AFM unit and manually push the AFM's throttle counter clock wise while the engine is running, this should allow more fuel into the air fuel mixture and help it run much smoother. You may be able to reset the spring if that works to get the engine running smother. This item often gets misdiagnosed as injectors or timing that can not be corrected. Cheers Rob from Winnipeg.

[@brandonosborne6894]

dylanmcool just had to deal with this.

[@RollinwithRoland]

Invaluable information Rob!!!

[@robertsomerville320]

@@brandonosborne6894 Cool, I'll have to check that out. My 1988 Nissan Stanza has an AFM unit that was causing a stumbling idle and stall when applying throttle. By varying the pitch backwards on the metal weight, more fuel is allowed in to the mix. To loosen up the moving parts and circuitry I used Deoxit, a spray cleaner used in Hi-fi amplifier/radio servicing. Cheers, Rob

[@jatdb51t]

ive never had a AFM with a bad spring. first I have ever heard of it and I have been playing with these cars since 1999

[@tsherwoodrzero]

Excellent advice, though these early NipponDenso trapdoor style AFMs have a cutoff switch in them that typically kills power to the fuel pump when they fail or are disconnected. Common issue on 86-88 RX7s and I want to say the 84-85 GSL-SE uses the same style but I'm not an expert on first gens. However, that's not happening here. If some injectors are firing but not all, yank the rail and send them off to Injector Rehab for cleaning and flow testing. They're the same style of injector as 86-88 RX7s, even got the same connector, just a different flow rate. S130 Turbo injectors are 265cc/minute, N/A ones are 188cc/minute. for comparison, 86-88 RX7 non-turbo ones are 460cc/minute and FD RX7 injectors are 550cc primary and 850cc secondary. www.atlanticz.ca/zclub/techtips/injectors/index.html Injector Rehab charges $18 per injector and they'll be good as new when they're finished. I did it years ago with some 20B Cosmo injectors and they came back dead-on at 550cc, exactly where they should be. FAR fetter than the chinese garbage sold everywhere now.

[@bmwloco]

Learned something very true working for Rick's Camaro's 67-69 (now part of Year One). Rick once said "...guys will always buy the car they couldn't afford when they were 17-19 years old". After 30 years, I think those words are still so very true.

[@judgegixxer]

I bought the car I couldn't afford when I was 20. I'm 51 now and still have it. I'm glad I don't have to buy it now.

[@ThatCarGuy1000]

True. I bought a 95 cobra for that very reason. Definitely a case of don’t meet your hero.

[@reeb9016]

My younger son's first vehicle was a 1994 Ford Bronco. His older brother began fixing things up on it and ended up buying it from his brother. Solely by researching on the internet, he did a 4" lift on it, then decided it would be better to just change out the Independent suspension for F250 solid axles. Now he bought a diesel F250 we have taken the transmission (he got it rebuilt) and 73 engine out of and we'll be putting those in the Bronco next week. It's going to be a beast. I learned some basic maintenance but never would I have thought of attempting the things he has. He's always had a brilliant mind and this comes very easy to him. I'm his go-fer when I'm around to help. 😏

[@ledzeppelin27]

You always want what was cool when you were a kid. I bought the Corvette that was new when I was 7 years old at 22 and have loved it for the last 8 years. I don't think I'll ever get rid of it

[@JackF99]

Yeah it's a problem when you were young in the sixties like me because the cars I couldn't afford then I still can't afford now! Kids who grew up in the Malaise Era on the other hand will find most cars from their youth will probably always be affordable.

[@danielharder2052]

This car deserves a second chance at life. Someone who can do the work himself has a great project car. Restoration by other seldom makes financial sense

[@kw9849]

Absolutely this. While it's a bit cosmetically challenged, everything else I see is just typical project car stuff. This would be very easy to get on the road as a rolling project.

[@turdrocket]

I just redid one of these. Back to original. Took me a year. A lot of welding. Undercarriage rust. But man what a great car. This engine is a pain because of the fuel system. Cheap to rebuild engine. Definitely worth the love put into it

[@stewiegriffin88]

Very much so. Got a '80 280zx that's, for lack of a better term, cut in half and getting new metal as I type this. Stock they're not worth a lot however it's a fun project if u got the time and money

[@getchasome6230]

Nothing is too far gone to save. You just have to have enough money and motivation

[@j.a.r.family2576]

Sometimes if it's THAT far gone, you have to chop and adapt so many other cars to make it back that it's no longer that car. But it'll look beautiful as new on outside.

[@getchasome6230]

@@j.a.r.family2576 Yes, I know theres a point where it goes from restoring to building but I havent seen a car on wizards channel that crosses that line. Even the crusty subaru baja tyler had wasn't that far gone.

[@rachelblack3816]

If someone has enough money and time, almost anything can be fixed and restored.

[@kingofl337]

It just needs some love by a shade tree mechanic.

[@johnharris3362]

It all depends how much you are in love with it and how much money you have. A lot of times if you want a classic ride it's probably best to buy one ready to go. When I asked a old man how he estimated restoration work he told me to think of the highest price possible and multiple it by three and expect to pay more.

[@BurtMcNasty]

I love all these old Z cars, Datsun and Nissan design was on point back in the day

[@RollinwithRoland]

Same and agreed!

[@AlienLivesMatter]

Shame they weren't dip galvanized

[@stevencharles9247]

Last year of 280zx, 84 was 300 zx!😏

[@curte7739]

love the 240s to 260s and 280s can't stand. never been the fan of the ZX it's wider longer and much heavier, especially the two plus twos.

[@jblox1990]

@@curte7739 The 280ZX coupe is very close to the same weight as the later S130 280Z chassis, and much more rigid. It's actually a better platform and of course, comes equipped with the L28 long block. Turbo, if you like. The look isn't for everyone, but they're a great car.

[@auskip07]

1500-2k doesnt get you far when a mechanic charges 175-200 / hr + parts. This is a better DIY car

[@mph5896]

Yup. Parts are cheap in comparison to labor. I just got a car I am wrenching on. Company I bought it from was quoted "bad engine". $11500 to replace. Camshaft and lifters are bad. $1k in parts and 8 hours labor for me. Its a Hemi Charger.

[@ledzeppelin27]

What gets me is that all it needs is injectors? Not even an engine or trans or anything serious, just injectors. That is way too easy of a job to give up on a car for.

[@NoNORADon911]

Dam what mechanics are you going to??

[@auskip07]

@@NoNORADon911 ones that don't advertise on craigslist

[@NoNORADon911]

My shop charges $90 an hour an does excellent work. My mechanic friend works there, 30 years experience.

[@matthewjenkins1161]

Most cars like that are too far too gone, for it to be economically viable for a mechanic to take on the work. That car needs to be sold to an enthusiast that can do most of the work themselves.

[@douglasb.1203]

It's worth it to restore. Vast parts network for supplies. 83, 2+2 technica package with t-tops and 5 speed with the two tone. The missing headliner is nylon fabric. I owned this exact model in blue/silver. It was one of the best vehicles I've ever owned. Fix it slowly. Cliche time: Rome wasn't constructed in 24 hours. This car is a time capsule.

[@jshch1415]

I really like the two tone paint with the silver leather and silver wheels. My Z was black with gold wheels and brown leather.

[@JonR_1138]

I had 1 of these. It sat for 7-8 years with gas still in it. It had rust in the passenger floorboard. I had to put a lot of fuel injector cleaner through it but it finally ran like a top. I had about $300 in it. Best cheap car I've ever had.

[@hugobatista7815]

I just bought my fathers 83 280zx 2+2 two weeks ago and it runs amazing love seeing this video.

[@mikemullay5622]

I spent 15k on a mechanical refurbishment of my '56 Buick. It's a member of the family I have had for 37 years. Newer style brake booster conversion, dual pot master cylinder, totally rebuilt engine, rebuilt brakes all four wheels, rebuilt steering box. Not a show car but presents nicely, and is now safe and fun to drive. Others might not have spent that much but it was worth it to me.

[@KayakTN]

I had one of these. It was a blast to drive but the frame rails and underside were completely smashed and rusted out. That Nissan 5-speed was one of the nicest transmissions I've ever used.

[@OmegaGamingNetwork]

Yep...shame the engine was garbage. Probably one of Nissan's best Z car's except that.

[@declanfarber]

@@OmegaGamingNetwork That in-line 6 was a really good motor. I had 360k on mine before it started to let go (burning oil.) The only problem was that Nissan could never figure out how to build an exhaust manifold for it that wouldn’t bust studs. Time for headers.

[@EJMags]

All you needed was some hot rod headers and a little wider exhaust and she'll be happy. The l28 is just a stroker Rb25 made to run like a tractor. I only wish I knew about the super low frame rails and weird exhaust path before slamming it on s13 coils ( also coil swap is stupid idea, just go airbags ) I really want the digital dash tho

[@donziperk]

Yes those are excellent transmissions. The turbos had a borg warner

[@donziperk]

@@OmegaGamingNetwork The engines are not garbage. They are very strong and reliable. Originally designed as the L16 inline 4 available in the 510s and 520s in the mid 60s. They then were stretched out to 6 cyl. The L24,L26 and L28 I’ve been building these engines for 40+ years they are great.

[@PittsSZ]

I escaped from High School in '83, and was very jealous of those with Z-cars of this vintage. I was driving a German Ford Capri which rusted so fast you could actually hear it corrode.

[@isallah1kafir196]

@PittsSZ *Ford Capri* they were build from the mid 1970 I believe, and yes rust was a big problem back, for many if not all car-makers but did not hear that the Ford Capri suffered the same. I had one original Mini build in 72 drove it in 78/79 over the winter months in in spring 80 I realized that the floor was once before rusted out, and fixed, but other parts started to rust, it was a death-trap. Scrape-Yards asked me to pay them money so that they would take rust-bucket, was happy that one took it off my hands for free. (Salzburg, Austria in case one is curious)

[@pops55650]

I had a US made 74 Mercury Capri in high school, it was about 10 years old. No rust anywhere, but had to swap the engine out. Ran pretty good after that lol

[@martinliehs2513]

My brother and I restored a '74 Capri with the "Canadian weight reduction package" in the mid 1980s when we were in school. Back then, you could buy aftermarket front fenders made from fiberglass. Learned how to sandblast and braze sheet metal to patch the rot that was on the unibody. Good learning experience, but would not have made financial sense to pay someone else to do it.

[@2112acj]

I had a Mercury Capri '73. It was crest when it ran... When it ran. It did fall apart.

[@robertshunk9575]

Hey Wizard, these are great cars I have a 1980 ZX I bought 40 years ago and it only has 56K miles on it now. Those Engines can run 200+K. My car is kept in a heated garage and only is driven when dry out and is still a blast, If you do anything else they will rust away! Save the car!! If you look you can find most anything needed but it does take work!

[@KacerRex]

I have an '82 280ZX 2+2, and can answer a few of the interior questions! The front seats are/were the same leatherish material the backs were, the roof liner around the T-top was cloth, but ANY amount of moisture makes it separate quickly. The original stereo actually took up the entire room of that blanking plate, they are cool AF looking and mine still works so I'm keeping it! As for the motor running weird, I found that these things have over a million ways to create new vacuum leaks, even if all the hoses look good (they don't) the plastic splitters tend to crack. If you do get it running long enough to heat up, see if the vent controls work, when I fixed my vacuum issues it fixed that as well.

[@KacerRex]

Oh! forgot one bit, the dash pad itself no one makes replacements for unfortunately, but there are a bunch of people who make overlays that don't look bad.

[@HiroNguy]

On an '82 ZX Turbo I spent a day replacing as many vacuum hoses and tubes as I could reach, under the dash and in the engine bay. After that the climate control started working again.

[@KacerRex]

​@@HiroNguy I've done the under the dash job too, my hands smelled like rubber for a week.

[@fko1]

I had a 1983 280 ZX. One of my favorite cars. That straight 6 was a beast. Ran like a champ and couldn’t kill it.

[@phathomthis]

This video hits me in the feels. 1 of 3 cars I wish I never got rid of was my 82 280zx.

[@Rambogner]

Never too far gone to restore, depends how much money you want to pump in to it

[@samholdsworth420]

Or if you really like the car and you want that car to be pristine go for it. Just as everyone understands you never get the money back you'll sink into a car like this z

[@curte7739]

buddy mine it's in the classic cars and has a bunch of them he says if you really want a classic car buy one that's already been restored because the cost of doing one will bankrupt you

[@paulshannon4576]

I had a neighbor in the 80’s that had her 240Z get T-boned and totaled. She rented a storage unit and said she was going to get it repaired. It was still waiting when I moved 8 years later.

[@nononsenseBennett]

If a car has a following, has good bones and hasn't bee wrecked, I think it's worth restoring or at least driving as a survivor. Used cars are so expensive so fixing may be an option.

[@NoNORADon911]

''They say the car has been sitting a couple months but it has actually been longer'' (years) these same people are on booster 14 now wearing 4 mask.

[@EJMags]

There's 0 following for a 280zx, if you know fairladys then you'd look another way but if you know 70s car struggles then this is the one.

[@nononsenseBennett]

@@EJMags Please explain further

[@EJMags]

@@nononsenseBennett if you wanted your gas to be stolen and having to visit the pump more often get the generation before. If you want a stock econobox with almost 0 mods but still a 'datsun coupe' then get a 280zx. Jeremy Clarkson said it looks like John Prescott, the most attention it ever got was in road and track for being the most economical 'sportscar' but besides that nobody bought them which is why people dont know the difference between the 240z, 260z, 280z, or the 280zx Im not sure why I had to explain, the 2+2 is the ugliest thing to ever happen to a fairlady even though theres was plenty room for people, despite being a hatchback with plenty rear space. One could argue that the nissan RB is based on the L28, which it is, just smaller displacement but much more power.

[@Carl-nn1iz]

@@EJMags I tend to disagree. The 82-83 turbo with the T5 5-speed on stiffer springs and a manual boost controller pushing 10psi makes it a really fun sports car to drive. The "economical" part is due to having a 20 gallon gas tank

[@azmax623]

Wizard, I went to the junk yard the other day to get parts off a Range Rover Classic only to find it was in better condition than the one I daily drive.

[@mg1822]

Thanks for letting the customer decide how much their car is worth. I hate when mechanics tell me my car is worth X amount , and that it's not worth putting in X amount to fix it.

[@neloferreira5426]

The mechanic who tells you that means he does not want to work on it or evan put effort to repair it I do it my self

[@HiroNguy]

@@neloferreira5426 Those mechanics may have been burned by customers who reneged on the payment when they realized the repairs exceed the vehicle's market value.

[@SkylineFTW97]

I've only said that once. The car was a 2000 Honda Accord sedan that this lady bought for ~$1500 the week prior. 230,000 miles (I drive a 2006 Accord with that many, so nothing too off yet). Sounds normal. Except the trans was slipping badly, the interior was trashed, all the tires were bald and had at least 3 nails, the frame was crusty, the oil pan was dented in, etc. Would've cost $5k minimum to get it sorted, rust aside. And it would still be trashed. Plenty of cleaner Accords of that age for the same price.

[@rpraetor]

Yeah, I hate it when an expert tells me that my purely emotional decisions may cost me money in the long run. I want to discover that AFTER I lose my marriage, thank you very much!

[@blackfender100]

My brother had one of these new ! I was a Chevy guy back then I had a really nice Camaro .I drove the ZX and it was so snappy with the turbo it blew my mind.

[@wires330]

Also these 2+2 280zx's are getting rare and this one isnt really that bad. I hope he sells it to some one that is willing to put the time and money into it

[@fboomerang]

Basic mechanical fixes + Maaco sunburst yellow paint + eBay leather racing seats = AWESOME DRIVER

[@oibal60]

My dad bought, new, a DATSUN 280ZX 2+2, back in 1982. It's STILL on the road! That premium sound system (cassette tape) was awesome. The thing looked fast even when parked. I always associated it with the Jaguar E-type. Oh and my dad had his rust-proofed using 'TuffKote' by Dinol.

[@EGPeppered]

Ever thought of getting a good ultrasoinic cleaner? I've used it to clean carburettors with very good results. If the injectors are screwed then there's really nothing to lose by trying.

[@schnuffelpuff3923]

Man, the Alfa Romeo looks beautiful.

[@Ferrariferg]

1985 was the first year that fully phased out the Datsun name if I remember correctly. Little food for thought for the customer is that these cars are rapidly going up in value. I've owned 4 and never paid over $1,000 for any of them (all bought for projects) and now I can't get a decent and straight shell for less than $2k-$3k. Nice running and driving examples are selling for $5k or even more.

[@neilduncan8657]

I have a 1984 Datsun 200sx (last year) the car is now V8 swapped owned the car since 1994 The 200sx is a mix of 280 zx (front axle) and 300 zx (rear axle) fun cars!

[@archygrey9093]

I've seen a 1985 Datsun dual cab ute with both Nissan and Datsun badges on it, things like the dashboard, steering wheel and i think the grill as well were datsun but the rest of the car like the fenders and tailgate was nissan badged. Guess they still wanted to use up the stock they had lol

[@Ferrariferg]

@@archygrey9093 Probably a transition year then. And it may have varied between countries to.

[@spooler7828]

In the USA, the name changed in 1984.

[@rogerringold616]

I had a 81 Datsun 810/Nissan Maxima....offivial bage names. It was the best max for 20 yrs. They had the detuned I6 from 280z...4dr ,roof, auto...tach, cloth seats....ran quiet, or scream under pedal. Buddy had a74 260z....he had bigger cam lift, 4spd...2dr. My 4dr ran as justas hard...his 1st gear was better my 2nd was, 3rd we were locked ....eventally My top end won ....fuel inj, and trans OD...3 steps....rocker switch on dash, On, shifter button in, back to 1st, for real, and pedal floored....loud click...3 2 1 SCREAM...TO 6500RPM...7 REDLINE.... SICK LITTLE WOLF IN SHEEP CLOTHING. Man , I thought i had a crack block.....was bad head gasket....heart broken, young inexperienced then....1st talking year....lights are on....loop...door is ajar....loved that car.

[@BB-tc6gz]

Had an '82 280ZX 2+2 T top an a '76 280Z, both rusty. The ZX had rusted out floor pans and around the T tops, the Z had rusted out floor pans and partially rusted frame rails. Pretty sure they started rusting on the factory floor.

[@zephxiii]

This thing needs restored! I was pissed when Hoovie junked that Alpine BMW... just tear the supercharger apart, find the bad seal and replace it!

[@Bangkok-ik1fp]

Last year for one of the best running, fun, reliable cars ever! They were sweet inline 6's and well made. The 2+2 is least desirable in my opinion. This generation Z was very expensive when new. We would walk dealer lots looking at all the colors (metallics and two-tone paint schemes) and equipment. I distinctly remember Toyota and Nissan salesmen wouldn't even bother to greet you as you browsed. They were very proud of their cars.

[@TooBrokeToWheel]

100% agree on the 2+2 undesirable factor. Never cared for them. I had a '78 280Z that I NEVER should have sold. Regret that decision bigtime.

[@ddemier]

I had a Datsun/Nissan 280ZX two seater 5-speed with T-tops for my first car. Let me tell you that was a FUN CAR to drive! Super reliable and good looking!

[@404goldie7]

Big fan of this channel but what's the value of Mrs. Wizard talking about the interior of a car without knowing anything about it and just pointing out things we can easily see by just looking?

[@joshuagibson2520]

Bingo.

[@stuartstuart866]

It’s inclusionary and important to a happy marriage?

[@stevezimmerman5644]

Here in the UK it's now so expensive to get the work done by a reputable shop it's not worth doing a project like that unless you can do it yourself.

[@russelljacob7955]

I had 280Zx, but underside structure started to rust out. Scrapped whole thing but full powertrain, interior, etc still in garage.

[@imtheonevanhalen1557]

had or have?

[@russelljacob7955]

@@imtheonevanhalen1557 Had. It wasnt reasonably repairable. Weak spot on the older Zs is something you cannot see unless you know to look. Is where the rear suspension bolts to the body. That started to rust through bad. Plus some other spots. So structure was compromised beyond being reasonably repairable. So stripped everything I could and then it went to scrapper. But if somebody needs some 79 280zx parts? I still have a fair bit of it in garage depending on what is needed?

[@EJMags]

@@russelljacob7955 I have a 79 280zx, are you anywhere near Ca? Would love to know more about the parts, please and thank you

[@russelljacob7955]

@@EJMags Nope. Way up in Canada. Mostly side stuff that was still good. Whole dash assembly, though vinyl of course is cracked. Seats, good frames but cloth and padding is needing redoing. rear lights, engine, 5 speed, differential. The front light bezels. Would need to go through and see what all is left and take new pictures. The rolling steel chassis is what was hauled away. I tried getting off of it all the small stuff hard to find remanufactured. Not NOS condition, but solid enough in case somebody needed unobtanium.

[@EJMags]

@@russelljacob7955 what year? I've always wanted later year tailights and wouldn't mind a digital dash.

[@suginami0]

This car makes sense to bring back to life in two scenarios as far is can tell: if the owner has a sentimental attachment to the car and the money spent is not important; and two if they see this car is an emerging collectible classis. I think this car is in the gray area where it might start to increase in value as Generation X gets older and wants to purchase these cars if it reminds them of their childhood. For those of us that went to high school in the 80's, these cars were highly desirable. If I were a betting man, I'd bet that these cars will start to become collectible. Another example of a car that's tipping into collectible status is the old Volvo 240s. My son works at a Volvo independent, and owners of these cars will spend any amount of money to keep them on the road. Many long term owners of these cars are getting them completely mechanically rebuilt. The shop itself buys these cars used, fixes them up and sells them for large profits.

[@Hydra360ci]

...or stay away from shops and learn to fix this crap urself.

[@hotpuppy1]

This car is good enough to be worth doing. He should sell to someone who loves it and can afford to do what it needs.

[@TEXAS45ACP]

its a 2+2 its junk regardless

[@bngr_bngr]

@@TEXAS45ACP those cars are rare.

[@TEXAS45ACP]

@@bngr_bngr as a s30 z owner… i can tell you these are shunned in our community… any z with a back seat is not worth much… the owners are usually delusional and think they are worth what a coupe is… but the fact is they suck

[@robjones3818]

@@TEXAS45ACP Your "community" sounds pretty shitty if someone having the wrong trim of a vintage car gets shunned. Probably better off without the "community" then, honestly.

[@jhonditch4269]

that describes any car I currently drive. "till the wheels fall off" is my motto.

[@samholdsworth420]

Why because you either refuse or don't know how to repair the failed wheel bearings?!

[@getchasome6230]

Sam Holdsworth balljoints

[@jhonditch4269]

@@samholdsworth420 yes

[@samholdsworth420]

@@getchasome6230 true lol

[@samholdsworth420]

@@jhonditch4269 honesty 👍🏻

[@David_jdmc]

I appreciate Phil's commentary on the car and his perspectives on car restoration in general. Was nice to have him on.

[@JO-ku1uc]

Wow. I owned a 280 ZX very similar in the mid 80s while in high school. It was a 2+2 and automatic. It was a really cool car back then and still is now. It's the one car I've owned family and friends still fondly remember after 30 + years. I do recall it rusting out on the underside by the early 90s. However, I remember running the engine with little oil where it began to overheat, yet it still ran very well for years to come. You know, it is still an attractive vehicle and are getting rarer by the year. It may be worth restoring by someone who can afford the cost of doing so.

[@TheYasrax]

I am restoring one. It’s EXPENSIVE

[@bevis226]

With the amount of advanced dry rot that it has on the tires, I'de say it was sitting for more like 10 years. Had the same problem on a Toyota pickup with the fuel injected 22RE. Pretty sure that when the fuel pump locked up it hurt the AFM. I bought a new OEM Toyota AFM/MAF and it ran fine again. I had the old one apart and the carbon trace? had burnt spots on it where the brushes? had welded them selves fast. Probably due to the fuel pump locking up and drawing ALOT more current than they normally do. With 180k on it your rite in the ballbark of when they start to fail from normal use anyway.

[@declanfarber]

The Achilles heel of these 280zx cars was the trailing arm bushings, they were too soft. Get into a high speed course correction and things would get dangerously unstable, and you stand a good chance of winding up as a smudge on the scenery, And some did, the scorch marks are still there. Replace with stiffer bushings, and it transforms the handling. It’s the first thing I would do.

[@dronepilotflyby9481]

Wizard, they changed their name from Datsun to Nissan in the 80's because of the stock market. Nissan was always the parent company but had trouble getting investors to understand Datsun was Nissan.

[@tommoon2700]

Amazing piece of history right here, this car deserves to live!

[@RollinwithRoland]

Agreed!!!

[@keitaka-]

The 280/280xz also have an issue with the EFI control unit drifting off in accuracy, and also completely failing, resulting in no fuel injector fire.

[@samfungccim]

I am the original owner of a 1979 Alfa Romeo Sprint Veloce that I bought brand new at a dealer in New Hampshire when I was in college for $8,500 and put in only about 75k miles to it. After college I got an engineering job in Chicago and never used it in the winter there.I had it souped up close to a race car by a Alfa racer with racing header, Bilstein shocks etc. I got married in '94 and had triplet kids in 1999. I let it sit since 2003 still sitting. I am reserving 20k to get the car running. Also a '78 same car I bought a year ago for $500 down the street in town just in case I can use some of the parts if those parts are still good!

[@bobbyread]

My grandparents bought a new ‘79 280ZX. I drove it a bit when I got my license in ‘82. It was so slow, heavy and handled poorly but the straight 6 was smooth and its build quality was above average.

[@RAINBOWINTHEDARK107]

The owner of this Z car should join a Z car club. Fellow members can be a immense value of information as well as parts. If they decided to sell it they would have a group of Zcar people who would love to take it home& repair it .

[@dentonthomas5622]

I am one of those people. I own 7 of them. There is no such thing as a junk z. Very simple and cheap to work on. Wizards prices are way off. An aftermarket computer usually wakes these cars up. For 200 dollars. Some of my cars sat for over 15 years. We had them running, tagged and insured in less than a week. We bought one on craigslist that sat since 1987. We took tires, gas, cap and rotor and new computer with us. It was in the guys driveway. Paid him 500 bucks for it. Within an hour it was driving down the road home. The owner was standing at the door in disbelief. People are stupid.

[@RAINBOWINTHEDARK107]

I had a boss who is a Z car enthusiast for these cars . He dose most of the work himself. He was the president of the local Z car club. He told me they are an inexpensive to buy & rebuild. He drove all the way to Los Angeles to buy a 74 Z. The people in that club are all to happy to help you out with parts ,labor, & information. He would take on this car as a challenge.

[@davidelliott5843]

The customer has spent $10K on the Alfa, because he’s hoping it will achieve classic status. A gas tank takes many years (not 12+ months) to dry into varnish.

[@Paul_Lane]

I had a 79 280Z. I wish I still had it. It sat uninsured when I went to basic training in 98 and the city towed and destroyed it. Loved that car, bought it for $300 from a funeral home. Restored it best I could on a shoestring budget with parts from several junk yards around the area. Cool thing was, it had the original tires with the nylon cords showing when I got it. Been looking for one every since I lost that one. When I rebuilt the injectors, the tips were very brittle and one broke off but still ran. Also had to replace the radiator and clutch. Still a great car.

[@LordPrometheous]

My mother bought one of those, an '83 280ZX brand new, either silver or champagne colored (I can't recall). It had the talking module that reminded us to wear our seatbelts. That was such a cool car, but impractical for us. I remember on the first ride when she brought it home, she and my sister sat in the front, and I was hunched down in the hatch. We had another car that my stepdad drove, but still. My mother always liked cool cars back then, and had to have it.

[@kidd1072]

I had a turbocharged 1982 280z, had the same paint configuration and color, but the rails were so rusted that it couldn't be jacked up to fix a damaged tire. It ran super, but with the rust it wasn't worth it to me to keep.

[@franklaskus2395]

Hay I still got a 17mm Snap On specialty tool for adjusting valves on that engine. Also one for the oil pressure sending unit. Did a lot of them at the dealership back in the day

[@RollinwithRoland]

Probably worth their weight in gold now, heh!

[@VortexGarage]

My 83 Jag also has a mechanical air flow meter - a door vane that moves based on air flow volume and adjusts the voltage. No OBD so no codes, so if you think this part is bad, you have to test by manually moving the vane preferably with an analog multimeter so you can see the sweep is nice and smooth as you move it and compare to the range in the service manual

[@HiroNguy]

Those skills are rarer by the day.

[@jeffgriffith7003]

Lots of memories with these cars,my late buddy owned a few 280Z cars and a 300Z. Fun and lightweight cars!

[@johnmccullough2859]

I had a 1980 280zx and enjoyed it.. Only had for one year but put 40k miles on it. Too nice a car to kill that way. Was looking to get another one recently but saw a lot of parts for the FI system are not available - whether right or wrong.

[@mlstrawxj]

Interesting. I am restoring my Dad's 280ZX 2+2 now. Parts are very hard to find.

[@matthewbrunnette448]

I'm facing a similar issue with my 1987 Conquest Tsi. Hasn't been started since 1995 when I was 18. Sitting in a garage, with mold throughout and needs everything mechanical too at this point. From what I hear parts are almost impossible to source these days as well. It's a shame since it's 100% original (outside of the tires and plugs).

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

I purchased a new '82 280ZX when I was 18, the first car I purchased with my own money. I should have gotten the 'Turbo'. model. This car was essentially a luxury car in a sports car body.

[@gudfarfar]

The Datsun and Nissan back then was just rust buckets, all of them. Even my '96 Nissan Patrol was one. Had to change the frame as it rusted out. I could take it apart with my bare hands, so I managed to find a car that had a good frame and had been rolled, and had a friend help me change it. It took a while, and set me back about 4000 but I had the car for many years after that.

[@s1ddb429]

Any Japanese car from that era is a rust bucket, they recycled soup cans for the metal constantly and didn’t care as much as we do today about rust prevention from the fsctory

[@oldtanker4860]

It depends on the car. The one brand that IMO is the epitome of resurrections is the classic air cooled VW beetle, Karmen Ghia and vans.

[@mikegreen2229]

I have a 58 sunroof Beetle and a 60 VW pickup. They are worth stupid money now

[@frankycheese]

Really nice 280ZX, mine sat for 5 years all the same issues, had to soak the injectors in cleaner overnight but I was able to get them working again.

[@TheJensenInterceptor]

I brought a Porsche 993 sight unseen as well - must be a common thing to happen - Hated it and after the central locking computer caught fire - I had enough of it ...

[@CosRacecar]

I would love to restomod this thing if the frame is good. These are such cool cars, even if the 240 the best, the value on those is way out of my price range.

[@josebrown5961]

Yea these get no love. I had a 79 and had a great time with it. I would like to see that resto. I have been considering grabbing up one of these and converting it to electric. I prefer the 2 seater, without the T-tops and analog gauges. Hard to find I know.

[@romeoalphafoxtrot9517]

A 280Z isn't one you would dump money into. 240Z? Yes! Especially a manual transmission model.

[@jblox1990]

Cool episode. I have a 280ZX. A 5-speed coupe I bought in high school almost 20 years ago. Awhile back, It had some issues and I had to park it for a couple years due to lack of funds and being busy with other things. That Sta-Bil saved my ass. It had plenty of issues from sitting so long, but I'm happy to say it's back up and drives real well. Still a few things to address, but at least the fuel tank and system didn't need to be replaced. Plan ahead!

[@samuelgoodman2825]

My buddy had a '80 300 ZX Turbo with the automatic.Sweet ride in its day ran strong.He sold it to his brother and it rusted so bad the front struts popped thru and only the hood stopped them.

[@danielepa2237]

This is still one of my favorite cars, thinking of doing a LS swap in one.

[@lyfandeth]

The early 80's riceburners ALL had extensive rust problems in the US. IIRC there was a major lawsuit and a change in the sheet metal which eventually stopped this. The Japanese weren't using galvanized steel, I think.

[@jhonditch4269]

like the Honda that Gina who I worked had bought. fenders rusted completely away after one new New England winter yes rutted roads with sand and salt so unexpected.

[@BestAnswer12549]

I wonder what they use in Japan? Cuz they get snow too. Maybe they don't salt?

[@jhonditch4269]

@@BestAnswer12549 actually due to their emissions laws they have to replace maybe every two year AND if you rinse underbody after use and let dry, not freeze it will last longer the new deicer solution rots away sand and plow trucks in a bout a year.

[@lesliemackay7853]

One of My Mates had a 180 in the eighties in Scotland, where the roads are regularly salted. He was lucky because it was sealed from new. Mechanicals were easy from scrapyards, because even He had metal problems. At that time when talking about a model Datsun was substituted with soluble!😁 So His was a Soluble 180b! His also dissolved!

[@christianboyd4635]

I had one of these for about 2 weeks, it wouldn't pass smog so the seller took it back, so that was pretty cool of him. Just looked up the value on Hagerty and it's about $15K for a nice version.

[@ro...valverde1622]

With those old fuel injection systems the easiest path is either go carburetor or modern fuel injection with a standalone ECU its less hassle than finding old new parts

[@Bbmangood]

I am a person who grew up in the 70s and 80s and the 280 ZX was the coolest car to have in Southern California. The sad thing is I look at this 280 ZX and I realized that it looks really dated it doesn’t look like some classic sports cars which have managed to look even cooler as the years go by this car just looks old

[@JoeGagan]

Thank you for bringing this up. I was a follower of car design in this era, it was considered a duckling. Not a swan. I disliked the look back then, still feel the same. An 83 camaro or firebird was/is a far better looking car.

[@---Avalon---Sky---]

I've had 4,and when painted in the right color, without rust, it's simple perfectly proportioned,lines, look timeless,clean and crisp, with character.Its evocative of a Ferrari and E Jaguar.If you see it compared to the shapeless melted chocolates slab featureless plastic that all look alike, you know it's timeless. You may be bored with it's dated appearance,but personally it's beautiful to me, and countless others.Just my humble opinion.

[@JoeGagan]

@@---Avalon---Sky--- great points. and none i agree with. if you see Ferrari in that, i find that idea fun and interesting. when it was new, there was a large group of car guys, datsun guys and designers who decried the weakness of this design. i was among them, we loved the purity and breakthrough cleanliness of the original 240z.

[@---Avalon---Sky---]

@@JoeGaganCount Albrecht Goertz, I believe designed it,Enzo Ferrari, said the E type Jag, was the most beautiful car he ever saw. The long pointed hood is evocative of it,and looks a lot like a Ferrari 250 and the lights are just like a Ferrari Dino like,the windows like a Ferrari Daytona,the main thing is the 240Z proved you could have a fun fast RELIABLE and affordable car, that would be a smilemaker. By 83,she became a glorified Luxo cruiser, more bark than bite, but what a pleasant place to be eating up the miles.I had one in Ferrari Red, gorgeous.Simple lines sometimes are clean crisp, and for me they have character and presence.Lots of cars to love, I've had over 40,among my favs. Have a good summer👍🙏🏝️

[@hickhunter2303]

Wizard should hire this guy to narrate/star in these episodes...he is not robotic like the wizard...he actually sounds and talks like a human..

[@MrCunningham4]

I really like this car, it has a great look with the patina, I hope the owner can get it back on the road

[@AircraftMechanic-AP]

It can get expensive quick owning a classic car when you don't know how to work on it yourself.

[@OVRCOME]

This is a 4-Seater.. I drove a 81 280zx 2-Seater as my 1st car. I think almost all Z's should be saved!! Unless they are just rust buckets!!! Great Inline 6's!!

[@grifftall2]

Love your videos and still awaiting the project I have the honor to bring to your shop. Current I have many which many are working on in their specialty abilities, but can’t wait to find the one which I can bring your way for you expertise

[@scottcol23]

That old 280Z is a great survivor. Yeah it needs some work BUT the fact that it is not completely rusted out is amazing. Looking at the rear wheel wells, the rocker panels and the lift gate area and seeing no rust! Someone would love to have that car. In the late 90's I had a 1979 S130 280ZX (Fairlady Z) and let me tell you that thing was rusty as hell! I loved it though. So seeing this thing I'm glad that it is getting some love.

[@clivewilliams3661]

No car is too far gone so long as someone thinks its worth it. You only have to trawl your way through KZbin to see what people are doing to reclaim vehicles that are special or just special to them.

[@mph5896]

If the fuel is varnished, thats like 10 years old. I can't even imagine paying somebody to work on a car like this. I am lucky enough to be able to do my own work, so I could get that car up and running for little $. BUT, its rough. Body/interior. Plus it has 180k on it. Drivetrain is prob worn out unless it has been rebuilt at one time. Might be better/cheaper to start out with a nicer one.

[@Nizm0Mike]

Parts can be swapped on these old L series engines from 70 to 84. The power steering bracket actually has a gasket that covers a hole where the early cam driven fuel pump mounted. A carb manifold can be thrown on this car with a few bolts. Lots of fun. I had an 82 with the turbo 2.8. The fan that blows on the intake always cracked me up. Only heard it come on when I was doing autocross. That car looks a little rough but it's not too far gone. Not the most desired Z car but I hope it gets some love.

[@allstylinone5122]

That was a great car in its day. 👍 Very sought after today to a host of collectors.

[@toasteroverdrive1097]

It was also very sougth off by thieves. A new paint job and I wonder if the car would be gone in month. A family member had one with a fancy car alarm and it still got stolen, in the daytime.

[@jymmid.8278]

watch Dylan McCools vid on the 280n he revived.... It will tell you exactly what is wrong with it. And a small piece of advice... quit being so pessimistic, sometimes your negativity is off putting.

[@joshuagibson2520]

Not Grumplestiltsken the perfectionist. No way...

[@pablopicaro7649]

Ugly restyle, the original Swiss designer did an awesome job. Very classic look originally

[@markrunyon5524]

That"s a beautiful shop you have Mr.Wizard,I know that your an amazing mechanic.I"m an older guy and what happens for me,is that I get emotionally involved with things.in 1977,I went to trade school with a guy who had a great job,working nights for AT&T longlines.He had a brand new 1977 280z,not the zx,that"s the female version.That was probably the fastest,best handling car I ever rode in.5 speed,long 6 cylinder.,unbelievable.At 62,I"ve owned a few hot rods that I"ve had major time & money invested in them.Know what?,I have a 1996 Sonoma,4 cylinder,all stock,runs & drives,first class.I"m most proud of this one.

[@AaronSmith-kr5yf]

So happy Wizard managed to fix his Lotus Espirt and it stayed fixed(knock on some wood).

[@reviewaccount469]

If I was the Z owner, I wouldn't bother trying to fix that old engine. That is going to be a money pit. Better option would be to LS swap it. Probably end up to be cheaper in the end and funner to drive. I am a '90 Z owner and I know all too well the money pit these turn into, so I can say hindsight is 20/20.

[@Evilthx]

That speed density box at the front can be opened up and the carbon track shifted to make better contact. I did it on all three of my 280zx's. Makes a world of difference.

[@graceuz]

I had an 82 zx as my first car! Loved the thing but the rust was why I didn’t keep it!!

[@chetSeminole]

I'd give more for the Z than the 164. Boss had 2 of them, always working on something. We had boxes of new parts, door seals, springs, suspension parts. We threw them all away. These were oem from the dealer. Was so happy when he sold them both. They were in great condition, just not overly maintenance free.

[@namibgtv6]

A nice example of a Busso powered 164, especially an ‘S’ would fetch twice what any datsun Z series car would fetch.. The Alfas are RARE, and very special. Can’t compare no datsun with something like an Alfa..

[@timhancock6626]

I had three164 Alfas over ten years. Never needed a spring or a door seal. They cost no more to look after than most cars. I had five Alfas in total spread over nearly 20 years and only one breakdown in a twelve year old 164 with 150,000 miles on it when the diff went. Needless to say I'd take the 164 every time. They have a galvanised shell from waist level down. That is quality.

[@ChishanFipz]

I absolutely love that, the patina is perfect - I would drive that as is.

[@floridaman7]

I needed this video right now

[@houseofno]

Very nice! I don't see too many S130s (this car) or Z31's with the electronics package. The 2+2's were some of the more overlooked Z's because the more popular cars were the two seaters, but I'd say this was still worth restoring. Another bonus is that it's a T-top car.

[@jessem8690]

I love Mrs Wizard's interior review! "Oh good there's some touch up paint" "The car is confused about who was making it" 🤣😂🤣

[@jamesluke7377]

I once upon a time had an '83 Darsun by Nissan 280zx. I see this is a 2+2 model which is cool in my book. I had mine when Long Motor Co/Victoria British in Lenexa, KS had their Z line still going. At that time, I lived in Olathe. Those were the days. I love the L series engines from 4cyl to 6cyl configurations.

[@sicitydonmo3016]

nice, im working on my 280zx too. Outside and mechanical is almost done.

[@johnulrich5572]

"Ran when parked." When you hear that walk away.

[@autopeakdetailing]

Very cool! Doing a mini restoration on a citrus green one now. 50k original miles.