Fixing the 280Z That's Been Dead for 21 Years

We're getting the 1978 Datsun 280Z back on the road and registered for the first time in decades.
Instagram: / fingerprintsworkshop
Patreon: / ronaldfinger
Merch: ronald-finger.creator-spring....

[@RonaldFinger]

Here's a link to the shirt if you want one! ronald-finger.creator-spring.com/listing/ronnies-automotive

[@ParallelSyntax]

Hi Ron. Any chance that it will be available in other colours in future? I don't have a body that goes well with beige.

[@rileybuckley3863]

When the next garage update coming? Also love the content

[@danielheald411]

I will absolutely buy a shirt once I have money again, hopefully soon.

[@greglawson9729]

great work. I had a 76 280, The Rust removal will be the biggest part of the restoration.

[@rangeyou99]

You wanna sell a bunch of merch make that Fiero a giveaway car :D

[@gingermany6223]

Good news! If you procrastinate until 2025 you will no longer need to pass a safety inspection in Texas as they are removing that requirement. I believe in you!

[@christopher5476]

Mad Max: Texas

[@enzoperruccio]

​@@christopher5476Seriously, what the hell? Is the US going back in time or something?

[@creatiph]

ahah wat

[@gtoger]

Emission inspections will still apply in locations such as Houston and DFW, but if the car is 25 years old or older, that requirement drops as well. If you register as an Antique (vehicle must be 25 years old or older) then you are exempted from inspections (safety or emissions) of any sort, the registration period is 5 years vs. 1, and it's less expensive to boot. A great option if the car is not daily driven.

[@joshuae.1953]

Same in North Carolina I have a 1990 Ford Festiva and they just send me my registration sticker every year lol

[@punkapunk9917]

that "i only lost 3 fingers" skit was legitimately horrifying I physically jumped

[@sigmus1475]

Same!😅

[@Drisco02]

I got half a heart attack!

[@LoadOfGraff]

me too...

[@baltazar419]

its only then that i sow his last name lol

[@syarifsaiya1040]

my body took screenshot 😅

[@Iconicwedgeshape]

This is probably the best car restoration video I've ever seen. you somehow combine pacing, humor, and knowledge into something so enjoyable to watch. Instant sub after watching parts 1 and 2.

[@daedalus_20v]

Just FYI, when you get to that point, Holley now makes plug-and-play LED headlights called RetroBright that replicate the old 7" sealed beam style and still look 100% original when off. In other words, 3x more light output, but they don't look like typical "fuTuRisTic" LED lights. You can also choose between modern white 5700K or "warm" white 3000K color temps that more closely matches the original look. They're not exactly cheap at $200 per light, but that price includes the actual 7" housing as well as the bulb and plug-and-play harness at that price (when the time comes to replace, you swap only the bulb at a lower cost). IMO, it's money well spent. Being able to actually SEE (and be seen) reliably at night in an older car is a game changer.

[@bellemorelock4924]

i found those 6 years ago in spades (not sold through holley).. but could not find a 5" 4 bulb sets except mailed from India (at least in glass) and then was unclear what bulb they would take, etc. LOL at $200 though it is and will be same $10-20 they've been, just LEDs now that that isn't a magical price multiplier.

[@SUPRAMIKE18]

A brake drum spinning at high speeds held only by a 3D printed mount is one of the sketchiest things I've seen in years, and as a sketchy mechanic myself I 100% approve 😂

[@bandituk]

@supramike18 On my old Russian sidecar outfits the drums would go a bit oval under hard use. This was solved by fitting an old set of brake shoes with 200 grade sand paper stuck to the linings, gradually adjusting the brake in as the bike was ridden, taking off the high points in the alloy drum and removing the ovalness. I’ve never used any other method. 😊👍

[@mr_jag_]

he could have installed the drum the other way and spin it using engine after getting it running 😂

[@Turk380]

I'm still waiting for my butt cheeks to unclench

[@mtrgv]

Sideways sketchy, but it works, carry on Mr. Finger,...............................>>>>>>>

[@Kakalacki]

a simple 20$ variable speed control dial would make it less sketchy-maybe.

[@mymechanics]

The rust holes under the tailgate had me shocked, that's a lot of work to repair! Good for you that you don't have to in Texas 😅

[@christophmuller3511]

Collaboration to “make a new one” incoming? If it wasn’t that far…

[@Mariano.Bernacki]

Was about to send this video your way

[@jimzucker]

ahahhahahah. I knew you were here!

[@victorbreak]

Howly cow... could this be a restoration fight?

[@teekay_1]

Unless your time is worth zero, I'd look into buying new panels

[@orrindekock8598]

I can't imagine the satisfaction you must've felt when you drove it off the driveway, but I was cheering and clapping. I loved this!

[@alexbarbu2287]

Your sense of humor is great. This was the first video that I've seen of you, certainly not the last. Great work!

[@austinado16]

As a 60yr old dude who's worked on so many cars in this condition, I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this. The editing, the humor......LOL.....so great. You've got great talent(s), and you're a solid mechanic!! I literally yelled out, "Winner!" when you lit the tires and drove out of the carport.

[@johnlozauskas778]

Even tho I'm a youthful 56.9, I also enjoyed everything about the rebuild. You have the patience of a Saint!!!

[@Toobst8ker]

Even the part with the shocked person with the bin. That was funny as 🤣

[@bessarion1771]

My first thought was " this is an old geezer!" Then I realized I'll be 60 next year...

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

Your brake lathe is so terrifying I actually moved backwards in my chair when you first started it up. Brave? Foolish? Successful? You're truly the full package.

[@DeterminedDIYer]

I once had a cutting blade fly off my dremel (got distracted by my husband and forgot to tighten it) and this video terrified me more than that lmao.

[@christopherwillson4269]

I flinched too.

[@Easttr090]

I had lost track of your channel for a year or so and I'm so happy that I actually had saved some music you linked in a previous video to your soundcloud as I loved it, thank you Ronald for your awesome videowork. Cheers

[@underdogoverland]

This video was a treat! It's my first time seeing a video of yours and I'll definitely be following the build! The amount of problem solving and diagnostics you went through will hopefully help any new car enthusiasts thinking to pick up a project!

[@cris_crafter]

I found you because of this project. While waiting for a new part of this series I watched the whole Fiero Series and your two Garage renovation videos. :D I have become a huge fan of this channel and of you as a person. Thank you for making this quality of Art in Video form on KZbin. You are awesome! Greetings from Germany, Friedrich!

[@neinsagined3047]

more greetings from Germnay, Christian! 🙂

[@Epik-hm8ws]

Even more greetings from Germany, Christian too 🤙

[@stickit2theman1]

His Fiero restoration series is honestly KZbin perfection. Super pumped to see his plans for the 280z!

[@stickit2theman1]

Also if you haven't already go watch Fuzzy Dice Projects his production values are also top notch!

[@ChefDaffee]

Even more greetings from Germany 😅

[@Vaino_Hotti]

Love the absurd humor and deadpan presentation in this one! Fun and faster paced than usual!

[@Thomsonicus]

Wasn't the pace and materiał form the firat thing that drove people to this Channel? Hmm

[@andersjjensen]

@@Thomsonicus I'm sure he's going to go back to something akin to that format once we get into the really time consuming stuff. With this episode mostly qualifying as "basic maintenance" I appreciated that we got more of the witty humor as a stand-in for the technical deep-dives we're going to see once stuff like removing frame rails start entering the equation.

[@SuhaanMahajan]

Please please please post regularly! Nothing on KZbin is worth watching anymore but this. This is truly something remarkable and inspiring!

[@DarrenHowseMusic]

These are some of my favorite cars of all time. So excited to watch the restoration videos. To anyone who missed the Fiero restoration series, I highly reccomend you go check that out. Cheers dude.

[@SkylerDraike]

Woo! My favorite gas tank repair channel! Kidding, of course. Your determination and perseverance with all your projects is a real wonderful thing to see. Love your work!

[@damienwilloughby]

🤣

[@MegaJessness]

AAAAHHHH, you've outdone yourself, Ronnie! The humor, the EDITING, the everything! So satisfying to see the 280Z running properly enough to pass inspection, yaaaay! Full resto is gonna be a treat. You take your time with it, the wait is SO worth it!

[@landonmarx4753]

This was going to be my post!!! Let's hope the next vid comes shortly!!😊

[@KabanicaTHEONE]

Outdone? Bruh a brain tumor appeared from me watching this... Not change the oil and clean everything BEFORE running the engine ... Wth you mean outdone??? Also b*thing about 70$ brake drums DUDE FK YOU MEAN you gotta stop the car safety measures, also the rust like you dead if someone crashes into you buying the Z means you have to have a good budget to buy 2 of those

[@nuridlewis]

I don't comment much on KZbin channels. But, this have to be one of the best informational automotive stories I've seen in a while. I own a Subaru Impreza WRX STI imported from Okinawa and I can not wait to work on my car the way you did yours.

[@darjiaus7]

After watching fiero restoration, can't wait to see more of this!

[@BFVgnr]

The My Mechanics channel is also doing a complete restoration on a Datsun Z car. His is a 240Z that he imported from the US to, I think, Switzerland. He's got everything off, including the frame, with the body on a rotisserie. I think his most recent short was capping the side marker lights since they aren't required for Euro operation. Thanks for sharing your amazing work.

[@kirdot2011]

I was just gonna say the same..the guy who took it completely apart,right?

[@TheMainCore]

Yeah, that project is insane and will be epic.

[@nintenjo64]

Yeah ditto, following both restorations closely, super excited.

[@DD-DD-DD]

Oh great, now you've given our poor Ronnie a complex, thinking he has to compete with MyMechanic's restoration. 🤣🤣

[@jwrockets]

Yep, I'm watching him too. He probably popped up because I'm watching Ron. Doesn't Kevin at Junkyard Digs have a Z car as well? I think he has a 260.

[@DougLAnderson]

The editing and humor and everything in this is just top notch, Ronald! Been watching for forever and it's so awesome to see how this channel has continued to evolve and improve over time.

[@erikroutson9306]

New sub! Man, this brought back memories. Back in high school ('91), my dad rolls home with a '74 280z on a trailer he got from a buddy at work for $200, Brown, blown head gasket, rust all over, trashed interior and bad U-joints all around. Took us 6 months to completely transform her into a ridiculously fun car, bright red with 300ZX rims. Thanks for bringing back some great memories!

[@Alexandr_Silver]

Amazing video. Not only the car work is tremendous, but also filming and editing...so much work. Really appreciate. Like

[@spaz_chicken]

Man, I'm only 3 minutes in to this and I have to say, you really stepped up your editing game on this one and it shows! You are using animations and sound effects wonderfully here to highlight unspoken details and elevate your natural humor. Great work. I'm rapt for the next one.

[@moparconnection]

We've been a fan of your channel since you started the Fiero project years ago. We never miss an episode - and are glad to see progress coming along on the Z. You've got a great sense of humor, and appreciate your efforts in editing your videos so cinematically. Keep up the great work and we look forward to more videos!

[@stevenwoodman1032]

There isn't many episodes to miss 😂 One thing that puts me off the channel is lack of videos!

[@edwardsjohnpaul]

I flipped a '78 280Z, then later bought a restored '76 280Z, and I absolutely loved these cars. I think they are the perfect balance of style, function, and value. Fantastic editing, outstanding content, and I'm really looking forward to watching you restore this one.

[@Ikaruszaki]

I love how much effort you put into editing your videos :)

[@airi8395]

I'm a 29 year old girl who doesn't care about cars but loves the repair process and one more thing that gets me back to your channel: dude you are quite the STORYTELLER! the edit is on point! Hats off too you!

[@Mr.Gribble]

If you care about the repair process, you definitely care about cars lmao

[@airi8395]

@@Mr.Gribble haha. Maybe. I Look at house renovations with the same interest

[@revvolutions]

​@@airi8395it's all about the journey, moreso than the destination.

[@0liseus384]

haz el mini mini

[@soulslaveone]

I was gonna say the same thing. The videos are SO good!

[@theRayzz]

Oh yeah. It’s a good day when Ron post a new video 😊

[@903]

Love the formatting of this vid, you have gained a new subscriber and I look forward to seeing the rest of this restoration!

[@gingerbolam]

Awesome job Ron good to see someone keeping the old relics alive something we all should be doing honestly

[@samishereforfun]

Huge respect to you for how much effort you put into these videos. Hours of work turned into an awesome experience through even more hours of editing is nothing to sneeze at.

[@LegitStreetCars]

Man, you make great videos! You got a new sub!

[@Gmastergun]

He does

[@finalmage6]

Looks like someone was up late last night working on their DeLorean 😀

[@K1L0GG]

glad to have another brother in the loop

[@daveh2612]

Oh damn, Alex found Ronnie Finger!

[@TheDeadCylinders]

Idk how I have never stumbled across your channel before but this video is awesome. Congrats on getting the car back on the road and looking forward to more :)

[@geo-yg6gk]

Working on cars is a love hate relationship, I have a 81 280zx and I've had problems with evap leaks, rust holes and fuel injectors/lines but it's a process it's great seeing another z brother working on getting it to run 💯

[@danjohnston3422]

Glad to have you back, Herr Finger. I was starting to worry about you.

[@taconator7492]

Man I just wish the guy who had that log book and took such good care of this car could see this video. It would probably bring a tear to his eye.

[@akirahowe5669]

I love how his videos are so detail oriented... Inspires me to want to have projects of my own!

[@Vash.Baldeus]

Rewatched this a month later, still amazed that you managed to clear that clog in the dreaded fuel tank, was definitely a rather simple fix to let it soak in denatured alcohol.

[@gabquilloy]

22:56 the moment you sprinted out of the garage, i literally shouted. What a great restoration this is. And hands down on how you execute the whole video!

[@gwizdor7753]

btw speaking about that moment can someone tell me what the miusic is

[@mmmmzorba1]

Fights - AGST @@gwizdor7753

[@hacky_sackin]

@@gwizdor7753”Fights” by AGST

[@sdr09_grey]

fights - AGST@@gwizdor7753

[@digitalrailroader]

@@gwizdor7753 AGST- Fights

[@iazeemabbas]

Man my day is made whenever you post a video. From amazing humor to phenomenal editing. You always make it more than a car a restoration video. Hatsoff Sir

[@can_with_beans]

This is the first video I've watched from you, and I absolutely love your audio and editing style.

[@tylarharbison5423]

Still bad ass I got to meet you today bro, blows my mind you live in town now, it was great seeing the fiero and getting to check out your 280z, can’t wait to see it down and driving around town

[@sgalvan-urdyhm]

Those 6 cylinders are immortal, it was clearly struggling at first. As you said, very dangerous what you did with the drum brakes haha. Yeah gas tanks are a pain. No oil change? REALLY? Hahaha. Great video! It was very entertaining! And insightful for those new in cars

[@zsu-23-4shilka2]

I’d just swap out those drum brakes for some discs

[@chrisi7127]

​@@zsu-23-4shilka2I guess he kept the drums because of authenticity

[@MarantzSt153]

I can't believe this channel hasn't blown up past a million yet. You're by far one of the better KZbin content creators i know!

[@robsonbobson7839]

jeez I love your vids Ronnie, much better production value than 95% of the automotive youtubers and super satisfying too

[@Jake-tw8qr]

oh my god.. You're not long for this world, my guy. That plastic brake bracket was legitimately horrifying to watch.

[@OWSNubbles]

I *love* all the editing you did with this episode. It feels new and fun for you, and I think the effort you put in was worth it!

[@NormalsOverrated1987]

This is the best editing i ever seen so far in youtube history , so simple, but so efective. I love your work and passion

[@painterofthehappiness4578]

I don't know why, but it feels like one of the best youtube videos ever, keep it up

[@gernsey7362]

i love these videos. Produce them at any speed that works for you, just don't stop making them.

[@jatdb51t]

Soon as you said "it just had power and now it doesn't" I knew exactly what was going on. 25 year Datsun Z veteran here. Also, I physically felt your pain on that fuel tank. It's been an ongoing struggle for me for many years

[@cmcz1207]

So steer clear of the Z's eh?

[@jatdb51t]

@@cmcz1207 just old car problems. I've had my current one for 13 years. It's been pretty good to me

[@Rendclaw]

I'm all in on this channel. That was informative and funny as hell. Kudos to you, sir.

[@brettduvall579]

you just got a new sub, love the thorough commentary/jokeniss you carry, cant wait to see what else you got in store for us!

[@bfox123456789]

Your pacing and video style is incredible! The edit at 8:47 had me truly wondering how you pulled the effect off, I definitely have my guesses, but the effect plays so well as the onus of the joke. Truly incredible finding the follow-up to this series a full 4 years later. I hope you continue finding projects like this that lend themselves to pouring yourself into them as this one has. :)

[@Safak9088]

I was so shocked at first it looked so real and good

[@djmips]

That was too grotesque. 😅

[@111win]

Ive been serching for this comment bro😂 Im at 8:50😂😂

[@brentrichards1200]

As a native of Houston, I would agree that Houston is definitely one of the cities of all time.

[@CrAzY32DiAbLo]

Editing and jokes were awesome and getting the car going made it even better. Keep up the good work.

[@Jimi-Funkycold-Molina]

Love the structure of your video. You add some good humor along with being mechanically savvy. I was invested the whole time

[@davidp2888]

I'm delaying the rest of my morning activities just to watch this. Time well spent!

[@crazyirishman2456]

This channel is hands down one of my favorites to watch. Always good content with just the right amount of sarcasm and whit mixed in for comedic effect, and the editing is second to none. I hope you heathens appreciate the level of professionalism young Ronald puts into these videos. Excellent work sir, keep up the good work!

[@TapuMacky]

Can't wait for your full restoration. Awesome video man.

[@shubhamvishwakarma9233]

Car !! Comedy !! Cinematography !! You nailed it all 🤩

[@thatguyinthatoneshow]

The shot leading up to the 23 minute mark was INCREDIBLE. Whether is was acting or your good fortune to catch such a genuine reaction, I feel like I could see the gears turning in her head like “geez, Ron sure took off loud…..wait that was tire squeal……HOLY SHIT HE FIXED IT” great work

[@Robocatpat]

hahah it was 100 percent real

[@vipersyl]

@RonaldFinger you don't always upload frequently, but when you do, its always worth watching the content in its entirety! Keep up the great work! Been a fan since the beginning! 👍

[@theblubus]

Ronald.....your editing and production value went up many levels for this video Love it!

[@peter2991]

Watching the video for at third or fourth time now. Absolutly love your editing and humor. Ben enjoying this channel for years :)

[@seanwarner9893]

The commitment to the missing fingers bit for a 2 second shot LOL

[@arthurspontiacfieroblog]

I missed that - what timestamp ?

[@seanwarner9893]

@@arthurspontiacfieroblog 8:46

[@arthurspontiacfieroblog]

oh, that! I saw that. I thought you meant something after that as a callback to that scene@@seanwarner9893

[@TheBambiAssist]

You can really feel the extra effort that went into the edit!! Great job man 🔥

[@darkcrystal999]

I haven't enjoyed watching a car related video until now! Good quality content man!

[@KingParzival]

It's like a trailer for an epic TV Show, SO EXCITED to see what you do!!!

[@undissatisfied1557]

I LOVE the editing in this video! This was so worth the wait

[@talltom1129]

Take us along for the rest of the garage update, what you did so far was good content!

[@bobcullum]

Outstanding video and great animations ! I’m about to start on my 76 that’s sat since 2000. But I’ve owned it since 78 and owe it every consideration. Thanks for the inspiration

[@LooseFab]

I have a 76 too! enjoy the build!

[@karlc4277]

Holy molly this was a random stumble of a video and I do not regret watching it one bit. Thank you for the video it was fire man. Hope to see another video about its restoration.

[@ErvilhaGeorge]

I love that you take time to make the videos and put them out once in a while. The quality of the edit andthe finished product can be felt, keep this way of working it really pays off :D Love from Portugal

[@colinbrown8316]

Always worth waiting for these videos. Glad she will be getting the full restoration treatment. Looking forward to it!

[@WalkableBuffalo]

So pleased you got it running. I think we're always in tune with your emotions throughout the video with the struggles and triumphs so it feels super rewarding when it goes well 😁

[@Lone_Rocket]

This is the high quality car repair videos the streets have been waiting for

[@onceagian]

You probably wont believe me, but I sincerely think you make some of the absolute best content on the internet! Keep it up!

[@CPTJarda]

I love your videos man, so much helpful for learning about cars and having some terrific laughs at the same time!

[@RCAvhstape]

Been watching your channel since the beginning of the Fiero restoration, love this stuff so much. Really admire your willingness to see things through as well as your video skillz.

[@dstructo]

I'd consider myself a pro-level mechanic, and I am insanely entertained by your videos. I've done several frame-off restorations in the past, built many engines (everything from Mazda rotary to a big block Chevy) and am currently working on two AMC Gremlin nut-and-bolt restorations. So I can't say I am really "learning" anything, but damned if I'm not totally entertained. The Fiero project was awesome, as were the Garage videos. I watch you do things like try to turn the drums on a bench grinder, knowing full well that it's a huge mistake and that nothing good is going to come of it, and darned if you don't always seem to pull it off. Production value has definitely improved since the early days, and you're a really funny dude. So thanks for the videos. Least I can do is buy a shirt.

[@Mewzerr]

so glad to see another z saved. dream car of mine and glad to see this thing getting sum love

[@michaelmclaughlin6440]

I've had one of each a 240, 260 and a @280z. I wish I had your now-how and you deliver things with humor! love it.

[@georgeivanagudelo8987]

hey man I met you and saw the Z over the summer, as soon as I saw this video I got super excited to see how it turned out. Amazing to see its progress, excited to see what you have in store for it.

[@mustangjustin7654]

If you keep videos like this coming on a regular basis, you're definitely going to be at 1 Mil by end of 2024. Great editing style. Perfect balance of entertainment, how-to & general education. 👌

[@elizabethmcwhorter3445]

@@T.elegram_me-Ronaldfinger oh look, ronnie is big enough now that he's got spam bots impersonating him! that's a solid milestone

[@neilduncan8657]

I have driven a 1984 200sx there is a joy driving and restoring a old Datsun (my 200 sx is the last year of Datsun)I just use a coarse sand paper to clean old rotors and drums. I suggest changing your differential oil and transmission fluid good job

[@buffalomafia6587]

I can confidently say I am fully invested in this series now

[@Jaimezscott]

I miss my 1980 280ZX soooo much. I bought one in 1998 for $2k with 190k miles. I drove it cross country from Cali to Indiana. Less then a year later it got rear ended and totaled while parked on the street. Man I loved that car. Which reminds me, there was a junk yard in NoCal near Sacramento that had nothing but Z cars on it's lot. I always relied on them for parts. Wonder if it's still around.

[@RealmBlox]

youtube is really learning that I love seeing cars getting back on the road

[@mystisith3984]

2nd video from you. It's exactly what I need & want these days. Subscribed!

[@makethingsbetter]

Loving the comedic interludes! Cannot wait to see the next installment and I will creep into back catalog this weekend! Fun :)

[@cicerigiancarlo6633]

What an absolute pleasure to have you back again ! As always very competent and an absolute wacky sense of humour absolute legend !

[@elburno454]

Hello again! It was fun to bump into you at Lowes and get to talk a few minutes and see the car in person! I saw the new video pop up and told my wife we had to watch it. Next time you have to renew your tags and if you don't drive it all that much, you can register it as antique for like $55 for five years, with no inspections needed. That's what i have on my antique truck. It saves a good chunk of money you can put toward the gas tank in your next project! 😂 Hopefully we will see you around town again soon or at the car meet one of these days!

[@kadenwitt]

PLEASE DO A FULL RESTORE This is my dream car (though I'm partial to the digital dash variant) and I wanna live vicariously through you

[@Thatguyisnice-yf5nx]

Restored a 76 280Z with my dad. Great memories and I luckily didn't have to deal with this much rust. I will add these old cars just start different and are much easier to work on. Thanks for sharing.

[@shootsnscores-cja]

Love it! The 280Z was the car of my dreams as a kid and it's awesome seeing you bring this beast back to life! Can't wait to see the rest of the restoration.

[@adam_isiah]

I love it when someone is just along for the ride, doing something they enjoy. I'm excited to see where this series goes, and of course what the final product might be in the future!