Rescuing an Abandoned 280Z Left Sitting for 20 Years in a Garage!

[@JunkyardDigs]

Click here to see it run!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4bOaqyNgs2iedk

[@jaydenlasater2130]

Where has Mook been

[@northernwolfhound7096]

Spark module is left kick panel by driver .....probably the problem I've played with one before

[@thomasworthington207]

Can we see more on the 1976 Datsun restore please

[@McFingal]

@@AppleReviews this kid never finishes anything he starts. He had a video where he was working on something and then stopped because he felt like he bent every valve on every cylinder.

[@ryansorenson2705]

How do you find old cars like these? I want to find one and make it live once more.

[@RyansuBike]

"sometimes its just better to let them go" took me many years to learn that lesson and discover the catharsis of moving projects along I was never going to get to.

[@Joseph-C]

Yep. Turns out it's far less depressing to see somebody else fix up your old project and drive it around than to look at it rotting away in your own yard every day.

[@Faithful_Tribe]

Same lesson for women.

[@haydona1845]

@@Joseph-C This is so true. Sold my 1963 chevy c10 after it had been sitting in the yard for 5 years. It hurt a lot but kept in touch with the guy and man im happy I did. He put it on bags and put a nice v8 crate motor in it. Truck looked immaculate and was actually being used. That made me feel good

[@RetiredRhetoricalWarhorse]

@@Faithful_Tribe Only you can't fix up a person... you can only help them fix themselves.

[@DenisKz]

Yep, too far gone.

[@matthewgraham8935]

Anyone else see how sad the old man was. He was Also crying if you pay attention. That’s how you know he loved that car

[@IanSlothieRolfe]

Yeah I saw that, made me well up a bit too. Felt the same way when I had to sell my old Jag when I moved into a care home :(

[@brianmef71]

If he was, it was probably because he was glad to finally get rid of that POS

[@wb6162]

The car doesn't look like it's been "loved" in a long time.

[@larryburwell8550]

If he loved it he would not let it rot. He's crying because he's happy it sold

[@wb6162]

@@larryburwell8550 Possibly he's crying about a memory that the car triggered...but I highly doubt he cared about the car...just look at it.

[@Tarkov.]

I love this type of B-Grade content. Don't feel afraid to throw failed projects up for us to watch.

[@DieselWeazel]

You learn more from failing and if you can get a free lesson on someone else’s failure, that’s money in the bank.

[@ethanramirez250]

@@DieselWeazel my dad always told me learn from others mistakes don't wait till u fuck up learn off others

[@georgekircher4307]

thanks for the spoiler...

[@tylerbushong9338]

That horn sounds like is going through puberty

[@tankthehedgehog105]

13:11 It Does! 🤣 Even Though It’s Trying To Get It’s Original Tone Back

[@orangie8426]

Or someone goosing a goose..

[@Sammyadams432]

The 280z was one of my first so called revivals. I did 2 of them but that was back in 92' long before there was youtube. I was 12 years old and after I got them running and driving I was ecstatic. Unfortunately these cars don't get the attention they deserve and they end up like this. Glad to see one still on life support.

[@mkshffr4936]

Love those original Z cars and their predecessor the roadsters.

[@jessiebickel2214]

I don't know how you feel about japanese cars, but I'm sure we'd love to see old datsuns and toyotas on here

[@billmaxfield7831]

Love the 1970 Corona!

[@DonLoBau]

Imagine a 70s Celica 😍

[@sir556]

No

[@DonLoBau]

@@sir556 yes

[@thomasschuler5898]

Agreed would love to see some more japanese cars on JYD

[@bobadam7021]

That test light! I had one of those 30 years ago and I got it from a Kmart or similar box store. That thing is exactly one step up from finding it in a box of cereal.

[@soundboydesign1373]

Canada here...sweet project...pullin it out n that first wash...epic...can't replace those feelings...priceless...keep turning that wrench... one love

[@_MOORE_1986]

My friend has an Orange 260Z that's been sitting in their garage. Other than it being driven two miles down the road and straight back into the garage four or five years ago, it too has been parked in the garage for nearly 20 years or so. Obviously its a '74. Anyways, its in good condition. Has tires that look brand new which are wrapped around Cragar spoked chrome wheels. No body damage other than a few minor paint chips.

[@deeharris9635]

Just getting these old car's running again is a plus in my book. They don't make them like they use to.

[@billyhill2488]

So happy to see this car go to someone that will hopefully put it back in reliable running condition. We need to keep the old classics on the road so the older generation can point out to the younger generation what they used to run around in back in the day. I've seen really clean examples of trucks I used to own out and about right down to the color and trim level and the emotions really got high remembering a more care free time in my life when I owned them.

[@jimrusso1988]

Although he appeared sad, you did the old fella right by giving him a grand for that beater.

[@Jerkwad152]

"Unfortunately for this car, it is fuel-injected." *plays Taps

[@KacerRex]

I have a 280ZX with the L28E, it's a super reliable motor and still a lot of fun to drive.

[@unknownsoul13]

@@KacerRex I had a 240Z, turned out to have 40 lbs of bondo for the undercarriage. EFI changed for 3 side draft Webers, ran like a champ but the top end was 85 mph. Fun car on tight curvy roads.

[@PaulyOutdoors]

When AC/DC fired up on the radio, Mook and I said "NICE" at the exact same time. Proof that Mook IS my spirit animal.

[@alexandercreekpaum8250]

My grandpa has some good ol stories about those things back in the day. Love how us the people who wanna watch it can actually keep up on it!!

[@camhoward310]

Want to thank you for your Honda 3 wheeler videos. Got a 84 big red, took a while of tinkering here and there, and got her running a couple days ago. Your videos were instrumental in keeping on messing with it, since it wasn’t locked up. Got a parts bike that was and it donated a few parts. And to rub it in a little, the parts bike had a pristine fuel tank.

[@danievermeulen1091]

Well done on the decision Kevin and Mook, looks like wisdom came with time, stil a great car though, cheers from South Africa 🍻👌

[@dalehadley3283]

As soon as I saw how much rust was on it,I immediately thought "Oh look, another Rotsun"

[@goatee21]

Come on Dale. You know there is only one true rotsun!

[@DustyMacsGarage]

I understand this comment all to well!

[@discodubber85]

That moral hits home, as I had to do this recently. I had a solid 84 VW GTI that I bought for $200 and spent a summer reassembling, painting, and getting running, pulling the engine and trans from a donor. I had the car for several years until something broke in the drivetrain. I no longer had access to the tools or space to fix the car, so it sat under a tarp for almost a year, slowly sinking into the yard until I finally couldn’t stand seeing it like that anymore. So I ended up giving it to my buddy in exchange for him paying to have the car hauled from Texas to Colorado.

[@ourlifeinwashington4114]

You two are a great team and I love your positive energy. Thank you kindly for all yous do.: )

[@distantcomets]

Nice! I appreciate the segway to Steve's channel. I was looking anxiously at the timestamp asking myself how this was gonna end!

[@chrisbrown6780]

AHHHH DAMN IT! KEVIN! Got me all fired up for ignition and it's like i got socks for xmas~ Can't wait

[@vinceradical8910]

im from Australia. Ive seen plenty of 240Zs. but ive never seen old wooden snow sleds like the ones propped up next to the garage door. they were cool!

[@I-watch-at-2x]

I loved my 77 Datsun 280z..it was my favorite for road trips, so easy to work on and always started.

[@saliemi1]

Its a really pity its so rusted. Really good to hear and see Junkyard Mook's voice. Hope you guys are doing well and keeping safe.

[@Tjay0716]

One of the best cars I ever owned ! Just fun to rip around in !

[@luckylifeonwheels626]

At 4:36 I see the rust on the wheel wells and it gets me thinking what do the floor boards look like. Lol

[@toms1348]

That Nissan 2.8L I-6 is a fantastic power plant. It doesn't produce the crazy horsepower of today's engines...but for a late 70s emmmissions hampered motor, it did alright. Revs up nicely and sounds pretty sweet....Japan's version of the Iron duke, or slant 6..only a bit more refined! But equally indestructible. Fun car to drive too!

[@johndavey72]

You've definitely made the right choice. There's many of us who made the fatal error of "it can't be that bad can it ?" 😂😂 and l definitely include myself ! Yeah , Steve told us to have a look at your first video . I do enjoy his show's . I live across the pond so enjoy his European taste . Thanks for sharing .

[@functionalgirl1]

Love love love 280 Z's. Had one once. It was an 8 cylinder drag racing. Had a Hurst shifter. I miss that car.

[@reidmiller4626]

Kevin you downright are the best content creator I have subscribed to besides VGG. Great job keep on kickin.

[@AlexTrain5249]

Holy Datsun 280Z! All the JDM lovers are likely going nuts. LMAO that horn coming back to life.

[@DonLoBau]

Can u imagine the views he would of got if he restored it. Missed Opportunity lol

[@patrickriarchy6054]

Yup it would've been awesome if he restored it. He only would have needed to cut, reform and weld in 30% of the sheet metal in patches and put in far more time, effort and money than it's worth.

[@DonLoBau]

@@patrickriarchy6054 true a lot of hard work, but could u imagine his KZbin Ad Revenue. He would of made a shit ton of money on it. Plus it would of turn a completely different crowd towards his channel. Imagine Muscle and Import guys watching his channel. The views = $$. Like I said missed opportunity.

[@patrickriarchy6054]

@@DonLoBau True it is kinda getting boring seeing old truck after old truck. They've done a couple interesting ones like the Corvair but they are few and far between. It would be cool to seen any improvements or updates that they've done to former cars that they still own.

[@DonLoBau]

@@patrickriarchy6054 yeah I think for his channel to grow he needs to find a cool abandoned classic car and revive it completely. Not just getting it running like all his videos but literally restoring it. From full interior to suspension to brand new paint. Don't get me wrong I love watching all his episodes but dam it is getting repetitive. I really thought he's was going to go all out on the Bronco since they are getting pretty pricey now and are pretty popular now since the new Bronco is coming out. Idk theirs a reason why Richard Rollins from GMG is so successful, he doesn't just find a car and get it running he actually goes all the way with it. He needs to find a car fix it and raffle it to a viewer just like all the KZbinrs now. When they do that their channel always grows.

[@toxiczebra5920]

Y'all are living my dream! Having my own garage and doing builds and projects instead of repairing! Enjoy life and stay healthy!

[@varrunningtrains4112]

No way! A Mcool video, a VGG video AND a Digs video! It's Christmas again!

[@larrycroft470]

You are such a fine young man as I have stated many times on your great channel...i am so glad you are doing well here on you tube. I just wish America was filled with more young people like you.

[@kevinhorning3624]

cool, i did this same gig when i was young in the 70,s. most everything ran again. fun. just plugs and points.

[@tyleratomic]

This makes my Japanese loving car guy heart happy.

[@autopeakdetailing]

Nice! I'm working on one sitting for 22 years. Rare citrus green 280zx. Has window sticker. Great video.

[@tiergancampbell6864]

I like how you've got all of those old rusty Fords and then an extremely tricked out 4 wheeler just crashing the party

[@LarryDeSilva64]

I have never let a car sit that long anywhere in all my 54 years of driving. I normally picked up used cars worked on them got them running right after I picked them up and drove them for a minimum of 5 years then sold, traded, or donated them. Cars I regret selling and trading were 1979 Cad Seville,1968 Dodge Charger, 1968 Chevy Impala,1970 Ford Torino GT, and a 1973 Buick Skylark and a 1973 Pontiac Grandville with a 455 CU V8 to name just a few. Thanks for the look at a really sporty car of its time that really needs major body and engine work to get back in shape.

[@wendellperkins7605]

Good call on getting rid of it. I had a 1973 240Z back in1980. Bought it cheap with a locked up engine and it had been rear ended. I fixed the body and got it running but it was rusty and ever bolt would break off trying to work on it. What a pain in the ass.

[@Not-Great-at-Gaming]

That Z's been... Thunder struck!

[@quicksilver8180]

Kevin, 23 years ago when I was 18years old, I bought a 75 280 z from my neighbor that had it sitting in his yard for about 10 years at that point and it was well over a 20 Year old car then. Just so happened it was general Lee Orange from the factory. Biggest trouble I had was the external fuel pump on the frame was toast and seemingly hard to find parts back then. I used a universal pump of some sort and got it going. Drove it for a couple years and even though the body showed no rust the underside and unibody we're very bad. Like really bad. The car was a blast to drive tho, 4 speed as well. This brought great memories back for me.

[@cassiemoses6591]

Yay! Barts first bath!!!! 4:41 sounds just like Darth Vader 👍🏽

[@jonrau5988]

"Tuning" the car horn was quite amusing.

[@shackman9566]

Thank you again Kevin and 🐮 Mook.

[@lpajnkiher4929]

Ngl... I'd kill for one of these, saw it once and immediately fell in love with it. I have been convinced that it's the most beautiful car I've ever laid my eyes upon and I'm never going to change my mind on that.

[@denniselgatoblanco824]

been loving your channel my man ... I had an 89ZX when I was younger. What a fucking ride that was

[@robertlopez2598]

not a failed project loved the recap great idea to send her to some one who can continue her revival.

[@jonnybgood1079]

I live in Canada. My mom had nine of these 240Z and 280Z they are almost indestructible they have the same L Series engine as the 510 but two extra cylinders. As usual the body rusts out but the drivetrain will go forever. I hope you do something with it. Love your videos as usual. Thanks Jonny

[@grimsley9989]

Aaaaaand, the first song that you hear is Acca Dacca. What a beauty, what a classic!

[@JustAWatcher5020]

I need to see more of this car!! I love these 280Zs and I Really really want one!

[@edwardautrey3671]

Remember when you waited for the new episode of Dukes of Hazard. Now we wait for Junkyard Digs . No complaints

[@darcybowyer5743]

240/260Z 2+2 is a bucket list car of mine. Seeing this one makes me want one even more! 😊

[@tihspidtherekciltilc5469]

The only thing more satisfying than watching you pressure wash something is when I pressure wash something.

[@kdmcbri]

There’s an 80s Ford Ranger XLT (not 4x4) for sale here in King George, Virginia. 45k mileage tucked away in garage until recent times. They’re asking $1800, I think.

[@theraptorsnest5891]

That's half the country away from IA. LOL

[@kdmcbri]

I know, I grew up in Waterloo. 😬

[@makaylaslater5247]

Yes another 280Z I have a 72 240z coming here soon my sister has one down south and bringing it home this summer.

[@ronniesulsh8603]

Thank god your gonna save this 😀

[@waynedetorres4165]

when that radio started I thought foresure this was going to turn into Paranormal Activity lol

[@rileyenia9388]

Power washing all that grime just looks so satisfying

[@bruceleealmighty]

Zs are fun to play with. We have rebuilt 240s, 60s and 80s. They have all had the same rust issues, but we live on the left coast.

[@drawbardave6591]

Awesome. I had one of these back in the 90's. Fantastic car.

[@giannikkoeruiz6879]

Digs and mook have outstanding love

[@craigpalmer5693]

1976 datsun two door they make them anymore 20 years long time good detail need everything battery paint job still look good rusty underneath the vehicle awesome job junkyard digs in lowa bless you as mechanic in the field

[@jeffreysalzman1497]

That car and it's horn are perfectly matched.

[@leed7951]

Man, i love the look of a 280Z

[@tmoz1228]

I had a 1980 280zx 10th anniversary black and gold z like 22 years ago!

[@AndrewHCann]

Wild after you fix up some wires up got some electric stuff work even the engine turn over amazing to me and horn beep sound like old Ford Model A car Lol ! Yes sometimes some vechile can be handfull to fix up and I had my share too also took awhile to repair too! Excellent short video and did lots could do!

[@jeffkeller1669]

Those cars are worth a lot of money today. if that car was fully restored it'd be worth thousands of dollars. That's a real good barn find! Congrats!

[@mrade5321]

Mook made an appearance and the horn worked. I would consider that a success 👍

[@chriswills9530]

This was more ASMR than "Will it Run?", with that power washing sequence. Thanks for the update and for your straight-talking, "not my thing" admission. It helps us normal folk to hear this from someone like you - there's too much faking and shady work on FluTube and your contribution is both interesting and honest. Oh, and that battery wasn't a "Big Boy", so much as a regular size in Mook's tiny paws =;-))

[@trail-wolf4x4]

If you dont name this the Krusty Krab its a missed opportunity

[@tomorrow6474]

I had a 78 280z it was the exact same ... same color... even the hub caps were the same ... so you'll have the high range speedometer... 4 speed with transaxle the engine is a 2.8litre over head valve fuel injection ... two seater ... its rare to find ... my frame rails were totally rotten... so I drive mine till I couldn't... unfortunately mine wasn't worth saving ... have the feeling yours will be the same... the cam is adjustable... but careful with the injectors as the bolts go bad and will break off ... the engine compartment light is made to twist off and take with you to look around in the compartment ... I'd keep the drive train as it will fit nicely into a Datsun 510 ... I put a 5speed and rims on to mine from a 1980 model... have fun with the car while you can before it breaks in half ... the engine itself is pure joy ...

[@davidsantos8206]

I had that exact equalizer/booster back in the mid 80's. It was the best $20 I ever spent. That thing cranked pretty good for a little pos. Thanks for the video.

[@drundub73]

Those Datsun Z's are frikken brilliant , nice find . . Your content just gets better and better .

[@LSnium]

The 240z-280z was just a famous endless fantastic design.

[@deadclutch]

While I see the opportunity for a LOT of content with a project of that level, I can also appreciate what we normally see on JYD and sticking to more revivals, not endless blackholes of niche fix-em's. Thanks for the extra upload!

[@WalksInThunder]

I drove my supervisor's Z and it was a blast! 5 speed with adjustable suspension on the console and Pat Benatar in the cassette.

[@CoastalAutoReactionCAR]

This is a perfect example of community not Competition right on man!

[@morgangallowglass8668]

A touch of heartbreak here. Love those little Z machines.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Good update Kevin @Junkyard Digs

[@bartdaw6681]

I had a 1978, they are brutal rest buckets. I got a letter from the manufacturer advising me that they increased the rust warranty to 36 months and at 38 months I had perforation rust. Great car to drive though and I still have the factory service manual.

[@MySuperky]

@Junkyard Digs I thought I would mention since I own this year Z and I know its troubles. The AFM (or mass airflow sensor you called it) Turns on the fuel pump. Its a safety feature in the 70s that in the case of a crash and the engine shuts off, the pump will too since no airflow. So in reality the pump only comes on when airflow is noticed. The Computer is in a kick panel to the left of the clutch. Good luck! Don't trust the Haynes manuals, get the FSM for the 1977 280z ONLY. Wiring changed every single year. Also look up 280z EFI BIBLE. That is just the diagnostics for the EFI. Can't wait to see the process on this one since its my year instead of the carbed 260 2+2. oh and I should mention that if the car is this rusty then assume the tank is too. Don't bother using it.

[@laurenceshipway9573]

Twice in one week, love it thanks Kev!

[@CPthetooladdict]

Oh wow this is a gem!!! Can't wait to see more of this very cool ride!! Worst thing about those old Japanese cars is they rust bad!! Lol

[@Springfield2016]

Depending on how much work you decide to put in this, modern fuel injection will give you a better running, more powerful Z. I owned one of these and ran great, but if I was to get another, I would do this upgrade.

[@steelers19571]

very nice to see mook again

[@JoseFlores-fl5pk]

Lol after watching a bunch of episodes I might think that Junkyard Digs is a play on words. Junkyard Digs for the diggin around or finds in junkyards.. But, also Junkyard 8 (equal) D's from hearing all the jokes n the blooper movie. Its funny to me, but just a thought hah. Im still a new sub coming from the Nolan Sykes episode, but I've seen lots of episodes now. These are my first time actually watching actual revival videos and its dope.

[@MrMorrisonAF]

The fuel pump and dampener is externally mounted…. That car is cake to work on!!

[@josephdougherty2399]

Being an old Datsun guy I felt the need to say something. I've owned 4 Z cars. A 240, A 260 and 2 280s...I behove you to please do a complete chassis inspection if it gets running before you attempt a test drive....usually the frame rails rott before the body does (I'm in Michigan).....the 260 I had snapped a frame rail and took me for a ride. I sold it to my buddies brother with the understanding it was a parts car... He thought he could weld up rotten metal and started driving it....I caught up to him and begged him to take it off the road....he just laughed ....that night on his way to work as a correction officer the frame cut loose again taking him into a ditch and rolling snapping his neck ending his days.... The early Z cara had dual point distributors but starting with the 280 they had hall effect ....the module is located inside the distributor below the advance plate as I recall

[@sean-ew2qv]

My first car (1993) was a 78 280z. I miss it every single damn day. That car was a beast.

[@mikeystoy]

Kevin, those air vane meters have a micro switch that kicks the fuel pump on once there’s vacuum running through it, I.e. running. No vacuum, no fuel pump, although there also should’ve been a bypass on the starter that kicked the pump on while cranking

[@tkskagen]

Really wished that you kept this 280Z!

[@johnnymack8442]

Hey if the radio works. Everything else is secondary.

[@heith85]

Its an external pump its a twenty minute job. It wont run without the flap door maf to run.

[@melvingibson4525]

I smashed the like button hard. If anyone deserves the new shop and success, it's you guys. This channel actually takes the time to explain the technical aspects of things instead of the same tired influencer formula. Keep it up guys.

[@gingervikingjesus2351]

Kevin, y'all need a rotisserie & a big booth to blow off all the rust, paint & rust.. Get some replacement body panels & whatever else it might need for the interior & it'll be good as NEW!!

[@Yolo53769]

That horn coming back to life was great 🤣