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

SEE THIS CAR RUN ON STEVE'S VIDEO!
• 1976 Datsun 280z - Wil...
Today we rescue an abandoned 280z from the garage its sat in since the early 2000's!
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#datsun #280z #junkyarddigs

[@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.

[@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..

[@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...

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@danievermeulen1091]

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

[@mkshffr4936]

Love those original Z cars and their predecessor the roadsters.

[@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!

[@toxiczebra5920]

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

[@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 .

[@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.

[@autopeakdetailing]

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

[@jimrusso1988]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@jonrau5988]

"Tuning" the car horn was quite amusing.

[@robertlopez2598]

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

[@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. 😬

[@grimsley9989]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@ourlifeinwashington4114]

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

[@CoastalAutoReactionCAR]

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

[@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

[@steelers19571]

very nice to see mook again

[@trail-wolf4x4]

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

[@mrade5321]

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

[@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.

[@ronniesulsh8603]

Thank god your gonna save this 😀

[@afleticwork]

Buddy of mine has a 79 280z and has electrical problems like non other, still sweet looking cars

[@Tjay0716]

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

[@Timothy-NH]

That list of channels you gave at the end, you guys should all get together and do an epic collaboration. I am thinking finding an old, dead fire truck, getting it started and pumping water.

[@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

[@johnnymack8442]

Hey if the radio works. Everything else is secondary.

[@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.

[@jeffreysalzman1497]

That car and it's horn are perfectly matched.

[@burritoblanket]

My add: grease guns and adapters Not Even Teng Tools Like Cmon!

[@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 ...

[@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.

[@bansheemania1692]

With all the Horn jokes..Mook Should of said "the Horn blows, Does the Driver" ...my aunt taught me that many decade ago

[@sean-ew2qv]

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

[@tkskagen]

Really wished that you kept this 280Z!

[@_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.

[@leonardwalters154]

I'm glad you and moog are still around, but what happened to Luke? Did he quit?

[@nathandube1685]

Its mook! And thunderhead 289 has been taking a break from youtube recently for personal reasons I gather. Maybe hes feeling burnt out. I hope he comes back I love him! Him and Kevin are funny when they are together, quite a riot.

[@ThunderHead289]

@@nathandube1685 I bought a house and moved - just been enjoying being an engineer and after seven years of tubyness, I just wanted to take a little break is all 🙂

[@darthtripedacus1]

@@ThunderHead289 glad your doing well man. Best to you.

[@nathandube1685]

@@ThunderHead289 Congratulations! I get that, I want to see if i can start my own channel after seeing ones like digs and yours. You guys have inspired me! I love your channel. We are all looking forward to some more amazing videos! Hopefully they have powertour this year. I was kinda bummed when i found out they cancelled it.

[@ThunderHead289]

@@nathandube1685 man I would love if we could get a power tour this year. It’s about my favorite car event of all time hands down

[@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.

[@HungryForBurritos]

I just picked up a 280zx for $200 with a similar background to the one you found, it’s crazy some of these cars spend their best years just rotting away.

[@B1Springfield]

I visited a shop in Madill, OK where they restore and specialize in these Zs especially the 240z, and man these are some nice little sports cars. I have to get one in the future, just another car added to the list 😅

[@goatee21]

Couple Datsun stories. I bought a 260z 2+2 off ebay motors years ago when I was dumb enough to think I could handle a project like that. I thiugjt it was brown, turned out someone had sanded all the paint off then let it sit. It also sat in dirt forever so the frame rails were gone. We got it running enough to drive it from my buddies to my house and parted it. Too far gone. Also bought a 510 off ebay drove it about half way home and it croaked. Turned out the crank had snapped in the middle. Warped block.

[@morg52]

I remember putting scrape in that center ridge of the hood of one of these back in 76. It was in Framingham MA at a toll booth area. I scraped it with the ICC bumper of the semi tractor trailer I was driving at the time. Stopped about six inches from the wind shield as I recall. The guy driving it was pretty freaked out. I had put the truck in reverse because I had pulled up to the wrong booth and was sure no one was behind me..

[@goleafsgo8496]

This reminds of my beautiful wife of 35 years now. She brought to the relationship a working VCR and a totally rusted out Toyota Celica car. In fairness to her she was a little younger and had just finished University. Took a 5 minute look at it because she loved it and thought we should fix the body on it. Um no, never seen a car rust that badly before. So we bought her a used Tempo which actually was a great car until the kids arrived! Minivan it was .... 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.

[@gramseyandpops2710]

I started watching several of these “get an old car running” videos several months ago. For some reason the ones I watch are all based in the frozen tundra North region of the USA. It seems than just about every vehicle that y’all find and attempt to get running are in various stages of rust and decay. This Datsun is especially bad. Luckily living here in Southeast Texas we don’t have to worry about it. However we do have floods caused by hurricanes and torrential rain which floods thousands of cars a year.

[@Yolo53769]

That horn coming back to life was great 🤣

[@johnrogers2826]

$1000 bucks for that gem in any condition is an absolute steal! My jealousy overcomes me.

[@charlesbronson8680]

I was going to say that's a mint dash on that... But I looked closer and can see it's a dash cap.

[@canadiangamer7525]

Sadness, would of been cool to see more of this revival.

[@layne7742]

He literally said he sold it to another fellar on YT and you could watch it

[@EnriqueLopez-hb5jn]

It would have been awe awesome to see that car start after being in hibernation for so long.

[@Garagem80s]

The most emotional moment of your videos is the time when you go to that lavacar to wash your cars!

[@mry82]

"someone was planning to do some work to this car" and maybe there is a reason they didn't, haha... I love these things though... If we already hit the bell is there another step we should take?

[@sureshkumarc.k6534]

Follow him on Instagram ,I guess

[@mry82]

@@sureshkumarc.k6534 Good point, but I don't have one! :)

[@dave.harmon]

Stick a roll cage in to stiffen the shell. Bolt on some Japanese style fender flares and some wide wheels. Take it drifting

[@noah786]

I had one of those 20 years ago that I drove half way across country, man I loved that car... till I didn’t.

[@HEAVYMETALJSTYLES]

Wow man I'm subbed to everyone you recommended except where the cars going, so I guess im checking out that channel next! Thanks man😀👍

[@OtisENGINEuity]

Wow.. it's an even bigger Rotsun than Roadkill's. I found all the parts to fix it, but it'd be about $1000+ just for sheet metal and then I don't know if you'd want to deal with fixing it. (let alone doing it right) Turns out they are really popular cars that tend to have rust issues so almost all the parts are available.. There's some that'd still have to be hand made though.

[@MySuperky]

I own a 1977 280z! super fun project car!

[@moyslon]

I have a 75 280z. The fuel pump is external. its on the passenger side right next to the fuel tank. super easy to get to. i bought my 280 as a non running car, it did not get fuel. knocked on the pump with a wrench a few times and its been working for the last 4 years with no issues. give it a try.

[@lawrenceengel3330]

No harm in taking a pass and sending a project down the road 👍

[@varrunningtrains4112]

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

[@dancando6391]

I have 10 cars sitting around in the rain or snow. Lol. I have a hard time letting my projects go if I dont have time for them. I figure I will eventually find time... lol. Sad thing is I have most the parts I need to fix a few of them. I just never seem to get to it. But! I hopefully will get my first "Geo Metro Repair" video up soon. So... Thats kinda nice. lol

[@Brock_Landers]

Holy damn rust...I really hope that y'all plan to clean it up and do some rust repair on this old girl. She deserves it.

[@rallycarsdinosaurs7623]

Best part was when AC/DC popped up on the radio, I had to laugh

[@denniselgatoblanco824]

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

[@hege666ful]

Early gang and hope everybody the best😊😊

[@Triplenickelmotorsports]

the pump is in line not in the tank... but that Z is pretty rotted out. the ignition is standard not computer controled, the fuel is the only thing ran by the ecu.

[@michaelbaka4777]

Good vid even if you didn't make progress on it! Diafram type horns; you have to whack them with a hammer at least once a week to keep 'em working. [Can't remember how to spell "dia-----" !!!!!]

[@Simk1d]

the fact that this car still had the underhood light amazes me.

[@RESTORATIONRESCUE]

Love the Z cars. Amazing cars, I have a 90 and an 87

[@adamweston4152]

Judging by the multiple colours of paint..I counted 3,I think this car is a ringer!

[@professornuke7562]

A bad Japanese copy of the Lucas Electrics mechanical fuel injection I had in my old Triumph 2500PI. Lucas is also The prince of darkness and one letter off a Four-letter word. I knew a guy who got the FI on a 260Z working but it took him a long time and a flow bench and he was a qualified automotive engineer with a degree. He got it ready to rally, and a gum tree fell on it enroute to its first race.

[@reidmiller4626]

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

[@kekistanifreedomfighter014]

This prolly the first foriegn car ive seen on this channel

[@honorrolls5415]

I so agree can’t save em all yourself. Great idea to cut n run. Thanks for another enjoyable show. Any word on the power tour ?? Bill in Fort Wayne Indiana

[@ifixthings86]

It's probably got a problem with a sensor that will stop the ECU from sending spark. Cam position will stop spark. My guess is a wire got chewed.

[@mjmcomputers]

A new meaning to dual tone horn.

[@markharlacher6183]

Mass air sensor is a trap door style like Toyota and Mazda used in the 80s-90s on miatas, rx7 and the t100 Toyotas

[@dadteaches]

I love the lines on that car

[@SDS-1]

That EQ booster amp for stereo is worth money!!!!

[@dionrau5580]

Ya gotta remember that these things were coming off the ships already rusted!

[@mcdoogle6549]

Were they actually or is that a joke

[@calebm.5698]

@@mcdoogle6549 in many cases they actually did come off of ships with rust, the steel was that poor quality.

[@philipchandler330]

Great find, that car would run me neck in neck when I had a 1976 Oldsmobile Starfire with a V6 automatic

[@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!!

[@patrickpredham5945]

@Junkyard Digs Holy crap, did i just die and go to heaven or is this your second video in one week. Edit: I have pinched my self and yes you have posted twice in a week, wow. also what ever happened to that triumph TR7 that you made one video on but then said you would make another video on it and yet you haven't yet. because that thing when it was parked in the 80's and then time just froze.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Holy crap at the steering wheel

[@AdultingWithoutSupervision]

Man what a beauty

[@aland1618]

Just an FYI: The fuel pump is not in the tank. It's under the car and connected inside behind the passenger seat under the rug. I know this because I had a friend ride back there as a third passenger and he accidentally disconnected the fuel pump, which took me a week to figure out, lol.

[@GeorgeCampbell1964]

That definitely looks like a Mook Mobile!