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Basic Specifications
Vehicle Color: Rustoleum Sunburst YellowEngine Type: 8 Cylinder
Transmission: Manual
Est. Horsepower: 380 HP
Est. Curb Weight: 2,800 lbs.
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Swap_A_Holic's 1975 Datsun 280 Z
1975 Datsun 280Z with 1995 LT1/T56
About this Current Vehicle:
This was my first basket case Japanese car for a Chevy V8 conversion. I had a 1973 240Z I had bought from a relative, but it turned out to be too rusty to use. I bartered for this car and when I got it there were only two rear wheels on it and a lot of parts (notably the front suspension, motor and transmission) were missing. The important thing was that the body was in decent shape and it was a factory AC car.
I recycled the original LT1 V8 and T56 six speed transmission from my 1995 Trans Am into this car using a Jags That Run kit. I added ported LT1 heads and manifold and a GM "Hot" cam. I also used the 16" wheels from the Trans Am with smaller tires.
When I moved last year, I had to just get it operational to put on the car hauler, so it has sat in need of repair for quite a while. Since I have almost completed my Supra and BMW projects, I now have some time to spend on the Datsun.
The game plan is to fix a few rough spots on the body, sand and prep it like I did the Supra and then roll on some Rustoleum Sunburst Yellow paint. I will leave the trim and wheels black.
Vehicle Journal:
May 03
Sound deadening, Spal power windows and locks, JC Whitney budget seats, H4 conversion headlights
I have installed Raamat sound deadening material in both doors and on part of the floor- I am waiting for some rubber floor plugs before I apply the rest of the material on the floor.
Next I added the Spal deluxe power window setup on the driver and passenger doors. I have the lock solenoid installed on the driver side. I had tried to space the regulator further in the door for a lower profile, but this did not work out well. I did remove the driver regulator and clean and re-grease the rollers and tracks. I applied new grease on the passenger side. The door window felts have been replaced at this point, other sealing material will follow once painting is done. Both windows have tested OK. I will not be able to finish this job until the painting is complete since the door handles are off the car.
I found a sale at J.C. Whitney for some sport reclining seats, two for $160 plus shipping. I ordered a set of yellow/black and also solid black to try out. The seats are 20.5" wide and 35" high, with 13.625" on center mounting holes for the sliders. Since the Datsun seats/mounting holes are 12.75" center to center, I needed to make up some mounting brackets to allow for the extra 3/8" per side. I used some 2" wide 1/8" thick steel and bent it to the contours of the Datsun bracket. I plan on reinforcing this with a 2" wide x 1" high steel channel and bolting the new seat sliders to these. The Datsun setup places the seat at a rearward tilt. With the 1" channel under the new bracket, the bracket is about level. Once I get the seats where I want them, I can drill some holes and use the stock mounting points with 4 x 8mm bolts.
While shopping at JCW, i also ordered a pair of H4 conversion headlights and bulbs. I recently got the Black Dragon headlight harness/relay setup and found I had to modify (drill large holes in) the headlight buckets to get the old harness out and the new one in. I will use some rubber grommets and epoxy putty to reseal these once they are ready to install.
I am also planning on replacing the 30+ year old seat belts with some 3 point retractor style belts.
Apr 26
Second coat of paint, Spal power windows, locks, and alarm
I got the second coat of paint on today. The Spal power window/lock/alarm kit arrived last night. I will have to wait until the painting is complete to install the window and lock kits. I have also received a couple of rolls of Raamat sound deadening material along with his foam insulation. I will be applying this stuff inside the doors and inner body, the floor, and firewall as I can get to each area.
Apr 25
First coat of paint
I got all the hardware & trim stripped, the bodywork done, and painted the jambs and hatch weatherstrip areas with spray paint. I applied the first roll-on coat today, and I can see I will have to spray a few other areas the roller can not get to. Coverage was not bad, I used an 8 ounce can or Sunburst Yellow with about 40% mineral spirits. It could have been a little thicker, so I will use less mineral spirits on the next coat.
Factory Options:
Factory AC car.
Exterior Modifications:
Wing on hatch, MSA front bumper cover/spoiler, 16x8 Trans Am wheels painted black.
Interior Modifications:
Cobra electronic reverse wind speedometer.
Performance:
1995 LT1 from my Trans Am, added ported heads and manifold, a GM Hot cam and 1.6 ratio roller rockers. Headers are coated Sandersons from JTR. 3 inch exhaust to rear.
Suspension/Chassis:
Entire front suspension and steering assembly installed. Coil over struts front and rear for wheel/tire clearance, new front suspension bushings. Frame rail overlays welded in under car. Rear disk brake conversion.
Drivetrain:
Custom Denny's steel driveshaft, stock Datsun differential.
Electronics:
Pending Sony MEX-1GP head unit & 4" speakers.
To-Do List:
Fix a few spots on the body, sand and prep the body then paint it Rustoleum Sunburst Yellow. Replace door, hood, and hatch weatherstrips. Install interior pieces and audio system.
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