79/82 zx project

[ChrisZX]

Hi all,

 

Figured I would introduce myself and my project considering I will undoubtedly at some stage be seeking advice on this forum.

 

I'm Chris, and I've taken on a project of fixing up a 280zx shell (white 1982 targa 2+2), and then transferring the engine and extras from a donor car (yellow 1979 2+2), along with a manual transmission conversion - 3 speed auto, no thanks. (This is with the help of my Dad, I'm 19 and not nearly experienced enough to do this efficiently by myself)

 

Was going to do the entire project with the 79 zx but there is much less bodywork to be done on the 82 shell, and it's a targa top so just better.

 

I will probably post a build thread once I've got further into the project, with studies things are going fairly slowly at the moment.

 

Chris.

[luvemfast]

Welcome Chris.

For me. I'd reconsider which car I'm restoring.

I'm not a fan of targa tops and you'll find that slick tops are rarer.

They're lighter and stronger too 

 

If you have a black interior in the donor car, I'd be interested in a few parts.

 

[pauly_adams]

the hard top 280zx is much better then the targa as they don't flex as much, I own a hard top 280zx and it drives better then the targa ones I have driven

[ZED83]

Howdy Chris,

 

I own a 83zx with the T-tops. Each to there own! I just put in front/rear strut bars and a mid centre bar that sits behind the seats to each seat belt bolts. Also a good set of sway bars. Change your suspension an put in a set of coil overs! Has little to no flex now.

 

As for the T-tops more of a novelty, you'll be lucky to take them off once a year and as far as I'm concerned only good for around town. Last time I had mine off went down the highway from Melbourne-ballarat I ended up getting third degree burns to my face from the wind!!  :-\

Theres nothing like looking cool with a sun burn face. Lol

[JDSM]

Hey Chris, good to see another black sheep entering the fold 

 

Don't be discouraged about your age. I started mine when I was about 18 and it'still not done!

 

It is each to their own, but sorry Owen, I'm going to side with the majority on this one, I HATE my 80s mullet t-tops. But having said that, people that aren't in the car often seem to love them, so go figure. It's novelty factor thing, but I don't like how the car literally flexes when you really get into a corner.

 

Good luck!

[Lynton]

Good to see some interest developing in the 280zx's certainly not before time and when you see them amongst today's traffic they are so individual they look awesome amongst the bland cars of today. They are still understated with all the ribbing they get as the black sheep of  the Z family go for it I am sure you will eventually be rewarded as Japanese classics are becoming increasingly sort after!  Lynton

[ChrisZX]

Thanks all for the opinions, much valued!!

 

I was considering keeping the hard top after finishing the t-top and restoring it with an rb25, as I'm mainly harvesting the engine from it. (Sorry luvemfast, will be keeping the parts from the interior as well, for now at least)

 

The main reason for choosing the t-top instead of the hardtop is the time it would take to fix up, as it would be handy to have a usable car regardless of its cornering ability. In terms of the rb25 it sounds like the hardtop is definitely a better choice considering the power increase. We'll see what my attachment to the targa is after I've used it for a while hah, and I may decide I like the stock engine anyway.

[imackz]

Welcome Chris.

For me. I'd reconsider which car I'm restoring.

I'm not a fan of targa tops and you'll find that slick tops are rarer.

They're lighter and stronger too 

 

If you have a black interior in the donor car, I'd be interested in a few parts.

Have to agreee, more rigidity makes for a better car, welcome to the forum though..and good luck, nice to see another 280zx getting some love.