Hey cyber fans of the 300ZX! Just selected and bought my first ZX yesterday. Attached is a pic. Not the best or cleanest shot but you got the idea. Besides not being the fondest of black, and feeling a bit like the Knightrider (I plan on painting blue soon), I've got a couple of questions. I've searched the forums and must not be hitting the right combo of search terms or something. It's got to be in here already but I simply can't find the answers?!? I live in the Chicago area if anyone is around here and/or know any good contacts.
My questions go from safety issues to cosmetic flaws--thanks in advance!
1. I drove about 6 ZXs and 5 350Zs before buying. This car rides like a mix between the 350 and one of my old Corvettes. It's the first car I've ever driven with custom rims (17") and low profile tires. The first issue is it seems very unstable and has a hard ride. When I hit bumps or whatnot, it feels like it's trying to skip or jump all over the road. If I didn't have a hand on the wheel, it could be bad in tight traffic. Is this the wheels, suspension, or what causing this? If I have it checked out, what should I be expecting the news be? Oh, I think it needs an alignment and balance for sure--it drifts and bumps down the smooth highway.
2. The rear view mirror is limp and jiggles all around while driving. There is a hole on the back that is empty and has no screw of anykind in there. I'm about to the point where I want to put glue on the thing and forget about it, but fear that's just too stupid to do.... , even for me.
3. My check engine light is on. Previous owner says it's due to the engine change. How can I read it and then reset it to see if it reappears?
4. I have a missing gas cap cover and hatchback cargo cover. Even if I can find a gas cap cover, does it just screw on and are they universal from 90 thru 96? There are two holes on the left of the cap but I don't recall from others I drove how they go on.
5. My hood does not look bent but it does not close flush on the drivers side front area (over the headlight), see the pic you can just make it out. Has anyone experienced this and/or know how to troubleshoot why? I've looked at it forever from several angles and can't see any warp or bend in it. It sticks up about 1/2 to 3/4 an inch but closes and opens fine. Furthermore it doesn't look out of line anywhere else.
6. My A/C doesn't work. The engine bay is so cramped I can't tell if the compressor is there or not---I was told it was but didn't id it myself. If I take it to an import shop, is there anything special labor-wise they must do to check, service, and replace components? I imagine, if it's like my Honda, it'll be at least $800 for a compressor/clutch and probably cost me $1300 before it's all said and done. Owner said it just needs recharging, but you know how that goes...
7. My center front console has a cigerette lighter and ashtray that had a broken flip-up cover. I took the broken cover off and removed the ashtray (see pic, if I figure out how to attach multiples). Are these the same in all years and models? I don't remember. I'm looking for a replacement if anyone has one or knows a good source. I don't imagine junkyards have too many ZXs and the ones there are probably skeletons by day 5 or arrival if I'm guessing right.
8. I plan on painting it blue very soon. I thought the Daytona Blue shade that is on the 350Zs would be awesome. I can't find one 300ZX in that shade anywhere on the web--do you know of one? I'd consider another shade, but I definitely want it a bright metallic blue, and not dark like Le Mans (or those almost purple shades). I'd like to see what it will look like before forking out $2K so if you have ideas, links or whatever please holler at me. Also, think I should hold off until after winter? My garage is not heated. By the time it's finished it'll be frigid here in Chicago, and I don't want to hamper the full drying process. Should I wait until Spring or will it matter on these cars? Corvettes were very process touchy--that's why I ask.
9. Lastly, the cargo cover, where can I find one of these reasonably priced that should fit my year/model (if there's such a thing for these imports I've shunned for so long)?
THANKS!CA [IMG][/IMG]
Modified by SandW at 11:35 PM 10/2/2006
1st 300ZX - 1996 N/A 2+2 - got 8 various questions...
Re: 1st 300ZX - 1996 N/A 2+2 - got 9 various questions... (SandW)
1. I have sympathy with the suspension, it, like anything on my 16 year old Z, needs to go. My Z in rain skids from just plain being RWD, and with bad suspension doesn't react well to start with. I'm looking after different kits but I have heard some praise from Tein. Don't bother with any HICAS replacements from TT ZXs, most guys strip em out because they are #1 heavy, #2 worn down, #3 not necessary for what most Z owners are after nowadays. You may not have the need for all new nice stuff, but in my Z it is noticibly the problem with handling.
2. My Z mirror is limp too, doesn't "jiggle" like yours though. Seems the little swtich that is supposed to hold yours stationary is gone. My switch is worn from people adjusting the mirror in the locked position. Its only a plastic tension swtich, cheapo. You can take that mirror off with solvents, there are a million forums with stuff about that. I'm planning to get a nice Temp and Compass Readout mirror like newer cars have when I start running out of stuff to mod. Attaching a mirror is easy, with again, the right glues and solvents.
3.Um you'd have to check the error message # your getting and cross reference that with the list of error messages in a manual or something. Not sure how to help you there. I have however heard of swaps where people have had it stuck on, never dealt with that however.
4. If you have a missing gas cap, thats not good for pressurization of the fuel system at all my friend. Hell that could be your check engine light too. But if you are talking about the cover over the cap that you would open in the cabin by your driver's seat like you would the trunk, then I would go with another 2+2's cover. The coupe has it mounted in a different place and maybe (I don't know coupe guys help me out) maybe is a different size too.
5. Has your ride been in any damage? Aftermarket hood?. There are bolts that hold on the hood that could and should fix it. Where the hood is connected by the joints, this is the most common place to adjust if the hood does not sit flush with the lights. If you had a new engine dropped in, they would have taken the hood off. Being less then professional they did not check everything in reattaching it, that is my best guess since there is no warp of visible damage.
6. My AC is crap too my friend, but thats why nissan inccluded T-Tops lol. my compressor still gives me a "waft" of air now and again if you sit really still. I need a recharge, but if you want speed later or wait reduction, guys usually yank the AC out. I am undecided on the issue.
7.Um yes this ashtray flip up is the same in all models. Contrary to belief the Z is not stripped unless it is TT usually in a junk yard. Even then I have seen full body Zs sitting around. No market for them when they are like that, Z owners and junk yards don't communicate like you might think. Try Ebay for some guys parting out stuff and call around. BTW you live in chicago, I was down south of there and and that is where I got my rear window from, if you want I can find where I got the window from and driect you to that Z specifically. I know the interior was 60% still there. Email me if you would like that location.
8. Ask widebodyZ, he has a gorgeous blue on his Z. As for me, all black baby.
9. I thought you had only 8 questions? Um cargo cover, on my 2+2, never had one and I don't know where it would hook out. You can of course install one to proctect your stuff (AND your rear window ). I dunno too much about wether this car came stock with one.
2. My Z mirror is limp too, doesn't "jiggle" like yours though. Seems the little swtich that is supposed to hold yours stationary is gone. My switch is worn from people adjusting the mirror in the locked position. Its only a plastic tension swtich, cheapo. You can take that mirror off with solvents, there are a million forums with stuff about that. I'm planning to get a nice Temp and Compass Readout mirror like newer cars have when I start running out of stuff to mod. Attaching a mirror is easy, with again, the right glues and solvents.
3.Um you'd have to check the error message # your getting and cross reference that with the list of error messages in a manual or something. Not sure how to help you there. I have however heard of swaps where people have had it stuck on, never dealt with that however.
4. If you have a missing gas cap, thats not good for pressurization of the fuel system at all my friend. Hell that could be your check engine light too. But if you are talking about the cover over the cap that you would open in the cabin by your driver's seat like you would the trunk, then I would go with another 2+2's cover. The coupe has it mounted in a different place and maybe (I don't know coupe guys help me out) maybe is a different size too.
5. Has your ride been in any damage? Aftermarket hood?. There are bolts that hold on the hood that could and should fix it. Where the hood is connected by the joints, this is the most common place to adjust if the hood does not sit flush with the lights. If you had a new engine dropped in, they would have taken the hood off. Being less then professional they did not check everything in reattaching it, that is my best guess since there is no warp of visible damage.
6. My AC is crap too my friend, but thats why nissan inccluded T-Tops lol. my compressor still gives me a "waft" of air now and again if you sit really still. I need a recharge, but if you want speed later or wait reduction, guys usually yank the AC out. I am undecided on the issue.
7.Um yes this ashtray flip up is the same in all models. Contrary to belief the Z is not stripped unless it is TT usually in a junk yard. Even then I have seen full body Zs sitting around. No market for them when they are like that, Z owners and junk yards don't communicate like you might think. Try Ebay for some guys parting out stuff and call around. BTW you live in chicago, I was down south of there and and that is where I got my rear window from, if you want I can find where I got the window from and driect you to that Z specifically. I know the interior was 60% still there. Email me if you would like that location.
8. Ask widebodyZ, he has a gorgeous blue on his Z. As for me, all black baby.
9. I thought you had only 8 questions? Um cargo cover, on my 2+2, never had one and I don't know where it would hook out. You can of course install one to proctect your stuff (AND your rear window ). I dunno too much about wether this car came stock with one.
Re: 1st 300ZX - 1996 N/A 2+2 - got 9 various questions... (gpelite)
Oh yes, just saw your picture. That is the gas cap cover. Hopefully you have the interior cap, correct?
If you ever come to Milwaukee let me know, we'll have to cruise with the Z Crew of WI.
If you ever come to Milwaukee let me know, we'll have to cruise with the Z Crew of WI.
Re: 1st 300ZX - 1996 N/A 2+2 - got 9 various questions... (gpelite)
just searching for stuff on ebay. came across this that might be what you need for #4: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...wItem
no pic tho, guess you'd have to ask about it.
no pic tho, guess you'd have to ask about it.
Re: 1st 300ZX - 1996 N/A 2+2 - got 9 various questions... (gpelite)
Yes, please tell me where the Z was you scavanged off of. I'll go check it out. I have black interior and the blackish cloth seats.
Let me know if any of you have the stuff I need say for 1/2 the price I can get for new. I'll either get this stuff from you guys or the local shop, would rather you benefit than they and not waste my time searching also.
I checked the A/C compressor. There is a belt that turns on it. When I turn the A/C on and off from the inside however, the clutch doesn't grab and start spinning. Not sure if that means the clutch is bad, or other? It doesn't make any noises and I can tell somewhat that a load is placed on the engine but I'm not sure why because as I said the compressor clutch doesn't seem to engage. Can you look at yours and make sure it doesn't have an internal spin or something? I've never seen one like that but possible I guess.
Attached is a pic or two of the hood. (maybe not, email me and I'll send some more). Starting to wonder if it does this due to stress of being stood up too much and maybe leaned on or something? What is odd is it doesn't appear to be bent-up when the hood is "popped."
I looked at the hood again today, it seems to be perfectly on there, and nothing is pushing it up from beneath the hood, such as the rubber stopper. In fact it's not touching either the rubber stop. In fact, there's about a 1/4" space all the way across the front of the hood where it doesn't mate-up to the rubber seal. I looked at the adjustement/attachment plates and it doesn't seem to be misplaced. You know how you can tell from the previous setting from seeing old dust lines--no marks like that. Maybe it is slightly bent on that side and I just can't tell?
Actually, email me if you want to help with the hood and I'll reply with about 6 or 7 200KB pics. I don't have the time to fumble with the picture additions now---I tried and will figure it out later. Not a web-head as you can tell. ;-)[email protected]
Let me know if any of you have the stuff I need say for 1/2 the price I can get for new. I'll either get this stuff from you guys or the local shop, would rather you benefit than they and not waste my time searching also.
I checked the A/C compressor. There is a belt that turns on it. When I turn the A/C on and off from the inside however, the clutch doesn't grab and start spinning. Not sure if that means the clutch is bad, or other? It doesn't make any noises and I can tell somewhat that a load is placed on the engine but I'm not sure why because as I said the compressor clutch doesn't seem to engage. Can you look at yours and make sure it doesn't have an internal spin or something? I've never seen one like that but possible I guess.
Attached is a pic or two of the hood. (maybe not, email me and I'll send some more). Starting to wonder if it does this due to stress of being stood up too much and maybe leaned on or something? What is odd is it doesn't appear to be bent-up when the hood is "popped."
I looked at the hood again today, it seems to be perfectly on there, and nothing is pushing it up from beneath the hood, such as the rubber stopper. In fact it's not touching either the rubber stop. In fact, there's about a 1/4" space all the way across the front of the hood where it doesn't mate-up to the rubber seal. I looked at the adjustement/attachment plates and it doesn't seem to be misplaced. You know how you can tell from the previous setting from seeing old dust lines--no marks like that. Maybe it is slightly bent on that side and I just can't tell?
Actually, email me if you want to help with the hood and I'll reply with about 6 or 7 200KB pics. I don't have the time to fumble with the picture additions now---I tried and will figure it out later. Not a web-head as you can tell. ;-)[email protected]