Just came across NICOClub!

[geokashers]

Hi all, I own and still drive my 1986 Nissan 300ZX. I'm the original owner (purchased 12/2/85)! It certainly looked better the day I got it than it does now!! It runs great after getting a new clutch last week. My brother who is into cars (NOT Z cars) has bugged me for a long time to keep the car and fix it up. I'd ignored him for a long time....but after coming across some Z information on the web and this forum I've started getting excited about maybe slowly fixing up my baby!

I'd like to take care of the 'small' things first....that I deal with every day. The hatch and hood struts, various rubber pieces, rearview mirror, speakers, radio antenna, etc. Oh and new seats! Most importantly though is getting new weather stripping as she's no longer water tight! Yikes!

I still have to explore the forums here and when I do I'll likely answer some of my questions.....but it would be great to hear about places where a Z car owner would go to get these types of things. Everything on the car is original except for the radio (I put a CD player in years ago)....but I don't know if that means I should stick to OEM parts (if that's even possible?) or use other gear?

After the 'small' things above...I know I need to do more (fix the cruise control, replace the timing belt, figure out why I can smell exhaust when I have my window down, etc). I'd kinda like to have the car checked out....just to see what I'd be in for if I wanted to fully restore it.

I live near San Jose, CA if anyone knows businesses/shops in this area that would be best to work with? I'm not a big car person...yet.....so it's really great that these forums exist!! I look forward to learning more through the site.....and fixing up my Z!

[Pento240sx]

Welcome to the forums. Just searched around and you shall find lots of info.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Welcome aboard!
RockAuto is typically my go-to place for generic stuff like struts and maintenance items. If you're looking for genuine OEM parts, courtesyparts.com is the place to go.

You can also check out our other forum sponsors:
http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/nissan ... icing.html
and advertiser's marketplace/fabricator's marketplace:
nico-marketplace.html

[Ace2cool]

Oh dude. Youre in San Jose so you've got Z car garage local to you. They're good peeps and very knowledgeable. Though the VG30E is the red headed stepchild of all the Z engines, I'm sure they'll know what to do with a z31.