new to the z club

[hbpignosePA]

so i just picked up a 1978 datsun 280z thats in desperate need of some restoration.... i started doing some research into new metal for the floors, rockers and frame rails.. but one piece i cant seem to find is the lower radiator support... mine is completely rotted

this piece seems like it would be an item that should be accessible since Zs are prone to rust... so any help would be nice...

ill try to get some pics up in a week or so... thanks for the help guys

[evildky]

I don't know of anyone selling new replacement core supports, I know a couple of people who have swaped in used ones from donors, unless you luck out and find a NOS piece you might be left in the same situation, I know MSA sells used car parts they might be able to sell you one, if not yu'll have to try finding someone parting a car out in the southwest, and keep in mind that lower core support is way different on the 280Z compared to the 240Z

[DemonZ]

For a core support you'll almost definitely need a donor car. I've been looking for one as well, mine is a little tweaked here and there and have had no luck finding one so far.

[nsrZ32]

You should be able to track down a clean used one from a parts car for a good price.

[Pharaohabq]

Aside from finding one to be cut from a donor car, you may be able to weld a 1x2 1/16" square tubing in place of the old support, with some tabs for mounting and a couple gussets for strength. it's not stock, but it's also not very difficult.

I know a guy parting out a 240z here in NM, that would likely have those still on his cars if you're interrested, though they might be different than for a 280Z. Phar

[NSR_s30]

Welcome to the club.

[hbpignosePA]

thanks... as soon as i get a day off ill upload my pictaurs

[hbpignosePA]

these are really close pictures im taking for reference when i go to put it all back together

[DemonZ]

these are really close pictures im taking for reference when i go to put it all back together

Not bad, looks like a car I just drove this weekend.



Do you plan on keeping it that color, or are you gonna repaint it?

[hbpignosePA]

im torn on what color i should paint it... it was factory baby blue - like the one u pictured.. but the yellow is growin on me...

i think ill keep it yellow (thinkin 350z yellow or porsche 911 yellow paint code... w black overfenders and accents...

it needs alot of metal as i previously stated.. ill start a build thread when i order the new floors and such

[evildky]

so much to say on that pic, I don't love the musturd color, but I assume there is a turbo motor to go with that scoop, sunroof = fail, centerline wheels look nice, hate the musturd color on the tail panel

and the delorean, we have a Z club member who also owns a DMC, he drove his TT DMC to our club meeting monday night, not a Z but still gotta love the delorean which he said even with the TT is slower than his Z32 n/a ? just thought it was funny to see another DMC amoung Z's

[hbpignosePA]

just some updates..

got the interior stripped minus the dash and wiring harness (which seems to be a royal mess with the mulitiple aftermarket stereos that were installed over the years)



believe it or not its a pioneer cassette player that still works and was mounted in the glovebox... hell if i know how it was wired up...

got almost the entire pasenger side striped, waiting to get some wheel dollies to make the whole ordeal more accessible to do the drivers side...

in the fall ill be running beams across half the ceiling in my garage to store most of the parts



more to come...... hopefully over winter i can repair/ prep the panels.... and spring to early summer fab up some frame rails and a rad support out of 18 gauge steel (got a family friend for hookups)