1976 Datsun 280z -- Very Clean -- 3rd Owner -- NO RESERVE -- Project Car L28

1976 Datsun Z-Series Description

Story:

I saved this car from sitting under a tree for the rest of its life. I bought it hoping I could get it running and enjoy it for the summer while I finish my ’73. A sudden life change means I’m moving in less than a month and the car has to go.

I bought it from an older Army vet who purchased it from the original owner (an elderly woman also in Colorado Springs) in 2004. He drove it daily every Spring/Summer/Fall until 2011. The only modifications he made were a fuel pump switch, Grant racing leather steering wheel (horn button deleted), some upgraded rear speakers, a snazzy shift knob, and some fancy knock-off wire wheels. He added a full face dash cap as well. He said it had plenty of power, and he loved the car. He drove the car to Walmart one day, came out, and the car wouldn’t start. He said he got it towed home, put it on jack stands, and didn’t touch it for five years.

I immediately removed the wire wheels and put some freshly polished 280zx Turbo “Swastika” wheels. I am keeping the wheels unless the winning bidder makes a cash offer for them at pickup. At some point a fuel pump was installed inside the engine bay. I removed the old faulty pump and purchased a new AutoBest OE-spec electric fuel pump. It is mounted under the gas tank but hoses and lines can be cleaned up. The car gets fuel pressure from the pump, but she isn’t firing. There is good spark at the spark plugs. I literally have not tried any further to start the car. I didn’t check a single fuse, fusible link, or relay. I did not clean any grounds. I don't have the time or motivation. These are some good first places to start. There are some other connections unplugged in a couple other spots but I really don’t know what they’re for. Fuel injected Datsuns are not my cup of tea. These simple things can very likely have you screaming down the road in no time.

Body:

Paint is metallic white over original green. There are spots across body and roof where original paint peeled/flaked and thus the white peeled/chipped since it’s been sitting. There is white overspray on gas tank and other spots. The body panels are quite straight, with a few dings here and there and a dent in the center of the rear bumper. Front center valance also has some dent damage, probably from a tow truck. The old AAA sticker is present on the rear view mirror. Glass is uncracked. It looks like the windshield and windows have a light tint.

Rust:

- Surface rust on paint chip areas. I picked off any chips I could and lightly sanded the bare metal. I didn’t prime it so that you can see exactly what you’re dealing with.

- Bubbling at passenger’s side dogleg

- A hole in floor under driver’s pedals (about 2"x5")

- Battery tray looks great to me! (look at the photos to decide)

- Frame rails look great to me! (look at photos to decide)

- Floors look great to me (except under driver's pedals, look at photos to decide)! Notice where I peeled a section of the undercoating to reveal perfect metal under driver's floor.

Drivetrain:

Matching numbers L28 2.8L engine. Camshaft and valvetrain look healthy. Oil level is full with 2011 motor oil. The block doesn’t appear to have any major leaks and I haven't noticed any oil drops on the ground (both engine and diff). At least a heater hose needs to be replaced. Doctor recommended FRAM oil filter (2011). Oil pressure while cranking is dead center of gauge (strong). 4 speed transmission. Rear diff has a good amount of gunk; could probably use a new gasket and flush. All parts pass my [amateur] visual inspection.

Interior:

Full face dash cap in good shape with no cracks. Aftermarket shift knob and grey leather shift boot. I removed all of the interior carpet and insulation for your viewing pleasure. Center console is present with cracks and a busted hinge. Original AM/FM radio works like a champ with some kind of upgraded speakers back there. I couldn’t find any other cracked plastic inside. Driver’s door panel has a tear. Fan blower also works. I cannot confirm/deny heat or air conditioning. The A/C belt is missing. Headlights work; I didn’t check blinkers, brake lights, etc. Spare wheel/tire are present and there is no rear carpet. Seats have some couple tears. The dome light is missing. Headliner in excellent shape. The PO installed a toggle switch for the fuel pump. This 12v wire goes to the back of the car, and temporarily through the spare tire plug. This is not the ideal setup.

I have described this vehicle to the best of my ability. There is no warranty expressed or implied.

$500 Paypal deposit due within 48 hours of auction close.

Car must be paid in full and picked up within 14 days of auction close.

Please check out my 100% positive feedback and other Datsun items.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Click here for over 100 more photos. Feel free to call/text with questions at 762-215-3351

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I reserve the right to delete bids of members will low (<10) or negative feedback that do not contact me or reply via eBay during the auction.