That car is worth money you need to put it back together correctly, there's all kind of parts available to put the floor and frame rails back together. Great job so far 👍☮️

I’ll definitely follow this series. Loved the old Datsun Nissan stuff quick and fun to drive

48:18 be VERY careful when applying 12+volts close to computer controlled wires. The ecm controls the ground side, using what's called a quad driver module, which is basically a high amp relay built into the circuit board. Applying 12+ volts to the driver side can burn out the ecm in a second, and you'll be left wondering why it won't run now.

I had a 1982 Datsun 280z Turbo. It was an awesome car that I drove until 1994. I never had a problem mechanically with the car, but by the time I got rid of it in 1994, I drove it straight to the scrap yard because it wasn't safe to be on the road anymore. It had a terminal case of rust. Both floorboards were completely gone, both rear wheel wells were completely rusted out and filled with expanded metal and foam, running boards were gone, but the worse were the two front wheel wells. I remember driving down the road watching the hood going up and down when I hit a bump because the front wells were so rusted that only about 10% of the well still held the struts on. If you watched, when you pushed down on the car you would watch the struts go up and down an inch or two from inside the engine compartment. Still, I drove it all the way through college and the day after I graduated, I drove it to have it scrapped.

Cool to see ya step outside your comfort zone and try something new. The ZCars are a ton of fun and kind of like Lego. Lots of parts from different cars can be swapped in. Picked up a 280zx turbo for parts once that the owner had lost the keys. He bought it as a project and never got it running since he didn’t have keys. Got it home, first thing I did was clean out the car. Low and behold the keys were under the driver seat. Drained out the fuel, oil change, plugs n wires, started up like it had run the day before. The injectors in these cars are batch fire, not sequential. The pigtails can be picked up Pretty cheap. There is a Chevy pigtail cross that you can get them from autozone for dirt cheap. I don’t remember the part number tho. Am sure it’s in the forums. Would love to see you get it running as a rally car. While all that rust can be fixed, it’s always way more rust than you can actually see. Had one as a parts car that was so bad I wouldn’t go under it.

'81-'82 were transition years for the mame change from Datsun in the USA to Nissan. That is why it wears both badges. I had a '76Z, and I want to thank you for the memory. At about 58 minutes in, you finally got that straight 6 to howl. That brought tears to my eyes. Ty. Ty.

the reason the rust looks like that is because the japanese auto manufacturers back in this time used really cheap low quality almost pop can metal! that's why you don't see these cars anymore on top of that the fuel injection system was way to overcomplicated.

I just got one of these running the other day. It was swapped to an RB25, but that's still Nissan, so it counts. Those center frame rails don't do a whole lot more than stiffen up the floors, so you can replace them pretty easily. They aren't even safe lifting points, they're so thin that they just squish.

Definitely try the clutch with the wheels on the ground. Odds are pretty high there is some surface rust on the flywheel and pressure plate. Working the clutch a few times with resistance of the vehicle may just clean it up and let it release fully.

This makes me want to take another look at an old Datsun track car a friend of mine has sitting out in the back 40. Roll cage and all, it probably rips

Ohh yes a jdm car on your channel. Never would have i thought i would see this day

Please do not give up on the 280Z. I had a Datsun 510 actually 2 one I was in a accident with and it was damaged beyond repair. I went to our local junk yard where they sold cars that could barley run. This one I picked up was 2 door and swapped out the engine and did some other special things on it and I wish I never ever sold it. Paul Newman used to race a 510 and he loved it. I had to get a 280Z but the cost was to much. Anyway I would love to see you open up and work on this special car. You learn so much more and you can pass it off to us viewers Dylan. Even if its educational, and we all could something to learn. I change my parts of my breaks in the snow and tuned it up as well all on my own and it was not hard just think it through and it will come to you. praying you will still work on us and God knows the cost of redoing cars.

*"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago and the next best time is now"* I consider this to be best motivational quote I've heard in a very long time. But motivational quotes are useless if you don't practice what you preach*

I have a 84 300 that I use weekends only now . 189 k original and always use Nissan parts . Great fun to drive and still an 8 out of ten head turner . Well built vehicle .

I am working on restoring a 1976 280Z and I am enjoying it so much! Your video has given me more confidence in continuing with my project! Thank you!

Dylan, I think the reason I enjoy your channel so much is because you’re never afraid to dive into something unknown. You’re mechanical ability and ingenuity are super “McCool”! I had a friend in high school with a Laye 70’s Datsun 280Z. Really neat car and fun to drive. Keep up the great work!

This is definitely a series I'd love to follow. Good to see you work on JDM cars!

Unfortunately, those old Datsun/Nissans of that era were rust buckets. Great old cars if you can find one in good shape, though. Great video!

You had me cracking up at 38:50 😂. I thought you were going to inch home for a second there lol

I subscribed a long time ago for the old Mopars and such, but have to say this may be one of my favorite videos of yours. I loved seeing the process you took to troubleshoot a system so different from what you normally deal with and hope to see more of this.

Hi Dylan, I had a 76 Datsun 280 Z very fun to drive!! Fix her up!! God bless and take care from California.

I never expected to see this on your channel, I'd love to own one. Can't wait to see what you do with this car.

First: Thanks again for a very informative & educational video! It’s nice to see you go outside your comfort zone with this one. Second: As an old geezer (I graduated high school in 1981), I remember these cars quite well. I’m pretty sure they all began to rust on the boat ride from Japan. It’s great that you got it running after 15 years, but to be honest, I wouldn’t put anything into it that the KZfaq revenue won’t cover. As a rot box with over a quarter million miles, it’s given all it has, but would still be a good parts car. Third: Thanks for the great content! I really don’t care what you are working on, you are a great host!

My Brother had an 83 280zx turbo back in the day. It was awesome ! keep that baby going .

I love the 280zx, it’s such a fun car to drive. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

This is old school mechanic stuff . It’s nice to know there’s talent out there . Knuckle busted,grease , defibrillated, runnin those greasy hands through your hair . Great content .

i own a 81 280zx as well, though i must say mine is in slightly better condition. dark grey + black interior + 5 speed + turbo wheels + louvers + no t-tops. it is a project car, and i love it

I was born in 2007, and seeing that this car has been sitting for 15 years makes me remember that my birthday is literally tomorrow. Great video! I love seeing something that I don't know how to work on be worked on. Hope you have a Blessed Day.

Throughout the whole video, I wanted him to slightly turn the distributor cap to smooth out the idle.

I really find this awesome you bringing z cars to the ''Will It Run''. If I'm not mistaken probably all those 280zx's that have been sitting for about 15 years have that rust pattern on the rear end of the car and rear passenger quarter panel around the gas cap. There's one that I have seen out in some woods that is rusted about like that one there. Again really appreciate the great car content and keeping Jesus along with it.

That’s a beautiful ZX! I appreciate you taking the time to bring it to life. I’d follow any vids of you working on it

Dylan I stumbled on to your Mustang Cobra restoration video on my Facebook page and subscribed to your KZfaq channel. I immediately started watching videos and w as pleasantly surprised to see you sharing Scripture passages. Glad to have found your channel brother, keep up the great work.

28:07 real common for bead leaks on aluminum rims, and easy to fix. The aluminum oxidizes and makes a powdery dust that Causes a leak. We would take a die grinder with a wire brush and use it to clean the wheel. And like you said, grease will work in place of bead sealer. They even sell grease just for that, it's called tire grease. Lol

I have always loved the classic Z series. Especially this version of it. So if you’re sick of it, I’d be happy to take it off your hands, if I had the cash. Over here in Europe they are pretty rare and worth quite a lot of money for what it is

Great job Dylan. Really like your vide6 on the steel corvette. Mopar guy myself which is why I like your channel but definitely have a soft spot for the 280z.Keep up the great ,

Mr. Dylan McCool, I suggest you research racing championship involving the "280Z". This vehicle is small, compact, light weight, agile, and fast, really fast when perfectly in timed. And may I suggest that you pressure wash the car, the engine compartment and 'tidy up' the interior to improve its appearance. I'm General Aviation Technician. Also, put your finger into cylinder one to find Top Dead Center. Then check your timing gears marking and timing chain for a match according to factory specifications. Then do a Compression Test on each cylinder to see if valves or cylinder rings need replacing to make it a racing car. The engine would be valuable, but the body and frame needs stiffen and metal refabrication before meeting race track safety standards and inspection. Save this car and make it a race car with 8 points roll bars. The 280Z will get airborne when in racing mode so beware of that. It will scare you! You knees will begin to knocking when it does. Try a country road 'whee hill' to see it fly. (Add a pillow in your seat for comfort.) Also, I will share this video link onto my social media accounts to get you 50,000+ likes, especially on Twitter. I will use your hashtags too. The Datsun/Nissan 280Z is a high performance sports car, designed and engineered to race in Gran Prixs, not just highway touring. 🤔😎👍🏎🚘🏆

The pump on that is external to the tank. I had 3 of them, and had to change out the fuel pump on 2 of the 3. Awesome handling car, could do 90 on exit and entrance ramps like nothing!!! 4 wheel independent suspension. In the 80's these were the poor man's Porsche.

Dylan clean the underside best as you can get it and make some kind of subframe connectors and weld them in for support might help you. Look on KZfaq video for Nissan 280 zx frame repair support.

I usually do not comment on my subscribers revivals, but I own an early Z31. Striking similarities to the S130 chassis. Fuel injection system very similar. The ECU has on board diagnostics. The fuel injector O rings tend to leak. The Cylinder Temperature Sensor can be the cause of many symptoms. It controls the main fuel system ECU mapping. So far it runs good with no smoke or knock. Good job Dylan. Nice to see you out of the comfort zone and fellow Z car owner. Only we know the fun, pains and stains and sideways gains of these awesome underrated cars.

Pour brake fluid around the bead. It soften the rubber and will let it seal. Worked at a tire shop and farmers would bring in their rusty equipment wheels and that would work every time.

The parent company was always Nissan, but back then they were Datsun's, then later it was called Datsun by Nissan, then later it was just Nissan and the Datsun name was dropped. today it's just Nissan.

They were called Datsun through 1983. Starting in 1984 they became Nissan.

Its nice to see you dabble in Imports. Those are Classic cars now, will be following you on this journey. Its also good that your had a lot of patience & determination to get it up and actually running decent.

Remarkable I didn't see any smoke, also noticed your using a different camera, looks great. Thnx!👍👍

Very McCool ! 👍 It’s the first car I every claimed as “my car”back in the 80’s !

The 280ZX was branded in the North American and Australian markets as the "Datsun 280ZX"; and in the local Japanese market as the "Fairlady Z". For the 1979 model year, in the American market, it was co-branded "Datsun by Nissan" through the 1983 model year. Predecessor: Nissan S30 (260Z/280Z) Also called: Datsun 280ZX; Nissan Fairlady Z

And I thought my 79 looked bad but it's been sitting in the garage for 20 years. Really need to start wrenching on it. Can't wait to see how yours turns out.

Hi Dylan, just want to thank you for the Scriptures you post in your descriptions. I appreciate your gentle witness of the Gospel. Blessings, Brother!

I had a 1979 280ZX that I drove into the ground and then wrecked. Great little car if slow. They definitely benefit from responsible ownership.

As for the weird rust, my dad bought a 240z back in the early 70s brand new. He had it repainted several times by the dealer due to paint adhesion issues. As he said , the paint peeled off in large sheets. After 2 or 3 failed dealer repaints, he said the heck with it and painted it one last time by a independent paint shop and got rid of the car. He said he loved the car , but hated the horrible paint.

It’s a Datsun, made by Nissan. Nissan sold their cars in the USA under the brand name Datsun until the mud-80s when they changed over to Nissan.

Now we are talkin! My friend and I rebuilt one when we was teens.

They all seemed to rust like that, just everywhere, even ones in nice climates. I’d read once that they used very poor quality recycled scrap metal to make the metal bodies on those cars but who knows. It’s too bad cause they were cool fun little cars when new or recently restored. Cool video, little different than an old dodge 👍

As soon as you pop the hood it looks like Medusa's head. Sent most mechanics for the hills with all the vacuum hoses😂

I had some thing similar on a MGB ,sat for 17 years and clutch driven plate was stuck. Warmed engine up for a hour ,chocked wheels and started it in gear then braked hard. It freed it up👍🏻Dylan McCool .

I love the fact that you give that engine alot of love, I'm glad the engines doing alot better. :) . Give her loads of TLC. I'm glad you got her running. Its unfortunate shes so rusty becuase shes beautiful.

They were Datsun (by Nissan) up until 1980, then in 1981 all Datsun dealerships in the U.S. switched over to NISSAN. I used to work at a NISSAN dealership in '79-'80 in Florida before enlisting in the military, just before the name change.

Had a white one just like this, most fun I ever had with negative horsepower 😆

I remember driving my boss's Datsun 240 Z. Straight 6 with a 5 speed. In 1977/78 it had adjustable suspension on the console. Great car.

I love this! I currently have one just like it and it set up for a long time too. Mine has set up for a while since I’ve had it. Just no time to work on it, but no matter how long it sits that engine will always run. It may not drive but it will run. Lol! I see from the tag you are in Alabama. I am too. I would love to talk more about this project Z. I’ve had the car so long I’m at that fix it or sell it point. I’ll keep an eye out here and hopefully you will have some success that I haven’t had yet.

Try pumping the clutch like you’re trying to bleed it. Sometimes you can build up enough pressure that way to get it to work long enough to get moving in first. Once you get the car rolling under its own power, you can shift without the clutch if you ride the shifter a little bit and feel for when the resistance lets up, then jam it home. Had to get a pickup truck home that way once after the clutch died.

Also, check for blockage in the air intake path. could be mice nests.

Man this makes me miss my 83 280zx. It was such a fun drive and gave me so many good memories. It was a good first car.

In Japan they were all Nissan, but the one's sold in the US were name changed to Datsun. Eventually they stopped changing the name. I was in Japan in 1980 and thought that it was funny that they were calling Datsun's "Nissan's". LOL !

hi dylan that box of tricks you were playing with is the air flow meter, which controls the engine parameters by measuring the air flow. any tiny air leak will ruin any chance of it running properly. time spent on fixing the massive air leak on the convoluted air intake might of saved the poor insides of that delicate AFM, being totally screwed up by altering the red painted [red means do not adjust] factory settings. the clutch will be rusted to the flywheel, so all the new parts you have fitted will be working correctly. once you get it running reasonably, [the injectors need cleaning], start in gear with the clutch depressed, + keep driving in first, on-off-on-off with throttle, should break free in a few hundred yds. nissan cars [badged datsuns] were made with low grade steel, or recycled steel, in UK they lasted 2-3yrs from new before major structural bodywork reqd. japanese annual inspections were so strict [ dusty seat= fail], that cars were thrown away before inspection due, so no attempt to make the bodywork last was made at all. i work at an UK nissan main dealer, the car bodies now last about 15 yrs before corrosion becomes an issue, but unfortunately the electronics only just make it out of the 3yr warranty period. this was a deliberate act carried out by renault, who bought a major stake of the company, [i was actually in a meeting where this was said by our new french masters, 2004 ish] this was done to make sure you bought another car just before the warranty ran out, + of course, when its in warranty, you have to get main dealer servicing to keep up the warranty. again, why don't we like the french..... keep up the good work!

A friend of mine bought a wrecked one and installed the engine and Transmission in his 66 Chevrolet short wheel base C10 pickup and it actually ran faster than it did before with the factory Chevrolet straight 6. I'm thinking it was because the transmission had extra gears because the old Chevy straight-6 only had a 3-speed

Great job and effort you showed there.i love it.thanks to take the time to do that and sharing with us.god bless all of your family and you of course

I have a 1982 280XZ, same color inside and out, but in better shape. Still needs work as it hasn't ran in years and we still have the gummed up gas tank problem to deal with. Your video gave me lot of good tips, Thanks!

Oh man what a find that is wicked! I want it 🤘🤘🤘

The frame delete option kind of limits what you can do with the car.. It could just fold up in half on you..

I had a 1978 280Z 5 Speed that bought new in 1978, same engine but I liked the body style better. I heard the reason way Nissan's were named or call Datsun was simply for Americans consumers having a problem Nissan name. WW2 you know. You can weld in some new frame rails where they are rusted away on that Datsun just as you did on the Challenger. Get some angel iron the same size as the remaining frame rails, fit it to size and weld them in. You could cut out the floor pan where you need to weld so you can weld on the inside of the new frame rails. Find an old hood/roof/deck lid and make new rust free floor pans.

A 280zx was my first car back in 1999. (And also my second when I decided the first had too much rust!) I learned all about cars from those beasts! I loved how it turned people's heads - kids loved it; adults knew better, but still looked! I sold the (second) car in 2010... sad sad day! I thought she was in bad shape... but this - takes the cake! The amount of rust repair you'll need - it looks like it's more rust than car. That said - I hate to think of these things being junked... They may have been a very prolific car, but they are very rare now here in Australia, and fetching over $30k!

Initially,an idle only a Harley lover could appreciate.

It’s an old Datsun… they are notorious for rotting out like that.

And when you're reving the motor... there is that sound I love. The Datsun L series motors have a very distinct sound in the upper rev limits. If I remember rightly, the frame rails are spot welded on and you can get replacements for them.

nice job dyllan you make my night ,you just keep after it ! and figure it out !! thanks i enjoyed this !

please please check the suspension for rust through. Don't just jump in it and go 120mph down the highway without looking to see if the torsion bars are not in the frame any more like I did. 😢

This car in it's condition in America, would no longer exist in Japan do to rust

Got a blue 82 280zx please keep going with this. Not enough S130 repair videos out there.

I'm proud of you for getting it running and if you don't do anything with it, you can always look around for a truck or another Z car to put that bullet proof Inline 6 into. Good job Dylan.

It's a shame the guy did so much damage just to get into it and get it running. Has he never heard of a slim Jim or a coat hanger? 🙄🙄🙄🙄

Another great video ❤️💚 Am investing in crypto now..... the dip is a clear sign for new investors to come in ✅✅

Dream car #2. I am currently working on #1, a 1970 VW Karmann Ghia. Entire gas, brake, clutch pedal assy locked up tons of rust but got engine running very easily. I'm close to her being back on the road after 17 years.

Aww, poor little Z car! I remember when these came out and were new! I wanted one really bad because they not only had the standard coupe but they also made a 2 + 2 version which was the one I wanted! BUT, in the early 80's, they did have a rust problem and tended to start developing rust on the bodies prematurely! If you had the money to keep up with them, you were lucky! But if you were of moderate means, they could be expensive to maintain! Anyway, it was great to hear that engine run again because I didn't think it would! Great video Dylan, really enjoy seeing how much more you do with it!!!

Can't wait to see you completely rebuild that lovely car can't go wrong with a Datson/Nissan

Datsun... I fell in love with the 240Z when they came out

Fender flares and ground effects. Like a spoiler, side skirts, chin spoiler roll cage. Cool stuff.

My dad had a new 260Z back in the day, a dark copper with black interior Z. That car was amazing. A neighbor had an orange 240Z and they sometimes caught each other on the back roads for some fun. Dad said the 240Z was quicker at start but the 260Z would catch up and gain thereafter. He loved that car...though it was a bit of an accident magnet. Twice rear ended at a stop light and once hit in a parking lot by a drunk woman; all were the other drivers' fault. He was actually leaving the grocery store when he saw the lady swipe the side of his parked car...he had to follow her to get her plate, in order to call the police. Third time wasn't a charm, so my dad unloaded it after the insurance covered repair. Dad passed away late last September...we were talking about that car the last time we were together.

Like you said, not too many of these around, so if you can use some kind of connectors on the frame rails... There are a TON of videos on YT dedicated to the 280Z, so you know that this is a common problem with these rigs - and maybe one of them can come up with a thrifty but permanent solution to the matter. Definitely worth saving because those inline 6's are pretty cool and VERY zippy. Save it - it'll be a nice town-hopper in your stable. Great video!

Great video glad you posted keep them coming thanks

I am currently restoring a 1979 Datsun 280ZX (by Nissan). Black with gold stripe. Gold rims. From what I've learned, 1979 was the last year of Datsun, then it was just Nissan. The badge on the back of mine on the right side say Datsun by Nissan. I drove mine everywhere for years. I eventually needed to park it because it was starting to have issues that I couldn't keep up with financially. I stored it for 15 years. I drove a 04 350Z for years in the mean time. After 15 years of sitting I finally had time and funds to start working on her again. The I dropped the fuel tank, flushed, cleaned, and coated. Flushed fuel lines, and fuel rail. Pulled injectors and replaced. Replaced fuel pump and filter. Changed the oil and filter. Then turned the key. She fired right up! The A/C even works! I have more to do, but it'll get there. I would say that if fuel sat down in those injectors for 15 years... You'll need to replace them. They are probably seized shut. Or they are not firing correctly. As well as on my fathers 280 years ago the injectors cracked from dry rot and heat. Injectors are a pretty common issue for the 280's. But yes, like everyone else here is saying. Do Not give up on it. they are great little cars. Fun. slick and sleek. Doing great so far, keep up the good work!

Had an 83, same colors as this one, with t-tops, one of the few cars I have owed, which I could buy again. Very reliable but as this one very prone to rust. They came factory with a Bosch J-tronic injection.

he's a good teacher even while he himself is learning. I didn't know about the grease trick with the tires

I just saw a red version of this exact car driving around my Iowa town today. Unreal !

We used the old smack with the back end of a screwdriver on the injectors and usually would break loose any gunk while running and if that didn't work then the injectors came out

Dylan u are the man... I have an old alfa romeo spider 3 that has a no start no pulse issue L-Jetronic system. I seem that AFM is on my spider started playing with it and she finally started up. Thanks for the video I learned something today

Great job man! Yeah I have owned and driven these 280zx cars for over 20 years. I actually own 4 280zx cars. An '81 slicktop 5 speed seater, an '82 slicktop (daily driver) slicktop 5 speed 2 seater, another '82 T-top 5 speed 2 seater and an '83 T-top 5 speed 2 seater. I was especially pointing at the screen while you were looking for the oil dipstick. lol It would be cool to see you at least drive this car under it's own power. Now with all that said. I need to go outside right now and work on my 280zx.

I love the pre 1985 Z cars. Mid 70s 240/260 was my favorite. A great platform to make a fun driver.

I had a brand new 81 Maxima Diesel and it was a great car. 2,8 L - man, you gotta do a part 2...dont leave us hangin'.

Wow that looks so cool to me as my 280zx has been completely racetrack modified.