Don't Drive Your Heros: A Story of Crushed Dreams in the Form of a Datsun 280ZX

"Jack Does Cars" (jackdoescars)
07/09/2016 at 21:55 • Filed to: 280ZX

Yesterday, I shared photos of a very clean 1983 Datsun 280ZX that I went and looked at, with the promise that I was going to test drive it and report back at a later time. Well, I did. And the result saddened me.

From a cosmetic standpoint, this 1983 Datsun 280ZX is one of the cleanest that I have seen in quite a while. There were few imperfections in the paint, the interior looked showroom fresh, and the rear louvers were so retro. Mechanically, this 280ZX was in a way different state: a state of near disrepair.

We arrived at the dealer an hour before closing time, and the salesperson was really helpful. He was really into these vehicles, and could tell that we were also enthusiasts. Well, I couldn’t really understand anything that the man said as he had the thickest Southern accent that I’ve heard in a while, but I could tell that he was into these cars.

Anyway, the car cranked over instantly...but it idled oddly high. That’s fine. And the whole front end immediately started shaking. OK, that’s not fine. So then we find out the AC doesn’t work. Great. When turning out of the dealership, it becomes evident that the power steering is not in functioning order. Fantastic. Lastly, as we were accelerating down the nearby country road, there is an obvious lack of power. Well, this is a complete disappointment.

It was at this moment when we decided that this cosmetically beautiful 1983 Datsun 280ZX will not be finding it’s way into my driveway. There’s too much work that needs to be done, and none of us have the time or money to throw at it. It’s really an unfortunate situation, as this is such a cosmetically clean, but is just faulted by it’s many mechanical handicaps.

This doesn’t change my opinions on the 280ZX, I still really want one, but I know that this straight-six GT car won’t be coming my way for a while. And in all honesty, do drive your heros. Drive the hell out of them. Just go into it with an open mind, and don’t be discouraged if there is a major issue.

I will never forget you, Datsun, and I will probably regret not purchasing you in a few yeaRS.

DISCUSSION (70)

S65 > Jack Does Cars
07/09/2016 at 22:00

I’m sorry

Kinja'd!!!

Chasaboo > Jack Does Cars
07/09/2016 at 22:06

Well done. You got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Jack Does Cars
07/09/2016 at 22:15

I’m pretty sure you just described a malaise sports car.

Birddog > Jack Does Cars
07/09/2016 at 22:17

I say Keep Driving Your Heroes until you find “The One”.

I’ve owned or have driven almost all of my “Hero” cars. None have let me down. Even the 84 SVO that I had to butcher an 88 Turbo Coupe to “fix”.

interstate366, now In The Industry > Jack Does Cars
07/09/2016 at 22:18

We all have that car. Mine was a 2010 Civic Si. But I won’t regret not buying it. Not as a fun car, at least. Might daily one down the road.

Sneaky Pete > interstate366, now In The Industry
07/09/2016 at 22:20

Mine was a 1988 Toyota 4x4.

Jack Does Cars > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
07/09/2016 at 22:37

Yes, but it could have been my malaise sports car.

Jack Does Cars > S65
07/09/2016 at 22:37

Ugh.

Jack Does Cars > Chasaboo
07/09/2016 at 22:38

Very true. My winner will be coming.

Jack Does Cars > interstate366, now In The Industry
07/09/2016 at 22:39

Now that they’re getting cheap, I’d say do it.

Jack Does Cars > Birddog
07/09/2016 at 22:39

I completely agree with your statement. If you don’t mind me asking, what are your other hero cars?

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Jack Does Cars
07/09/2016 at 22:45

Yeah, but I’m just saying that’s par for the course. Most cheap hero cars aren’t good stock.

DipodomysDeserti > Jack Does Cars
07/09/2016 at 22:48

High idle + shaking + lack of power could be a vacuum leak somewhere. Did you check for any loose or cracked hoses? Sometimes you can get cheap cars which need very few repairs if the guy selling doesn't know what's wrong with it.

Birddog > Jack Does Cars
07/09/2016 at 22:52

I keep it simple.

Omni GLH-T, stock Omni with GLHS parts, 79 Z28 with a junkyard 454, 71 Mach 1, Lumina Z34, Base 3.1 Lumina.. MG Midget! That was a favorite. Terrible little thing but when it ran it was so fun.

I’ve posted about my 73 Chevelle before.

One that wasn’t a Hero that became one was a hearing aid beige 79 Mustang Notchback with a 2.8 V6. I’d kill to have that car back.

interstate366, now In The Industry > Jack Does Cars
07/09/2016 at 23:01

I’m giving them another year or two. Once the new Si comes out, and if we finally get the Type R (I’m still skeptical, because Honda) prices will drop like a stone.

Jack Does Cars > DipodomysDeserti
07/09/2016 at 23:03

I’m 99% sure you’re right, but we don’t have the resources to dig into it at this time. Now, the dealer did mention a two for one 280ZX special (they also have a 1981 sitting on the lot), and we’ll for sure jump on that if it’s ever available.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Jack Does Cars
07/09/2016 at 23:04

Just swap the motor for a better Nissan.

Jack Does Cars > interstate366, now In The Industry
07/09/2016 at 23:05

I see ‘08 Si coupes in the $8,000 range, which always staggers me.

Jack Does Cars > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)
07/09/2016 at 23:10

If done right, the L28 is so smooth. I’d just want to rebuild it, rather than drop an RB in it or something. I personally wouldn’t want to go crazy fast in a 280ZX, I see it more as a cruiser.

Jack Does Cars > Birddog
07/09/2016 at 23:12

Good list, indeed. “Hearing aid beige,” is a really good metaphor to describe the Mustang.

Jack Does Cars > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
07/09/2016 at 23:12

True. There was a 280ZX Turbo sitting right next to it...

Birddog > Jack Does Cars
07/09/2016 at 23:14

Same color inside and out. I snagged it from the original owner. Well balanced car. What I did to that poor thing is almost criminal.

Jack Does Cars > Birddog
07/09/2016 at 23:21

What did you do...

interstate366, now In The Industry > Jack Does Cars
07/09/2016 at 23:22

I’ve seen salvage/rebuilt title ones in the $5-6k range. Insane value considering the one I drove was $20k...3 years ago! If I get one, it'd be a 4-door, because I think they look better.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Jack Does Cars
07/09/2016 at 23:25

I have the original motor in my 240z so we rebuilt.

DipodomysDeserti > Jack Does Cars
07/09/2016 at 23:27

Have you ever owned an old car before? If you plan on DDing it, stuff will break frequently. Pretty much everything other than the engine and transmission that hasn't been replaced, will have to be replaced.

Birddog > Jack Does Cars
07/09/2016 at 23:35

Tore it up to do a turbo 2.3 swap. Then got married. And sold it off for pennies as a non-runner.

It’s still popping up on Chicago CL as an unfinished project. 10 years later.

Jack Does Cars > interstate366, now In The Industry
07/09/2016 at 23:42

I completely agree, the four door is far superior. Plus, doesn’t it have the K20?

Jack Does Cars > Birddog
07/09/2016 at 23:44

I bet it’s just destroyed by now. Fox bodies are cheap, though...

Jack Does Cars > DipodomysDeserti
07/09/2016 at 23:49

I am 16, I have previously owned No Car (other than the TrailBlazer, but that’s a hand-me-down). Thankfully, I live with someone who has had many old cars throughout his time, and he tells me the same thing.

interstate366, now In The Industry > Jack Does Cars
07/09/2016 at 23:51

Yep, K20 plus a 6-speed with LSD. I just didn't like how numb it felt.

Birddog > Jack Does Cars
07/09/2016 at 23:58

It keeps popping up in various states of “build”. I think its cursed.

Nobody ever does bodywork on it. Theres a crease in the driver side quarter just behind the left rear tire that I believe is still there today.

Jack Does Cars > interstate366, now In The Industry
07/10/2016 at 00:11

Ya know it just needs a welded diff, bro.

Jack Does Cars > Birddog
07/10/2016 at 00:12

I know that I shouldn’t, but I kinda want it now.

Birddog > Jack Does Cars
07/10/2016 at 00:22

Like Christine.

Jack Does Cars > Birddog
07/10/2016 at 00:25

I have a really close friend named Christine, and I was scared for just a moment. But yes, basically.

Spridget > Birddog
07/10/2016 at 00:29

I applaud you for naming the Midget!

Spridget > Jack Does Cars
07/10/2016 at 00:30

What happened to that E36 you wanted?

Jack Does Cars > Spridget
07/10/2016 at 00:32

Someone bought it.

Birddog > Spridget
07/10/2016 at 00:39

My friends and family called it the “Barbie Car”. I cut the muffler off and put a Warshawski “Pacesetter” exhaust tip on it.

It was loud, slow, and more fun than it ever should have been.

Spridget > Jack Does Cars
07/10/2016 at 10:21

Wow, you’re having horrible luck. What are you looking for, and what’s your budget?

Jack Does Cars > Spridget
07/10/2016 at 10:30

Cars that don’t suck, like four grand. Maybe.

Spridget > Jack Does Cars
07/10/2016 at 10:52

http://asheville.craigslist.org/cto/5672544817…

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/5637736936…

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/5659251990…

http://winstonsalem.craigslist.org/cto/5650780429…

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/5649195782…

http://greensboro.craigslist.org/cto/5674322944…

Jack Does Cars > Spridget
07/10/2016 at 11:03

I don’t really want an automatic, and that MG belongs my a friend’save father, but it is in pretty poor shape. I love the Metro.

Spridget > Jack Does Cars
07/10/2016 at 11:08

What about the Miata and Fairlady? If you know the guy who owns the MG, couldn’t you haggle him down?

Jack Does Cars > Spridget
07/10/2016 at 11:17

It needs new floorpans, which is much more than I want to deal with currently. The Fairlady is a bit too far for it to be a comfortable drive. The Miata does look pretty clean, though.

Spridget > Jack Does Cars
07/10/2016 at 11:29

Problem. Solved.

Yeah, don’t do this.

Jack Does Cars > Spridget
07/10/2016 at 11:34

I don’t know what’s wrong, but there’s something wrong with your post.

Spridget > Jack Does Cars
07/10/2016 at 11:37

Kinja'd!!!

There was supposed to be a picture of some plywood and zip-ties.

Spridget > Jack Does Cars
07/10/2016 at 11:40

A bit far away, but it ’s amazing.

Jack Does Cars > Spridget
07/10/2016 at 11:56

It’s an automatic, but I’m perfectly fine with that. Oppo needs another 505.

Spridget > Jack Does Cars
07/10/2016 at 12:44

505's are truly automatic cars though. They’re cruisers, not backwoods racers.

Jack Does Cars > Spridget
07/10/2016 at 15:53

A 505 Wagon is a true automatic car in my book, a sedan could be made into a great little rally car.

Spridget > Jack Does Cars
07/10/2016 at 15:55

It’s been done:

Kinja'd!!!

Personally, I’d much rather have a 404, 403, or 203.

Jack Does Cars > Spridget
07/10/2016 at 16:20

Ya know, if Peugeot sold the 205 here they would probably still be alive in the US.

Avant Garde > Jack Does Cars
07/10/2016 at 20:49

It’s possible, but the 405, which was a substantially better car than the BMW E30 (yes I just said it), VW Jetta, Alfa Romeo Milano, etc, failed because of a false view that French cars were unreliable.

Spridget > Jack Does Cars
07/10/2016 at 21:10

FYI, that was me messing with Kinja. The TL;DR is fuck that shit.

Jack Does Cars > Avant Garde
07/10/2016 at 22:00

The Milano is honestly terrible, and the E30 is kinda overhyped in my view. The Jetta is a Jetta, but MK1 GLI coupes are my shit. My father’s neighbor has a mint 405, but that’s in Seattle where everyone has unusual, old cars.

Jack Does Cars > Spridget
07/10/2016 at 22:00

Wat?

Spridget > Jack Does Cars
07/10/2016 at 22:07

I tried to create a Kinja group blog (a blog others can post and comment on, a la Oppo) for French cars by creating another account. It failed dramatically.

Jack Does Cars > Spridget
07/10/2016 at 22:15

Oh that sucks. On the upside, there is a beautiful, green, Citroen 2CV with orange wheels not far from me. Whenever I’m in Fuquay I take a few seconds to look.

Spridget > Jack Does Cars
07/10/2016 at 22:18

Hmm . . . . what condition, and what model? There’s an older one not too far from me, but it’s solidly in project car condition.

Jack Does Cars > Spridget
07/10/2016 at 23:14

Concours level condition, probably from the late 1970's. Has circle headlights.

Spridget > Jack Does Cars
07/11/2016 at 00:10

Three windows on each side, or two?

Jack Does Cars > Spridget
07/11/2016 at 00:20

Kinja'd!!!

As per Google Maps. Located right next to Fuquay-Varina High School famous for having a daycare in the school for teen parents and allegedly shitty weed.

Spridget > Jack Does Cars
07/11/2016 at 00:23

Shitty weed? Unprotected sex? 2CV? What is this, the French section of Fuquay?

Yup, late ‘70's, early ‘80's model.

Jack Does Cars > Spridget
07/11/2016 at 06:36

Well there isn’t an abundance of cigarettes, but if one were to stick a second LaFarm in this general area, and I’d be one to agree.

Nauraushaun > Jack Does Cars
07/14/2016 at 05:08

That interior is awesome.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Jack Does Cars
07/19/2016 at 18:28

Am I the only person who finds it hilarious that people are having unprotected sex near Broad street in a place called Fuquay?

Jack Does Cars > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
07/19/2016 at 21:18

Couple that with all the crack (freebase, typically) and Fireball that my town has to offer, and it is even more hilarious.

If you ever go on the Great American Road Trip that you wanted to do with the truck, you gotta come down south. It’s honestly not that terrible, there’s tons of great food.