Driving the Forgotten Datsun - The Z31 Nissan 300ZX is not the Most Desirable Z Car, But I Love It
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
SOLD There it was, sitting dusty and abandoned at the Carlisle Auction in Sarasota last November - a silver 1987 300ZX in Silver over blue cloth, one of my favorite color combinations. It ran terribly, hitting on maybe 5 cylinders, and the original paint had some un-correctable flaws - but my heart immediately went out to it, and I bid on the car to win when it came through.
I'm glad I did. After spending the last couple of years driving the old SIlverado, I was due for a change - and this car fit perfectly. I had been trying to find a 280ZX for the last few years, in a very casual way - waiting for one to cross my path. None came along, but I figured this Z would do, as it fit with what I was looking for - a base car without all the digital tomfoolery, in the 2-seater format, and with a manual gearbox. This would work fine.
We got it home and took inventory - the AC didn't work, the engine was misfiring, the brakes were completely shot, the battery terminal, the radiator corroded beyond rescue, and an inoperative factory radio. Despite all of this, the guts were good - the interior was very clean and together, the paint could look nice despite the flaws, and the rest would be fun to put together.
All we had to do now was order parts - and that would be easy, considering this was a Z-Car - definitely a machine with high demand for parts and pieces. Wrong. Absolutely nothing was easy to find - being a strange mid-year 87 model, it wasn't clear which brake calipers it would use, and neither one seemed to be available anyway. Just about anything we ordered for it wasn't in stock, and waiting for stuff to arrive was frustrating. We even had to settle for rebuilding the rear calipers, as none were available anywhere - not even at Rock Auto.
We ended up getting the car together mechanically - it had sat for a long time, but had been extensively serviced before being put away. To be safe, we did a timing belt and water pump, radiator, hoses, spark plugs and wires (this fixed the misfire), front and rear brakes, and a fluid flush throughout. I was now enjoying driving the car, but the lack of a radio was dangerous (it's bad for me to be left alone with my thoughts). I reached nothing but dead ends trying to get the factory radio going, so decided to go period-correct aftermarket. A friend of mine with an audio shop had an old pull-out Alpine in good shape, and I found speakers that fit perfectly in the factory location. An Alpine amp beefed it up a little, and I'm thinking of experimenting with a passive EQ and old Bazooka bass tube. Fun stuff.
So I'm really enjoying the hell out of this car. It's not really a sports car, not very light, and not extra nimble - but it's sporty enough to drive, and fun to bang through the gears with Nissan's lovely 5-speed manual. Also, the build quality of the car is tremendous, and it's surprising how this 33-year-old machine can be such a comfortable daily driver - after a recharge, the air conditioning has been ice-cold for 3 months now.
So love this thing I do - very much. It runs well, remains fun to drive, gets appreciative looks, and takes me back to what were simpler times for me. As far as collector cars go, that checks off all my boxes.
Full review and test drive by Bill - for now, this car is not for sale, because I'm having too much damn fun with it.
Пікірлер: 525
The completely deadpan delivery of the one-liners - kills me every time.
@alexshortsplus
4 жыл бұрын
That's why I'm here😄😄
@joelstatosky1817
3 жыл бұрын
Man, I love the car community so much. Even with cars without a large aftermarket community there are so many videos you can make your own parts
@ryani5103
3 жыл бұрын
I fast forwarded to see the interior, then I read this comment and had to watch the whole thing.
@garrettfernando7415
2 жыл бұрын
you all prolly dont care at all but does someone know of a way to get back into an Instagram account?? I was dumb forgot my account password. I love any assistance you can give me
Bill: “Let me give you a very quick history on this beauty”. *Goes on an hour and a half spill.*
@emeyer6963
4 жыл бұрын
And worth every minute.Lol!
@tavonjohnston
4 жыл бұрын
@@emeyer6963 Yes!!!
@marcoavila2426
4 жыл бұрын
Yea, when he said the Z didn't have a convoluted past, I said whaaaat??
@chrisexperience7
4 жыл бұрын
E Meyer agreed
@chrisexperience7
4 жыл бұрын
Marco Avila seriously
Truth be told I stumbled upon your videos by pure youtube chance.... I watched for a peek at the Berlinetta..... I stayed for your personality! Fun Cars and Fun Host!
@richardcollins5918
4 жыл бұрын
Great taste Mallery!!
@epimax
4 жыл бұрын
Same here- Ill definitely make the trip to Fl when I'm ready for another toy!
@mikemcgee1157
4 жыл бұрын
Same here
My 1970 240Z was a blast to drive until it rusted into the ground...rip old friend
@stoneylonesome4062
Ай бұрын
Reliable, Durable, and well-made - just made of bad steel. Hence why you don’t see any Pre-Renault (1999) Nissans driving around, other than the occasional rusty Hard-body pickup.
You’re just one of a kind, Bill. Even if you made videos about running around on the beach picking up pebbles i’d still watch it.
@ronaldtartaglia4459
4 жыл бұрын
megaman mooshrom me too....
@knutkatastrophe2722
4 жыл бұрын
Me too.
@erenkaslte8046
4 жыл бұрын
Does not know about Regularcarreviews.
@erenkaslte8046
4 жыл бұрын
@bobagopaaa you can always expect a dirty joke out of the guy.
@michaelfranklinwhibley2935
Жыл бұрын
Sounds like a mean Liberace
No Bill, this isn't an other usual shut down, this is one for the history books. Loved the 280Z's decades ago was saving paper route money for that car. I never was able to, my dad wouldn't co sign for a foreign car. This one is nice, a keeper.
I know these are basically sales videos, but you truly make some of the most entertaining videos I've seen. I really enjoy your videos!
I owned one, an 89, just before the upgrade to the new model. White with tan interior. Found it on a car lot, 200k miles, near mint condition inside and out, but it smoked a little when I stood on it. New timing belt, some engine treatment to tighten up the old valves and new shoes with chrome wheels. Total investment; $5500. Ran great, T-Tops off, Alpine Stereo with CD changer and factory EQ! When you approached the door lock with the key, the lock LIT UP! Frickin sweet ride! Traded it for a 1998 Eddie Bauer Exploder!
Its so refreshing to see someone who appreciates a car that is pure and free of computer back up cameras and such.....
Always loved these Z cars. This is a beauty. So eighties, and so Japanese. Bruce Willis drove one of these in the movie Blind Date co-starring Kim Basinger.
@blex5579
4 жыл бұрын
takes a DIE HARD Buce Willis fan to watch this movie...
@pgtmr2713
4 жыл бұрын
I was watching for Kim Bassinger sheeit
@RESTORATIONRESCUE
4 жыл бұрын
ME too. I love the Z car. I have an 87 and a 90 TT. Both amazing machines. My parents have an 82 280zx
@mentok3027
4 жыл бұрын
HA I remember that it was a white one, and kept giving him issues with that 80's talking car option
@cedricmiller4370
4 жыл бұрын
@@RESTORATIONRESCUE will the 87 300zx beat the 2013 maxima?
love the hell out of these videos. keep them coming.
@johnmichaelkarma
4 жыл бұрын
It's great to get history,tidbits of info,and great color commentary from a true car guy
Bill: "I also love the pop up headlights..." James Pumphrey jumps out from the background: "POP UP AND DOWN HEADLIGHTS!...pop up and down headlights, uh!"
@galennekvasil8871
4 жыл бұрын
"LIGHTNING LIGHTNING LIGHTNING!"
I love these and respect them as a rival of my FC RX-7.
I’ve had a few z’s over the years, couple 280z’s, a z32TT (my favorite), and an 89 z31 very much like this one here. I had it longer than the others and did some mods to it, suspension work, exhaust, intake, etc. Even though it was a non-turbo, I got it handling better and could really toss it around. But sadly i sold it about 8 yrs ago and have moved on to other hobbies now. It is funny though just 10-12 years go I never had any problem finding parts for mine, heck I even remember ordering some brake parts from amazon for it. Anyway, thanks for the walk down memory lane, I enjoy your videos, oh and I too graduated high school in 89, lol.
Fantastic historical chronology of the Z-car - thanks for sharing all of it. I hope you continue to enjoy it!
I've been binge watching your videos for the past week or so, Bill. Love your knowledge, wit, and commentary. I could listen to you talk all day. With you on the Cocomats as well. I bought some for my then-new '14 Focus ST and they still look great.
I love the z31. My first car I ever owned and still own it. I love the thing so much. I have expanded and now own a z32 as well. Both amazing and beautiful cars.
@kort7367
3 жыл бұрын
Hows the maintenance?
@RESTORATIONRESCUE
3 жыл бұрын
@@kort7367 if you get on top of it not bad. It’s a great car!
@kort7367
3 жыл бұрын
Chris Keane I’m thinking of getting one for my first car, I m looking forward to owning one on the future
@RESTORATIONRESCUE
3 жыл бұрын
@@kort7367 they are good first cars. Fun to drive and just an overall fun car
@danielkarow6500
Жыл бұрын
May I ask where you buy parts for your car online? I own a 1988 Nissan 300zx 2+2 and I am looking for parts
Round of applause, Bill. Your great taste, and spot-on commentaries keep me coming back to this channel. A++
Bill I love your style and your witty comments, learning a lot on cars I even thought I know most all of them, being German ...
@knutkatastrophe2722
4 жыл бұрын
Ja. Erstaunlich, dass nicht mehr auf seinen Zug aufspringen. Zu gut. Hehe
@PabloPerez-ed9gp
4 жыл бұрын
😂😂😂agree
It's nice that you give so much information, I really love it. Thanks Bill!
No one mentioned the gun in the center console ? Bill is not to be messed with
@davebar2017
3 жыл бұрын
Hey , it's Florida
I love that Z car so pure and simple. And I'm from the same eara, love the 80s Japanese cars I had a 85 Toyota Supra and loved how that car looked and was put together like a rock.. Keep tht great videos coming! You crack me up... Cheers..
Always loved these "American style" Nissan..... Most I saw in the UK had the mad Knight rider digital dash.... Only thing is my ocd saw the tach was busted on this! But what a car, and love the vids.
@johnmichaelkarma
4 жыл бұрын
I had that dash in my 88 turbo 5spd. It had a contrasting colored torque band as part of the digital display. I liked it a lot
Great looking project car! I haven’t seen one of those in many years. Look forward to more updates.
I'd hold on to it. More scarce than most "exotics". Just haven't seen one in years.
Hey man, thanks for getting me out of my head in this crazy ass world, and being able to focus on friggin awesome cars. Keep on keepin on!
Awesome car Bill! Great to see when someone absolutely adores their car! Were all stuck in our houses, more Naples video's are welcomed. Lol Greetings from the Motor City
Thanks so much! One of my favorite cars and you did an incredible review. Appreciate your take
Thanks Bill. Loved the review. You nailed it. I had the exact same '88ZX from new in Canada. Owned it for 3 years then moved to a '92 Camry with the 3.0L V6 and 5 speed. These late model Z31 series were strong and solid cars but I still think overweight and underpowered. However, I recall one evening on a lonely stretch of open highway just north of Toronto getting my '88ZX up to 225kph (about 140mph) with a '90 Lincoln LSC right behind me. I enjoyed the car when I had it. When I see one like yours it brings back many good memories.
Great review. I loved these cars as a kid. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
Wow!. Nice restoration. It amazing to see everything in nice condition. Kudos
I never liked these until one came to the shop I worked at for a restoration. It grows on you.
That Datsun Z. Got Popular from back in 87” The Movie Blind Date With Bruce Willis And Kim Bassinger The Movie had A black n White T-Top
I have owned several 280zxs turbos,a few 87 300zs and a 1990 300z tt. I always enjoyed these and that awesome rear end squat chirping gears lol. Nice video. Thanks for bringing back some fun memories. I still see these and 280zs from time to time. My 83 280zx turbo 5 speed had 365k miles,and still ran strong!! Tough cars. ☮️
I think this was the Z that couldn't decide if it wanted to be the Sports Car or GT. But man the one you gots in really nice shape. Good videos man. Keep it up.
Love your channel Bill. Interesting and informative in a good ole down to Earth way. I'd love to be your camera man but can't do it at this time. heh heh. Keep the vids coming and I will keep watching.
This is literally my first car...i just bought one like a month ago😂
@cedricmiller4370
4 жыл бұрын
Do maxima drivers be trying to challenge your 300zx?
@serikczarnecki6069
3 жыл бұрын
is it fun to drive?
@therealaidene2.094
3 жыл бұрын
i might be picking up an 84 on saturday
@sodiumchloride9067
3 жыл бұрын
@@therealaidene2.094 did you get it?
@therealaidene2.094
3 жыл бұрын
@@sodiumchloride9067 yes i did and it broke 3 days later on my way to school😂
My dad was a Datsun dealer in the 70s - 80s. Mom always had the lates Z car. The one I remember most was the 1984 25th anniversary. It had two tone paint, Turbo, leather everywhere and this cool feature with speakers inside the seats that would really bump along with the music. It was fast and when I turned 16 and got my hands on it, every kid with an early 80s camaro or mustang got dusted😄 Thanks Bill for the trip down memory lane!
I've loved the look of these cars for a while now and have been keeping an eye out for a good deal but I'm caught between wanting the extra seats of a 2+2 and the extra power of a turbo, since apparently both weren't an option together. Great video that got me more excited about these cars
@parttimeflipper7947
Жыл бұрын
you can get both
Very nice Bill....remember these well. Have fun with it!!!
I have owned quite a few Nissan cars. The Pulsar's, Maxima's. Like the Toyota also like the Cressida. Had a few of them. Never had a 300ZX. The Maxima had the same engine except the Maxima was front wheel drive. Great info on the 300ZX. Great video. Thumb up...
Love the "we'll talk about the Bazooka later". LMAO. My first love was, and will always be, the 1978 280z I had. I miss it. Thanks, Bill. Keep the videos coming!
These videos are medicinal in value during lock down.
I had the opportunity to drive a 1988 turbo charged version once in 1989. I worked for a car rental company that also had airport parking. One of our large corporate client CEO's would drop is car off at the airport, we would pick it up then when he flew back we would meet him at the curb at the airport . So I got to drive the car to the airport for him, I was in second gear and thought I was doing about 40 and realized I was doing 80. Got slowed down just before the airport police speed trap.
My first video of yours courtesy of the YT algorithm. Great presentation and personality. Subscribed!
Class nice one dude the coffee mug was cool 😆
Excellent! I was patiently waiting to see if you were actually using the center console for gun storage. Makes me wonder about all the cocaine storage references now 🤔 😉. Thanks for sharing!
Awesome work, continue the great work, Thank you for the content
Good to see that the car makes you feel good Bill. Hope you enjoy it
Bill your a great speaker, especially when im having a hell of a hangover your a great time kiddo!!!
Just heard your Nissan history lesson, and i enjoyed same. By the way, my name is Bill and i have 1984 300zx, 5 speed w/ 105k that i got in 1986 w/60k on it. Had a lot of good experiences with it; most special was Nissan dealer here in Michigan replaced all fuel injectors and the passenger seat belt at no charge!(20 years ago) The original radio was am/fm w/tape that failed and I have a modern replacement w/ cd and a pop-up sun roof!My car now has historic plates and runs excellent; but the fan controller is toast and i cannot find a replacement.
Always a joy to come back and re-watch a classic episode (even if it is only a 32 minute 'quick take') Glad we're all staying safe! 👍🥃🥴
my dad has owned 7 of this cars and still owns 4 of them, and i still own my dads first z31, we know they are not the most reliable cars but there is a special place in my heart of these scrap piles, the funniest part is that my dad probably has enough parts for put together maybe 3, its great for when they breaks down. loved the video keep up the good work
@danielkarow6500
Жыл бұрын
May I ask where you buy parts for your car online? I own a 1988 Nissan 300zx 2+2 and I am looking for parts
ive been in a huge dilemma wether or not getting one in my town, you made me make up my mind. Looks like a blast to drive!!!
I love the Z31. I had an '86 300zx 2+2, and still miss it. Black w/gray leather interior, t-tops, 5-speed, digital dash. It was so sweet.
Refreshing video with a lot of info. I was born in 89 am a Z car enthusiast. 240z was my favourite. This car reminds me of the BMW 850 and the 928s.
You would be perfect for radio id listen everyday . You have a way of putting things that makes things very interesting
Bill, I've been binge watching your videos all week and I'm thoroughly enjoying them! Thanks for the great entertainment, and if you need a corona free cameraman from Ohio, I'm your man!
I came looking for a z31 video and ended up laughing my ass off, loved this video!
Reminds me a lot of my '82 Celica GT. Great video and looks like a fun daily ride!
Loving this and the review.
This is becoming my favorite car channel on youtube.
Besides the first 240s this is my favorite Z car
@rebeltvr6046
3 жыл бұрын
The Z32 is better.
@akishot6735
3 жыл бұрын
@@rebeltvr6046 ok?
@drakenbum7751
3 жыл бұрын
@@rebeltvr6046 Cap. The Z32 is definitely not better, The Engine is hassle to work on. The Z31, you can remove some shit you really don’t need in the engine, and you will have more space.
@rebeltvr6046
3 жыл бұрын
@@drakenbum7751 Nah I'm talking about looks yo. The Z32 looks gangsta, stick fresher than a preteen pussy even now. Who cares about the engine being a hassle to work on, I got people doing that for me.
Gorgues Z31, absolutely immaculate. Wish my Z31T was as nice. Love your videos and stories, keep it up! Greetings from Holland
Had an 83 280zx. Favorite, probably slowest car, ever!!! A young man from Kuwait gave me an offer I couldn’t refuse!!! Love these videos Bill!!
This video is awesome love the back story bit really made me appreciate this car much more
I always wanted one if these!! Could never find a really clean one around me so I settled for a LT1 Corvette of the era. These are so fresh and so hard to find in my area. I’ve seen this Z in the backgrounds of your other videos and have been waiting for a video about it.
Love it! I had the same Alpine deck in 1982 280zx..love the Z's. My kind of music too!
Excellent. Great to see someone appreciating these. Had an '84 turbo, that car was an amazing piece of engineering but dang did it break often. Like you said parts are about impossible to find. Enjoy it before it breaks beyond repair, which might be soon.
@danielkarow6500
Жыл бұрын
May I ask where you buy parts for your car online? I own a 1988 Nissan 300zx 2+2 and I am looking for parts
When this model came out, I was truly amazed.
Great video! (and great choice of music)
This is so cool to watch, now with this car, you reviewed Two of my cars. One of our other cars is a 3rd gen camaro Berlinetta! Keep up the good work.
classic 👍👍👍 and pop up headlights 💪💪 I do missed my 84 300ZX
Love that someone else appreciates these cars
Great review! New subscriber from Canada 🇨🇦
Great video, very interesting!! Thank you so much!!
Luv the vintage Alpine. Perfect addition for a car like this.
I love the taillight setup, all flush. Very very cool! This is a great looking import! I must admit, I don't think I have seen a face lifted year for the 300.
You know, that's a nice car you got there, Bill! So, what the hell, you wanna sell it? Anyway, I gotta say, your videos are wonderful - love 'em! :)
That's wonderful.I never miss your show.I just bought 85 mustang gt.38,440 miles
Thanks for the information. Great video, nice car!
Bro, I have an 86 Maxima that talks. I know that baby talks. I watched the whole thing waiting for “Key is in the ignition “ 😁 Outstanding video! Loved it!
@cedricmiller4370
4 жыл бұрын
Man keep that 86 maxima long as possible nissan isn't the same no more the 2020 maxima kinda lost its touch
Man I use to drive around with my beer drinking friend in a 87 300z. Back in 91-93 With t tops. So much fun. Just ride around play music and drink beer. Yes ur HP figure on the 300sd I knew u were mistaken. I let it slide
@willheilig9176
4 жыл бұрын
Go Bii, great job!
@brianlee5649
4 жыл бұрын
If he's intoxicated, then NEVER let him drive, it's illegal to drink/drive.
Datsun 240Z inline 6 cylinder with 3- 2 barrel carbs. That was a light car, 2 seats and the ladies loved them.
been watching so many of these videos on here and my boyfriends channel, i just couldn't wait to see you say something about this one. I'm glad to see your content in these times, think you could review some cars you hate?
I've always wanted an old inline 6 Z car. My high school shop teacher had one that I got to work on and I instantly fell in love with it
Love it! the rear end is so clutter free - pure design. Well balanced.
I owned one... 1984 300ZX. I owned a 77 280Z and a 1982 200SX before I bought my 300ZX and was a fan of Datsun to begin with. They made some great cars during 70’s and 80’s. Glad to say I could sample a few of them through my teens and twenties. Very luxurious car with that lovely 3 liter motor.
Great video. Keep it up!
Had an 88 300zx turbo. One of my favorite cars I ever owned. Had 2 280z as well. Z car was a phenomenal well built line up
Back in 1987 my boss had the radio stolen out of his company car 3 times in a month or so and was told to get one of those removable ones that were all the rage back then so he did and religiously removed it daily and left it on the table in his hall. Guess what? He had his house broken into soon thereafter and they took the radio! Couldn't make it up!
Loved the clean lines on the eighties Z cars and it's direct competitor, the RX-7. Although the rotary car was lighter, these were a bit closer to the corvette in style.
The BEST videos on You Tube ! Keep them coming Bill !!! And I love it that you constantly say "shit" !!!
Wonderful, just wonderful . Thanks Bill
I think the rear wiper is so cool to have and also the pop up headlights complemented by the fog lights looks very good
love the last few years of this gen
Cool car and the revolver in the armrest is a nice touch. Would love to have one of these.
Nice job on the wheels!
My neighbor had one of these. I remember taking a ride in one, it's a great.
Bill, my brother Greg Balsley (McKinney, TX) who you can find on Facebook has had multiple Z31's including two 50th anniversary editions repairs oem Nissan radios mainly for the Z31's. He told me that people send him these oem radios from all over the globe and he expertly repairs them and mail's them back. If anyone who ownes a Z31 and wants the radio/cassette deck repaired he's your guy.