What next?

Well, after getting the car back from the mechanic, it was running well and I was feeling pretty good about it.  Decided to go see someone about redoing the interior with leather and what would be the cost of the leather.  That visit went ok.  It was a nice day and I had the t tops off.  Just about had to since the smell in the car just about overpowers me with the t tops on and the windows up.  Got home and went to turn the car off.  Surprise!!!!  The key won't turn.  I'm sitting there with the car running, struggling to get the key out.  After about 10 minutes, I realize that this just isn't going to happen.  Ok, so now what do I do?  Called my husband and he very brilliantly says "turn the key".  Really?!?  I hadn't thought of that.  So I let the clutch out and stall the car.  At least the engine isn't running but since I can't turn the key to off, all the electrical stuff is on and draining the battery.  Oh well, can't be helped.  My husband gets home and takes apart the steering column and takes off the ignition switch and takes it to an auto parts store to have a new one ordered.  While waiting on that, he takes the wheels off and scrubs them.  What is it with men and having the wheels clean and shining?  This particular car has part of the wheels painted to match the interior (a tan/gold color) and since I'm changing the interior color to gray, the tan/gold color will no longer match.  As my husband is trying to figure out how to paint over the tan/gold color, I suggest trying paint remover.  This is met with a blank stare.  At this point I ask, "will you please just TRY it?"  It worked and now the wheels are a nice uniform chrome color that will match nicely with the interior when it is done (should have pictures soon).  And the new ignition did the job and the car starts up (had to be jumped off first as the battery was dead) AND turns off without any trouble.

Now I'm just trying to figure out what to tackle next.  I guess the next challenge with present itself soon enough.

The Beginning

This blog is about my "journey" to restore my Datsun 280ZX.  I am not a mechanic, I do not work in a body shop.  I have never changed my oil or even a tire.  I mainly just drive.  And mostly to take my kids where they need to go.  I had a 280zx years ago and have missed it.  Recently, I decided to see if I could find another one.  Unfortunately, the ones in good condition were way out of my budget.  And the ones in my budget were not in great running condition.  After much looking, finally found one that ran decently and didn't need an excessive amount of work.  Most people that I have told that I was going to restore this car have labeled me nuts.  And some people have come right out and told me that I can't do it.  Okayyyyy....the gaunlet has been thrown down.  I realize that this is a HUGE job but I think I can do it.  I know there are some things that I won't be able to do (most engine work) and some things I won't want to do (making new seat cushions) but overall I think I can do most of the work.  What I do have going for me is that I am stubborn.  And don't like being told I can't do something.  I sew (will come in handy for covering the seats) and am a metalsmith (not sure where this fits in but it could come in handy).  I also love to fix things. So here starts my labor of love to restore my 280zx.