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Post by zxturbo on Mar 8, 2015 0:43:58 GMT 1
Hi Folks, I need a bit of advice really. I have a 1989 Nissan Bluebird ZX turbo saloon. After many months of searching I managed to put on two good condition Front wings which was great!! Sourced some Genuine Turbo Executive Alloys  I have the intention of keeping the car and taking it to the shows. However there is a downside. When I bought the car I had to buy a brand new fuel funnel neck from dealers as all others I located had a lot of rust on them. The problem now is the radiator has packed up and have subsequently bought two off the internet which don't fit.. Set me back £200 but hey if there any good to anyone can always post pics of them. I have now found that the fuel pipe running from the back to the engine has a massive hole so is leaking out fuel and also the manifold is blowing. Right now car wants a radiator, fuel pipe, brake pipes changed and also a manifold. Should I buy a donor car? If so would it make a difference it being a hatch or saloon? Or should I replace the parts? If so anywhere other then stealers who know what parts fit this car and are reasonably priced. Would any parts of another vehicle be a direct fit for the ZX! I'm struggling to find good condition parts. I have heard about Volvo or Saab radiators. Again because I am new to classic cars I'm not sure what models to be looking at. Anyone have any advice please. |
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Post by dialup2001 on Mar 8, 2015 10:18:13 GMT 1
Firstly contact Transrad on www.transrad.co.uk/ 01227 710570 and they will be able to recore your radiator for around £60-£100. Brake pipes are actually very easy to make especially if your buy this: METRIC BRAKE PIPE FLARING KIT FUEL REPAIR TOOL SET WITH AND BENDER + TUBE CUTTER  for just £20 and some pipe Replacing the fuel pipe, please take some pictures of the connectors but again, fuel line is easily replaced. Is the manifold cracked? If it is, it can be welded, I have had a couple of manifolds welded up over the years, Vauxhall Astra and something else so not expensive and gives you a chance to clean up the downpipe joint and I see all gaskets are available easily. Found this Bluebird Turbo Radiator |
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Post by Al Ramone on Mar 8, 2015 18:08:10 GMT 1
personally I hate those cheap brake pipe tools as they don't do a very nice job, plus most people (including garages) don't know how to use these. Brakes are important...
From what you've said, you don't need a donor car, you need decent new parts. By all means buy a donor if you find one for a good price, but expect it to have the same broken parts as yours...
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Post by dave45 on Mar 8, 2015 23:19:03 GMT 1
How about having the radiator recored? I have a Peugeot 304 and had the original rad recored at Wakefield radiators. Cost £60 I think. Owner is a nice bloke called John.
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Post by zxturbo on Mar 8, 2015 23:28:25 GMT 1
I have been looking for someone who can recore the radiator, trouble is most the guys in Birmingham who used to do it have gone. I have two brand new radiators at home which a bought of a guy who say they fit bluebird, sunny and primera but when I stripped mine out it wasn't that same. Have a lot of odd bits lying about which are not for a ZX turbo so lesson learnt there, not to buy off the internet. Today I have stripped out all the seats to re-sponge them and found the top of the fuel tank has some rust too  The car is solid in terms of the sill, boot floor, arches, etc.. It seems to be getting at the pipes and tank which is annoying |
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Post by dialup2001 on Mar 9, 2015 7:33:14 GMT 1
If you look at my post, Transrad do mail delivery and I found a brand new radiator anyway
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Post by Blackbird on Mar 9, 2015 12:17:26 GMT 1
What ages is the car ?
There are basically only 2 radiators fitted to the manual bluebirds (hatch and saloon , all engines )
The early one has the filler neck in the centre , the later has it on the right at you look at the car.
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Post by Blackbird on Mar 9, 2015 12:20:37 GMT 1
Early  Later  (Disclaimer DONT follow the links , pictures are for illustration only ) |
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Post by Blackbird on Mar 9, 2015 12:24:51 GMT 1
You're hitting all the Bluebird snags
Front wings - Done that on 2 Bluebirds
The flat bits at the bottom hold mud and the wings rot out from the bottom
Fuel neck - done that on 2 Bluebirds
The mud gets behind the pipe and rots it out
Radiator - done that on 2 bluebirds
In my humble opion the rad (from new) was never up to the job on the 2.0 and 1.8 models
Look out now for the next one which is strut top mounts on the rear
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Post by Blackbird on Mar 9, 2015 12:26:00 GMT 1
 Looks like this Done 4 of these , and they are a git to do on the Saloon (you won't believe how hard it is to get rear seats out on a saloon ! when most other things on the bluebird are straight forward ! |
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Post by zxturbo on Mar 9, 2015 15:17:12 GMT 1
Mine is a 1989 has the cap on the right. I have actually took all the seats out of the car but it is a saloon do you think it would be worth changing the struts now or would be a job best placed for a mechanic? Is there anything you can recommend to prevent this decay in the future. I was thinking braided rubber fuel and brake pipes. I appreciate all the info from you guys. What a community  |
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Post by zxturbo on Mar 9, 2015 15:30:29 GMT 1
I've seen some mounts on eBay for £55. Do you know if that the average price for a pair or is that single price?
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Post by dialup2001 on Mar 9, 2015 17:54:19 GMT 1
Maybe just take the engine uot and sell it to me for the B11 sunny!
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Post by zxturbo on Mar 9, 2015 18:52:19 GMT 1
LOL Not after I sourced some wings. Can't give up on her just yet. Wanted her ready for japfest but the meet in sunderland 2016 seems more achievable
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Post by lusitania on Jun 11, 2015 18:11:03 GMT 1
sorry to change the subject but if u want to sell those executive alloys id be more than greatful to buy them off of u
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