Issue

December 2018

Owner

Brandon Wargo

Ride

2ATZX
(1979 Datsun 280ZX)

Meaning Behind the Name

I gave it this name because of it is a play on words with 280zx ant ATS

Photographer

Chris Gosda

Ride Details

Original Cost

1500

Build Cost

80000

What was the inspiration?

I saw a few Datsuns at SEMA 2017, and I fell in love. We found this one and planned on doing a sort of resto mode, and it evolved into a full build, because so many companies loved the concept. We were trying to think of ways to be different. So we found the ATS engine, and then decided that we liked the interior too. So we just swapped both out. I came up with the idea for the active spoiler, because I had only ever seen those on super cars, and the taillights gave it s futuristic look as well.

How long did it take you to build?

It took about y months to build, but was about 2000 hours in 6 months

How long have you been building?

This was my first build, I have been working on cars for a few years, but this was my first car I was able to call it mine and put all of my ideas into it.

Club Affiliations

None currently

Your future plans?

Right now, I plan to finish college, and maybe later build another one.

Vehicle history

It was originally a Georgia car, the original owner bought it new and drove it for a few years, until the fuel pump went out. Then he parked it in his garage, and it sat for 30 years. He then donated it to a church, who sold it to the guy we bought it from, who out it on ebay.

Thanks to

The Custom Shop for all the help on the car My dad, John Wargo, for making this build possible My girlfriend, my mom, and all the rest of my friends and family for pushing me to get it done.

Previous Rides

2002 Chevy Trailblazer with custom paint and stereo 2011 Dodge Dakota

Engine Details

Make

Cadillac 2015

Cylinders

Displacement

none

Engine Mods

None

Engine Add Ons

Mishimoto intercooler, down tube, radiator overflow, and oil catch can.

Chrome or polish

painted

Driveline Details

Clutch flywheel

ATS

Torque Converter

ATS

Transfer Case

ATS

Axle

Datsun

Gears

Datsun

Builder Shop

The Custom Shop

Chassis Details

Chassis

Original

Mods to Frame

Reinforced and more reinforcement braces added to it

Frame Builder

The Custom Shop

Drop or lift inches

11 inches when dropped, and 8 inches at ride height

Front Shocks

Strut bags

Rear Shocks

Strut baga

Spindles

orginal

Springs

Mitsubishi Lancer

Four Link

stock

Compressor Info

Firestone

Valve Info

Firestone

Airbag Info

Firestone

Chrome, Paint, or Polish

painted

Wheels Details

Front Wheel Type

American Racing

Rear Wheel Type

American Racing

Front Wheel Size

Rear Wheel Size

Front Tire Size

17x35x135

Rear Tire Size

17x45x155

Paint Details

Color

gray with blue and purple color change pearl

Paint Type

Eastwood

Graphics Description

Stripes that burn off into the paint, starwars/space themed figures on the bottom of the fenders, on the hood, and above the rear diffuser, as well as some ghosted logos and emblems

Painted By

Brandon Wargo

Graphics By

Brandon Wargo

Body Details

Channeled

Body Drop

Hood

original with Lancer Hoodscoop

Grille

none

Bumpers

The Z store's lower diffuser, with custom bumpers, and deleted rear bumber

Wing

Chrysler Crossfire

Addon Accessories

Fender flares and fender mirrors.

Body Mods

Shaved emblems, Deleted rear side windows with mustang luvers, custom ground effects, and door handles

Body Mods by

Brandon Wargo and The Custom shop

Interior Details

Dashboard

Cadillac ATS

Gauges

Digital Dakota

Steering Wheel

Cadillac ATS with Firestone air ride controller.

Console

Cadillac ATS

Head Unit

Sony

Amps

Sony

Speakers

Sony

Video System

Sony

Stereo Installed by

Brandon Wargo and The Custom Shop

Shifter

Cadillac ATS

Seats

Cadillac ATS

Tint Percent

none

Upholstery Description

A full modern interior out of Cadillac ATS

Upholstery Description

R2D2 in dash for Radar system, custom panels for behind the seats and in the trunk.

Upholstery By

Brandon Wargo and The Custom shop

Special Thanks to

The Custom Shop for all the help on the car My dad, John Wargo, for making this build possible My girlfriend, my mom, and all the rest of my friends and family for pushing me to get it done.

Extra Special Thanks to all my Sponsors.

Amsoil

American Racing Wheels

Auto Custom Carpet

Badger airbrushes

Cover Craft

C-Tek

Diablo Sport tuner

Eastwood Paints

Enduatek

Energy Susp

Fairchild Weather strip