280ZX Badges and Emblems
The S130 wore only a handful of badges, but they changed with the market, the engine and even the finish of the car. This page covers where each badge goes, which cars got which one, and how the Japanese Fairlady Z badging differed from the 280ZX sold everywhere else.
Most cars came with chrome emblems, and gold versions of many of the same badges were also made. Nissan has discontinued nearly all of them, so original badges in good condition are getting hard to find.
Exterior Badges (Outside Japan)
| Badge | Location | Cars | Finishes |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Z" hood emblem | Front of the hood | All 1979–1983 | Chrome, gold |
| "280ZX" fender emblem | Each front fender | Non-turbo, 1979–1983 | Chrome, gold |
| "280ZX TURBO" fender emblem | Each front fender | Turbo, 1981–1983 | Chrome; gold listed for 1982–1983 |
| "DATSUN 280ZX" deck lid emblem | Rear hatch, passenger (right) side | All 1979–1983 | Chrome, gold |
| "TURBO" deck lid emblem | Rear hatch, driver (left) side | Turbo, 1981–1983 | Chrome, gold |
- Fender emblems are two-piece in look: the model name in raised letters on a black backing, with a plate underneath. On the Turbo, "TURBO" is engraved into that lower bar.
- "DATSUN 280ZX" vs. "DATSUN 280ZX BY NISSAN": the original rear emblem read just "DATSUN 280ZX". The later replacement part adds "BY NISSAN" engraved into a bar under the name, from the period when Nissan was phasing out the Datsun name. Either can be found on cars today, so the "BY NISSAN" version on a car isn't proof it's original to that car.
- Turbo cars are easy to spot from behind: "TURBO" on the left of the hatch balances the "DATSUN 280ZX" emblem on the right.
Chrome and Gold
Badge photos courtesy of Motorsports Auto (The Z Store).
Interior Badges
The center console carries a small rectangular "280ZX" emblem, which also covers the console's front mounting bolts. Turbo cars got a "280ZX TURBO" plate on the console trim.
The radio, cassette deck and other interior faceplates also carry printed lettering that fades and wears. See reproduction radio and cassette deck trim.
Fairlady Z Badges (Japan)
In Japan the S130 was sold as the Nissan Fairlady Z, not the Datsun 280ZX, so the badging is completely different. Instead of "DATSUN 280ZX", the cars wore "Fairlady Z" script emblems, and turbo models added "TURBO" badges. Japanese cars also carried a "NISSAN" emblem on the rear, mounted above or below the left tail light depending on whether another emblem, such as "TURBO", was on that side.
The Japanese range included 2.0 and 2.8 liter cars, and in 1982 a turbocharged 2.0 liter (L20ET) Fairlady Z Turbo, so the model names on the badges don't line up with the US cars.
The "Fairlady" script emblem is no longer available new, even in Japan, so originals in good condition are worth hanging on to.
Removing and Replacing Badges
The exterior emblems are held on with adhesive tape. To take one off without damaging the paint:
- Warm the emblem and the panel with a hair dryer or a heat gun on low. Keep it moving so you don't blister the paint.
- Slide fishing line or dental floss behind the emblem and saw through the tape. Don't pry it off with a screwdriver.
- Roll off the leftover tape with your thumb, or use an adhesive remover such as Goo Gone or 3M adhesive remover. Wash and wax the area.
- Before you remove the old badge, put masking tape around it so you can line the new one up in exactly the same spot.
- Mount the new emblem with automotive emblem tape (such as 3M double-sided tape) on a clean, wax-free surface. Press it firmly and don't wash the car for a day or so.
On older cars, check for holes behind the emblem before you remove it. Some badges were moved or replaced over the years, and you may find old holes or rust underneath.
Related Pages
Sources Used
- Motorsports Auto (The Z Store): factory emblem listings and badge photos
- Wikipedia: Nissan Fairlady Z (S130)
- JDM Buy Sell: S130 Fairlady Z buyer's guide
- 1979-1983 280ZX Nissan Factory Service Manuals