Is there such a thing as a "Bad" shell?

[MakoBlunt]

I want to start my first 240sx project and I'm already selling my car to do it
I have around 5-6k to play with.

I already made the budget and with the 5-6k I'm going to get:
S13 SR20DET Red top (2000 complete swap)
Labor^ : 500-800
Shell: 1000-2000
S15 Conversion: 1300-1500 in total(Headlights/fenders/hood/bumper)
Labor^: DIY + $2-3 for a few sodas on a hot summer day :faint:


Now on to my question,
Since I'm going to buy a shell to save a lot of cash,
is there things I should look out for? When should I step away from a shell?

[druthafoo]

rust rust rust and dont forget rust

[renegade_ewok]

rust is the only thing that will make or break a shell really...

That or chassis fatigue after like 250k miles...

[zenki.life]

i was going to say lol, that labor part i was thinking would be way more unless your are DIY. labor kills :axe:

[MakoBlunt]

i was going to say lol, that labor part i was thinking would be way more unless your are DIY. labor kills :axe:
Omg I know,
body shops charge ridiculous amounts of money for installations.
I just recommend you find a good buddy that knows auto body to teach you how to do it yourself.
All you need is a power drill and access to a homedepot to make a few brackets and get nuts/screws lmao. Lucky enough for me I have a real good friend of mine that helps me out with the body work, he's a genius at the stuff haha.


and what is chassis fatigue?
The shell I want to buy is at 160k miles.

[Vision Garage]

bad shells?

RUST
Micky Mouse quick fixes from hitting shit.
Using parts that shouldnt be used.
Accidents which tweak the chasis
Bad Electrical sysytem (long painful hours to diagnose)

[japslapsilvia]

i would say the biggest thing that could be wrong with a shell is if its not straight, rust can be fixed, harness can be replaced. depending on ur skill and availability of tools, that is.

i would honestly look as deep as u can into the chassis before buying, carfax, and inspecting it urself, also bring other people with u when u look at it to make sure u dont forget something.

[az_240]

Check the strut towers... make sure they are not banged up in the rear from stuff rolling around... I see that a lot on the S13's.

You can grab a yard stick and get measurements for the front strut towers.... its easy to do and only takes a minute.

Also check the frame under the car....

If you are worried the chassis might flex because of high mileage I'd suggest seam welding and possibly a few bars welded to the strut towers in the rear while the car is stripped.

[Matej]

http://www.quigabyte.com/photos/albums/userpics/10002/shellS42000731.JPG

[dynamicck]

chassis fatigue?

sort of like exhaust bearing wear, or blinker fluid. lol

[slidewaysmn]

Like everyone else stated...rust, frame rails and strut towers... then everywhere visually. I suggest you get suspension components before even thinking about s15 front end...plus they are kinda lame.

[Bigsyke]

An s15 conversion will make a Bad shell.

Your in miami, so your s15 shell also wouldnt last long. Unless you provision about a 3rd of your funds to a security system welded into the frame.

Save that 1500 on the conversion and drop it into suspension. Start making your car flashy and you will sell the car at a loss after a few theft attemps...or its stolen.

[ErocKs13]

um, what about your feet?? i.e. suspension, brakes, wheels, brakes? also seats, possible cage, harness, exhaust. please don't just throw a sr in a stock chassis and put an s15 front on. whats the use of power if you can't put it to the ground and handle it. you gotta be able to stop too. i'd hold off on the front end. but it is your car so do what you like. just some helpful advice.

[MakoBlunt]

An s15 conversion will make a Bad shell.

Your in miami, so your s15 shell also wouldnt last long. Unless you provision about a 3rd of your funds to a security system welded into the frame.

Save that 1500 on the conversion and drop it into suspension. Start making your car flashy and you will sell the car at a loss after a few theft attemps...or its stolen.

I drive around in
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v450/bountyrealm/DSCN2876.jpg
everywhere I go,
and your telling me if I drive a 240sx with a S15 Conversion I'm gonna have a problem? I've never had a problem with theft around my area. I also make sure I don't park anywhere secluded. As for everyone else, YEAH! I forgot about brakes and everything lmao, but the shells I have been looking at all include wheels with premium rims/wheels and a suspension already there. So no worries. Thanks for opening my eyes to a lot of things!

[s13boy89]

well i wouldnt steal that it really fucking ugly

[MakoBlunt]

well i wouldnt steal that it really fucking ugly
I guess everyone has their own opinions lol ^_^

Thanks for the advice though everyone.

[Bigsyke]

^^^No really, nobody steals mitsu's.

You got somethin commin if you put that s15 front on with no security.

This is a typical ricer violation.

[MakoBlunt]

^^^No really, nobody steals mitsu's.

You got somethin commin if you put that s15 front on with no security.

This is a typical ricer violation.
Haha okay, I got that covered.

[ESmorz]

I drive around in
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v450/bountyrealm/DSCN2876.jpg
everywhere I go,
and your telling me if I drive a 240sx with a S15 Conversion I'm gonna have a problem? I've never had a problem with theft around my area. I also make sure I don't park anywhere secluded. As for everyone else, YEAH! I forgot about brakes and everything lmao, but the shells I have been looking at all include wheels with premium rims/wheels and a suspension already there. So no worries. Thanks for opening my eyes to a lot of things!

Lol, you're that kid from the drifting Myspace group.

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[FaLKoN240]

I already made the budget and with the 5-6k I'm going to get:
S13 SR20DET Red top (2000 complete swap)
Labor^ : 500-800
Shell: 1000-2000
S15 Conversion: 1300-1500 in total(Headlights/fenders/hood/bumper)
Labor^: DIY + $2-3 for a few sodas on a hot summer day :faint:


Did anyone notice in this list that there is nothing cool going into this car?

Plus you can get an S chassis shell for less than $1000.

You should spend money on suspension and brake stuff, if you've set a budget like that.

Anyone that's been on here for a while could build a more than capable car that looks and performs well for 5-6k.

[MakoBlunt]

Did anyone notice in this list that there is nothing cool going into this car?

Plus you can get an S chassis shell for less than $1000.

You should spend money on suspension and brake stuff, if you've set a budget like that.

Anyone that's been on here for a while could build a more than capable car that looks and performs well for 5-6k.
Mind helping me out then? :)
Please? lol

And @ Esmorz I'm not apart of any drifting myspace groups, sorry?

[JVD]

Your budget is ridiculously low to be honest.

Wait till you start doing it. You'll see what I mean. Every little parts run adds up QUICK.

[s13boy89]

why do people have to spoon feed you are you that stupid

[MrFairlady]

Man...Take the time and D.I.Y - thats The FUN part.DOn't pay someone to do it.
SR20 Swaps are Very simple and you can learn to do it (wiring,& what to remove and what to keep) in 1 day surfing This site and Google.
RWD in general makes it an Easy swap + It came in the car for starters.

If you Don't know whats Done - How are you gonna fix anything in the future?The Fun part is LEARNING something and This car will most likely throw little gremlins @ you.Go Ahead and BE ready for them buy knowing what YOU DID.

I learned everythinb I needed on this site and even other Online SHops ahve helpful wiring setups (frsport,phase2motortrend.com,etc)

Wiring is SImple and Installation will be Way easy if you take the current motor out yourself.You'll love the car even more because You did it all.

[MakoBlunt]

why do people have to spoon feed you are you that stupid
Are you having a bad day or something?
I'm just coming here to learn what I can from a community willing to share man. Isn't that what it's all about? I've looked around, haven't found what I needed, so I come here to ask experienced people ;) Sorry if that makes you upset yo.

And to MRfairlady,
Thanks for the info, I'm going to learn everything I can from this project!

[tinys s14]

rust and if the car has been in an accident

[Bigsyke]

If you want direction get a 100% stock 240sx and dont touch it untill you know how to install modifications and have it come out factory perfect.

Ive fucked my s14 up with mods to the point where I cant even chirp the tires in 1st at WOT.

Id enjoy driving a stock 240sx over mine. I probably couldnt even get sideways because my hawks cant even lock up the tires in the rain.

Go ahead and throw money at your 240 right off the bat like some chump and end up like me.

[s13boy89]

no im not having a bad day their have been over 1000000000000x threads about this and yet you want to not hear me bitch

[ReLiC]

imo take care of suspension before you go with s15 front end (i wouldn't go s15, but i know there's no changing your mind).

I agree with falkon, you can get a shell for under 1000. So spend that extra cash on suspension.

[gijoe69]

man to be honest just buy a s13 auto and drive it around and do like brakes, suspension, exhaust then when you are ready just get a couple buddies and some beer and do a 5 speed conversion then after you complete that you will be more comfortable to do a KA, SR, RB swap by yourself instead of paying people to do it! also learn how to drive the car first b4 boosting lol also keep it legal don't be blasting around corners thinking you can drift and be like Initial D or cause its cool! play it safe! don't fuck up the scene because you are just some dumb kid lol

[MakoBlunt]

man to be honest just buy a s13 auto and drive it around and do like brakes, suspension, exhaust then when you are ready just get a couple buddies and some beer and do a 5 speed conversion then after you complete that you will be more comfortable to do a KA, SR, RB swap by yourself instead of paying people to do it! also learn how to drive the car first b4 boosting lol also keep it legal don't be blasting around corners thinking you can drift and be like Initial D or cause its cool! play it safe! don't fuck up the scene because you are just some dumb kid lol
lol chill, I'm not xD
But to be honest I've changed my mind and I'm going to try to get a kouki shell and stick with it. I rather have a shop do the work and have a warranty lmao, don't want to mess anything up you know?

Can any of you tell me if you think this is a good deal?
1996 Nissan 240SX SE (98' JDM CONVERSION) (http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/cto/1132354818.html)
And no, I have no idea wtf is up with this guy's front suspension.

[zenki.life]

Your budget is ridiculously low to be honest.

Wait till you start doing it. You'll see what I mean. Every little parts run adds up QUICK.

so true!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i blew 5k just last month on my build finally

but on my defense i did get some rare parts.

do-luck floor bar
unorthodox FULL pulley system
to name a couple

[rockle3]

wait..
you think youre gonna have warranty
after u swap in a sr20?
please teach me how you do this

[MakoBlunt]

wait..
you think youre gonna have warranty
after u swap in a sr20?
please teach me how you do this
Warranty on labor > On Sr20.

[Bigsyke]

My s14s front gap looks just like that kouki there, no joke.

[tylerbretts13]

Can any of you tell me if you think this is a good deal?
1996 Nissan 240SX SE (98' JDM CONVERSION) (http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/cto/1132354818.html)
And no, I have no idea wtf is up with this guy's front suspension.[/quote]

couldnt have anything to do with the fact that it doesnt have a motor.
wtf lol

[DrtyRat]

no im not having a bad day their have been over 1000000000000x threads about this and yet you want to not hear me bitch
lt wasn't that long ago that you were the :newbie: wondering why people got on you for making threads that had been answered a 1000000000000x's before.... http://zilvia.net/f/chat/171419-why-do-you-guys-always-critisize-people.html ....give him a chance.

I want to start my first 240sx project and I'm already selling my car to do it
I have around 5-6k to play with.

made the budget and with the 5-6k I'm going to get:
S13 SR20DET Red top (2000 complete swap)
Labor^ : 500-800
Shell: 1000-2000
S15 Conversion: 1300-1500 in total(Headlights/fenders/hood/bumper)
Labor^: DIY + $2-3 for a few sodas on a hot summer day :faint:


Now on to my question,
Since I'm going to buy a shell to save a lot of cash,
is there things I should look out for? When should I step away from a shell?

Check some of the local forums. There's a guy on sfldrifters.com that is selling a sr'd s13 for 4k, IIRC its in decent shape. Just be patient and don't rush into anything. I know its easy to get over eager when you have a wad of cash in your hand, but if you don't rush you could probably get a great deal. Remember that ppl are desperate for cash right now and you can score a good deal if you wait for the opp. good luck.

[MakoBlunt]

Can any of you tell me if you think this is a good deal?
1996 Nissan 240SX SE (98' JDM CONVERSION) (http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/cto/1132354818.html)
And no, I have no idea wtf is up with this guy's front suspension.

couldnt have anything to do with the fact that it doesnt have a motor.
wtf lol[/quote]
I'm looking for a shell haha, you gotta read the other posts ;]

[DrtyRat]

lol chill, I'm not xD
But to be honest I've changed my mind and I'm going to try to get a kouki shell and stick with it. I rather have a shop do the work and have a warranty lmao, don't want to mess anything up you know?

Can any of you tell me if you think this is a good deal?
1996 Nissan 240SX SE (98' JDM CONVERSION) (http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/cto/1132354818.html)
And no, I have no idea wtf is up with this guy's front suspension.

seriously, just calm down. If you post up every 240 you're looking at, your gonna get flamed. Just lurk for awhile and everything you need to know will come to you. Before you post a question use the search, and you'll be ok. Everything you need to know will be found here, you just have to take your time. Did I mention be patient :ddog:

[gregfarz78]

2k for a complete sr20det swap? LOL

[zenki.life]

2k for a complete sr20det swap? LOL

i fail to understand the hilarity of that...

[s13boy89]

yeah drty rat i didnt do that womenbeshoppin did he had my password and used it for all his questions