getting sideways build

[octanejockey]

Here we go go! Original 1997 kouki 5-spd. Purchased last year, but due to life circumstances (lower back surgery) didn't get a chance to start the build...

PLEASE KEEP ALL NEGATIVITY TO YOURSELF. This is a build thread, not a flame war. ALL dumb & or negative comments will be IGNORED.

DAY I GOT IT

SEAL OF APPROVAL, LOL
http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/FB_IMG_1479505281210.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/FB_IMG_1479505281210.jpg.html)

[rawgarage]

Please just leave this as is....

[octanejockey]

FIRST MOD - R33 WHEELS

These are the read deal, not the SQUARE knock-offs. Shipped to my door for $500 with decent rubber!

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/3906DE1A-0E36-4E57-B88C-62208C73F4F2.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/3906DE1A-0E36-4E57-B88C-62208C73F4F2.jpg.html)

[octanejockey]

My first little project: removing the purple 10 year old tint. YUCK. Lucky for me I had a little help :)


http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/FB_IMG_1479505302319.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/FB_IMG_1479505302319.jpg.html)

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/FB_IMG_1479505331183.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/FB_IMG_1479505331183.jpg.html)

[octanejockey]

Next up is removing the "Pimp My Ride" era interior work... PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE OF G-D, spray painting interior panels is NOT cool!

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/FB_IMG_1479505295565.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/FB_IMG_1479505295565.jpg.html)

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/FB_IMG_1479505288335.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/FB_IMG_1479505288335.jpg.html)

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/FB_IMG_1479505315493.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/FB_IMG_1479505315493.jpg.html)

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/FB_IMG_1479505308872.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/FB_IMG_1479505308872.jpg.html)

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/FB_IMG_1479505322797.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/FB_IMG_1479505322797.jpg.html)

[DJTTon]

Who did you buy this from?

[octanejockey]

"RA" out of Orlando, did you know the car previously?

[octanejockey]

UH-OH, repair time! I guess at over 200k I shouldn't be surprised... New water pump, front main seal, belts, radiator hoses and thermostat.

Again, here's my favorite little helper causing mischief! I think she was playing "lightsaber" with my shop light, lmfao!

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/thumb_IMG_0864_1024.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/thumb_IMG_0864_1024.jpg.html)

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/thumb_IMG_0865_1024.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/thumb_IMG_0865_1024.jpg.html)

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/thumb_IMG_0880_1024.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/thumb_IMG_0880_1024.jpg.html)

[octanejockey]

Picked up a groovy new spoiler. So retro, I love it!

And yeah, I already know I have the wrong tail lights. One of the things on my list to buy, but that list is so long right now I'm not sure where to start sometimes... I do, however, have a plan (evil laugh).

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/thumb_IMG_0810_1024.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/thumb_IMG_0810_1024.jpg.html)

[octanejockey]

What's that burning smell? CRAP. Time for a new clutch! Went with the White Bunny kit. No complaints for the $$$ so far.

Thank you Ryan @ TR Automotive in Clearwater! Friend of a friend (that knew some other friends) help for me right after I got out of the hospital and was in no condition to even lift the parts boxes, lol.

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/FB_IMG_1479505346177.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/FB_IMG_1479505346177.jpg.html)

[octanejockey]

Time to fix that nasty SQUEAL! Replaced the steering rack with a reman. Urethane bushings, all high pressure lines swapped out to -an stainless lines. Also changed tie rods and ends.

Thanks Audi Scott for the hookup on the lift / alignment!

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/20160519_163203.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/20160519_163203.jpg.html)

[octanejockey]

S15 Silvia steering wheel time! (which is now for sale in the market btw)

Oh, and scope the leather interior I managed to score! Sorry I don't have better pics, this entire thread is a compilation of FB & cell pics that I scrounged together.

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/20160629_125629.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/20160629_125629.jpg.html)

[octanejockey]

The cracked dash was pissing me off, so I got a dash cap!

Looks surprisingly good, but still not 100% satisfied with it... more on that later

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/20160629_130022.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/20160629_130022.jpg.html)

[octanejockey]

OMG.

I HATE Florida right now! My sunroof apparently had a leak / drain hoses plugged. My car was parked outside for a month un-checked. During that time it rained hard as hell, and leaked inside the car.

Can anyone say MOLD DAMAGE? F(*&^*&^(Q*#)R*&!!!!!!

FML right now!

Well hey, now I get to fix a sunroof seal, AND rip out and steam clean an interior! FANTASTIC!!!

At least I think I did a pretty good job installing the new seal. Looks pretty close to me.

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/20160515_115528.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/20160515_115528.jpg.html)

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/20160517_101358.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/20160517_101358.jpg.html)

[octanejockey]

Well, maybe it's not ALL bad... I managed to find a CLEAN dash! I've been looking for over a year (since I got the car) and had just about given up!

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/20161102_154322.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/20161102_154322.jpg.html)

[octanejockey]

Also gave me a chance to replace to burned out HVAC actuators... All 3 had managed to go bad, so no heat (AC only), vent control (mid vent only), or re-circ. Now all work flawlessly!

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/20161104_125335.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/20161104_125335.jpg.html)

[octanejockey]

Replaced some cracked nasty door panels...

LRB FTW!!! Besides that the products are awesome, Landon & Rebecca are two of the nicest people ever! If they made more parts for our cars I would buy them all!

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/20161115_141914.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/20161115_141914.jpg.html)

[octanejockey]

More bad news... The water / mold sat in the floor boards too long and rust is starting to form. In order to remove / repair I have to first take out the sound proofing. UGH, this sucks...

Nothing like dry ice and screwdriver for a day (or two) of fun. That bucket isn't even half of just the sound proofing at almost 18 lb.

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/20161116_153109.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/20161116_153109.jpg.html)

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/20161116_131134.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/20161116_131134.jpg.html)

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/20161115_141916.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/20161115_141916.jpg.html)

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/20161117_153242.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/20161117_153242.jpg.html)

[octanejockey]

I just have to say, driving with no interior or dash is an interesting experience... STREETS OF MEXICO (in case I'm breaking any laws)

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/20161111_102338.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/20161111_102338.jpg.html)

[octanejockey]

My interior looks so sad just sitting there...

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/20161016_164206.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/20161016_164206.jpg.html)

[octanejockey]

OK, I hope you liked looking at my pics / reading my story so far! Believe me, there will be plenty more to come :)

With the car apart as far as it is, it got me to thinking... Did anybody ever say thinking was dangerous? Now I have an appointment with a local fabricator first week of Dec to discuss a custom cage! Ish just got serious!

TEASER PIC:
http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/20160730_130327.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/20160730_130327.jpg.html)

[vJilly]

as much as i love to see enthusiasm for a build and the thought. why bastardize a factory 5spd kouki :(

[corkscrew]

Dude I live like 15-20 mins from safety harbor! I have a maroon s13 coupe with a Silvia front if you've ever seen me around

[jbcm12]

With those door panels, did you consider doing a strap pull instead of using the OEM door handle?

[octanejockey]

Dude I live like 15-20 mins from safety harbor! I have a maroon s13 coupe with a Silvia front if you've ever seen me around

Sweet! I've seen a LOT of s-chassis cars around Tampa Bay... I may have seen yours around.

Now that I'm actively working on this one you may see it around ;) LMK if there are any meets coming up! I'd like to meet some of the local 240 guys.

[octanejockey]

With those door panels, did you consider doing a strap pull instead of using the OEM door handle?

Like the red pull strap in the pic? LOL... must be browsing on a cell phone?

[octanejockey]

I met with Landon over the weekend to iron out a few little bugs on the S14 metal door skins. You can check the before pics above, but now the skins clear the speaker pods, and made a trim panel for the drivers side door switches.

*I ALREADY KNOW THE SPEAKER PODS NEED PAINT*

These improvements are available on all future versions of the skins...

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/20161121_092534.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/20161121_092534.jpg.html)

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/20161121_092544.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/20161121_092544.jpg.html)

[octanejockey]

Now that the skins fit the way I want, next plan is to cover them in carbon fiber (real stuff not vinyl)... More on that later.

[Ratpack_Chad]

Very cool, stoked to see more progress on this car.

[TheRealSy90]

I liked everything until I got to the door panels.

[octanejockey]

Very cool, stoked to see more progress on this car.

Thanks! If you like it so far, stay tuned, more fun stuff on the way!

[octanejockey]

I liked everything until I got to the door panels.

Well, I have to make room for cage / door bars, so stock door skins are out. This seems to be a great solution :)
Even though they look a bit "raw" now, just wait. I'm willing to bet they look pretty rad once covered in carbon fiber. I saw pics of a set that had been covered in leather that looked pretty slick.

[jbcm12]

Like the red pull strap in the pic? LOL... must be browsing on a cell phone?

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AsD9yAfMVWs/TXe7t5QJOPI/AAAAAAAAAtY/0gGKldYiDJ8/s1600/Door+card1.JPG

Could probably get rid of the handle and the pull strap with this, just have had the chance to figure it all out.

[octanejockey]

For several reasons I still happen to like LRB's design better...

With the above design it looks like there would be a lot of force applied to the latching mechanism every time you yanked the strap to close the door. Also, by retaining OEM mechanical & electrical components, repairs and parts are easier (and easier to come by).

Also gives the flexibility to retain 100% functionality of windows, locks, and door speakers (optional).

http://lrbspeed.com/product/s14-240sx-aluminum-door-panels/

[jbcm12]

For several reasons I still happen to like LRB's design better...

With the above design it looks like there would be a lot of force applied to the latching mechanism every time you yanked the strap to close the door. Also, by retaining OEM mechanical & electrical components, repairs and parts are easier (and easier to come by).

Also gives the flexibility to retain 100% functionality of windows, locks, and door speakers (optional).

http://lrbspeed.com/product/s14-240sx-aluminum-door-panels/

i found their products a few months ago, eventually i was planning to contact them ask as to leave the panels black so i could make my changed but the trim update looks great. have you worked with them about the gap for the handle?

[octanejockey]

No, honestly the small gap didn't really bother me in person (and I'm nit-picky as hell, as evident by the new trim panel I had them make).

If that opening perfectly matched the angle / shape of the handle pocket would that get you to pull the trigger? Landon's shop is an hour away from my house, and he's in business to sell parts. Maybe if I told him there was an order on the line... You never know is all I'm saying.

[octanejockey]

OK, amazing what a little but of paint can do...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/20161124_130150.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/20161124_130150.jpg.html)

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/20161124_130159.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/20161124_130159.jpg.html)

[tuzzio]

I liked everything until I got to the door panels.

This. Just another Florida zilvian now.

Edit: I rest my case.
http://i.imgur.com/HHZRTMj.png

[octanejockey]

^^^Tough crowd... lol

Let's keep it classy folks.

[FaLKoN240]

Door panels aren't my cup of tea, but I could deal with that for when I put door bars on my car.

Looks good enough to me!

[TheRealSy90]

You can take the pockets off the stock door panels and fit door bars easily FYI.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[octanejockey]

You can take the pockets off the stock door panels and fit door bars easily FYI.


There is nothing removable on the outside of the door skin that would free up any sizeable amount of space that I can tell... Can you show a pic of what you mean? ALWAYS in for an easier alternative!

[FaLKoN240]

Keep in mind S13 and S14 door panels don't share the same design.

[octanejockey]

Had to take a little break from building to pick up a replacement hauler... Took a flight out to Houston and picked up the newest member of our fleet.

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/20161206_103641.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/20161206_103641.jpg.html)

[octanejockey]

I made several stops on the way back including New Orleans. Creole cooking, beignets & Preservation Hall! Woot!

Picked up these little beauties... Thanks again SMC!

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/20161207_141518.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/20161207_141518.jpg.html)

[OBEEWON]

Jelly of those seats. Wish they made them for man sized people though.

[octanejockey]

lmfao! Ummm, thanks (I think?)! :)

[octanejockey]

Still waiting for more parts :(

In the meantime, this showed up... Seat bracket from Nagisa. I have to say I was a little bit impressed. Super build quality, and packed in legit newspaper!

I'll never buy a Buddy Club again!

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/20161221_194854.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/20161221_194854.jpg.html)

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae171/gr8danish/1997%20Kouki/20161221_195812.jpg (http://s969.photobucket.com/user/gr8danish/media/1997%20Kouki/20161221_195812.jpg.html)

[FaLKoN240]

http://zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?t=638880&highlight=nagisa

[Reece]

So is the interior going back in orrrr

[octanejockey]

So is the interior going back in orrrr

LOL... Patience! I'm in the middle of repairing the rusted out floor pans, particularly the giant hole in the drivers well. Then the interior needs a touch of paint and a new carpet...

Anyone have an OEM S14 carpet with no holes?

[feito]

nvmd........