Woohoo! Got some goodies to install this weekend

[MELLO*SOS]

UPS made my day today... This weekend will be good for my s13; bad for my knuckles and patience:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/mello88/DSC04760.jpg

- Installing PDM high flow cat (came today from UPS!)
- Installing Whiteline sway bars (came today from UPS!)
- Installing Powertrix power brace (last week)

Next week my 16x8 SSR Reverse mesh I drove to SD to buy should be done getting refinished (straightened, painted, derashified) by Pico Wheel (anyone use these guys before)...

With ANY luck at all I'll get a refund from TrixMotorsport and get a set of D2 coilovers on the way. They have been lagging on a KSport coilover GB I am part of (thread on NICO), I highly suggest avoiding TrixMotorsport like THE PLAGUE!

Anyone else get any goodies for their car this week?

:x: heres to hoping for good wrenchin weather this weekend!

edit: added picture of said goodies

[rancid240]

how much per wheel?
Are they powercoating or just painting them?

[ThatGuy]

Just installed a crack free dash, and re-covered my Glovebox with black vinyl to match. Soon to be spending a weekend doing a 5-speed swap. Weekends are wonderful for wrenching. My weekend lasts until after Thanksgiving. :D :D :D

[MELLO*SOS]

rancid240, they are charging $370 to straighten 2 wheels, disassemble, beadblast, primer & paint* centers black, fix minor lip rash (no polish*), reassemble and mount and balance tires.

* I'll be pissed if the paint has any problems within the first year, but the powdercoat thru his shop added $65 or so per wheel

* He says the lips are anodized and thus you have to strip them, polish them (to remove nicks) then reanodize them. This added about $50 a wheel

In retrospect, I probably should have had him just straighten the wheels and should have taken them somewhere else to get blasted and powdercoated. Probably would have been about the same price (maybe cheaper) and I'd feel alot better about powdercoat than paint, after reading some horror stories on here...

I took some before pictures of the wheels so after I get them back I will surely post a picture for a comparison. Mas from Takumi Project reccomended them to me, and Garry seems to know what he's doing.

Has anyone else used Pico Wheel, or if not from LA then how much does it cost for similar things in your neck of the woods?

[MELLO*SOS]

Just installed a crack free dash, and re-covered my Glovebox with black vinyl to match. Soon to be spending a weekend doing a 5-speed swap. Weekends are wonderful for wrenching. My weekend lasts until after Thanksgiving. :D :D :D

Sweet I would like to see pictures of your glove box. Did you do anything custom to the dash?

Here's to good luck this weekend on the tranny swap hope it goes good for you.

[S14DriftR]

installing 20mm spacers, 26mm z-brakes with ss lines and powerslots, and a cf hood this weekend.

[ThatGuy]

Sweet I would like to see pictures of your glove box. Did you do anything custom to the dash?

Here's to good luck this weekend on the tranny swap hope it goes good for you.

I'll post pics of the Glovebox tomorrow, too dark for pics tonight. Nothing custom (yet) with the dash, just glad to not have any cracks. I might actually pull this dash back out in exchange for a HUD set-up.

Thanks for the Good luck, I may need it. This is my first auto to manual swap in a 240.

[S13 Charlie]

Funny you mention it, I think i'll finally be able to install my kyb agx's and eibach prokit springs on my S13. Also got a SS clutch line from SPL parts this week that I might as well do while the front end is in the air.

Here's to busted knuckles on Saturday! nothing a few beers won't fix.

Good luck fellas!

[revat619]

I'm probably gonna install my kouki rear valances this weekend. Not a hard install, but i'm excited!

[90sr]

awesome everybody is havin fun this weekend, im gona throw my pdm cat on finally after like a month, finish up preppin and paintin the veilside kit, im goin with flat black, i think it looks mean on the 240s, doin the engine bay and door jams and hatch also, try to rerout the hose for my boost gauge, cuz i dont like the way it is right now haha, and yah thats enough for a weekend. :faint:

[phase12048]

I'm finally going to be able to finish my 5sp swap this weekend!

[jedc]

I am dropping in a new ka in my black hatch and giving it some 180sx brakes. Also have to finish up installing kts coilovers and cusco ruca's.

[ThatGuy]

Here's the pics like I promised. Nothing special, but better then it was before.

Crack Free Dash.
http://img123.exs.cx/img123/1533/Dash.jpg

New look for the Glovebox.
http://img123.exs.cx/img123/8500/Glovebox.jpg

I have to pull the Dash back out again, since I forgot to swap the VIN's. I may be putting in another dash though, one that's HUD equipped. Pulling the old dash and putting this one in took me about 4 hours. But in that time I did a few other small things in and around the dash, so I'm not sure exactly how long it took. I still have a Nardi Wheel that needs a Hub, and I need to replace the carpet. Eventually I'll have an all black interior.

My next project will probably be re-routing the wire harnesses that are above the fender liners. If I do it now, I won't have to worry about it when my coilovers are ready to go on.

[MELLO*SOS]

Wow your glove box looks great, good job on that. I can't believe how close the color match is to your dash

What is the issue with the wire harness above the fenderliners interfering with coilovers? I have a set of KSports on the way but I was unaware of any issues with coilovers and the wiring harness.... If you could elaborate please :)

[uno]

I will hopefully be putting in my nismo motor & tranny mounts and my tein tie rods, weather permitting.

[S13 Charlie]

Ugh!

You just reminded me that I also have to pull my dash apart to see if I can fix my digital speedo / HUD. I think the connector is just loose, because I'll have the Digital read-out for a few minutes after startup, then bye-bye.

Since you've taken the dash out, any idea how long does it take to get to the gauge cluster? I've been putting it off because it looks like a pain. :rant:

[RSP13-Sideways]

Yayyyyy I get to rip my dash apart this weekend as well to do a clean JDM power folding mirror install.

and after that I get to yank out my stock KA, in place of the SR20DET I have sitting in the garage. WONDERFUL! :eek3d: :naughtyd:

[ThatGuy]

Wiring Harness Issue: When car is slammed and aggresively driven, tires tend to wear through the fender liners and rub through the harnesses directly above them.

As for getting to the cluster: Drop the lower dash piece on the drivers side, remove the steering coloumn surround pieces, then remove the bezel around the gauges, there are three screws that hold the cluster in, pull those out, disconnect the plugs on the the back, and viola! Shouldn't take but 30-45 mins at the most. Phillips screwdriver will be your best friend.

*EDIT* You may want to drop the steering column as well to assist with removing the bezel without cracking it. It's just 2 12mm bolts under the dash. That helped me alot. :bow:

[weirdstyles.net]

Clean looking dash Guy, hate to see it ripped out again.

This weekend... hmmmm. Im driving eight hours to Viriginia play dress up for a wedding rehersal. Pass out due to exhuastion. Wake up to wear a Tux ONE time, which cost me $145 and give some speech about how marrige rox0rz and the likes.... Then Ill get tanked up, flirt with some hussies and black out. Drive home the next morning and crash for the remainder of my Sunday.

God damn this wedding, costin me money, time away from work (more money), miles on my box and a weekend with out the 240. g'damn I didnt think someone ELSE'S marrige was gonna ruin mylife, only my own!

[ThatGuy]

Thanks for the compliment Weirdstyles, but the dash HAS to be pulled one way or another. Either a HUD dash is going in it's place, or I at least have to pull it out to swap the VIN's.

[rancid240]

tru wheel (hollywood) took apart the wheel, cehcked for bends and redid everything, they refinish everything to make it a brand new wheel, . repolish everything and re powdercoat ur wheel, its about 110 bux a wheel.

From http://www.zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?t=64797

I think you paid WAY too much, unless the wheels were really bent that badly. I saw that FS thread for those ssrs, and they didnt mention them being bent. About the lip being anodized, I think that is BS. When I think anodized I think of a wheel like a Advan SA3R, not a polished lip on an SSR wheel.

[weirdstyles.net]

Thanks for the compliment Weirdstyles, but the dash HAS to be pulled one way or another. Either a HUD dash is going in it's place, or I at least have to pull it out to swap the VIN's.

Aint that a kick in the pants? Its like when I droped the sohc in my fb. Thought afterward... wow Im an ass, I really should have cleaned it up and threw a new head gasket on. Luckily I never had an issue with it, but its the thought.

Im gonna be pulling the dash and resurfacing it through my project, but right now I have to figure what to get on the project first; Chargespeed aero goodies or the CA18. I figure body work should be done and complete, put all the panels on and line them up, then pull the front end off again and install the motor and go fast goodies.

[MELLO*SOS]

From http://www.zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?t=64797

I think you paid WAY too much, unless the wheels were really bent that badly. I saw that FS thread for those ssrs, and they didnt mention them being bent. About the lip being anodized, I think that is BS. When I think anodized I think of a wheel like a Advan SA3R, not a polished lip on an SSR wheel.

The guy at Pico Wheel spun each wheel and graded them A, A, B and C. The B & C wheels needed straightening, with the C wheel having this dent in it:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/mello88/DSC04751.jpg

Here's an example of what they looked like before going in:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/mello88/DSC04749.jpg

Like I said above they charged labor on each wheel to disassemble them, beadblast, primer & enamel the centers & reassemble. Also they are fixing the minor nicks on the outside lip. I don't know what was done for the other guy, but if his wheels didn't need straightening then it would be a lot cheaper...

The guy (Garry, owner) seemed to know what he was talking about when he spoke of the anodized lip. I always thought they were just poished myself but he seemed pretty certain that it would need to be stripped, polished & reanodized to make it look right. I guess we'll see how they turn out...

Thanks for the heads up about that other shop in Hollywood, it looks like they do nice work. This shop (Pico Wheel) was suggested to me by Takumi Project (http://www.takumiproject.com), so I figured if they can trust this guy to get their wheels cleaned up then he'll probably work for me too.

As of tonight, I have a stock altima wheel that needs fixing... My GF pwned a cinder block that was in her way on the road.

[driftyour40]

This sux all of you guys get to work on your cars, and I don't, oh well. I got to get more parts for my car soon. If I don't get spend some money on my car soon I'm gonna die. (Sooooo broke)

-thatguy, dude you glove box came out trick. Thats bad ass man, good job.

Hope you guys all had good installs this weekend.

[rancid240]

BTW buy some PB blaster.
It will become your best friend in 5 minutes.

[007jpang]

foaming the chasis of the s13

[ThatGuy]

Well, pulled the dash back out to install the proper VIN plate, today. Only took about 45mins-1 hour this time. While I had the dash out, decided I'd pull the old "Ghetto Sleepy Eye Mod". I feel slightly ricey. :rofl:
http://img58.exs.cx/img58/2980/Naked.jpg
Ghetto-ness. :D
http://img58.exs.cx/img58/6844/Switch.jpg
Ricey or Sexy? I like it, personally. Someday I'll get a Pivot Controller and do it up right.
http://img58.exs.cx/img58/6744/Sleepy1.jpg

[MELLO*SOS]

With that ghetto mod, how do you make the lights flip up 100%? What exactly doese the brown wire do?

Rancid240, PB Blaster == liquid wrench? For the cat bolts? I'm lost

[MELLO*SOS]

Oh yeah, I got my wheels back today!

The centers look fantastic. Despite the fact it's paint, Garry assured me I won't have any problems with peeling or flaking (I intend to keep him on that). He used some jargon about the expensive self etching epoxy primer and the buzzword-hardened enamel... That the only issue will be chips from rocks and stuff (doh).

They didn't do much to clean the lips, they still have little nicks. I don't want to put any more money into these wheels, so they are going to stay that way. At least they are all true and balanced :).

I picked up a set of used Yokohamas for the rears and got the wheels installed today. They look alright, but with the stock suspension the car look like it's 4wd! Can't WAIT to get the coilovers installed... Can't WAIT to get them in the mail, for that matter. Minor rub on passenger side on hard right turns...

As far as the offset goes (+26 front/rear), they seem to be very flush with 225/50s. They stick out maybe .25" or so in the front and back, but the fronts look pretty wide on there, I hope the suspension and a little neg camber up front cleans the look a little bit.

While the quality is great, it's probably not worth the $370 I paid. Live & learn. I'll post some pictures later on tonight or after this weekend :hs:

[rancid240]

Most of the bolts can be helped with pb blaster. Just get something like that to help it will save you time and knuckles.

Your wheels will tuck in when you put your coilovers on, from the extra camber from lowering.

[MELLO*SOS]

Rancid240, yeah Don from PDM told me to hit the cat bolts with wd40 (or similar) a day or so before I try to pull the cat to help loosen the bolts. I've never seen "PB blaster" though :)

Regarding the wheels, I now get rubbing during (near) full lock turns. Short of installing thinner tires, is there anything I can/should do to help stop or combat this? I can imagine in a few months time my fenderliners will be totally shot, and lowering the car sure as hell isn't going to help any.

Also noticed today at lunch the car has more oversteer than with the 195s/15s! I would have thought the oppsite, considerng how much more grip (front and REAR) that I now have... I hope the suspension mods this weekend help balance things out! :)

[rancid240]

Yah, I have the same set up 16x8 +26, but I am on PROF springs, so not as low as coilovers. My tires are 205/55. I have been rubbing always on full lock, but how often are you there? My fender liners still look fine. You can get PB blaster at any place like Kragen etc.

[ThatGuy]

With that ghetto mod, how do you make the lights flip up 100%? What exactly doese the brown wire do?

Lights still open 100% when headlights are turned on. Switch is just used to stop the lights at the desired height you choose. If I had to guess at the brown wires true function, I would say it is a probably a power constant of some kind. With it disconnected the power only flows to the motors when the switch is depressed. The switch has two positions, pushed in or popped out. With the switch in one position power flows to the motors and they function normally. When changed to the other position the power is stopped and the motors stop wherever they are currently positioned. Turning the headlights on overrides this.

Hope that helps. I can't wait to start my 5-speed swap next. :coold:

[S13 Charlie]

Well, now that the weekend is winding down, I thought I'd give an update on my weekend installs...

I got the kyb agx's and eibach prokit springs in, and it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. It was more time-consuming than anything else. The only part that sucked was the lower nuts holding the rear shocks on. Eek, I had to come back and attack them on Sunday, but with a breaker bar, and an extra pipe (the cylinder/housing off an old keg tap!) I finally got them. Beer to the rescue again! I haven't gotten a chance to fully test them, but judgin from how shot the old shocks were, I think these will be a much welcome improvement.

Hope everyone else got all their parts installed easily! I still have more projects (and so little time). Next is the braided clutch line and a Nardi steering wheel that I'm recovering in Suede.

Cheers,
C

[MELLO*SOS]

I finally got everything on, it took almost 7 hours to install the sway bars, front power brace and cat. The front of the car is not exactly square, so nothing lined up how it was supposed to. Plus I was missing bolts so we had to go to the store. I was putting the last 2 bolts in the cat when it started to pour rain :)

The car drifts (and generally drives) much better now! We went for a nice drift in the Canyons on Sunday, so here is a picture of my car (which desperately needs coilovers):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/mello88/DSC04798_yellow.jpg

And just a cool looking shot of the ocean... The air was very clear, musta been from the wind.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/mello88/DSC04797.jpg

Hope everyone else got their parts installed!