150,000 mile makeover
07-22-2012, 02:01 PM
#1
150,000 mile makeover
Last week my VG hit 150,000 miles, unfortunately I was 7 miles from a camera (I didnt even notice when it hit 150 exactly I was spacing off lol)
Ive been getting parts, more specifically wheels and tires and I was hoping to have them on last weekend, however I didnt get them mounted and installed til yesterday. I also washed it and am almost done getting the interior worthy of pictures. Im going to tint it and put some black VE leather in up front, also a nice new-ish seat cover in the rear..hopefully before it hits 151,000.
Heres some pics, these are the 02-04 Infiniti I35 sport 17x7s; the same wheels mrKanda had on his (also) digidash GXE. btw its rocking an R UK corner and an L NZ corner
The interior was originally all burgandy and might end up being more impreive than the outside; within a week or two Ill have some pictures of that posted in this thread..
Ive been getting parts, more specifically wheels and tires and I was hoping to have them on last weekend, however I didnt get them mounted and installed til yesterday. I also washed it and am almost done getting the interior worthy of pictures. Im going to tint it and put some black VE leather in up front, also a nice new-ish seat cover in the rear..hopefully before it hits 151,000.
Heres some pics, these are the 02-04 Infiniti I35 sport 17x7s; the same wheels mrKanda had on his (also) digidash GXE. btw its rocking an R UK corner and an L NZ corner
The interior was originally all burgandy and might end up being more impreive than the outside; within a week or two Ill have some pictures of that posted in this thread..
Last edited by DMad8724; 07-22-2012 at 02:05 PM.
07-23-2012, 06:14 PM
#4
I dont think it neccessarily NEEDS a drop, but I know why you suggest it. However as far as I know its still all original sonar suspension and with 150,000 miles and 4 new tires this car rides like a dream, tho I am under the impression the control unit for the suspension isnt working lol
The power antenna has been sheared/bent off and thats how its looked ever since I got the car...I bought a new Mast but im thinking im going to need another power antenna assembly..
The trunk lid is also misaligned if anyone didnt notice. I believe a previous owner shut the trunk when it was way too full as there is paint missing on both trunk hinges and one of the torsion brackets is tweaked..
Both of these things are the to-do list of course, as well as getting the keypads working again. I did replace the entire sunroof assembly and added the deflector
The power antenna has been sheared/bent off and thats how its looked ever since I got the car...I bought a new Mast but im thinking im going to need another power antenna assembly..
The trunk lid is also misaligned if anyone didnt notice. I believe a previous owner shut the trunk when it was way too full as there is paint missing on both trunk hinges and one of the torsion brackets is tweaked..
Both of these things are the to-do list of course, as well as getting the keypads working again. I did replace the entire sunroof assembly and added the deflector
07-23-2012, 10:07 PM
#5
Looks clean and rust free for a midwest car. With all those pretend VE parts, you should just step up to a VE. haha
I agree with James that you need some Eibachs or something, too. It's a little tall looking.
I agree with James that you need some Eibachs or something, too. It's a little tall looking.
07-23-2012, 10:33 PM
#6
I dont think it neccessarily NEEDS a drop, but I know why you suggest it. However as far as I know its still all original sonar suspension and with 150,000 miles and 4 new tires this car rides like a dream, tho I am under the impression the control unit for the suspension isnt working lol
The power antenna has been sheared/bent off and thats how its looked ever since I got the car...I bought a new Mast but im thinking im going to need another power antenna assembly..
The trunk lid is also misaligned if anyone didnt notice. I believe a previous owner shut the trunk when it was way too full as there is paint missing on both trunk hinges and one of the torsion brackets is tweaked..
Both of these things are the to-do list of course, as well as getting the keypads working again. I did replace the entire sunroof assembly and added the deflector
The power antenna has been sheared/bent off and thats how its looked ever since I got the car...I bought a new Mast but im thinking im going to need another power antenna assembly..
The trunk lid is also misaligned if anyone didnt notice. I believe a previous owner shut the trunk when it was way too full as there is paint missing on both trunk hinges and one of the torsion brackets is tweaked..
Both of these things are the to-do list of course, as well as getting the keypads working again. I did replace the entire sunroof assembly and added the deflector
07-23-2012, 10:37 PM
#7
I already tried that with him. lol He seems to rather obtain another VE 3rd gen down the road then swap this one. Right now he just wants to enjoy this one.
07-24-2012, 04:44 PM
#8
for the record Ive owned 2 VEs and this is my 2nd VG lol, btw not a midwest car...this is originally a california car
Id consider lowering it but id rather not mess with the sonar suspension since it rides damn nice the way it is..
Id consider lowering it but id rather not mess with the sonar suspension since it rides damn nice the way it is..
07-25-2012, 07:41 AM
#12
Thanks for the comments, when I saw mrKanda post pictures of his I had to have! And I am a 5spoke guy never thought the 6spoke could look so good
Maximo018- the deflector came from one of my many junkyard trips. I believe I have another one. I can check for you.
and btw when I get my other VE, I dont plan on swapping. I will own both which will make for some nice photoshoots
Maximo018- the deflector came from one of my many junkyard trips. I believe I have another one. I can check for you.
and btw when I get my other VE, I dont plan on swapping. I will own both which will make for some nice photoshoots
07-25-2012, 09:47 PM
#13
Thanks for the comments, when I saw mrKanda post pictures of his I had to have! And I am a 5spoke guy never thought the 6spoke could look so good
Maximo018- the deflector came from one of my many junkyard trips. I believe I have another one. I can check for you.
and btw when I get my other VE, I dont plan on swapping. I will own both which will make for some nice photoshoots
Maximo018- the deflector came from one of my many junkyard trips. I believe I have another one. I can check for you.
and btw when I get my other VE, I dont plan on swapping. I will own both which will make for some nice photoshoots
I am interested in the deflector if you still have a spare.
07-27-2012, 03:47 AM
#16
they look identical but when i put them in the trunk wouldnt hold itself up
although they did help,removed them again swapped them around and it holds itself up....! they are also under pressure so dont break you finger !
its been a while but i think i used a crowbar or my bent forked prybar
i think there is a trick to it but my friend in autobody didnt know
if anyone knows please share
Last edited by maximagician; 07-27-2012 at 03:50 AM.
08-02-2012, 10:42 PM
#17
Taking my Maxima to the Max!
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Alachua, FL 32615
Posts: 1,096
Glad to see another Digidash Max still on the road, especially one that clean and with those wheels! They are definitely the best stockers I've seen on the 3rd gen IMHO. I also have a set of G35 Coupe 7-spoke 18's that I'm looking to try when I buy back my old 3rd gen within the next month or two. For now I have the I35 rims on my '92 Toyota Previa Minivan. It actually looks pretty cool! I hope to be back soon to showcase my Max again too. Till then... :-)
08-05-2012, 09:44 AM
#18
I was hoping youd chime in Mrkanda...I like these 6spokes so much Im thinking about finding some of the 5th gen 17s (ae or otherwise) as well..
Well I tried to take some pictures of the interior but my camera died halfway through...im charging it now so ill have some more in a little bit..
This interior was originally all burgandy, burgandy everything, burgandy pillars with a tan headliner/sunvisors. It seems the original owner had the burgandy leather removed in favor of black cloth. So when I got the car...even though the interior was in pretty good shape, minus the upper dash, the seats looked blue and the burgandy stuff that faded looked purple. It was hideous. Ive done my best to make this look nice without breaking my back or my wallet. Ive replaced the sunroof assembly and used grey pillars pieces instead of the tan. The front door panels and dash are black while everything else is still burgandy(still need to replace center console/lower dash). I swapped in a black rear deck because the burgandy one looked horrible. I found some NOS 89 burgandy maxima mats on ebay and ive been using them for a couple of weeks now. Also a custom burgandy seat cover you may have seen before as I got it from an .org member. Threw one of my leather seats in up front and heres how she looks..
the interior weatherstripping or whatever is still burgandy and I think it looks pretty good against the grey pillar pieces
Well I tried to take some pictures of the interior but my camera died halfway through...im charging it now so ill have some more in a little bit..
This interior was originally all burgandy, burgandy everything, burgandy pillars with a tan headliner/sunvisors. It seems the original owner had the burgandy leather removed in favor of black cloth. So when I got the car...even though the interior was in pretty good shape, minus the upper dash, the seats looked blue and the burgandy stuff that faded looked purple. It was hideous. Ive done my best to make this look nice without breaking my back or my wallet. Ive replaced the sunroof assembly and used grey pillars pieces instead of the tan. The front door panels and dash are black while everything else is still burgandy(still need to replace center console/lower dash). I swapped in a black rear deck because the burgandy one looked horrible. I found some NOS 89 burgandy maxima mats on ebay and ive been using them for a couple of weeks now. Also a custom burgandy seat cover you may have seen before as I got it from an .org member. Threw one of my leather seats in up front and heres how she looks..
the interior weatherstripping or whatever is still burgandy and I think it looks pretty good against the grey pillar pieces
08-05-2012, 10:12 AM
#19
I really like these old style mirrors. I think I can say I prefer them to the new style mirrors. I wanted some power folding ones so I browsed the internet until I found something that looked identical (88-90 cefiro) and bought them; However I am not having as much luck as grnmxdmon. I have to use the cefiro housing (for the mounting tabs) which is fine because its the same shape, but I cant seem to get the mirror base off (what determine LHD or RHD) its not the same simple unscrew at the arm its like all one piece. I may be able to break the internal down and remove some locking nut or something and get it all apart but it seems almost above me at this point. Im going to have my dad look at it lol. Its a lot similar to the 300zx PFM install if youve ever seen that write-up. What you see here is the mirrors mounted with the original RHD cefiro mount. Obviously cant rock this lol.
08-05-2012, 10:34 PM
#23
im trying to make power folding old style mirrors so that s13 stuff wont work
Why is everyone so persistent about the drop?
Should I really drop $1000 on springs and struts when theres nothing wrong with the sonar suspension the car has? and for what an INCH???
08-08-2012, 12:05 PM
#25
Taking my Maxima to the Max!
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Alachua, FL 32615
Posts: 1,096
Cool Man! I like the folding mirror idea. I actually was going to do the same thing with some R32 JDm folding mirrors. They look like the 92-94 mirrors. I still have them for when I get my Max back.
As for the drop, I also had the Sonar Suspension, but it wasn't working and so I replaced it with Eibach Pro Kit Springs and Koni Adjustable Red struts. The drop does look good.
As for the drop, I also had the Sonar Suspension, but it wasn't working and so I replaced it with Eibach Pro Kit Springs and Koni Adjustable Red struts. The drop does look good.
08-09-2012, 03:12 AM
#26
Are you using the DD and ACC units I refurbed? If so, how many miles or hours have you put on them since? Looks like it's coming along nice, I see where that custom embroidered seat back went from the classifieds a couple years back. I never knew there was a compartment version of the arm rest..
08-09-2012, 04:08 PM
#29
Hectic yes both the dash and the acc unit are your refurbs...Ive got 151k on the dash now cant remember what you sent it back to me with, maybe youd know. Ive only had the ACC unit in for 2000 miles or so. Every once in a while I get some orange horizontal lines through that screen whether its on or off, However its only once in a while and I havnt had it happen in some time. Ive never had a problem with the dash/hud.
The armrest came with the seat cover. It is from a Q45. However Its not a "direct" replacement like the seller said, I cant get it even close to working. Neither him nor I am sure why I am having trouble. I havnt looked at it very hard.
The armrest came with the seat cover. It is from a Q45. However Its not a "direct" replacement like the seller said, I cant get it even close to working. Neither him nor I am sure why I am having trouble. I havnt looked at it very hard.
08-10-2012, 03:42 PM
#32
Cool Man! I like the folding mirror idea. I actually was going to do the same thing with some R32 JDm folding mirrors. They look like the 92-94 mirrors. I still have them for when I get my Max back.
As for the drop, I also had the Sonar Suspension, but it wasn't working and so I replaced it with Eibach Pro Kit Springs and Koni Adjustable Red struts. The drop does look good.
As for the drop, I also had the Sonar Suspension, but it wasn't working and so I replaced it with Eibach Pro Kit Springs and Koni Adjustable Red struts. The drop does look good.
08-10-2012, 07:14 PM
#33
Turns out that "S" "N" and "F" on the suspension switch stands for 'soft' 'normal' and 'firm'. Apparently they are supposed to light up depending on driving conditions (braking and steering) similar to the 'P' on the auto switch when you punch the gas. It also has a self diagnostic based off of those lights. However I tried running it and got no response. FSM says "replace control unit" Would you be willing to look at my 'sonar suspension control unit' in hopes you could get it working again? Just curious.
Ill be swapping in the lower dash tomorrow with a black one. Once I have a black center console ill have everything I need as far as panels. May swap all the seatbelts to black as the burgandy ones are pretty faded. I already have a black belt for the back passenger and it looks good against the new seat cover. I think I could go black on the rear doors and get away with it. To be honest it was hard to drive the car when it was all burgandy. Seriously hard on the eyes. I never took my eyes off the road because there was just too much burgandy elsewhere. The black dash is a lot easier on the eyes. Also looks better with all the green digital displays.
If anyone has/finds a black digidash steering wheel please let me know/get it. I cant swap out the wheel on this car with anything but a digidash steering wheel so im stuck with this burgandy one. Ill take the wheel off and compare maybe im wrong..
08-11-2012, 05:50 PM
#34
If it is the "Star Trek" steering wheel, I think those can be replaced with a different 3rd gen one or a 240sx/300zx wheel. I have the latter in mine. My car was originally a non-airbag VE and the leather was torn up. It took me a while to find one with the CC controls in it, though.
08-11-2012, 06:15 PM
#35
It is the 'star trek' wheel, However it has a steering wheel sensor molded into the back of it, also several wires...its a completely different setup. I can swap with another SE wheel s13 similar but I wouldnt even be able to hook up the horn/cc without a lot of modification. Seems my best way to go would be to hollow out enough room on the back of an SE wheel and trying to get it all to fit. Someone posted some pics in the newb thread..
all has to do with the speed sensitive steering, and if it wasnt such a nice feature id go without
all has to do with the speed sensitive steering, and if it wasnt such a nice feature id go without
Last edited by DMad8724; 08-11-2012 at 06:21 PM.
08-11-2012, 11:00 PM
#36
08-12-2012, 07:11 AM
#37
maximo - those pictures are of a RHD JDM model, they also got the sonar suspension/speed sensitive steering option. there are PRND21 indicators in the gauge cluster. the power/comfort switch is the same but it says "power/hold". The sonar suspension switch also has different text and says "DUET SS". This car most likely had power folding mirrors (old style) This guy is an .org member I believe his name is ramlee
I think I figured this armrest out. I asked the seller if he made any modifications to get it to fit and he couldnt remember doing any. After looking at the pictures he sent me before I bought it I could see he had unbolted the armrest hinges and lowered them into the next set of holes (only using the top 2 of 4 studs on the hinges). Now the armrest is a lot closer to fitting; still not perfect. However after looking at his pictures again it seems he probably drilled 2 holes lower than that and thats how he got it to fit. In these picture the armrest is smashed against the seatbelt buckles pretty well but not enough to keep it from swinging up and down.
I think I figured this armrest out. I asked the seller if he made any modifications to get it to fit and he couldnt remember doing any. After looking at the pictures he sent me before I bought it I could see he had unbolted the armrest hinges and lowered them into the next set of holes (only using the top 2 of 4 studs on the hinges). Now the armrest is a lot closer to fitting; still not perfect. However after looking at his pictures again it seems he probably drilled 2 holes lower than that and thats how he got it to fit. In these picture the armrest is smashed against the seatbelt buckles pretty well but not enough to keep it from swinging up and down.
Last edited by DMad8724; 08-12-2012 at 07:47 AM.
08-12-2012, 03:05 PM
#38
that would be the JY cluster you refurbed for me, that had 318k right? The dash in this car is original to the car and it had 14x,xxx when I got it back from you, it has seen a couple of thousand miles at least. Couldnt be happier with it.
Turns out that "S" "N" and "F" on the suspension switch stands for 'soft' 'normal' and 'firm'. Apparently they are supposed to light up depending on driving conditions (braking and steering) similar to the 'P' on the auto switch when you punch the gas. It also has a self diagnostic based off of those lights. However I tried running it and got no response. FSM says "replace control unit" Would you be willing to look at my 'sonar suspension control unit' in hopes you could get it working again? Just curious.
Turns out that "S" "N" and "F" on the suspension switch stands for 'soft' 'normal' and 'firm'. Apparently they are supposed to light up depending on driving conditions (braking and steering) similar to the 'P' on the auto switch when you punch the gas. It also has a self diagnostic based off of those lights. However I tried running it and got no response. FSM says "replace control unit" Would you be willing to look at my 'sonar suspension control unit' in hopes you could get it working again? Just curious.
I don't have the means to test your SS control unit either in car or on a bench so I couldn't even probe it to diagnose anything, so really all I could do is inspect it visually. If my car had SS, I would give it a shot. Your best bet would be to try a replacement unit, if I ever see one I'll grab it.
08-13-2012, 10:57 AM
#39
Originally Posted by DMad8724
maximo - those pictures are of a RHD JDM model, they also got the sonar suspension/speed sensitive steering option. there are PRND21 indicators in the gauge cluster. the power/comfort switch is the same but it says "power/hold". The sonar suspension switch also has different text and says "DUET SS". This car most likely had power folding mirrors (old style) This guy is an .org member I believe his name is ramlee
I think I figured this armrest out. I asked the seller if he made any modifications to get it to fit and he couldnt remember doing any. After looking at the pictures he sent me before I bought it I could see he had unbolted the armrest hinges and lowered them into the next set of holes (only using the top 2 of 4 studs on the hinges). Now the armrest is a lot closer to fitting; still not perfect. However after looking at his pictures again it seems he probably drilled 2 holes lower than that and thats how he got it to fit. In these picture the armrest is smashed against the seatbelt buckles pretty well but not enough to keep it from swinging up and down.
I think I figured this armrest out. I asked the seller if he made any modifications to get it to fit and he couldnt remember doing any. After looking at the pictures he sent me before I bought it I could see he had unbolted the armrest hinges and lowered them into the next set of holes (only using the top 2 of 4 studs on the hinges). Now the armrest is a lot closer to fitting; still not perfect. However after looking at his pictures again it seems he probably drilled 2 holes lower than that and thats how he got it to fit. In these picture the armrest is smashed against the seatbelt buckles pretty well but not enough to keep it from swinging up and down.
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