Mondo 300

Morning all, My Trader fees are now due and I've decided that I won't be renewing this time. The main reason is that I'm literally too busy to log into forums most of the time and that's starting to affect my response times to queries, which I'm not happy about. I've always prided myself on replying to people quickly, but that's starting to slip now as I seem to be almost permanently at work. Hide N Seat is (currently) a one man band so it's not even as if I can delegate PMs and emails to someone else. So a step back from forums generally is the obvious solution, for me at least - that way, I only have a couple of communication lines to watch. Since I joined this forum, I've met some great people and worked on some superb cars. I've had a hand in at least one award-winning interior (thanks, Mudman) and seen lots of happy faces when customers have collected their motors and seen the transformations in real life. I love that, I really do! There are a couple of people who are booked in for work and this decision doesn't affect that whatsoever. I'm not ceasing trading full stop, or anything like that; I simply won't be actively advertising on here from now on. Should anyone need to contact me regarding work they're booked in for, the Facebook page, website and email links all remain very active. I may stay on board as a regular member, but I haven't decided yet. So I guess that's me done then. It's been a pleasure and thank you again to everyone who's made my time on here as pleasurable and successful as it has been! Cheers, Si.

My rule of thumb is to remove the four bolts before pulling the battery. Once they're removed, position the seat back in the centre of the runner travel and then disconnect the battery earth lead. Wait 15 minutes, then tilt the seats backwards and disconnect the relevant clips and plugs. In the very best Haynes manual tradition, refitting is the reverse of removal!

To the best of my knowledge, whilst there are a few variations of seat available across the 350Z range, they all mount exactly the same way.

Welcome back. Is this place not still called 350z-uk.com? It is according to my address bar....

Installing aftermarket heaters into seats isn't a difficult job. Someone doing it would have to Frankenstein the wiring though; either changing the ends of the loom in the car to suit the new heater pad connections, or vice versa.

From the factory, the heater elements are sewn into the seat covers. You'd have to ruin your original covers to remove the heater pads.

There's a question! I believe they have a similar deal to the Speed and SR seats, whereby you could have a "Cross" designation that gives you a different base. On the Cross Speeds, the base has shallower bolsters and an extending front squab. On the CS Cross, I think the bolsters are smaller and that's the only difference. But I honestly don't know enough about the CS range to say whether the bolt pattern for mounting the seats to a subframe is the same as earlier seats like the SR or Trendline.

There's usually a pair or two on eBay for between £600 and £800 - out of a Corsa VXR, I think. I keep debating a set for my Z32 but keep deciding to stick with the Speeds as they're period-correct.

There's nothing I can add that hasn't already been said, but condolences to you and yours (and his wife and unborn child) for the sad and tragic loss.

Really sorry to read this, Celia. Lost my mum in 1994 so I know where you're at right now.

I'd love to be able to buy a 240Zand restore it. Absolutely beautiful cars! And this one is looking like no exception!

I've known Lexx for a few years now and he is, without a doubt, one of the most genuine guys I've known in my life. He's done a sterling job here and is to be commended. And yeah, his ability to impregnate with twins on both times of asking is truly remarkable!

Any seats by a decent manufacturer (Recaro, Bride, Sparco, etc) are selling for decent money these days. The "classic" Recaros especially. I was looking for a more modern pair to replace my Speeds with, but some of the prices are crackers!

This seems to have caused a fair bit of controversy, which certainly wasn't the intention. Regarding my posting pictures of any work I'm doing; that's what I keep Facebook for. I seem to be the only person who has the following point of view, but I personally feel that a vehicle-specific forum (such as this one) should only have pictures and topics posted in my Trader area of that specific vehicle. Yes, I know that other Traders post whatever they're up to, but that simply doesn't make sense to me personally. Just one of those things, I guess. I'll take on board what's been said here. Thanks to the people who've commented.

This all seems to answer my question, really. I can't especially promote my work if I'm not actively working on either a 350Z or 370Z, unless I post loads of threads about cars that members potentially have zero interest in. As I said, it was a question I wanted to ask and I don't regret asking it. Nor do I expect to regret it in the future. Thanks for the input, everyone. Much appreciated.

That's fair enough. I wanted opinions. I suppose I could stop being a paid trader and just be a member as enough people on here are familiar with the work I produce that any queries for retrims would likely end up directed to my website anyway. That wouldn't be contravening any rules on here and would also save me money too. Maybe my wording was off a little, but I still think it's a bit poor that someone who contributes to the running and upkeep of this forum is far more often than not bypassed for an "outsider."

I've been wondering this for a while and now seems a good time to raise the query: should the forum membership be promoting paying Traders on here before outside traders? I ask because, whenever someone enquires about having a steering wheel retrimmed, everyone responds by recommending Jack Royal. That's fair enough if they want something that's a bizarre shape but, for a "straight" retrim, shouldn't I get a shot...? I pay my dues to be a Trader on here and, without meaning to sound petulant, I think that should entitle me to the first bite of the cherry. Unless they want the wheel reprofiling - he can keep those jobs! Any thoughts, guys?

It doesn't impair the performance at all, Lexx - if the plastic of the cover doesn't stop it, then a thin covering of leather won't either. I actually have a spare 350Z wheel in the workshop so yes, I can offer an exchange basis. As I said, whilst Jack Royal and his team may do a sterling job, they aren't paying Traders on here so if someone wants something that doesn't involve reprofiling, shouldn't the general membership on here be sending people my way first...?

If you just want the standard wheel retrimming to your preferred spec (without all the reshaping that some go in for), then send it to me. As a paid up Trader on here, I should really be the first recommendation anyway...

Unless genuine Alcantara is used, you'll almost be able to watch the colour bleed out. The genuine stuff is specifically designed for automotive use and, as such, it has UV protection. The cheap replica stuff doesn't. As ever, you get what you pay for.

That's a lot cheaper than I thought it'd be. Most bits are for pre-facelift Zeds though (they are incorrectly labelled as 02-09). Good luck fitting those and getting a professional finish!

These are now SOLD!

For a really good result, the ends need to be made of separate pieces to the main body. You're likely to get wrinkles otherwise. You'll also need to strip the original vinyl covering off the doorcard without damaging the foam layer underneath!

I bought these as part of my brake upgrade but, having upgraded again, they don't fit the new Evo calipers. These were purchased on November 10th last year and the car has covered less than 200 miles since then. These are HEL's specific hoses for the 350Z with Brembo calipers. Looking for £28 including UK mainland delivery.

This. All of this. If she wants out then the best thing you can do is give her what she wants. She can pick up the pieces with her son and explain to him why you're no longer around. Your priority is yourself and, as has been said, it'll never be easy seeing her while you have feelings for her. Good luck!