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New 350 roadster owner from SE Kent


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Just picked up my 'new' 350 roadster this afternoon, 2006 gunmetal with orange interior and although higher mileage than ideal it runs nicely (I suspect the exhaust may be on its last legs although never owned a Zed before perhaps I just need to get used to the noise ;)

 

I am looking to tidy it up as much as possible even though it is in very good condition there are a few niggles so it's booked in for the front bumper to be resprayed due to the usual 8 years of stone chips and scuffs etc. the gear knob is very tired so a new one is winging its way from the US as couldn't find an orange one anywhere 'local' it's also going to have the side light bulbs replaced and the indicators to silver as that is a pet hate of mine.

 

Must admit I have been shocked by how many looks I have had since driving home today and the guy at the body shop asked if they could hang on to it for a few weeks to 'test drive' it!!

 

Hope over time I can contribute something to the forums but for a while I suspect I will be asking more than I am able to give!

 

In that vein I do have one issue which is the interior handles (where the switches are) are very scruffy (paint all chipped off) but I don't seem to be able to find anywhere that sells replacements so any advice pointers much appreciated.

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Welcome aboard. :welcome:

 

I'd check the exhaust especially at the rear where the pipes meet the back box as it could be blowing from there. Mine was when I got it and I believe it's commonly where they first go.

 

As for the interior door pulls/switch housings then that too is common. Some people plasti-dip, some respray, some wrap and others like me have them hydro dipped (water transfer printing) which imo is the best option although the most expensive option.

Companies like this one; http://www.aquagraphix.co.uk/ , can hydro dip any parts you want in any colour/pattern. Typically you will be looking at £50-£70 to have the interior door pulls dipped in say a carbon fibre pattern. :thumbs:

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Thanks all, GMb thanks for the info/link out of interest how easy/hard is to remove the handle/housing (especially for a complete numpty when it comes to DIY/mechanical stuff)?

 

Re the exhaust I am a bit confused over whether to replace/repair especially as this appears to be the original exhaust (85k miles) any advice appreciated, I don't mind spending a few pounds to get everything sorted up front as I plan to make this a keeper!

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Thanks all, GMb thanks for the info/link out of interest how easy/hard is to remove the handle/housing (especially for a complete numpty when it comes to DIY/mechanical stuff)?

 

Re the exhaust I am a bit confused over whether to replace/repair especially as this appears to be the original exhaust (85k miles) any advice appreciated, I don't mind spending a few pounds to get everything sorted up front as I plan to make this a keeper!

When my original exhaust went on mine I decided to upgrade and replace with a stainless steel item that will last the test of time. Lots of options available for the Zed depending on your budget and what sound/look you'd like to achieve.

 

Two traders on here I'd recommend for the exhaust are Mitz at the Cougar Store; http://cougarstore.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_10&zenid=bcaa60565806895c2c0f2d2ff1b32aee

http://www.350z-uk.com/forum/94-cougar-store/

And Chris at Tarmac Sportz where I got my exhaust: http://www.tarmacsportz.co.uk/products.aspx?CategoryId=32850911-9f8a-43e4-a5fc-24678e254d1d

http://www.350z-uk.com/forum/146-tarmac-sportz/

 

Also worth noting that you could always buy a second hand exhaust for your Zed from here if you find one you like; http://www.350z-uk.com/forum/213-350z-parts-for-sale/

 

Also worth checking for group buys as you can get decent discounts from the traders this way. I bought my exhaust & high flow cats (Invidia Gemini exhaust system & Berks HFC's) from one of Tarmac Sportz group buys last year. Check the specific traders sections for group buys and also here: http://www.350z-uk.com/forum/33-group-buys/

 

Re: Removing the handle/housing is really not too difficult at all. My advice would be to follow parts of this guide (it's for a speaker install but clearly shows you how to remove the handles/door pulls); http://liljerk.morpheus.net/350Z/front_speakers/

Hope that helps. :thumbs:

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You are a star, thanks so much

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

No problem. :D:thumbs:

 

Oh and if you want to hear what some of the exhausts sound like then there are loads on Youtube and a fair few in this thread; http://www.350z-uk.com/topic/60920-tarmac-sportz-customer-exhaust-videos-thread/

 

Tbh though you can only tell so much from the videos as it's hard for them to be a 100% accurate to what it will sound like but it gives you an idea at least. ;)

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the gear knob is very tired so a new one is winging its way from the US as couldn't find an orange one anywhere 'local'

 

The alezan gear knobs seem to wear very quickly. Mine looked like it came off some 100k car when the car had actually only done 20k miles from new! They arnt cheap. I ended up getting a new one from a trader on here at a good price. Think it was about £100. I really should have just got a cheapie alloy one off ebay for a tenner, but i wanted to keep the car original.

 

The exhausts on them tends to start to blow just before the backbox, the pipe there is prone to cracking. You can get them welded, or alternatively an aftermarket system is pretty cheap - something like a scorpian or cobra system.

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the gear knob is very tired so a new one is winging its way from the US as couldn't find an orange one anywhere 'local'

 

The alezan gear knobs seem to wear very quickly. Mine looked like it came off some 100k car when the car had actually only done 20k miles from new! They arnt cheap. I ended up getting a new one from a trader on here at a good price. Think it was about £100. I really should have just got a cheapie alloy one off ebay for a tenner, but i wanted to keep the car original.

 

The exhausts on them tends to start to blow just before the backbox, the pipe there is prone to cracking. You can get them welded, or alternatively an aftermarket system is pretty cheap - something like a scorpian or cobra system.

 

Yep the knob was about £80 but likely to have import duties when it arrives so £100 all in I suspect :(

 

The exhaust has a nice little hole exactly where you mention, the rest is actually in very good condition but I would prefer to change the whole thing than end up constantly needing to get it welded/patched up, a bit of an annoying cost from day 1 but I want to get it properly fixed up so better be prepared to spend a few quid first!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

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