Rochester's new G
03-23-2016, 11:56 AM
#1202
Pyroclastic Flow
iTrader: (12)
I thought it was just me and my oversized non-asian hands (thanks to PG-v36_6MT for that one).
I have a box of band-aids in the garage. This isn't my first DIY rodeo, but I swear Nissan makes things extra sharp just to justify a dealership intervention.
Sean
Last edited by VIVID; 03-27-2016 at 11:10 PM. Reason: Typo
03-23-2016, 04:04 PM
#1203
I'm researching right now how to drain & fill the diff gear oil.
However, I will not be installing the STS myself... for all kinds of reasons, including the same-time install of the Z1 Transmission Mount, but not to dismiss a very irrational (but real) fear of being underneath my car. Oil changes are about as brave as I can be. (Or cowardly, LOL.)
However, I will not be installing the STS myself... for all kinds of reasons, including the same-time install of the Z1 Transmission Mount, but not to dismiss a very irrational (but real) fear of being underneath my car. Oil changes are about as brave as I can be. (Or cowardly, LOL.)
Except the dust boot on the underside. Or maybe it was just me. I cut my hand all up getting that back on. And you need to get the car pretty high so you can fit under what is essentially the center console area. But yeah, it's not bad. A little harder than changing your oil. Most of the work is done inside the car.
03-24-2016, 01:58 PM
#1204
This is so true! I always keep a bottle of hydrogen peroxide and liquid skin/super glue in my garage for such occasions.
I'm researching right now how to drain & fill the diff gear oil.
However, I will not be installing the STS myself... for all kinds of reasons, including the same-time install of the Z1 Transmission Mount, but not to dismiss a very irrational (but real) fear of being underneath my car. Oil changes are about as brave as I can be. (Or cowardly, LOL.)
However, I will not be installing the STS myself... for all kinds of reasons, including the same-time install of the Z1 Transmission Mount, but not to dismiss a very irrational (but real) fear of being underneath my car. Oil changes are about as brave as I can be. (Or cowardly, LOL.)
I can understand this, but trust me, you do get used to it. Every weekend I basically live in the garage under one my cars. I just love being under there... It's one of two places I've found that my wife can't or won't nag me.
Just make sure you have a set of decent/high-quality jack stands... I never get under the car when it is held up by just a jack or ramps. And, of course, I always hope and pray that we don't have a big earth quake while I'm under there. 
03-24-2016, 02:06 PM
#1205
I'm 52 years old, without the necessary tools, experience or facilities conducive to a project like this.
If I had just a nudge into the right direction, like a friend with all the above, then absolutely much of this stuff would be hands-on projects. But that just isn't the situation, so my mechanic will be doing the work.
Thanks for the diff fluid advice, though.
If I had just a nudge into the right direction, like a friend with all the above, then absolutely much of this stuff would be hands-on projects. But that just isn't the situation, so my mechanic will be doing the work.
Thanks for the diff fluid advice, though.
I'm not far behind you! Although I've been working on cars for over 30 years and was lucky enough to learn from my Dad. I agree, it would definitely help if you had someone nearby that could help/assist you with the install and that you could learn from. There's never anything wrong with paying a professional! Wait, that didn't come out right... but you know what I mean.
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Rochester (03-24-2016)
03-30-2016, 02:03 PM
#1206
Administrator
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
Well, wouldn't you know it, that 2mm made all the difference. I couldn't get the rim back on flush to the adapter face because of them. So (long story about to end, LOL), I used 2 of the half-height lugnuts...
...and stripped one of them torquing it down.
It's all my fault, because I used a socket extension that was too long, and should have used a shorty. So I'm just hoping I can get it off next Spring. If I can't, I'll have to go to a shop and have them fix it.
...and stripped one of them torquing it down.
It's all my fault, because I used a socket extension that was too long, and should have used a shorty. So I'm just hoping I can get it off next Spring. If I can't, I'll have to go to a shop and have them fix it.(sigh)
As for that 2mm difference... IDK why I didn't think of this before, but a couple of minutes with the grinding wheel, and problem solved.
Here are the lessons learned: the half-height lug nuts that comes with spacer adapters are crap, and no matter how careful you are with them, they're really only intended for single use. If you plan on removing and re-installing your wheel spacer adapters every year (like my situation), then these are *NOT* the lugnuts to use. If you are using wheels that have sculpted space between the lug-holes, then strongly consider using a cheap, spline-drive lug nut.
Last edited by Rochester; 03-31-2016 at 06:27 AM.
03-31-2016, 01:21 PM
#1209
...which is exactly what I had to do today, four months later. My mechanic just removed the half-height lugnut that I ruined last Fall.
(sigh)
As for that 2mm difference... IDK why I didn't think of this before, but a couple of minutes with the grinding wheel, and problem solved.
Here are the lessons learned: the half-height lug nuts that comes with spacer adapters are crap, and no matter how careful you are with them, they're really only intended for single use. If you plan on removing and re-installing your wheel spacer adapters every year (like my situation), then these are *NOT* the lugnuts to use. If you are using wheels that have sculpted space between the lug-holes, then strongly consider using a cheap, spline-drive lug nut.
(sigh)
As for that 2mm difference... IDK why I didn't think of this before, but a couple of minutes with the grinding wheel, and problem solved.
Here are the lessons learned: the half-height lug nuts that comes with spacer adapters are crap, and no matter how careful you are with them, they're really only intended for single use. If you plan on removing and re-installing your wheel spacer adapters every year (like my situation), then these are *NOT* the lugnuts to use. If you are using wheels that have sculpted space between the lug-holes, then strongly consider using a cheap, spline-drive lug nut.
04-07-2016, 06:38 AM
#1210
Administrator
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
I was reviewing my car records today, wondering how I should feel about the money spent and the value proposition.
Bought the car 4+ years ago for $32K + tax, $10K cash down and a 5 year note on the balance that I still have 9 more payments to go. The car had less than 4K miles when new to me, and has less than 29K miles now. All told, I've spent $15,000 in mods, which includes everything... tires, wheels, repairs, oil, parts, installs, etc. But not things like gas or insurance or monthly payments.
So, $15K in fun money over four years?
Feels about right. IDK if my wife would agree, but still.
Bought the car 4+ years ago for $32K + tax, $10K cash down and a 5 year note on the balance that I still have 9 more payments to go. The car had less than 4K miles when new to me, and has less than 29K miles now. All told, I've spent $15,000 in mods, which includes everything... tires, wheels, repairs, oil, parts, installs, etc. But not things like gas or insurance or monthly payments.
So, $15K in fun money over four years?
Feels about right. IDK if my wife would agree, but still.
Last edited by Rochester; 04-07-2016 at 06:43 AM.
04-07-2016, 08:10 AM
#1211
I was reviewing my car records today, wondering how I should feel about the money spent and the value proposition.
Bought the car 4+ years ago for $32K + tax, $10K cash down and a 5 year note on the balance that I still have 9 more payments to go. The car had less than 4K miles when new to me, and has less than 29K miles now. All told, I've spent $15,000 in mods, which includes everything... tires, wheels, repairs, oil, parts, installs, etc. But not things like gas or insurance or monthly payments.
So, $15K in fun money over four years?
Feels about right. IDK if my wife would agree, but still.
Bought the car 4+ years ago for $32K + tax, $10K cash down and a 5 year note on the balance that I still have 9 more payments to go. The car had less than 4K miles when new to me, and has less than 29K miles now. All told, I've spent $15,000 in mods, which includes everything... tires, wheels, repairs, oil, parts, installs, etc. But not things like gas or insurance or monthly payments.
So, $15K in fun money over four years?
Feels about right. IDK if my wife would agree, but still.
I've only spent $4,100 in fun parts so far.
04-07-2016, 08:22 AM
#1212
Pyroclastic Flow
iTrader: (12)
I was reviewing my car records today, wondering how I should feel about the money spent and the value proposition.
Bought the car 4+ years ago for $32K + tax, $10K cash down and a 5 year note on the balance that I still have 9 more payments to go. The car had less than 4K miles when new to me, and has less than 29K miles now. All told, I've spent $15,000 in mods, which includes everything... tires, wheels, repairs, oil, parts, installs, etc. But not things like gas or insurance or monthly payments.
So, $15K in fun money over four years?
Feels about right. IDK if my wife would agree, but still.
Bought the car 4+ years ago for $32K + tax, $10K cash down and a 5 year note on the balance that I still have 9 more payments to go. The car had less than 4K miles when new to me, and has less than 29K miles now. All told, I've spent $15,000 in mods, which includes everything... tires, wheels, repairs, oil, parts, installs, etc. But not things like gas or insurance or monthly payments.
So, $15K in fun money over four years?
Feels about right. IDK if my wife would agree, but still.
Thanks for that - Sean
04-08-2016, 06:19 PM
#1213
I was reviewing my car records today, wondering how I should feel about the money spent and the value proposition.
Bought the car 4+ years ago for $32K + tax, $10K cash down and a 5 year note on the balance that I still have 9 more payments to go. The car had less than 4K miles when new to me, and has less than 29K miles now. All told, I've spent $15,000 in mods, which includes everything... tires, wheels, repairs, oil, parts, installs, etc. But not things like gas or insurance or monthly payments.
So, $15K in fun money over four years?
Feels about right. IDK if my wife would agree, but still.
Bought the car 4+ years ago for $32K + tax, $10K cash down and a 5 year note on the balance that I still have 9 more payments to go. The car had less than 4K miles when new to me, and has less than 29K miles now. All told, I've spent $15,000 in mods, which includes everything... tires, wheels, repairs, oil, parts, installs, etc. But not things like gas or insurance or monthly payments.
So, $15K in fun money over four years?
Feels about right. IDK if my wife would agree, but still.
Pretty cool exercise you did there. That amount seems very reasonable to me! I have pretty much every receipt for my G from the past 7-1/2 years of ownership. They are all kept in one file (that is well hidden from my wife)
. I've thought about doing what you just did.. going through the file and adding everything up... but I'm afraid to find out how much I've really put into the car.
04-10-2016, 06:01 PM
#1214
Administrator
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
Snows, duckfeet and winter spacers came off the car today. All is right with the world again.
Car is dirty, but man oh man are the wheels clean.
Car is dirty, but man oh man are the wheels clean.
Last edited by Rochester; 04-10-2016 at 08:30 PM.
