got new springs in today for the rear. After installing looks like i will cut about half a coil of them to lower a little bit. Over all the rear end is more stable with new springs and doesn't bounce as much any more, also tires are not rubbing. handles overall much better than before after switching wheels/tires and rear springs/shocks. I want it about one inch lower front and rear so i will have to do some cutting on the springs. To get the springs i just went to circle track guys and ordered 5"x10.5" 325lbs springs.

 

That thing looks sweet.

 

I like it as is....install some poly bushings that should help alot!!!!!

 

originally started doing the fill in panels in fiberglass but then decided to make them out of metal so they would be stronger.
one is almost done.

 

Need a hi beam while you're at it......or just install 2 piece halogens on the hi/lo beams....

 

the high beam still works just dirty inside, no need for new one at this time. Have the radio brackets mocked up, seems like they never thought that somebody would want to improve the original stuff.

 

u don't think the Oem radio is removeable? Still take a look at some 2 piece halogen housings from Hella for example!
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HLA-003177801/

 

OEM radio is removable but integrated into the dash and console. I removed the tape player which is partially integrated in to the console and put cd player in it's place. I don't want to hack up the dash at this point of time. I checked for the swaybar mounting and it looks like unless i mount it with the links facing the back of the car there is really no way to mount it. There is no space due to the spring/lca design.

 

Thats pretty sweet I can say I have never seen one before.get some new wheels though

 

srsly? the wheels are the best part

 

For real. Those wheels are 100% sex.

 

I love wagon, to bad, no more maxima wagons...

 

A 7th Gem Maxima Wagon.....hmmmmmm?

 

found another one far away from me, actually in a better shape.

here are more updated pictures of the wagon. It is actually going for sale due to having no time to mess with it.

 

Nice

 

I'm sorry, but in my mind, you're STILL on 4x4 height

example:

http://forums.maxima.org/1st-2nd-gen...gen-sedan.html

 

maybe will get one inch drop in front and half an inch in the rear, this is still a practical car so need clearance for speed bumps bad roads and such.
i'm still working on it a bit but it is for sale.

 

some more recent pictures, also engine and transmission are for sale.




trunk is barely big enough to fit my wheels/tires for the bird

 

snow picture, doesn't snow here often

 

noooo! don't sell it yet! I wanna see that thing @ the next autox lol.

 

Hey, That's a great looking wagon! I am thinking about picking one up myself. I was just perusing about the forums looking for some inspiration and when I saw your front bumper mod, I fell in LOVE with this body! Kinda looks like a long, low Range Rover! haha

I found one close to me, here in OK, says it runs, drives, needs a diff and shocks, $500, so I'm going to check it out tomorrow. If I pick it up, I'm going to be asking you a few questions, I am sure.

I have been looking into some modifications, suspension, specifically. I noticed you said something about getting new springs made. Is that because Z components do not work on the rear of the wagons? Also, I have been told the rear susp. is the same as the Z, but also I have read that it's a solid axle. Was an independent rear suspension an option or do all wagons have live axle rear ends?

Sorry if these sound like "noob" questions. If they are, please understand that I am no noob to forums, nor to working on cars. I was just hoping to find out a little more info before I spend my money on a car then find out it's just a worthless 26 year old money pit.

I also really just wanted to let you know that I love your car. I understand about wanting to sell it. I've been working on a 93 240sx for about 5 years now. Did the turbo thing, springs, diff, 5 speed swap, seats, silvia front etc., and aside from paint, I'm pretty well done with it and am wanting a new project.

Sorry to be so long winded, I'll shut up now. haha

-Ken

 

i don't really want to sell it, i declined most offers i got for it just because i like it. The rear diff on all wagons was a solid axle, 83 and 84 they put coil springs in the back and early ones had leaf springs. I found a some options for rear diff mostly from early 4x4 trucks but most would be in $500+ so i'm not going to worry about it for now. Eventually could swap to a third gen fbody 10 bolt or similar. You can't use any of the z stuff in the rear, i got replacement shocks for the rear and had some circle track springs ordered which fit perfect and are cheap. If search the posts here i mentioned the length i got. I believe they were 320 or 380 lbs springs. The front is just like a 280z suspension and you can swap things over.

 

shweeeet wagon! im probably gonna take my bumpers off and cover with metal like you. mind sparing details on how your doing it? pics?

 

late reply, but i just cut some sheetmetal to somewhat fit, make a bend at the angle and then weld the top up. After that trim and weld. I did not weld them to the fenders because i wanted to keep the front valance part removable as one piece.

 

digging this up for an update, still have it and been working on it. AC and heater parts are not available for these cars anymore so i am getting universal ac/heater system for it. The dash is completely apart to redo the heater/ac and also the gauges. I am looking for a set of good seats to replace the old ones and need to redo the carpet. I am redoing the front harness on it and debating on getting universal harness to rewire the whole car. This started as quick replacement of few things and now became a multi year remodeling project.

 

Got the new heater/ac unit. After I finish new engine harness it will get mounted under the dash.

 

Almost done with the harness. Need to finish fuse block and power/ground. The original wiring is still a mess tho.

 

probably about three to five months before she will run again, can't wait

 

*** yeah .. thats the **** .. im drooling just seeing it ... keep us posted ..
wat diff are you planing to use? since the h190 diff the datsun has is open and can only handle like 200 ft of tq..

 

ls1

 

getting closer with this. found a little surprise when re-wrapping the harness. Cut the crimp connectors out and redid with solder and heatshrink. I have all the missing connectors back on, just ran out of some wire and large size tubing. I am still using the old style plastic loom because i already had some, even tho i could bring some of the fancier wire loom from work. Fuse block and relays are getting wired as well but need some more wire to finish, i don't want to use single color wire for everything.

fuse block and relays: ( there is one more fuse block that attaches not shown)

looking better already:

 

harness and fuse block are done, next is to get all the essential things connected and then get the fuel lines set up. After that i can see if it runs.
Harness is not secured but keeps the general shape. The bundle of white wire is for the electric fans. There will be another bundle of wires for the headlight and wiper relays added at later time.



mockup of the universal heater/ac unit



making a bracket for the fuel rails, once it is set correctly i will box it up and weld it together



test fitting condenser

 

almost there

 

Congrats. Not a fan of ls but glad to see a 1st gen come back no matter the power plant. Keep at it.

 

LS1 motor?

 

5.3, same in design to ls1. Gave it a try at starting today, but only got some backfiring. Going back to check the wiring order for injectors and coils. Before even trying to start I already cleared all emissions and security on the computer.

 

wow, i though this was just going to be an old school cruiser. the LS swap will make that thing fly.

 

Eh inovative.

 

 

it runs and even drive a little
https://vimeo.com/46518657