so finally....some body work (pics)
08-21-2007, 08:13 PM
#1
- Product of Maxima.org -
Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 943
finally, some body work (q45t trunk finisher pics)
Got me a body saw today, and couldn't help myself. I had to begin cutting into the parts car to experiment.
The plan is to install a '99 Q45t trunk finisher, and spoiler onto the max....alot of custom work, which i haven't done a whole lot of in my life, but it is already plenty fun.
of course, these pics are just examples, as i haven't modified the trunk or the finisher enough to fit perfectly, but i will update these as i make more progress.
Here's the license plate section.
Here's the reverse light section (which i am removing the flare up top and the keyhole before i finish.)
And here's a general example of what the finished product will look like, only the reverse lights won't be touching the plate holder, and the side will also be cut to match the cut on the license plate section. (sorry for the bad pic, was hard to take the pic and hold it together at the same time.)
now don't forget, this is the parts car that's all cut up, the finished products' cuts will be much cleaner and precise.
The plan is to install a '99 Q45t trunk finisher, and spoiler onto the max....alot of custom work, which i haven't done a whole lot of in my life, but it is already plenty fun.
of course, these pics are just examples, as i haven't modified the trunk or the finisher enough to fit perfectly, but i will update these as i make more progress.
Here's the license plate section.
Here's the reverse light section (which i am removing the flare up top and the keyhole before i finish.)
And here's a general example of what the finished product will look like, only the reverse lights won't be touching the plate holder, and the side will also be cut to match the cut on the license plate section. (sorry for the bad pic, was hard to take the pic and hold it together at the same time.)
now don't forget, this is the parts car that's all cut up, the finished products' cuts will be much cleaner and precise.
08-21-2007, 08:14 PM
#2
- Product of Maxima.org -
Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 943
if you can't tell, the entire section before i cut it was almost as wide as the entire rear taillight section of the maxima.
edit: btw, i'm still not sure if i'm going to keep the reverse lights from the q45 or not....if i don't i'll just be using the side piece for fillers, as they have the same body curve as the maximas tailpiece did.
edit: btw, i'm still not sure if i'm going to keep the reverse lights from the q45 or not....if i don't i'll just be using the side piece for fillers, as they have the same body curve as the maximas tailpiece did.
08-22-2007, 07:31 PM
#5
- Product of Maxima.org -
Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 943
Originally Posted by internetautomar
already had this convo 
lolas far as covering the old license hole, i decided to just cut part of the old bumper to use as a kind of "patch" so i'll be able to keep the same lines across the bumper without too much custom fab work.
got it cut out tonight, i'm about to go and get the patch down to about the right size, and then work a little bit more on the trunk finisher panel
(what is it called anyway?)
08-22-2007, 09:29 PM
#6
- Product of Maxima.org -
Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 943
an update:
so, for a few of you who aren't really seeing where i'm going with this....i've got the finisher almost finished, and i've taped it together to show you guys the purpose.
and for those wondering what happened to the bumper, i am using two pieces of this one to fill my old license plate hole, so that it matches the rest.
and for those wondering what happened to the bumper, i am using two pieces of this one to fill my old license plate hole, so that it matches the rest.
08-24-2007, 12:38 PM
#9
- Product of Maxima.org -
Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 943
a little like a sentra i guess.....but the only similarities are that there's reverse lights and a license plate on the trunk. same as the crown vic.
if i end up not liking the final product....at least it'll be already close to being totally shaved lol....and i can always fill in the reverse light holes too, instead of using those reverse lights.
goon mentioned to me not to put this on my driving car until i find a good set of taillights to somewhat match it....i found that to be a good idea, and am now searching for other tails.....any ideas?
if i end up not liking the final product....at least it'll be already close to being totally shaved lol....and i can always fill in the reverse light holes too, instead of using those reverse lights.
goon mentioned to me not to put this on my driving car until i find a good set of taillights to somewhat match it....i found that to be a good idea, and am now searching for other tails.....any ideas?
08-24-2007, 07:39 PM
#10
- Product of Maxima.org -
Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 943
Got one side almost fully complete, while i was bringing it together last night, i noticed that my fiberglass resin had already partially cured in the can (already starting to turn that burned brown color) and was setting up way too fast. so when doing one side, it cured before it could fully adhere, and just peeled right off....mesh and all.
So i used fiberglass mat, with a woven side, on the back section, and the resin, of course. then i used bondo-glass to fill in the front for added strength, and will use straight bondo on the face for the final smoothing, since it's easier to spread, and smoother.
as you can see, theres still a few imperfections, i haven't finished the final smoothing of the product, so i primed it so i could easily see imperfections and get it finished. also, the edges arent fully flush, and you can still see a little gap on the very edge where the cut was...but all i need to do is a little more grinding
Here you can see the cut:
.
.
Here you can see how the bottom edge is a little off:
.
.
edit: i still have to build out the bottom corner as well, to square it off to match our trunk.
So i used fiberglass mat, with a woven side, on the back section, and the resin, of course. then i used bondo-glass to fill in the front for added strength, and will use straight bondo on the face for the final smoothing, since it's easier to spread, and smoother.
as you can see, theres still a few imperfections, i haven't finished the final smoothing of the product, so i primed it so i could easily see imperfections and get it finished. also, the edges arent fully flush, and you can still see a little gap on the very edge where the cut was...but all i need to do is a little more grinding
Here you can see the cut:
.
.
Here you can see how the bottom edge is a little off:
.
.
edit: i still have to build out the bottom corner as well, to square it off to match our trunk.
08-25-2007, 07:36 PM
#11
i wanted to do the same, but without the reverse lights. i think it'd look better if the license plate was inline with the rear lights. it'd be a little more aesthetically pleasing.
edit: whoops, if you change your rear lights, i guess that wouldn't matter. where's your new key hole going?
edit: whoops, if you change your rear lights, i guess that wouldn't matter. where's your new key hole going?
08-25-2007, 08:46 PM
#12
eh if you are going to mess with doing body work at least invest in a MIG welder. Doing it the way you are is not correct and will not hold up in the long term. MIGs are not that expensive and worth every penny.
I give you props for doing something original but just think you are going about it the wrong way.
I give you props for doing something original but just think you are going about it the wrong way.
08-25-2007, 08:53 PM
#13
Originally Posted by 94maxshima
hmmmm....
reminds me more of that actually. Not sure if I like it yet since I kinda like License plates down lower.
reminds me more of that actually. Not sure if I like it yet since I kinda like License plates down lower.
08-26-2007, 02:43 AM
#14
- Product of Maxima.org -
Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 943
Originally Posted by Michael
eh if you are going to mess with doing body work at least invest in a MIG welder. Doing it the way you are is not correct and will not hold up in the long term. MIGs are not that expensive and worth every penny.
I give you props for doing something original but just think you are going about it the wrong way.
I give you props for doing something original but just think you are going about it the wrong way.
i definately want a welder for other projects.... but for plastic work, i don't see a better option other than my choice of fiberglass/body filler? or do you perhaps know of a better way to join abs plastic? (serious question, not a smart remark
)keep in mind that i am trying to make the finished product more of an independent assembly that can be removed in a simalar manner as our trunk finishers. there will also be alot less metal removed from the car it's actually going on....and there's really no need for a welder here as i'm in no need of joining any metal for bracing or otherwise.
by the way: friday is payday, and as the cards fall, i've decided it's time for a welder, and shortly thereafter, a torch.....just an old timey torch baby, not a plasma torch.....but i've always loved stick welders, never much used anything else, is the cost of supplies for both stick and MIG comparable? is MIG easy to work with/control?
08-26-2007, 06:18 AM
#15
OK I just looked at it real quick and didn't realize that it was plastic. I thought it was metal.
But yeah to connect ABS plastic you need a plastic welder because I am pretty sure fiberglass doesn't stick well to plastic. you may not have a problem since you live in TN but if you were in a colder climate it would eventually separate and crack.
also I think JBweld has a plastic epoxy that might work better.
anyway carry on...I just thought you were connecting metal with fiberglass and thats just not the way to do it.
But yeah to connect ABS plastic you need a plastic welder because I am pretty sure fiberglass doesn't stick well to plastic. you may not have a problem since you live in TN but if you were in a colder climate it would eventually separate and crack.
also I think JBweld has a plastic epoxy that might work better.
anyway carry on...I just thought you were connecting metal with fiberglass and thats just not the way to do it.
08-26-2007, 12:54 PM
#16
- Product of Maxima.org -
Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 943
haha i would never do such a thing..... that's something for honda guys (joining metal with fiberglass.)
I was reading about ABS plastic and it's properties to see what the best option might be, and found out it shouldn't flex at all in our temperatures.
also, i've never actually seen such a welder, that makes me curious as to how they work.
I was reading about ABS plastic and it's properties to see what the best option might be, and found out it shouldn't flex at all in our temperatures.
Originally Posted by wiki
Even though ABS plastics are used largely for mechanical purposes, they also have good electrical properties that are fairly constant over a wide range of frequencies. These properties are little affected by temperature and atmospheric humidity in the acceptable operating range of temperatures.
ABS can be used between −25 and 60 °C.
Impact resistance does not fall off rapidly at lower temperatures.
ABS can be used between −25 and 60 °C.
Impact resistance does not fall off rapidly at lower temperatures.
also, i've never actually seen such a welder, that makes me curious as to how they work.
08-26-2007, 03:43 PM
#17
Originally Posted by ustfdes
haha i would never do such a thing..... that's something for honda guys (joining metal with fiberglass.)
I was reading about ABS plastic and it's properties to see what the best option might be, and found out it shouldn't flex at all in our temperatures.
also, i've never actually seen such a welder, that makes me curious as to how they work.
I was reading about ABS plastic and it's properties to see what the best option might be, and found out it shouldn't flex at all in our temperatures.
also, i've never actually seen such a welder, that makes me curious as to how they work.
basically a plastic welder works just like a regular welder. You have a plastic rod that feeds through a piece that melts the rod and the pieces of plastic at the same time and connects them together. There are different kinds but thats the general way they work.
08-26-2007, 10:18 PM
#19
- Product of Maxima.org -
Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 943
finished connecting all three pieces, finally. only one grind to completely level the thing on top and bottom, and a few more low spots that will only take a quick bondo to fill.
ALTHOUGH i am starting to really dislike the reverse lights, so i may just eliminate those all together. also, i think i've decided on some aftermarket WRX tails, or some lancer tails..... of which, i'm not sure yet.
curvature=
face=
face2=
ALTHOUGH i am starting to really dislike the reverse lights, so i may just eliminate those all together. also, i think i've decided on some aftermarket WRX tails, or some lancer tails..... of which, i'm not sure yet.
curvature=
face=
face2=
08-26-2007, 10:25 PM
#20
cant wait to see how it'll look. personally not liking the fact that license plate will be higher than tail lights but nonetheless I give you props for going through with the project
08-29-2007, 06:10 PM
#26
- Product of Maxima.org -
Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 943
Originally Posted by maximal
edit: whoops, if you change your rear lights, i guess that wouldn't matter. where's your new key hole going?
sorry, didn't see your edit....no keyhole. gonna install a lexus or similar type electrically actuated push button release thingy thing on there. up under the lip above the license plate.....
08-29-2007, 08:11 PM
#28
Originally Posted by Alex_V
GXE's have a push button release. Button is in the drivers door.
~Alex
~Alex
08-29-2007, 08:43 PM
#29
- Product of Maxima.org -
Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 943
Originally Posted by Alex V
GXE's have a push button release. Button is in the drivers door.
caped.......ya, the lexus has a similar thing on the RX400's it's just under the lip above the license plate where you would naturally lift up on......but i won't be holding the trunk like that, so it wouldn't be natural. i might just get teh actuator, and install my own button where you push on the license plate or something to lift.....
another thing about this trunk deal of mine, is that i cannot lock my doors because the security system is jacked up and the key hardly ever disables the system unless it's 90+ degrees outside.
08-29-2007, 09:07 PM
#30
Originally Posted by ustfdes
My SE has the button just ahead of the courtesy light on the driver door, but i was speaking of the trunk door itself.
caped.......ya, the lexus has a similar thing on the RX400's it's just under the lip above the license plate where you would naturally lift up on......but i won't be holding the trunk like that, so it wouldn't be natural. i might just get teh actuator, and install my own button where you push on the license plate or something to lift.....
another thing about this trunk deal of mine, is that i cannot lock my doors because the security system is jacked up and the key hardly ever disables the system unless it's 90+ degrees outside.
caped.......ya, the lexus has a similar thing on the RX400's it's just under the lip above the license plate where you would naturally lift up on......but i won't be holding the trunk like that, so it wouldn't be natural. i might just get teh actuator, and install my own button where you push on the license plate or something to lift.....
another thing about this trunk deal of mine, is that i cannot lock my doors because the security system is jacked up and the key hardly ever disables the system unless it's 90+ degrees outside.
see i have a GXE so i have the keypad, so it's a little different to me. but my trunk garnish (black VG-SE type) is falling apart and i may have to put my other one back on (original 89-91 GXE type).. unless i can have yours? from that parts car you're working on? what is it a 89-91 SE right?
08-29-2007, 09:21 PM
#31
- Product of Maxima.org -
Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 943
it's on my daily driver right now, but i have beautiful 92-94 SE (red style) garnish to install until i finish this mod.
the one from the parts car is the black upper, white lower style....i'll get some pics in the daylight tomorrow and send to ya.
the one from the parts car is the black upper, white lower style....i'll get some pics in the daylight tomorrow and send to ya.
09-26-2007, 08:35 PM
#35
- Product of Maxima.org -
Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 943
FTW, project = scrapped. was going good, but i changed my mind....the look of the project grew against me, so i, with outside opinions, decided to just shave the trunk.
just so you guys know it's not another un-finished project....just never updated before on my decision.
just so you guys know it's not another un-finished project....just never updated before on my decision.
09-27-2007, 07:08 PM
#38
- Product of Maxima.org -
Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 943
yeah, i like the nice work content after i scrapped the project......thats like painting a car, then stripping hte paint, THEN someone telling you good job. i don't even think anyone liked my idea, only appreciated the work put into it.
09-27-2007, 09:27 PM
#39
i can't say that i did or didn't... you didn't get far enough for me to make a decision. And if you were going to use the high mount reverse lights would you have had 4 or removed the bulbs from the main cluster? That would have been a pain IMO to use the reverse lights on the trunk. I kinda like Q45s though. Not my bag of tea as far as driving one (too big... too.. automatic) but I like the look.
09-28-2007, 11:55 AM
#40
i can't say that i did or didn't... you didn't get far enough for me to make a decision. And if you were going to use the high mount reverse lights would you have had 4 or removed the bulbs from the main cluster? That would have been a pain IMO to use the reverse lights on the trunk. I kinda like Q45s though. Not my bag of tea as far as driving one (too big... too.. automatic) but I like the look.
The VH45DE is probably too much power for you anyway
