EPIC ADVENTURE - Rebuilding A Mess!
02-01-2013, 09:54 AM
#1
EPIC ADVENTURE - Rebuilding A Mess!
So this weekend I embark on what will be the last legs of my Maxima.
I've had my fill and the car owes me nothing.
I owe it an EPIC REBUILD!!!
Obviously I'm not putting major cash into it, just enough to get through the NY Winter.
Background:
Purchased the car 8 years ago come Feb 14th.
5spd Black with 100K on it.
Trans blew up randomly and when I say blew up...there was nothing left inside it.
Had it rebuilt by a hack and the love was tainted.
No real major issues but $1400 and a tranny that's not fixed right hurts.
That and recurring brake issues...more in a bit.
Got over any modding, just drove it like a typical car.
2 years ago, got put in a ditch (monday) and 2 days later (wednesday) rear ended.
Rear ended while doin 35...
Other driver was fallin asleep and nailed me at 70mph.
Didnt feel a thing...
Maxima's are tanks and thats a good thing, I coulda broke a nail!
Car was deemed totaled and I was given a check for $2300.
Kept the car and pounded the rear fender back out and rebuilt the tail light housing.
To keep water out of the fender and trunk a buddy and I spray foamed the fender.
So today on my drive to work I was like...I'm startin a rebuild this weekend!
More or less due to lack of better ideas...and a bad morning with the car.
Drop the e-brake and yippeee, right rear corner is locked up...again.
I JUST replaced everything on the right rear corner of the car.
Rotor, Pads, Loaded Caliper with new E-brake spring and bracket.
The E-brake cable is new as of last year.
Typical issue with it...
On the bright side it's fun sliding every corner on snow covered streets.
The other night I ordered a radiator support because like everyone else...mine's toast.
So naturally I'll be wrenching on the whole car.
Currently the car has a hair over 176K on her.
Lately she's been a little tired as well as myself.
Between the Misfiring and Evap codes, Brake issues, and Rust interest is fleeting.
Seafoamed the other night after a compression check...
All cylinders are LOW LOW LOW!
Cylinders 1,2,3,4,6 are between 110psi and 115psi,
Cyilinder 5 is reading 135psi. (Misfiring = carbon building)
Mods: Injen CAI/SRI Hybrid or something like that.
As you can tell...If you read this far...Good looks are a lost cause.
But Beauty is skin deep yes?
So, the Maxima or as mine has been dubbed "Smaximae" is gettin worked.
Pictures will be posted for everyone's amusement
Sorry for the long intro but its a must for all EPIC ADVENTURES!!!!
UPDATE: Photobucket Link For Operation: EPIC ADVENTURE.
http://s1274.beta.photobucket.com/us...ry/story/36283
I've had my fill and the car owes me nothing.
I owe it an EPIC REBUILD!!!
Obviously I'm not putting major cash into it, just enough to get through the NY Winter.
Background:
Purchased the car 8 years ago come Feb 14th.
5spd Black with 100K on it.
Trans blew up randomly and when I say blew up...there was nothing left inside it.
Had it rebuilt by a hack and the love was tainted.
No real major issues but $1400 and a tranny that's not fixed right hurts.
That and recurring brake issues...more in a bit.
Got over any modding, just drove it like a typical car.
2 years ago, got put in a ditch (monday) and 2 days later (wednesday) rear ended.
Rear ended while doin 35...
Other driver was fallin asleep and nailed me at 70mph.
Didnt feel a thing...
Maxima's are tanks and thats a good thing, I coulda broke a nail!
Car was deemed totaled and I was given a check for $2300.
Kept the car and pounded the rear fender back out and rebuilt the tail light housing.
To keep water out of the fender and trunk a buddy and I spray foamed the fender.
So today on my drive to work I was like...I'm startin a rebuild this weekend!
More or less due to lack of better ideas...and a bad morning with the car.
Drop the e-brake and yippeee, right rear corner is locked up...again.
I JUST replaced everything on the right rear corner of the car.
Rotor, Pads, Loaded Caliper with new E-brake spring and bracket.
The E-brake cable is new as of last year.
Typical issue with it...
On the bright side it's fun sliding every corner on snow covered streets.
The other night I ordered a radiator support because like everyone else...mine's toast.
So naturally I'll be wrenching on the whole car.
Currently the car has a hair over 176K on her.
Lately she's been a little tired as well as myself.
Between the Misfiring and Evap codes, Brake issues, and Rust interest is fleeting.
Seafoamed the other night after a compression check...
All cylinders are LOW LOW LOW!
Cylinders 1,2,3,4,6 are between 110psi and 115psi,
Cyilinder 5 is reading 135psi. (Misfiring = carbon building)
Mods: Injen CAI/SRI Hybrid or something like that.
As you can tell...If you read this far...Good looks are a lost cause.
But Beauty is skin deep yes?
So, the Maxima or as mine has been dubbed "Smaximae" is gettin worked.
Pictures will be posted for everyone's amusement
Sorry for the long intro but its a must for all EPIC ADVENTURES!!!!
UPDATE: Photobucket Link For Operation: EPIC ADVENTURE.
http://s1274.beta.photobucket.com/us...ry/story/36283
Last edited by Smaximae; 02-05-2013 at 05:43 PM.
02-01-2013, 10:07 AM
#3
Picture Time!
Pic1 - Car on 17" Motegi MR7's P245/45ZR17 Toyo Proxe FZRs
Pic2 - Car in ditch
Pic3 - Car 2 days later after gettin rear ended
Pic4 - Part of the build (yeahh that's where we're goin!)
Pic5 - Car as of 2 days ago in front of my Mazda.
Pic2 - Car in ditch
Pic3 - Car 2 days later after gettin rear ended
Pic4 - Part of the build (yeahh that's where we're goin!)
Pic5 - Car as of 2 days ago in front of my Mazda.
02-01-2013, 10:13 AM
#4
The body work has been done for a while now.
Like the week it happened I fixed it to moderately ok shape.
Front bumper was patched via computer tower metal and rivets.
Rear was hammered and porta-powered back out.
Had to fix it because it destroyed the tail light housing.
No tail light = illegal LOL.
Filled it with spray foam over the summer.
All thats happening this weekend is the Radiator Support and lots of nonsense.
The radiator support I bought replaces the whole front.
Basically headlight to headlight and everything in between up and down.
No tranny work cuz it's fine.
Engine ehhhh, we'll see if I get to it.
Brakes will be looked at.
I also sprayed the rear fender with truck bed liner to cover the paint or lack there of.
Yeah, this project is gunna be fun fun fun!
Last edited by Smaximae; 02-01-2013 at 10:18 AM.
02-01-2013, 11:29 AM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 2,979
It sounds like your car is about ready to be recycled. Why waste your time and money?
Consider buying a car from regions of the country where road salt is not used. The Maximas are still in good supply. The cars do not have rust problems. Any bolt on the suspension or suspension will turn just as well as a car made last year.
Spend or borrow enough money to buy a car that will last a few years before it rusts to death in New York.
Consider buying a car from regions of the country where road salt is not used. The Maximas are still in good supply. The cars do not have rust problems. Any bolt on the suspension or suspension will turn just as well as a car made last year.
Spend or borrow enough money to buy a car that will last a few years before it rusts to death in New York.
02-01-2013, 01:35 PM
#6
Look Up There...
It sounds like your car is about ready to be recycled. Why waste your time and money?
Consider buying a car from regions of the country where road salt is not used. The Maximas are still in good supply. The cars do not have rust problems. Any bolt on the suspension or suspension will turn just as well as a car made last year.
Spend or borrow enough money to buy a car that will last a few years before it rusts to death in New York.
Consider buying a car from regions of the country where road salt is not used. The Maximas are still in good supply. The cars do not have rust problems. Any bolt on the suspension or suspension will turn just as well as a car made last year.
Spend or borrow enough money to buy a car that will last a few years before it rusts to death in New York.
Which I might add is much better than my Nissan.
Don't get me wrong, I loved my Nissan.
Not in love with some of the issues both past and present.
I'm not puttin' money into the car other than to make it through the winter.
Radiator Support/front clip was $100.
2 weeks ago I sank $200 into brakes that are wack again.
I'm gunna see what the issue is with the brake hang-up.
Cable is prolly bound up on somethin'
Motor wants to misfire then misfire it shall!
Your comment of rust is true, I wasn't saying that others don't rust.
All cars rust, mine seems to have gotten to far to cure which is sad.
The other car won't see winter BUT will be hit with POR15 regardless.
When it comes time to scrap it I'll surely part out to you guys if you all want.
Operation Rebuild is really more along the lines of "building a winter rat"
And as for a waste of time...what's a kart racer supposed to do in the winter?
Pictures of the weekend to come.
02-01-2013, 02:32 PM
#8
02-02-2013, 08:22 AM
#11
Heck yeah bro. I love it.
I'm the forgotten part of New York...
You know, everything outside of NYC? Rochester. lol
I drove the car home after it got hit.
Only cosmetic damage...well it shifted the exhaust too but no big deal.
So I kept it, hammered it into shape (somewhat) and now its a beater.
Could have done a better job but after that I knew the car was a lost cause.
I continue driving it for winter because if somethin happens to it...who cares!
They are still everywhere and not expensive at all.
Older ones aren't, new ones are $$$$$.
But mine is mine and I could never replace it with another...so I bought the Speed!
You know, everything outside of NYC? Rochester. lol
I drove the car home after it got hit.
Only cosmetic damage...well it shifted the exhaust too but no big deal.
So I kept it, hammered it into shape (somewhat) and now its a beater.
Could have done a better job but after that I knew the car was a lost cause.
I continue driving it for winter because if somethin happens to it...who cares!
They are still everywhere and not expensive at all.
Older ones aren't, new ones are $$$$$.
But mine is mine and I could never replace it with another...so I bought the Speed!
02-02-2013, 08:46 AM
#12
I drove regular Mazda3 5 speed and thought it was a fun car. Then I drove Mazda speed 3 and this thing was just wayyy too much fun. Now my girlfriend insists that we "need" one. She does not like automatic cars and likes to drive fast.
On the subject of the maxima, if you really love your car fix it and use it in the winters. If you think it will cost too much part it out and buy new one. 4th gens are way cheap these days
On the subject of the maxima, if you really love your car fix it and use it in the winters. If you think it will cost too much part it out and buy new one. 4th gens are way cheap these days
02-02-2013, 10:20 PM
#13
I drove regular Mazda3 5 speed and thought it was a fun car. Then I drove Mazda speed 3 and this thing was just wayyy too much fun. Now my girlfriend insists that we "need" one. She does not like automatic cars and likes to drive fast.
On the subject of the maxima, if you really love your car fix it and use it in the winters. If you think it will cost too much part it out and buy new one. 4th gens are way cheap these days
On the subject of the maxima, if you really love your car fix it and use it in the winters. If you think it will cost too much part it out and buy new one. 4th gens are way cheap these days
If not I'll trade ya LOL j/k
Just you wait for what is in store!
I loved the car...then ehhhh...now, I feel that the love has been restored...somewhat.
My friends...
The shenanigans that took place today will blow your minds!
Well maybe not...depends on who ya are I guess.
The radiator support was successfully replaced.
Just need to run to the hardware store to pick up some nuts and bolts.
ALOT of broken hardware!!
Pictures will be posted tomorrow after the job is wrapped up.
Street cred is tough work...
02-04-2013, 05:32 AM
#15
My bad...
Sorry guys for not posting pictures last night.
Got tangled up with some things.
Also had another idea so I rolled with it and I think it came out pretty sweet!
I wouldn't call it a "Rat Rod" as there is no fast to be had...
More or less a very "Artistic Maxima" if you will.
You shall see, it's great.
Pictures to be posted after work.
Got tangled up with some things.
Also had another idea so I rolled with it and I think it came out pretty sweet!
I wouldn't call it a "Rat Rod" as there is no fast to be had...
More or less a very "Artistic Maxima" if you will.
You shall see, it's great.
Pictures to be posted after work.
02-05-2013, 05:39 AM
#19
The vehicle was considered a total loss BUT due to its age, it's not recorded as such.
I had the option to keep the car and receive a $2300 check for the damages...
OR I could have received an additional $375 to have it scrapped.
So, Technically the VIN on the car does not say SALVAGE/TOTAL LOSS.
I questioned it up and down and ultimately it came down to the vehicle age.
Last thing I want is someone to hit it again and then get blasted with fraud or somethin.
To me, the car still runs and drives straight so it wasn't worth the extra $375.
Plus, I would have had to find another car for winter.
Instead I kept it, took the check and put it in my savings and bought my Mazda.
It's been 2 years and it's still kickin'.
02-05-2013, 05:42 AM
#20
02-05-2013, 07:28 AM
#21
02-05-2013, 10:10 AM
#22
02-05-2013, 05:40 PM
#24
Let The Show Begin!!!!
Click the link to view the Photobucket Story.
Operation: Epic Adventure.
http://s1274.beta.photobucket.com/us...ry/story/36283
It's a quick trip through the adventure that was had.
It's NOT a build thread but I will gladly answer any questions.
Enjoi!!!!
Updated OP with Photobucket Link.
Operation: Epic Adventure.
http://s1274.beta.photobucket.com/us...ry/story/36283
It's a quick trip through the adventure that was had.
It's NOT a build thread but I will gladly answer any questions.
Enjoi!!!!
Updated OP with Photobucket Link.
02-06-2013, 06:51 AM
#27
It was boredom at it's finest.
Too much money needed to restore it so my buddy and I went the Euro Tuner route.
I am not really into that scene so we did it more or less because it's ridiculous.
The engine cover was a last minute random thought that I ran with.
Watched the Superbowl and sticker bombed it.
Put the last few stickers on it last night and today will be clear coating it.
Radiator snake was the culmination of "war plane teeth" I drew and paint marker inhalation.
My buddy Rob saw the teeth on the other side and turned it into a Radiator Snake!
Paint Marker/Pen works quite well and a little Brake Cleaner takes it right off.
More to come pending New York State Inspection...
Can't get too much attention with a NYSI that expired in November.
02-06-2013, 06:56 AM
#28
Too much for ya?
It was purposely done to prove how easy it is to do Euro Tuner.
I too think it's ridiculous but one cant help admire the artwork...Bahahahahahahaa!!!
It's being unveiled at my Mazdaspeed meet Sunday as my MS3 hibernates.
I foresee much enjoyment for all.
Thanks for noticing.
-Drew-
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