The 1997 I30 restoration thread
 

Hello,
I recently got my I30 fixed after hitting a curb and damaging the transmission back in October. It is such a relief to drive my wonderful I30 again I bought back in 2016. The car currently has 177129k on the clock. Overall the car is in good condition and drives well. This tread will hopefully bring life back to this ghost town of a forums and in the process make my I30 look better.

This is the list of things I want to do:
1. Fix/Fill dents and repaint bumpers
2. Fill in damaged curbed rash wheels/ or find I30t wheels and do the same
3. Replace the antenna (done)
4. replace all interior lights (done)
5. Find a stock spoiler from the I30t (done)
6. Replace headlights with Euro style glass lights (Cefiro?) I have them
7. Replace all engine hoses and leaky vacuum lines
8. Replace seats or repair torn leather on my seats
9. Audio install, not sure about this one yet but it will be considered
10. I want to do a manual swap but I want to fix everything fist. (Done)

I will continue to update this tread as I get to the plans in the nest few months.

Awesome, looking forward to it.

Here are some pics of some of the cosmetic issues with my car.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....0ddceb1e30.jpg
Bought the car 3 years ago with this damage. Looks like someone hit it here. It is dented in. My plan is to fill this in and primer and paint it.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....ec255a28bc.jpg
Same things as the fist image but this was caused by a careless woman in a parking lot. Smashed my right taillight as well. Replaced that a while back
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....e00621e925.jpg
One day after I got my drivers license a woman backed into my car at a bank. She had no insurance and left a dent here. My I30 likes to be hit I guess
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....231a76678d.jpg
This one was my fault. I placed a jack improperly and it punctured the metal. My plan is to pull this out and patch it with some Bondo or steal.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....586fc79a71.jpg
This is damage from a tow truck its on both sides. I also need to restore those headlights or get the Cefiro ones
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....cf4aac3558.jpg
Need to repaint these wipers. Need to wait for better weather though
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....e2d8f17b23.jpg
chip in the paint that rusted. Easy fix
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....fdbcd6a084.jpg
All the weather stripping on the car is worn. I will probably order this on Nissan's part store. All the boneyard stuff is in the same shape. Its 23 years old after all.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....24e722f8cb.jpg
Seats are in good shape overall. My question is can I use a passenger seat to replace the drivers and switch the power controls over
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....91136e5567.jpg
There is a crease in the stripes that run along both sides of the body. I will most likely remove the stripes and fill this
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....7c6d2242dc.jpg
Missing the antenna fell off when I was driving on the highway. Motor is inside the trunk
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....e9cb618115.jpg
Shifter does not move without some help. I have to use a flat head to push the lever over to go into gear. This is the shift interlock solenoid that has failed. The trim and cigarette lighter are both in the trunk. Also it looks like the previous owner tried to wire a USB port to the cig lighter
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....a84b312520.jpg
some cosmetic damage on the storage tray. I have another just need to put it in but I need to fix the shifter issue first
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....93f0c4a8ab.jpg
Steering wheel has various tears. I want to wrap it with new leather eventually but will probably use a cover for now.

The engine and trans are in great shape, I need to clean the engine bay a bit but as for the mechanical state of the car it is good overall.. May spend the money and get this car repainted but I know that that is a lot to ask for right now.

Lots of little nicks but well worth restoring in my opinion. The one that was your fault is that your rocker panel?

I'm experiencing the same issue with the shift lock on my Maxima, what's interesting is I pulled the solenoid from a salvage car and it springs forward with no power which is odd. Maybe the solenoid uses power to not push forward? Also I had to cut a wire to get it out which makes me think the whole shifter box is meant to be replaced as a unit.

This summer I sprayed my wiper arms and the vertical window strips near the rear side windows with flat black paint and it's so nice seeing nice black wipers when I'm driving!

I'm curious about the weather stripping, mine hasn't degraded at all, now I want to check the local salvage yards and see.

Any luck finding a replacement unscratched drawer in local yards?

it is the rocker panel which is a shame. Also my Maxima its a 98 has a set of brand new weather stripping so I may just swap it over. I have a drawer already but am waiting to swap it because I was to replace the stock Bose radio with a double din kenwood.

Fixed the shifter issue sorta, I ended up cutting the plastic piece with some sheers to release the shifter without holding the brake. Not the best solution but it restored the functionality back to the shifter and I was able to put the trim back on. I will fix it properly in the sutures when I get the parts but this works for now and I haven't had any issues.
I also replaced all the plastic underneath the engine with used stuff from the boneyard, now it looks complete under there and protects the parts.

I put a Kenwood Double din in a while back. It sounds pretty good, still debating on replacing the factory Bose amps and going with new speakers. If I do I want that to be the finishing thing.

Wow, that's a lot of little body work issues you want to fix, those can be really tedious. Keep up the good work!

Been working on it a bit during lockdown. I began sanding the dents and filling them. I learned a lot about what not to do when using bondo. I am waiting for the paint to come in the mail. I need to a lot of work on the bumpers and the hole in the rockers. I also need to replace the chrome stripping
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....2aa8ed225.jpeg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....434991a3a.jpeg

Heated Mirrors
 

I added heated mirrors from the boneyard. They connected right up, but I think I need to add a relay for the defroster to work, has anyone done this and can tell me what I need?

Pull the trim off the lower right kick panel. There will be harness taped up. Stick a blue relay in there.

Awesome will do this tomorrow, thanks

So I grabbed the relays from the yard. Looks like my Infiniti only has one spot for a relay. Can I just cut the connector off the car from they yard and graft it on to my car?
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....53feef31d.jpeg
Connector from the Infiniti, missing the second spot for the relay
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....bf396c422.jpeg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....3584620ec.jpeg

Installed front mudflaps from a Maxima, they fit well and give the car a sportier look. I have the rear but i still need to drill out the holes, ( i guess the i30 didnt have rear flaps). I discovered some rust on the right side fender so I will be replacing that because there is a hole in the bottom of the fender where it meets the frame.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....0c0dc9b487.jpg

My next job to do on my car is replacing the gauge bulbs with LEDs. I am also going to replace the Auto Climate Control bulbs out (mine all have died and the buttons are invisible at night). I ordered green LEDs for the ACC to match the radio and clock. All this should be simple enough.

LED Cluster, Shifter light, and courtesy lights
 

Hey all, I got the cluster lights replaced. It was pretty simple, but the clips around my cluster did not want to give up. If you do this yourself remember before you put the cluster back in test it, LED lights are sensitive to polarity. Also I used cool white W5W 194 T10 LEDS and if I were to redo it I would use warm white, because the cool white is too bright imo (its okay because the dimmer still functions). I am still waiting for the ACC LEDs to arrive and then I will replace those bulbs.

These are the LEDs I used:

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....1fd34c5dc.jpeg
The bright spots are not bad using W5W LEDs.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....58e5a0a3b.jpeg
I am conflicted on this, it looks blue and I am not a fan, but I will keep it and it may grow on me
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....579a7bdc3.jpeg
I will be replacing this LED with a warmer color. The cool LED almost lights up the entire floor,

FWIW, it's a diode's job to be sensitive to polarity.

The i30 did have a mud flap option, but not many came with them. It will be hard to find one with mud flaps. The maxima and i30 mud flaps are different and they fit differently. The i30 flaps came painted to match the car, the maxima did not. When you pull the rear fender plastics, you will see two small dimples where you should drill to make a hole for the flaps.

Ah, I have never seen an I30 with them. You are right about fitment, the front ones do fit but not exactly

Can I ask where you purchased those?

I got them at a local junkyard, I have found some on eBay but they don't seem as quality as the OEM Nissan ones

heated mirror continued...
 

Got them working. as I said before I was stupid and cut the relay connector off. I had to remove the ac blower and the glove box so i could reach the cut wires and splice the connector back on. I am not proud of my electrical work because there was not enough room to solder the wires so I used cheep wire nuts, but hey it works and now I have heated mirrors for the raining Pacific Northwest weather.

What's Next?
 

So, I return to work next week meaning I won't be working on my car as much. That being said My next venture will be replacing the fuel filter and the corresponding hose. I am fairly certain that this filter is original (180000+ miles),

aembleton, it looks like you've got this car from someone who doesn't deserve to have a car which does more than transport. But you're doing great. You have the passion.

Yeah the original owners were a couple from N. Carolina and they took very good care of the car but in 2006 a teenager bought the car, I assume. This owner cut wires and try to add USB power ports and in the process broke the cig lighter. My only damage was the trans when I hit a curb on a rainy day, but that has been fixed and is pretty good.

I was going to say good job on the mud flaps not just for looks but also due to these cars rusting out pretty easily any added protection is a good idea. But then I remembered you are in WA so I'm guessing cars don't have much rust issues, similar to Vancouver BC ?

Also I just realized you haven't posted a full car photo, I'd love to see it.

Yah similar weather. I am actually in the the other Vancouver. Oh I havent. once I fix a few things I will post that

Coolant
 

So I decided to change the coolant at the 180000k service interval. Lets just say it needed it, I should have snagged a pic but it was a horrible color and smelled so rancid. I am not sure when the last changed but it looked like a long time ago. The res. was full of crud, so I removed it and spayed it out. I wasn't having cooling issues but no my heater runs better for what it is worth

Also I ordered something special on eBay and will be showing it off when I get it on the car... Say Tuned :chuckle:

Junkyard run today
 

So I went to the local yards today and picked up 2 fog lamps and a bottom half of the driver seat. I am going to install them tomorrow. Also I got my special item as well.

For the first time I am working on my own car. I removed the battery, airbox and starter motor. But I don't want to mix that with your journal. It feels really good to work on your own car.

Yah it gives you a sense of pride, I love doing it

Maxima.org Plate frame
 

Hey all, found this plate frame on eBay and I had to buy it. I looks nice with the chrome accents on the i30

It still needs adjustment but I am happy with it. Its just something special
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....ae8326ce5e.jpg

Power Antenna
 

Went to the local Junkyard today and pick up a power antenna from a 98 I30. Installed it in mine which had no antenna because I took it out. Now after 4 years of owning the car I now have a proper working antenna.

Went to the junkyard today because there was a 99 Infiniti I30 Limited over there in Portland. I picked up the door sills. They look great on my car, unfortunately I was only able to get 3 of the plates because I couldnt get the door open to get one of them. Update 8/30/2020, got the passengers side.



https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....1f4bee2ea.jpeg

Looks great, but do you have before and after photos of the whole car?

I will once I am done with the body work. I plan to finish this up before the end of the year.

To Spoiler or not to spoiler
 

I had in my first post outlining the plans for this car that I wanted to put a spoiler on from an i30t. I want to know what you all think. my only concern is having water enter the drilled holes. I do like the look of them on the i30 though

Just make sure you seal the holes well so water doesn't get in, spoilers always make a car look sportier.

Yeah thats my thought

A little update...
 

Its been a while since I have worked on my i30. I have done some small things hear and there over the past 5 months or so. I didnt want to update the thread with those until I complete enough of them to make a post worth it. That being said I am searching for a right fender and a bumper. Mine are in very rough shape and I think the easiest thing to do is replace them. I was going to paint them but honestly its cheaper to pull one from a yard,

I recently developed a oil leak, have not found the cause but it is right between the trans and the engine... rear main i suspect but I still need to find it before I dig into this.

Also my window regulator and motor kicked the bucket last week, waiting for the parts to fix it.

I recently had my drivers side cv axle replaced. It was torn and making noise. I had a shop do this because I didnt have time.

I noticed a big improvement in gas mileage after replacing the fuel filter. when I emptied the fuel out of the old one it was brown and very dirty. I guess 180k will do that huh.

This weekend I plan on cleaning the carpets. They are not to bad actually because the car still has its floor mats but those floor mats are horribly dirty. I will be posting some before and after pics when I finish that.

I also have some water intrusion into interior of the car. It has recently been raing a lot here in Vancouver and I have noticed a small leak at the A pillar on the drivers side. I think this is due to the rubber that goes around the door as noted in my first few posts.

I will be moving to Oregon soon and with that I will be closer to two junkyards i frequent which will make finding parts easier.
Thats all for now. I will update this thread soon, cheers

Sounds quite like the project for the next upcoming items to do on your I30. I believe the fuel filters on our cars are a 15k service interval, however I've read that using a 300zx twin turbo fuel filter would allow 30k service intervals instead for around the same price due to the filter being larger.

Anyways, sounds like you've got a lot planned for your I30, hopefully the new junkyards have more I30's for you :)