toolman
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Posts posted by toolman
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I found this video on the Net about the Factory producing the Complete Assembled 240z Body. The video show the process that their bodies undergo after
being welded together. They do dip the bodies into some kind of primer in a large tank. As to why there was no primer in those storage compartments that 240Z
at the SEMA was not addressed.
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Aluminum Body Panels of 240Z manufactured in Japan
These 240Z Aluminum Body Panels are originally manufactured by Yahagi Industry Company in Japan.
They will be marketed by Star Road Specialist in Tokyo, Japan.
The body were installed on a private owner's car for the Sema Show 2025. I hope they have a video of the
installation process so we can see how to done. That way, potential customer can determine whether their
body shop can duplicate the installation. Working with Aluminum is not an easy task and requires some specialized expertise and tools.
This vehicle was on display at the Toyo Tires Booth at Sema.
Pic of Hood
Bottom of the Hood
the Hood Skin was riveted to the Hood Ribs.
the Engine was a Turbocharged Nissan Motor.
View of the Front End
Rear Hatch Lid
Right Side Door
Rear End Panel
Roof Panel
Left Rear Quarter Panel
Right rear Quarter Panel and Fuel Tank Door
Left Door
Left Rear Quarter Panel
Left Front Fender
Front Cowl Section
Front Grill Section
Headlight Bucket
Information Sheet
Weigh Saving Information Card
These Aluminum Body Panels are very well made and looks great. It will provide a another
option for restoring 240Z and save many Zs from being scrapped.
i talked to the guys who actually manufactured the aluminum panels with the little Japanese that
I know. They told me that right now, they plan to run only a Production Run of 100 body panels.
Star Road is handling the sales side. But they would not give a price yet. I think they are waiting till the Tokyo Auto Salon Show occurring in January 2026 in Tokyo.
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More from Sema Show-
Fully Modified Toyota Truck with Tilt Front End
nject
Fuel Injected V8 motor to power it.
Interior of this Race truck
Rear Suspension for this OFF ROAD RACE TRUCK
Eating Lunch at a Food Truck outside.
Mc Donalds Extra Value Meals like Cheese Burgers Deluxe Costs $35 on the Strip.
All the Strip Hotels charge for Parking. Even if you did not ask for a Room with a View. you may
be charged for it and you don't find out till you are checking out. Even though I enjoy going to Las
Vegas for the Sema Show, the cost of going is not worth it to me. So this maybe the Last Time that
I go the Vegas!
Even the hotel that I stayed at-Harrah's was empty. This pics show a Robot Vacuuming a
Hall Way.
Even McDonald"s on the Strip was empty.
Eating Lunch at one of the numerous Food Trucks outside of the Main Convention Buildings
A Razor Crazy Fully Modified with a Disc Brake with Taxi Cab Performance Casters and 48Vt Electric Motor.
I still don't know what the Front Cooler is for. My guess would be the Cooler is for cooling the Electric Motor.
Nismo Race Car on a Lift at their booth.
Ford Gt with a Coyote Motor in it.
HKS Booth with their Turbos, intercoolers and many other accessories.
A Cute Mini Bike with a VW Fender Covering it.
240z with many Carbon Fiber Parts all over it.
As you can see, the attendance is definitely down. this pic was taken in the Front Entrance of the Main HALL.
Normally, there would be Wall to Wall People.
Outside View
Prismatic Powders-Wall of their wide selection of Powder coatings.
Make you own Mid Engine 67-68 Ford Mustang
You cut out the Mid Section of your Mustang forn the Firewall to
to Rear Tail Light Panel then insert his new frame into the space.
The Finished Product should look like this pic.
I stiill working posting pics that for some reason are not posting.
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Sema and Apex Show 2025 -Las Vegas Nov.4 to Nov7
I have been to the Sema and Apex Show in Las Vegas for over 35 years missing only two shows. These
Shows have been crowded and always better than the previous year. That is until now, this year the show were
not better than previous ones. Not as many vendors and corresponding not as many attendees. Prices at this
noticable higher than past. Everyone expects convention prices to higher than outside of convention area. But, this
year, prices for food, hotel rooms, etc were extremely higher. For example , one regular16 oz of Water was $9 a bottle.
Mac Donald's Cheese Burger Meal with Fries and Drive ran about $35!! Prices for everything was higher within 2 Blocks of the Strip. The lack of human card dealers who were replaced with automated machines was everywhere. Also, missing
was the people. I would there was about 20% less people at the convention and maybe 25% less people walking on the
Strip. This is happening during one of the biggest conventions of the year!!
Back to the Show-
Riding the Las Vegas Mono Rail that runs parallel from MGM Grand to the Las Vegas Convention Center. Regular price was $6 a ride but it was lowered to $5.50 for the convention
goers.
Cars, Trucks, Food Truck, Vendor Tests, etc outside the Convention Hall.
Blown Cars preparing for the Burnout Box Area
Off Road Motorcycle Jump Area
Videos of their Jumps
Sorry, my videos of the motorcycle jumping was able to post. I will try to correct this if i can.
A crazy looking Roaster
Beautiful Chopped Chevy Truck Convertible
a Usual Large Amount of Load Speakers in a truck bed.
Pic of the Crowd of People Outside the Central Hall
Ford GT Racer
Interior pic of a Green 240Z Racer
Fuel Injected Lowered Chevy El Camino
Nismo Accessories Board
Nismo Wheel Display
GReddy Racing Booth
FUGU Z 10year Anniversary
Twin Turbo Setup
Left side of Engine Compartment
Sung Kang Famous 240Z
Right Rear Wheel
Rear View
Engine Compartment
RB25 with Turbo
Left Front Wheel
Left Rear View
Interior Pic
Rear Hatch Area Pic
Sung Kangs New 240Z-24 Valve Overhead Twin Cam Motor
Interior Pic
Left Rear Wheel Pic
Carbon Fiber Rear End Parts
Interior of a Bullet Proof Armored Vehicle 10,000 lbs worth
Exterior View of Armored Vehicle
Outside of Burnout Area
More pics and text to come-
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IMPORTANT MESSAGE-CONCERNING NEW COMPLETE 240Z BODY ASSEMBLIES FOR SALE
I just posted information concerning new complete early model 240z bodies assemblies that may be available
in the near future. It is posted on the BODY KITS AND PAINT SECTION of Hyprid Z Forums on Monday. There are a lot
of pics and text discussing their construction and quality. Information about the manufacturer is also listed. There was
a lot of interest in their line of reproduction vehicles( Toyota Land Cruisers,Toyota A86, Ford Bronco bodies).
Also, I also post text and pics of ALL ALUMINUM BODY PANELS FOR 240Z MANUFACTURED IN JAPAN. Weigh savings
are about 20 to 30 percent and very corrosion resistant. The workmanship was excellent and looked beautiful. This
is a limited production run so if you are interested, I would put your order in. Star Road in Japan is handling the sales
of this product.
I will also start posting pics and text of other cars and products that I found at the SEMA SHOW 2025. This will posted
in my usual Hybridz Forum site at V8 ZForums-Gen III & IV Chevy V8z site soon.
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Have you tried industrial Blower Heat Gun (capable of heating the area to 200degrees)? This method usually works but be carefully not melt anything near by. This Process softens the glue to allow parts to separate.
Try on a small area first.
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IMPORTANT MESSAGE-CONCERNING NEW COMPLETE 240Z BODY ASSEMBLIES FOR SALE
I just posted information concerning new complete early model 240z bodies assemblies that may be available
in the near future. It is posted on the BODY KITS AND PAINT SECTION of Hyprid Z Forums on Monday. There are a lot
of pics and text discussing their construction and quality. Information about the manufacturer is also listed. There was
a lot of interest in their line of reproduction vehicles( Toyota Land Cruisers,Toyota A86, Ford Bronco bodies).
Also, I also will post text and pics of ALL ALUMINUM BODY PANELS FOR 240Z MANUFACTURED IN JAPAN. Weigh savings
are about 20 to 30 percent and very corrosion resistant. The workmanship was excellent and looked beautiful. This
is a limited production run so if you are interested, I would put your order in. Star Road in Japan is handling the sales of this product.
I will also start posting pics and text of other cars and products that I found at the SEMA SHOW 2025. This will posted in my usual Hybridz Forum site at V8 ZForums-Gen III & IV Chevy V8z site soon.
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Hydraulic Clutch Pedal Modifications-
I enlarged the Clutch Master to Shift to move about 1" to the Left.
Interior Side of Clutch Master Mounting Bracket
checking Push Rod Clearance
Measuring Master Cylinder Piston Depth then adjusting Booster
Clearance to 3MM.
Modified Clutch Pedal by moving the Clutch Pedal Push Rod over about 3/4" to the Left.
This small movement of the Clutch Push Rod Pin Mounting Bracket should allow even Larger
Clutch Master, in case of Installation of a Larger Clutch Assembly.
Finished Installation
Next-ROAD TEST
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SEMA SHOW-Complete Early Model 240z and All Aluminum Body Panel 240z
This After Show will give you details about the latest news of Early Model 240z Body Panels. The First will a Complete Assembled Sheet Metal 240Z
manufactured in China. Jiansu Juncheng Vehicle Industry Company makes Toyota La Madzand Cruiser 40,60 and 70 series,Land Rover 90/110 series, Ford Bronco1966-1977 Nissan 70-74 240Z, Volswagen T1, MadzaRX-3,and ToyotaAE86. Individual Body Parts(Doors, Hood, Fenders, Grilles,etc besides complete Body Assemblies.
Right Front View
240z Interior View
240z Engine Compartment Pic
240z Front Wheel Well
240Z Right Inside Door
240Z Interior Compartment
Front Core support
Interior Compartment
Seat Mounts
Toyota A86 Interior Compartment
These pics taken of their brochures.
This is a page from their catalog. It shows the individual 240Z Body parts which are available. My opinion is they should try to sell the body parts that
other than what is presently available. Parts like inner body panels, whole floor pans, inner fuel compartment, etc should be sold. Parts that are commonly needed to fix corrosion prone areas. After all, they already made the panel molds. Also, I have another comment about their
body parts. Their Firewall does not have a Vehicle identification Number stamped on it. Without a manufacturer identification number, vehicle
registration maybe difficult in most states
240z individual body panels
Their Price List shows the Full Assembled 240Z costs $1500 arrived at Port of Los Angeles.
Let me tell you my Automotive Background -I was a ASE Certified Automotive Mechanic and also ASE Certified Automotive Collision Repairman
and Painter before I give you my opinion about these Chinese Body Parts. I gave this 240Z a good inspection and asked a lot of questions
concerning the manufacturing of these parts. Their Sales Team was not very informed about the actual process of manufacturing of the body
parts. So I had to go with what I could see and feel for this opinion. The parts seen to fit together ok but without a Frame Measuring Gauge( Tram Gauge I could not determine the Frame Squareness and Length. The biggest problem with these parts is their Corrosion Control Methods were
lacking. They should be at least be coated Epoxy Primer before welding the car together. Nissan factory cars are completely immersed in tank of
primer. This method insures primer covers even boxed sections of the vehicle.
This a pic of the Storage Compartment behind both seats in the car.
No Primer-Corrosion already on surface
Maybe the Manufacturer was rushing to get the 240z into the Sema Show or maybe this is normal. This company was still looking for someone
to distribute their parts in North America so we have wait and see.
For more information- email this address
Next-All Aluminum Panel 240Z manufactured in Japan
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SEMA SHOW 2025-LAS VEGAS NOV. 3-7
I know that many HybridZ forum members are unable to attend this show so I will try to look for any
product at this show for you. Please list your request as detailed as possible( manufacturer name and
description of the item). I will, of course, look for items related to Z cars but there are thousands of vendors
and it is easy to miss items.
Toolman
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A Chinese Metal Fabrication Company is planning to unveil a Brand New complete Early Model 240Z body at the 2025 SEMA SHOW in
Las Vegas on Nov 4-7. They are looking for Distributors in North America.
Just consider, even if you do not need the whole body assembly, they have to created every sheet metal body stamping of the 240Z. So
almost any 240Z, no matter how corroded or damaged could be bought back to life.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOxdQynjijn/?igsh=MWk4N280Nm1zOXI=
I will be attending the SEMA SHOW and will post pictures and more information when I return from the show. Please watch for my
post show postings- Tool Man
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This video shows how Japan handles Automobile Recycling. They are very thorough at recycling. the video shows how effective
recycling can be instead filling up land fills with waste materials.
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Upgrading with a 8 1/2" Power Brake Booster
Sorry for the delayed posting, I was doing renovations on my house. I am upgrading my 7 1/2"with a larger 8 !/2"Power Brake Booster. When I added the 8.8 Super Duty Differential Conversion, the Large Discs Brakes called for a Larger Brake Booster to be added. I bought the booster from Z Depot as my local parts supplies did not have in stock.
Comparison Pics of the 7 1/2" and 8 1/2" Boosters
As you see with these pics, the Mounting Lugs are spread out more than the old one. Roughly about 3/4" or 1 1/2" across.
Luckly, the Brake Master Cylinder Assembly does not required disconnecting the brake lines. You can just loose the brake line mounts and Proportioning Valve Assembly. This will allow the removal of the old booster and room to install the new one.
Now, plenty of room to work on the Booster Mounting Holes is available.
However, I found that making the wider mounting holes would occur close to edge of the Brake Pedal Assembly on the opposite side of the Firewall. So instead of just putting large washers in would not be strong enough. So I decided I would remove the Brake Pedal Assembly and would weld up some steel plate on the pedal assembly to give it more strength.
First, I made a Template for a Rubber Gasket behind the Booster Body.
Then, Cut the gasket from a !/8" Flat Rubber Sheet.
Masking tape applied on Rubber gasket material
Test Fitting the Gasket.
Rubber Gasket on Booster
I decided that it was better to removed the Brake Pedal Assembly to work on it. So I had to remove the Steering Column
and Electric Power Steering Motor together. So I constructed a 4 Foot x 1 x 1/2" Foot Plywood Platform so I could work easier than bending my back on the rocker panel.
Also, to remove the Brake Pedal Assembly, there are Two 12mm short Hex bolts on the top of the assembly. To remove these bolts, you must remove the Tachometer to access these bolts. There is only a couple of inches of space above the bolts so 12mm Ratcheting wrench or small Ratchet is recommended.
the Two Hidden Bolts
12mm Ratcheting Wrench aids bolt removal.
Mig Welded 1/8" Steel Plate over the Mounting Holes to provide additional strength.
Firewall View of Modified Pedal Bracket
After Test Fitting the Pedal Assembly, I found the Clutch Master Cylinder was very close to the new Brake Booster. I was thinking that, in case, I needed to install a Larger Clutch Master for a Bigger Clutch, a Larger Master might be needed. So I decided to move the Clutch Master over while i got Pedal Assembly apart now.
Next - Modifying the Pedal Assembly to move the Clutch Master over.
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The Follow Up Road Test went fine. There was no CV Axle Grease leak and the Diffferential performed well. The Differential Gear Ratio was now 3:55 compared to the old r200 3:70 so my
shift points were now more spread out. I think that 3:55 gear ratio for city driving by providing less
gear shifting. Highway driving was better by running at less RPMs too.
The Blue Angels-the Navy Stunt F16 planes were coming to participate in an Air Show at Kaneohe Marine Base.
There also had a Car Show along with the Two Day Air Show. Although, the show was
on the other side of my island , I decided to enter my 240z in the Car Show. The trip would take about one Hour but most of it was on freeway roads. The Freeway would take me over the mountain to the other side of my island.
On the downward leg of the trip, I noticed that a lot of pedal effort was necessary to slow down, My conclusion was that a Bigger Brake Power booster would be needed. The OEM Brake Booster was 7" booster so the next size booster would be 1978 280z
booster which is 8 !/2". The local auto places did not have a 280Z booster available so I ordered one from Z Depot.
The Air Show was terrific but unfortunately, it create a large Traffic problem.
However, The Good News is that I won the TOP TEN Trophy for Aloha Mother Fest 2025 -CAR Show that was combined with the Blue Angel Show.
Next- Upgrading the 7" OEM Booster with the 78280z 8 1/2"Brake Booster
Next-Upgrading the Brake Power Booster with a 78 280Z Unit
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Road Test and -Comments-
The Firsr Road Test after the 8.8 Conversion went Fine. Normally, the car under under hard acceleration, a Shift into
Secong Gear would cause the Right Side to break loose and the Rear End would start to come around. So I would have to
back off the throttle or risk a Spin Out. With Torsen Gear, the torque was applied smoothly and evenly. The car handles
well and controllable.
However, when I returned to my garage and check underside of the car, I noticed a trail of grease above the Left Rear
CV Axle.
This grease trail was directly over the Left Inner CV Joint.
So I jacked up the rear of the car, Removed the Left Inner CV Axle.
After inspecting the CV Axle , I found a Small Tear in the CV Booot.
The Hole was under the CV Boot Clamp so I figured the person who assembled the CV Axle must have cut it
The bigger problem was finding a replacement CV Boot. I tried my local Ford Dealer, NAPA, OReilys, Auto Zone,
Rock Auto and even Ebay. Nobody had it. Then, I remembered those Universal CV Axle Boots that allowed the mechanic to replace the Damaged CV Boots without completely removing the CV Axle. It saved the mechanic alot
of Labor Hours. Those boots were pretty universal. An inventory of 4 to 5 these Universal Boots would fit many
Front Wheel Drive Cars and even ATV.
Even Snap On sold these Universal CV Axle Boots.
Afrer Removing the Rubber Boot by taking the Boot Clamps off, You just remove the Large Snap Ring.
Then remove the CV Joint.
Once the CV Joint was removed, The Universal Boot was installed by stretching the boot over the axle. I just cut the bottom section of a oil funnel. With a little muscle, pull the Boot over the axle using the funnel to make it easier.
The messy part was put the CV Axel Grease into the new boot. Finally , install both CV Clamps. Then, take the car for another road test to check for any leakage.
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"Oil Can Repair" on Rar Hatch Panel-
"Oil Can Repair" on the Rear Hatch Panel is common problem on 240z. The factory tried to solve the problem by adding addition sheet metal around the lock
assembly. unfortunately, this(in most cases) was not sufficient to prevent the problem. The problem is aggravated by the push style hatch lock that is utilized.
The lock uses a pushing down movement to operate the hatch release. Imagine a 200 plus man forcing his weight on 23 gauge Flat piece of sheet metal opening his hatch.
This video shows one method od solving this problem.
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I found this You Tube Video that shows the use of Laser Technology to strip down a Fairlady in Japan. Although the video doe not have English Subtitles, the Laser Machines utilized provided a different method of removing paint, rust, corrosion,etc. The major drawback is
it is too labor intensive. Using Total Chemical Vehicle Dip (previously shown) would be much faster and still be able to remove internal corrosion (in boxed areas). But in certain case such as surface corrosion, this method would work well.
I found the video interesting as it provide a new option in corrosion and paint removal in the restoration process.
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Another S30 Restoration from Japan- no English Subtitles
This short video gives the viewer how restoration can accomplished even with
a badly corroded body. Note that most of badly corroded areas can be replaced with
aftermarket body panels( even wheelwell edges). Also, one must realize this work took over months of bodywork by a professional. Toolman
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Finishing Details of the Super Duty 8.8 Conversion-
Strut Spring Tubes- The Threaded Strut Tubes were obtained from BC RACING. If you don't have a
TIG WELDER, Vladmir can weld his Strut Tubes Brackets on.
BC RACING STRUT TUBES
STRUT TUBES with Brackets WELDED ON
After installing the Complete Strut Assemblies with Coil Springs and car on the ground, you can adjust the
Spring Preload and Spring Height. Adjust the Spring Height to your preference.
Double check Wheel to Body Clearance by testing the suspension under various road conditions.
Exhaust System Modifications-
I raise the Dual Exhaust Pipes for extra clearance(Speed Bumps, etc),
REAR EXHAUST PIPES also, had to widen to accommodate the Wider 8.8 FORD DIFFERETIAL.
l
Rear View of Exhaust System
Bottom View of 2024Ford Motorsport Super Duty 8.8 Differential with Torsen Limited Slip with 3.55 Gears.
Right Side View of the Differential -note the Huge Axle Shaft capable of handling 800+ HP!!
Pic of Right Side Rotor and Mustang GT Disc Brakes. Mounted also is 1" Wheel
Spacers to provide Caliper/ Wheel Clearance.
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Bottom View of the Differential
Side View of Converted 5 Lug 17" x 11 1/2" wide Wheel with Extra Long Lug Nuts
and 315 Nitto Tires.
Rear to Front View of Tire and Wheel with Rocket Bunny Flare.
Road Test and Comments-Next
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The video shows the best method of Removing paint and rust from your 240z in preparation for restoration. This Chemical Wash is the most complete method of stripping all paint and corrosion from the vehicle. It will even get inside every nook and cranny of the metal
structure. Even, Abrasive Blasting can not get inside of the interior of the boxed metal. Also, after the chemical wash, a rust inhibitor
is sprayed completely on the metal surface. This inhibitor will prevent even surface rust from forming for couple days to a week depending on the humidity of your area. But, Chassis Epoxy Paint should be appied as soon as possible to prevent surface rust from forming.
The only Downside of this Cleaning process is Cost and Location of these Dipping Plants. The prices cost over $1500. The location of the Plants are few and far away( check Web for the closest one to you).
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IF YOU GOT THE $$$$, CARBON SIGNAL can do the Complete Restoration.
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240Z Restoration done in Indonesia-20 min video
Look how many workers that are working on the restoration at the end. Just like a Army of Ants.
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Part 3-More Bodywork-
In this version, the Mig Welding is also utilized in the restoration process.
Part4-
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What is your Rear End Gear Ratio? You probably should be running 4:11 or lower. Also, what size slicks do you have?
nject
You cut out the Mid Section of your Mustang forn the Firewall to
Riding the Las Vegas Mono Rail that runs parallel from MGM Grand to the Las Vegas Convention Center. Regular price was $6 a ride but it was lowered to $5.50 for the convention
checking Push Rod Clearance
Masking tape applied on Rubber gasket material
Rubber Gasket on Booster
New All Aluminum Body Panels of Datsun240Z manufactured in Japan
in Body Kits & Paint
Posted
These Aluminum Body Panels were introduced to the Public at the 2025 SEMA SHOW in Las Vegas. They were manufactured by
Yahagi Industry Company located in Japan. The 240Z vehicle was in the Toyo Tire Booth at the Show.
Front Head Light Bucket
Front Hood
Bottom Side of the Hood
Right Front Fender
Front Cowl Panel
Front Aluminum Grille
Right Front Fender
Roof
Right Rear Quarter Panel and Fuel Door
Rea Hatch Pic
Rear Panel
left Rear Quarter Panel
Flyer that describes Weigh Savings between Steel Panels and Aluminum Panels
They would not give the price at the show but say it would be give out at the end of the year. I believe they are waiting till the Tokyo Auto
Salon Show happening in Tokyo in January 2026. They were planning a production run of 100 of these Aluminum Panels. The well known
Japanese Performance Company-Star Road is handling the sale of these 240Z panels. The panels have an excellent fit and well constructed. I would definitely recommend them.