I decided to widen my -72 240Z after finishing my GTR-32 rear axle installation to allow the usage of some deep dish rims.
The GTR axle modification has been covered a few times in the past by others and my installation does not differ that much from the mainstream. However, I decided to do something different with the bodywork.
I actually went on and bought me some ZG-flares to start with, but while I was test fitting them it just did not seem like the way to go in my build.
I decided to widen the rear quarter panels by adding a slice of sheet metal to the shoulder line. I took the top of the quarter panel 2 inches out at the rear axle line while the rear corner stays at stock width. I have seen implementation where the rear corner point is also brought further away on the side, but I personally like the curvy shape of the rear end on my approach. While the top of the quarter panel is wider, the width is preserved in the stock measure at the rocker panel height. i like the way the stock body line "folds under" the car in the sides and this approach will further emphasize the feature.
I have also seen implementation such as the subtle Z rear quarter where the widening does not effect the door. I decided to slice and dice the door as well in order to preserve the continuity of the original body line. In the end, we'll hopefully see an undisturbed body liner at the height of the door handle. The door is also only widened from the top while the rocker panel area folds in.
I have not decided yet if I will keep the rear pumber, but I left a preservation for it. If it looks dum, I just sheet metal the pits.
The front will probably be widened with some metal flairs.
Anyway, here are some pictures of my progress on the passenger side so far. And no, the rim in the pictures is not part of my plans. I was just using it for checking the fitment and ride height.
