ls240z Posted July 30, 2014 Share Posted July 30, 2014 I have seen a photo of a S30 with the tool storage boxes removed. I like the idea of more room behind the seats. I'm wondering if there are any cons to removing the sheet metal if I install a roll bar? Here is said photo: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apollyon12 Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 I did that and now it's where my battery lives. Even without the roll bar, I don't think you loose much stiffness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony D Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 I'm not quite sure that is what that photo really is, are you sure that is not a photo of a 2+2 with the rear seat out? That's what the 1/4 Window looks like... It might be a coupe though, I don't recall the 2+2 having that kind of wheel well intrusion so it may well be a coupe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ls240z Posted July 31, 2014 Author Share Posted July 31, 2014 I'm not quite sure that is what that photo really is, are you sure that is not a photo of a 2+2 with the rear seat out? That's what the 1/4 Window looks like... It might be a coupe though, I don't recall the 2+2 having that kind of wheel well intrusion so it may well be a coupe.You know what Tony, it very well could be a 2+2, as I've never seen one stripped down before. Any thoughts on the removal though? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AkRev Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 (edited) The photo is not of a 2+2, that is a coupe, the 1/4 window has the point at the top and the 2+2 window avoids the point there. You can also see the outline of the old tool box on the passenger side. Also, the bottom area, where a 2+2 seat would go, is flat. A 2+2 seat is tilted up to the front. I have been spending too much time in the back of my car.... Edited July 31, 2014 by AkRev Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ls240z Posted July 31, 2014 Author Share Posted July 31, 2014 I have been spending too much time in the back of my car.... I count any time in and around the Datsun time we'll spent! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RebekahsZ Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 (edited) I have heard someone (johnc?) refer to the tool box are and the front cowl as somethingorother: "torque boxes?" So I think that from a structural point that they are supposed to stiffen the chassis. That being said, there is an XP 280z in Memphis, TN, with a 350z or 370z drivetrain that has removed them (and damn near anything without a direct mechanical function) to achieve a curb weight of 1989#-yes, a 280z! I think I remember the owner saying that removal of that section saved him 12#, but that's just two guys talkin'. Edited July 31, 2014 by RebekahsZ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkspeed Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 I removed them on a race car with full cage. 12lb sounds about right. Makes a lot of room for other stuff like electronics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ls240z Posted August 1, 2014 Author Share Posted August 1, 2014 Great info guys, thanks. I'm going to go ahead and cut them. I'm sure I'll be fine for chassis stiffness with a full roll bar tied to a knee bar along the door sills. Bad dog frame rails will help too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RebekahsZ Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 I hope you are better at drilling spot welds than I am. I'm surprised more of the chassis stiffening gurus haven't jumped on this. Please update the thread as you go, if I ever back half my car, the boxes wi be coming out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ls240z Posted August 1, 2014 Author Share Posted August 1, 2014 I'll keep it updated and get a final weight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ls240z Posted August 2, 2014 Author Share Posted August 2, 2014 So I got started today, but the welds along the fender wells were proving to be a bitch. I'll have to cut some metal away with a reciprocating saw so I can get the drill in there. I'm heading to the lake for the long weekend so I'll finish up and update this thread on Tuesday or Wednesday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ls240z Posted August 7, 2014 Author Share Posted August 7, 2014 So I got it all out and quickly gave the excess metal a little grind. Overall weight removed was 9.2lbs, so RebekahsZ, you were close. I'm sure if there were actual lids over the toolboxes it would be close to your 12 pound guess. Weight loss aside, I'm glad for the extra room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkspeed Posted August 7, 2014 Share Posted August 7, 2014 Funny thing is once you paint it all, no one really notices they are gone. It will look like it was meant to be that way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RebekahsZ Posted August 8, 2014 Share Posted August 8, 2014 Maybe the other guy had 3# of dirt in the bottom! What did you use as your spot weld cutter (source and part number)? I need a lesson on that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ls240z Posted August 9, 2014 Author Share Posted August 9, 2014 Haha, that could be true, I had a lot of hidden garbage in there. I bought them at our Canadian equivalent of Harbor Freight (Princess Auto). They cost me $10 for 2. If you plan on using them a lot, get a good quality set. Mine dulled quickly because they are crap, but they did the job and I won't need them again. Here's a link to what I used: http://www.princessauto.com/pal/en/Drill-Bits/2-pc-Spot-Weld-Cutters/3410034.p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LLave Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 I believe that the tool box does a lot more for rigidity than it is given credit in this tread. I also think that it add more rigidity per pound than you can get out of tube work. Just my feelings on the topic, and yes I have cut one out in the past. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JGREEZY Posted August 20, 2014 Share Posted August 20, 2014 I wonder if that space would be big enough for seat. I'm sure not adults but maybe kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RebekahsZ Posted August 20, 2014 Share Posted August 20, 2014 A good spot for a chalk block, 4-link, fire bottle and nitrous bottle. Or a place to put your purse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony D Posted August 20, 2014 Share Posted August 20, 2014 Where do you put the cooler now? On long hauls I got a Coleman packed with ice strapped in there, and everything else out in the trailer. I mean, now you can recline the seats almost flat for sleeping just like in a 2+2, but where do you keep your iced Road Beer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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