script Posted September 10, 2008 Share Posted September 10, 2008 I just picked up a Z and I see that the unibody is indented in on the passenger side front quarter. My original plan was to do nothing since the fender covers it right up. I mounted the fender and everything lines up and is straight as an arrow. But is this now a weak point? How do I go about fixing it if I need to. I already have plans for a roll cage that will extend to the engine bay, my plan is for this to be a 500hp car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Challenger Posted September 10, 2008 Share Posted September 10, 2008 I guess youll just have to make a full tube front end... Honestly I dont know if that would affect anything. That seems like a big dent, I wouldnt be suprised if the front end was tweeked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
script Posted September 10, 2008 Author Share Posted September 10, 2008 That would be awfully disappointing if my first Z is nothing but scrap. Any ideas on some places to look in order to see if the whole front was tweaked? I have no idea what kind of impact that could have been.. I figured it could even be from storage. The car was dug out of a storage shed full of stuff, and its probably been there years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aziza z Posted September 10, 2008 Share Posted September 10, 2008 I wouldn't worry about it to much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted September 10, 2008 Share Posted September 10, 2008 Go here: http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=100401 Then strip your car down and check the measurements. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
74_5.0L_Z Posted September 10, 2008 Share Posted September 10, 2008 It does not look as if the top of the strut tower or the suspension attach points on the frame have moved. I also do not see that damage compromising the structural integrity of the front end (at least not much). I would not have any problem using that car especially since you plan to install a cage. I would make sure that you either tie the cage into the front strut towers, or install some form of strut tower brace. Strut tower bracing is good practice for any Z that will be used for high performance driving regardless of previous front end damage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
240zwannabe Posted September 12, 2008 Share Posted September 12, 2008 pull it out with a frame rack and get an alignment Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
biohazard53188 Posted September 12, 2008 Share Posted September 12, 2008 500hp? I wouldn't take any chances. Do the measurements and see what you get. Otherwise you are going to be hating life after putting all that money into strengthening up the body, not to mention the amount of time you will be putting into it. Biggest and most overlooked rule with doing any quality work , "Don't rush yourself". Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
script Posted September 12, 2008 Author Share Posted September 12, 2008 I’m going to take the measurements but in that sticky someone claims that some of the diagrams are off. So im not sure how much good it will do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clifton Posted September 12, 2008 Share Posted September 12, 2008 HP will lighten the front and take the load off that point. I would be more worried (if I were the worrying type) and it was a lower HP track car with sticky tires and good brakes. If it were mine I would use it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK-Z Posted September 12, 2008 Share Posted September 12, 2008 Look at the radiator mount near the area where the bumper mounts are. If the front was skewed about a 1/8 of an inch, the spot factory spot weld should be damaged. If not then I think only the passenger side strut tower should the concern. Since the damage was so close to the firewall. I wouldn't worry "too" much Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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