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About to bite the bullet...

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Old Jul 18, 2008 | 01:16 PM
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Ok...I'll try and make this short. Haven't been in Japanese since my 1991 Maxima and a 2000 4Runner Limited. Since then mainly European with some US Muscle cars and Jeeps thrown in for good measure. Last year after my 3rd accident in my Jeep SRT8, I had a G35 as a loaner for a month. Got my Jeep back, and traded it a week later for a G35S - which I love. And am modding already.

Which brings me to my rekindled love of the Z. Always liked it over the years, but it got a bit soft in the 90's. And since the G, I've decided I need one for a second car. I'm definately going with Grand Touring, might be new or slightly used. And am almost done planning my mods.

Here is my dilema. I love coupes, but I always have a sunroof in them. I'm a bit wierd about having at least some light in from the roof. Thought about the Roadster, may still do it.

Question - has anyone ever cut out a portion of the roof and installed a fixed glass section, ala Porsche Targa 4s? Is there any structural reason anyone knows of that this cannot me done?

I'm really in love with the size and performance for the dollar. I was actually planning on a V8 Vantage - but why would I spend 100k+ for a weekender when I can buy this and customize it to my liking for less than 1/2? I know...very different cars and prices, but they essentially serve the same purpose. Plus...I can customize a Z MUCH easier than an Aston. And If i move, who would service the Brit?

Thanks in advance for the input. I'll be posting a lot more once I decide and then buy in the next few weeks.

-s-

Example of the G in progress


Last edited by ParkStr8; Jul 18, 2008 at 01:20 PM.
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Old Jul 18, 2008 | 01:27 PM
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some guys here may have seen that...i personally never have, but i will admit my only complaint with nissan is they didnt make a T-Top or Targa version...
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Old Jul 18, 2008 | 01:32 PM
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honestly, i dont see any reason you couldnt do it. you could put a sunroof or t-tops or chop the top on anything. as long as you have it professionaly done, the structural integrity shouldnt be a problem, because they will put reinforcements around the area that has been cut out. if you got the money, you can do anything. and if your talking about how you could buy an aston martin, you better have the sickest Z on this forum lol
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Old Jul 18, 2008 | 01:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Jdmtight975
some guys here may have seen that...i personally never have, but i will admit my only complaint with nissan is they didnt make a T-Top or Targa version...
i have seen someone dropped the roof and put a moon roof on...but not a glass top or whatever tho .....i have pic ...will post it later today ...b/c in the office rite now...
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Old Jul 18, 2008 | 05:19 PM
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Just get a G37 if you're looking for new and sunroof.
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Old Jul 18, 2008 | 09:58 PM
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I have seen the aftermarket sunroof. I know a girl at work who had one installed aftermarket on her Z. It reminds me of the sunroof on the CR-X or RSX. It opens from the outside. Not too bad once you get it professionaly done.
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Old Jul 18, 2008 | 10:05 PM
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i am sorry i don't even understand what the OP is trying to say. You are better off making it long.

"I'll try and make this short. Haven't been in Japanese since my 1991 Maxima and a 2000 4Runner Limited. "
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Old Jul 19, 2008 | 01:15 AM
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drop that G and it'll be a step closer to VIP.

T-top on the 350z would be dope!! never thought of that. o.o

EDIT:
congrats on the G!! btw!
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Old Jul 19, 2008 | 02:09 PM
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Thanks for the posts.

If I wanted a G37, I'd get one. I want a Z - then want to make the Z "my" version of it. I don't want a back seat, the extra weight, the extra length, etc. - that's what the G is for. That's part of my love of the Z...it's still mostly pure.

I had thought about T tops...but that seems like too much work and way expensive for the end result. My thoughts were a fixed glass portion that would not move...just give me the open feeling.

I'm still going over all the different body kits, rims...etc...and planning on addressing some owners complaint of plastic interior. I don't think it's that bad personally, but when i'm done it will be mostly leather and suede.

I've had 44 cars and am trying to stop the habit. I figure buying the Z will keep me busy for several years. And it'll be FUN!

Thanks again.

-s-
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Old Sep 30, 2008 | 06:09 AM
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About to bite the bullet...
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Old Sep 30, 2008 | 07:49 AM
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If I had that kinda $$ I would grab up a GTR.

Like others have said, with enough cash, anything is possible. I would recommend making it so the moonroof can be opened. I havent had nearly 44 cars, but Ive had a couple moonroofs, opening it is a must. That is the only thing I miss about my old car.
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Old Sep 30, 2008 | 08:01 AM
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If you considered a 100K car then GET A GTR. The best performance for the money PERIOD.
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Old Sep 30, 2008 | 06:19 PM
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I just went over a GTR at my local dealer. VERY NICE. But it's a big car...and I might be moving to SF, so want a small car to run around in - the Z fits that. I've been scouring EBay, Craigslist and Autotrader (all over priced on that site), and Leasetrader. I

Was ready to purchase, but am being smart and waiting till the 370Z hits...which I will either want, or knock down the price of the 07-08 Z (sorry if that hurts any of you guys) that I want to buy slightly used. Either way I win.

It's been hard not to just buy one...but i'm trying to be smarter with my money. As for 100k car, I would NEVER own one in LA. Between valets, women in range rovers on the phone, and illegals...it's just not worth it to me as i'm too ****. Retentive that is.

Thanks for the input!
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Old Sep 30, 2008 | 07:58 PM
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this reminds me of the
"OK I have a bunch of money and I want a fast car. What should i buy?!" threads
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Old Oct 1, 2008 | 11:05 AM
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Originally Posted by nothix
this reminds me of the
"OK I have a bunch of money and I want a fast car. What should i buy?!" threads
That's cause a bunch of morons keep going OT and offering unsolicited advice. He's not asking what car to get. He wants to know if he can put a sunroof in the Z.

https://my350z.com/forum/exterior-in...0-sunroof.html

https://my350z.com/forum/mid-atlanti...f-ftw-ftl.html

https://my350z.com/forum/east-canada...m-sunroof.html

https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2008-n...z-sunroof.html

Best thread about it:

https://my350z.com/forum/exterior-in...installed.html
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Old Oct 1, 2008 | 11:30 AM
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Originally Posted by i8acobra
That's cause a bunch of morons keep going OT and offering unsolicited advice. He's not asking what car to get. He wants to know if he can put a sunroof in the Z.

https://my350z.com/forum/exterior-in...0-sunroof.html

https://my350z.com/forum/mid-atlanti...f-ftw-ftl.html

https://my350z.com/forum/east-canada...m-sunroof.html

https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2008-n...z-sunroof.html

Best thread about it:

https://my350z.com/forum/exterior-in...installed.html
The OP had 44 cars in the past. but didn't think to do a search 1st?
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Old Oct 2, 2008 | 09:20 AM
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Nothix...please define "bunch" of money? I live in LA...why on earth would I think a Z (as much as i love it) constituted a "bunch" of money. Here Astons, Bentley, Rolls, etc are commonplace. I am a builder, not a buyer. The Z offers great value and performance for a reasonable rate. Not to mention the overall length is one of it's strong points to me.

Thanks for the support Cobra.

As an active member on several forums (Sweedespeed, Cherokee SRT8 {talk about fast? 0-60 in 4.8, 5k pounds and AWD}, SaabCentral, etc.) - I did do a search. I was not really asking about the sunroof (that was an afterthought that i might implement now), but moreso a single glass targa roof similar to the 911 Targa S. Retain structural integrity while dminishing the closed roof feeling.

I found pics of Z's with sunroofs...well, one...so I know it can be done professionally and successfully. But before I buy a car I actually PLAN my mods. ESPECIALLY one that requires cutting structure. I'm not Chip Foose and do not have 100,000 square foot garage at my disposal.

I have a thick skin and comments don't phase me...but seriously. Did I say I wanted an GT-R? Nope, don't think so. So don't tell me how to spend my money. Now see, that was a joke.

Last edited by ParkStr8; Oct 2, 2008 at 09:26 AM.
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Old Oct 2, 2008 | 10:56 AM
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Originally Posted by ParkStr8

I found pics of Z's with sunroofs...well, one...so I know it can be done professionally and successfully. But before I buy a car I actually PLAN my mods. ESPECIALLY one that requires cutting structure. I'm not Chip Foose and do not have 100,000 square foot garage at my disposal.
To do a Targa, you're gonna need to hire someone with the skill of Chip Foose. It will be a major undertaking in the Z since nobody makes a ready to install part (like the sunroofs). It's gonna have to be all custom. Probably cost less to just buy a 911 Targa.
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Old Oct 2, 2008 | 02:39 PM
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Summary: No bullet biting in the near future.
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