It seems like a good idea to put on the Z to stop the front paint from chipping and breaking.

Anyone have one that can post a pic? Search doesn't work, as we all know

 

Amnbex,

I have a nose mask on my Z. After a couple of road trips, I noticed that the flat front nose on the Z equals a lot of nicks and paint chips, so I invested in the mask. Since I bought mine in the late fall, I had to have it installed, because it has to be stretched a bit before it fits the front of your Z. My dealer also recommended occasionally taking it off to prevent moisture from becoming trapped underneath and "clouding" the paint job. I'll take a pic tomorrow and post it tomorrow.

 

One more thing ...

Courtesy Parts Nissan of Texas (just outside of Dallas) has the nose masks for $99 which is considerably cheaper than the local dealerships do (around $130 or so) I'm not sure how much Courtesy charges for shipping, but you may be able to save a little cash by avoiding the sales tax by buying online. Here's a link: http://www.courtesyparts.com/350z/index.html

 

i dont think its worth it to make the car look a whole lot worse than a few paint chips. I would rather save the money for a repaint a year or so later than spend it on a nose mask. it kills the car.

 

The Nose Mask on a SB does NOT look bad at all. IT blends real well. Personally, I don't think it look good on any other color, as it sticks out like a sore thumb. On a Super Black, however, it's not a big deal, and it DOES protect the front end.

Once I get a new NISMO or VEILSIDE kit, I'll have my hood repainted at the same time they paint and install the kit. At that time I'll probably get the clear bra.

(On a side note, can anyone tell me... can you install a clear bra over a "freshly" painted body kit? If I have to wait 2 months for the paint to fully cure It'll be time to repaint it again!)

 

I have to agree. Even if the color of the car and the mask match, the mask still sticks out like a sore thumb. And as far as the clear bra goes, I'll still take the occasional chip over the line across my car. I'd rather pay for new paint then to kill the looks of the car. Just my opinion though.

 

I have it on my SB. But I only put it on for long trips or when I know I'll be going through backroads at night and hitting a lot of bugs. Otherwise, it's definitely off!

It is well worth it, trust me.

 

i have a OEM nissan nose mask but I cannot use it anymore because of the veilside version one front lip.

anyone interested in it send me a pM. I accept paypal!

 

Here's a shot of my ’03 Track with the nose mask. I think it looks just fine and it protects that massive low nose from scratches and even catches a few rocks that try to "walk" up your hood to the windshield.

 

Bigger photo here.

 

Here is a pic of my BY with a nosemask. I think it looks OK on the brick, IMO. I have it on b/c of the number of rock chips I got in the first month. It is easy to install/take off after it is stretched out a little...

 

im sorry but i think those pictures prove my point. that brickyard is such a beautiful color, and at a glance it looks like a mismatched body panel. if the rock chips are the big concern, just stand back a couple feet and you wont see um. That car goes from "god damn" to "oh ya" I could see putting it on for autocross or track events, but come on. everytime i see one i ache.
Like you said "I think it looks OK on the brick" i guess its okay, but without it.... much better.

 

I just got one, I'm planning on using it whenever I drive on longer trips, but for everyday use it's OFF!

 

I saw a white Z with a black nose mask and it looked really bad. But it may be a good idea for long trips.

 

I think if they made them in the same colors the paint comes in I would buy one. Because I know that for corvettes and even Ferraris you can get one that matches the paint. I've seen one I person and you can hardly tell until you get right on it. But because the one for the Z only comes in black, I think I'm going to invest in one of the clear bra kits.

 

I agree with mofoz; however, I also believe front end masks are made to be put on before long trips in the summer, when there is no chance of getting moisture between it and the paint, and to prevent a bunch of bugs from splattering on the front end. They're not made to be installed and kept on for long periods of time. If you do, you're asking for paint problems (discoloration, scratches, buffeting marks, etc.). Incidentally, I bought a Colgan mask (the best ones out there, in my opinion) shortly after buying my roadster, but I have yet to install it even once.

 

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Sorry, Hit submit a little to soon. Here is mine. I've had it on since I drove off the lot. It now has several cuts in it that would otherwise be big chips in my paint. To each their own. I thought I had one of the 350 by itself. Oh well. As you can see I have one on all 3. Not the best pic to show thee bra though.

 

I agree that a nose bra does not flatter the Z at all. Its great to have because I put it on, on long road trips. I wonder if there is a possibility of paiting the outside to match the paint. I heard of spray paints that you can paint on cloth. I don't know how it will work on leather though. It would be probably a waste of time. I have seen colored bras, I just cant figure it out where I saw them at. I am going to ask a upholstery shop if it is possible to dye or paint a bra? If it possible I will tell you guys. I do know a place in San Diego that will put your factory paint into a spray can for you. They tell me the color will be off a little bit because of the chemicals already inside the can.

 

I'd rather not have the (Colgan) bra on, but I use it about 50% of the time and I don't have one paint chip or mark on the front. Repaint every year? Gimme a break. Finding the rare body shop that can do flawless work every time is going to cost plenty......what a waste of money. I've never received a bad comment about the bra...except on this forum, of course. Most people think it looks aggressive. Regardless, the car is still perfect.