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Anyone saw out the rear strut brace?

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Old 02-17-2014, 04:16 AM
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Rogerdodger
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Default Anyone saw out the rear strut brace?

Guys,
Has anyone sawed out the rear strut brace in the hatch area? I want to be able to lay a mountain bike frame in the back and the damn strut bar is so bulky its taking up half the hatch area.

I know ill lose some suspension support but my old z32 did not have a rear strut bar and it handled fine even autocrossing it.

let me know if anyone has and what issues they ran into. I just want a heads up before I get the saw out and start cutting.
Old 02-17-2014, 04:24 AM
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Cux350z
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nope, no one ever. You would be the first.





(search dude, plenty have done it.........laziness is killing this forum and USA)
Old 02-17-2014, 04:30 AM
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terrasmak
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/61208532@N05/6027172985/http://www.flickr.com/photos/61208532@N05/6027172985/]Car/Bike[/url, on Flickr
Not needed frame size is a 19
Old 02-17-2014, 04:43 AM
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AdvanZ33
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Why not buy a bike rack?
Old 02-17-2014, 04:47 AM
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KornerCarver
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The Z32 wasn't built to have the strut bar. The 370Z doesn't have it either. I suspect you will lose a lot of structural integrity if you just remove the strut bar. However, it's your Z and if you don't mind driving around with reduced structural integrity, go for it. Just chop it out and let us know how it feels.
Old 02-17-2014, 08:59 AM
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Rogerdodger
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no one currently makes a bike rack for our cars except some suction cup bike rack which I do not trust with a heavy bike on top..
I can fit the bike in the hatch area like that pic above but the fork and handlebars are the issue. The wheels I usually just put in the passenger side footwell.
I might go for it and just leave the two sides and just saw the middle section out but leave enough mounting area for a welded in plate and bracket incase I need to put a bar back in the middle when I lose my interest in mountain biking.
Old 02-17-2014, 09:35 AM
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CJM
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I don't think I would be cutting my car and destroying its resale value and structural integrity for a bike...but maybe I just over think things.

Solutions: 1. Get a friend to drive you. 2. Figure it out. 3. Destroy resale and structure by cutting it. 4. Sell Z and buy a hatchback.
Old 02-17-2014, 10:11 AM
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Jennifer 2
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Several members here have adapted Yakima roof racks to fit a Z. Use the search function (not all that user friendly unfortunately) to see the which uprights they selected (the cross bars and bike trays are standard) There are a few Yakima and other makes of clamping uprights that will reach around the delicate plastic finisher piece on the side of the roof just above the window. With the cross bars in place, this makes a very strong and secure rack, capable of carrying bikes, lumber etc.
Old 02-17-2014, 12:18 PM
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TuckerE36
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OP, sell your Z. If you're considering sawing out the rear strut brace to fit a bicycle then you obviously have no business owning a Z...That's like me saying, Hey guys it gets really HOT in Texas during the summer. You'd think it'd be OK if I just saw off the roof so it will cool down the cabin faster??? I know I might lose some suspension support but....
Old 02-17-2014, 01:15 PM
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Dan Garcia
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there are some pictures of a red Z with a bike rack installed, the z looks very nice,
the rack is practical and does not take away from the appearance of the car. It is still
a better alternative than removing any re-enforcements from your zed. I will try to find the picture this evening.
Old 02-17-2014, 02:07 PM
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hellman_x
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Originally Posted by KornerCarver
The Z32 wasn't built to have the strut bar. The 370Z doesn't have it either. I suspect you will lose a lot of structural integrity if you just remove the strut bar. However, it's your Z and if you don't mind driving around with reduced structural integrity, go for it. Just chop it out and let us know how it feels.
370's is right behind the seats as opposed to being in the middle of the trunk.
Old 02-18-2014, 01:40 AM
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There are pics of a rack mounted to the hatch, just like the boofsquire rack, but from Thule or another brand. This is the route I would go if I had to transport my bike all the time.
Old 02-18-2014, 04:11 AM
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beezee
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Please make sure you do not try and weld it back on if you decide to sell the car. LOL
Old 02-18-2014, 05:02 AM
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Dan Garcia
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Default bike rack

bike racked z
Attached Thumbnails Anyone saw out the rear strut brace?-nismofrontcopy.jpg   Anyone saw out the rear strut brace?-nismorearcopy.jpg  
Old 02-18-2014, 06:32 AM
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JCat
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Yes, someone has done it. Some of the pics are now missing . . . .

https://my350z.com/forum/exterior-an...back-seat.html

https://my350z.com/forum/audio-and-v...ease-help.html

another: https://my350z.com/forum/media-share...-build-up.html

Name:  stage1.jpg
Views: 377
Size:  57.0 KB
.
.

Last edited by JCat; 02-18-2014 at 06:36 AM.
Old 02-18-2014, 06:55 AM
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Syner
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Originally Posted by Rogerdodger
no one currently makes a bike rack for our cars except some suction cup bike rack which I do not trust with a heavy bike on top..
I can fit the bike in the hatch area like that pic above but the fork and handlebars are the issue. The wheels I usually just put in the passenger side footwell.
I might go for it and just leave the two sides and just saw the middle section out but leave enough mounting area for a welded in plate and bracket incase I need to put a bar back in the middle when I lose my interest in mountain biking.
I just googled "350z bike rack"

http://boofsquire.com/

Doesn't look like a suction cup to me...
Old 02-18-2014, 09:06 AM
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Dan Garcia
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Default sucky cups

Originally Posted by Dan Garcia
bike racked z
this rack does not have sucky sucky cups, it is mounted properly.
Old 02-18-2014, 12:10 PM
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shadow191
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They make bike racks that mount on the trunk/hatch too.
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