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installing OEM Aluminum Pedals

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Old 09-03-2006, 10:04 PM
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dkorr
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Question installing OEM Aluminum Pedals

I own a base model and I tried installing the OEM Aluminum pedals and they were really difficult. The Dead pedal and Gas pedal were easy, but the Clutch/Brake pedals are impossible to install. As you know the OEM Brake/Clutch pedals have an Aluminum 'skin' encased in a rubber body. I tried soaking it in boiling water or blow dryer to soften the rubber but it cooled/hardened before I was able to install it over the steel pedal bases. Has anyone actually succeeded in doing this without wrecking it?
Old 09-03-2006, 10:09 PM
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zand02max
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I did this same install when I owned an 03 Base Model. Wife actually did the clutch and brake pedals. We used boiling water, it was a ***** though!
Old 09-04-2006, 12:27 AM
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Blaumph
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I installed them on my 06 base about a month ago. What a pain in the *** the gas and clutch pedals were...
But here's what worked for me finally:
I took a small flathead screwdriver to the rubber lip on the bottom of the pedals, and gently pried them outwards just to loosen up the rubber a bit. Then I put WD40 all along the edge and inside of the rubber lip. Lastly, I put the pedal cover on so just one side was snug, and used the small flathead around the entire edge of the rubber lip, starting with the corners. Hope this makes sense.
Old 09-04-2006, 05:34 PM
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dkorr
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Originally Posted by Blaumph
I installed them on my 06 base about a month ago. What a pain in the *** the gas and clutch pedals were...
But here's what worked for me finally:
I took a small flathead screwdriver to the rubber lip on the bottom of the pedals, and gently pried them outwards just to loosen up the rubber a bit. Then I put WD40 all along the edge and inside of the rubber lip. Lastly, I put the pedal cover on so just one side was snug, and used the small flathead around the entire edge of the rubber lip, starting with the corners. Hope this makes sense.
I finally slipped them on. Like you suggested I sprayed some WD40 on the inside grooves. It worked a little better. Still have numb fingers. Dont think I'll ever want to do that mod ever again.
Old 09-04-2006, 06:06 PM
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bofa
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Damn... it's on my to do list...
Old 09-04-2006, 06:46 PM
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Damian
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Hot water, flathead screwdriver, alot of swearing and an hour later i was done...i never want to do that again.
Old 09-04-2006, 09:17 PM
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dkorr
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Originally Posted by Damian
Hot water, flathead screwdriver, alot of swearing and an hour later i was done...i never want to do that again.
Its a pain in the ***. I cant tell you how many times I thought about giving up and trading in my base for an enthusiast.
Old 09-04-2006, 11:17 PM
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Blaumph
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Glad to hear it worked out. And I agree with both you guys, I never want to do that again. But IF I did, I will make sure I don't stab myself in the nose with the screwdriver like I did last time.
Old 09-05-2006, 08:36 AM
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Mathys
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Don't remind me of doing this, please! It's a PITA for sure...
Old 09-24-2006, 07:54 PM
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secondz
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I had the same problems that everyone has described. There was very little space to work in, your head is underneath the steering wheel and you cannot get a good grip on the pedal edges. I did not have a small enough screwdriver so I just put one side on and kept pulling at the edges of the covers until they stretched into place. My fingers are still sore. I wonder if there was an easier way to do this?
Old 09-24-2006, 08:11 PM
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dkorr
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Originally Posted by secondz
I had the same problems that everyone has described. There was very little space to work in, your head is underneath the steering wheel and you cannot get a good grip on the pedal edges. I did not have a small enough screwdriver so I just put one side on and kept pulling at the edges of the covers until they stretched into place. My fingers are still sore. I wonder if there was an easier way to do this?
easiest way is to buy a non-BASE.
Old 09-24-2006, 08:43 PM
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350zjae
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I just did it today with no boiling water or heat gun. All it took was a lot of tugging, pulling and swearing. Just keep at it and don't give up. Eventually it will get on!
Old 09-25-2006, 10:29 AM
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BlackZero6
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i cut the four edges with a blade and it went on smoothly.....fits snug
Old 09-25-2006, 11:57 AM
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Jun
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Guide: http://www.sfzcc.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1914
Old 09-25-2006, 12:24 PM
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Jenn350Z
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Originally Posted by dkorr
I tried soaking it in boiling water or blow dryer to soften the rubber but it cooled/hardened before I was able to install it over the steel pedal bases

Run faster from the kitchen to the car!

Old 02-05-2007, 12:23 PM
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Brice-350z
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I just did this install this morning, this is the most painful upgrade ever...

Just one question, everyone with the aluminum pedals, does the top clip on the gas pedal not snugly secure the pedal to the rod? Mine is a little loose, just wanting to know if that is the norm.
Old 02-05-2007, 01:25 PM
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devildoc
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Wow, I forgot all about doing that mod back in the day Yeah, it's a pain, but you just have to keep at it and pull every which way known to man!
Old 02-05-2007, 01:56 PM
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Jun
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Originally Posted by Jenn350Z
Run faster from the kitchen to the car!



or he could just have the hot water in a bucket next to him?
Old 02-05-2007, 04:22 PM
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rxkevin
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Brice - Yea there is alittle room between the top. I stuck a piece of rubber in there so it doesn't make any noises.

For the pedals, I cut slits into the sides. I figure they are tight enough where it wont fall off anyhow. I soaked it in boiling water as well.


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