I've searched for the last 6 hours and can't find (using the search fuction,) how to remove the bar in the back of the hatch. Also the two blastic 'bubbles' that protrude from each side of the trunk. I already know none of us purchase the z for trunk space but I'd like to know how to remove them. If no one has an idea, what would be a fair price to pay to have a shop remove them? Thanks in advance!

(The space is actually 'big' enough to fit what i want..but that bar keeps it from clearning and those two bubbles are just annoying on the sides.)

 

Are you talking about the strut brace on the rear, the one with the "Z" on it?

You can remove the plastic but the bar is welded into the car, cutting it out is a bad idea.

The bubbles you speak of, if I understand you correctly are the wheel wells, cutting those out and your tyres will be showing. Most importantly thats where the suspension mounts to as well. You cant cut that away

I get the feeling your gonna get flamed for this

 

Lol!

 

Heh get the flame suit ready.

The bar is structurally part of the car and works to stiffen the frame. It cannot be removed other than by having it physically cut out. Same with those "bumps". They cover the underbody above the wheels..

Don't think yuou want to be removing any of that. Get a beater truck .

ncdoc

 

Get a sawzall and get going. Just think of the weight savings.

 

Well, first post to first post, I'd say you're going to twist your car in two if you remove it. It's there for structural integrity. I guess you could remove it if you were going to install sub frame connectors and do some other structural welding under the car, but that's gonna cost a little.


edit for grammer

 

Thanks for the feedback, I figured those 'bubbles' where for the wheels, but I didnt' realize the bar was actually attached to the frame. Touching the outside plastic felt a bit flimsy and if I yanked hard enough I'd be able to pull it off. Damn...I really wanted that bar removed if anything. Hmm. Guess i'll have to find a roof-rack...uggh how gay that is going to be

 

very gay

 

Sell the car!! Sell the car now, and don't look back!!!

 

When buying a 2 door, 2 seat sports car, when has storage space ever come into the equation? I'm looking at getting a roadster in the months to come, but as someone who owned a Fierro in the 80's, the sport far outweighs the storage.

 

I know what you mean. You look at the rear hatch space of an Audi TT, and it looks larger than the Z because there's no strut bar. The rear space in the Z coupe is pretty generous. I fit two golf bags and a few pieces of luggage in the rear cargo area. If you have a fairly bulky item, the rear strut bar may be in the way.

Just curious... What are you trying to fit into the rear space?

--Spike

 

A DEAD BODY!!!!!

 

removing the plastic cladding will free up some room, and also take out your spare and the spare cover shelf and you'll have a big area to store things in.

 

dude there is lots of space back there unless you are trying to load a bike or baby carriage

 

+1


what the heck do you need to fit back there? a dead body, probably 2 will fit with no problems. I know atleast 1 will.



how much fuking groceries do you buy?

 

+1

OP,

Did you think the rear strut bar was there just for decoration??? If your priority is cargo capacity over performance, you bought the wrong car and you're on the wrong website.

 

You bought the wrong car for the wrong reasons.

 

Just cut it with a acetylene torch. Cut a broom stick in half and bolt it in it's place. Add a quick release and you can take the broomstick out as you need to. That's what I did.

 

To the OP:

http://files.automotiveforums.com/ga..._1_003-med.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/ga..._1_014-med.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/ga...010671-med.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/ga...010731-med.JPG

^^ Have fun with that.

 

Everyone wants to have their cake and eat it too. I have to admit, when I first saw the car I wondered the same thing, its not a common component (among most of the cars I've owned).

I have had to get creative with storage, but I have managed to fit an 1 weeks worth of clothes, 3 bookbags, 2 boogie boards, an acoustic guitar, and some mountain bike gear all in the trunk, plus a bike on a trunk rack. If you reall need to bring large/long items, tell your gf to get out and walk, use the passenger half of the cabin.

Dont cut the strut brace out. Although with some funds you can probaby get someone to make a brace that doesnt protrude straight across, rather is re-routed through the bottom of the trunk, but it would have to be beefier to maintain the intended lateral rigidity. Honestly, I don't recommend that either.