OK,

I think I've figured out how to make a brushed aluminum fuel filler conversion kit for the 350Z - ala Audi TT or Mitsu. Eclipse GT.

I have two ways to go about it. I can just create one for myself by hand, or I can work up all the jigs and programs for low production volume.

The question is who wants one? What are you willing to pay for a quality product?


Roark

 

Sorry for this extremely crude photochop job, but you get the idea.

 

nah, I dont want to showcase my fuel door, Id like it made out of something stronger than plastic, but identical to the stock. including the paint.

Ill leave the metal doors to the mustangs, eclipses and pickups.

 

I agree. An aluminium one identical to the OEM I would buy and paint to match. I see no reason why the fuel door should be a highlighted feature.

 

I like one but I would want it painted to match the color of my car. It just doesnt look right to have the fuel door color diff than the rest of the car on the Z.

 

I'd like the fuel door stronger and painted to match. If I could easily do it, I'd also like the door handle painted to match.

I really admire the lines and flow of the overall design.

 

Dude hook it up with the audi tt cap.

Id be first in line so would my friend with his Z.

I wanted to do this as soon as I got my car. please please do it.

 

I prefer the stock look... I mean, body colored...

 

It sounds like there is not that much demand for this, so I'm going to just make a 1-off for myself and post pics when it's done.

I could then make them as requested, but the price will be a lot higher.

Roark

 

Depending on the price I would be interested.

 

So? did you ever make one? I've been thinking about it myself, but I'd want to to still work with the button inside (lots to ask for, since half the OEMs one on the Zs seem to not work), and it'd be hard to make with the curve of the fender, but...

 

I think that fuel tank door would look cool....would match the out of place looking silver door handles.

 

I like the TT look....I would buy it depending on quality and price

 

I have a new door fabricated which works with the existing latch, but have not finished the surface yet. as just plain aluminum it's too big and looks awkward. I'm thinking of adding an accent ring and rivets like the TT, but that causes problems getting a fuel nozzle into the tank inlet which sits very high in the cavity.

I could carve a faux trim ring into the surface and it would look OK but would not be functional - that's not my style. (Form follows function!!!)

I've set this aside for now to think about it while I do some other stuff.

Any ideas?

 

Let's see a pic. was actualyl thinking that you'd have to make the ring fit within the existing cutout and the door within that, but I wondered about clearance problems with the fuel line.. Hmm...

 

I'm sure a lot of people would be interested in just a plain finish so it could be painted. Something to get rid of the often ill fitting plastic door.

 

Yea, I wish I could make an exact replica, but the big problem is the compound curved (hyperbolic paraboloid) surface that I'd need to be able to reproduce perfectly. If I had unlimited access to a CNC machine, I could consider it, but by hand it will take a LOT of hours at my barrel grinder and I'm sure no one here is willing to pay $500 for this thing. Am I right?

 

yes, you are right

 

I hate rice and I love the aircraft looking fuel filler doors. The car already looks like it's a fighter jet and the interior reminds me of a cockpit so the continuation of the theme works for me.

<edit>

I found this listed in some forum (maybe this one?)

http://www.spoilers4less.com/micachfib35.html

I love how it follows the curve of the body of the car but $280 is a LOT of money for something so simple. I also like that it opens with the regular release switch.

 

I think it's this one you guys are talking about? One of the forum members (from Japan) named "Ken1" has it and it looks awesome. I love it.

[img]http://any-s.net/from-z/slideshow/es...s/DSC00250.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.strosek.jp/350Zslide/350Z...s/DSC03260.jpg[/img]