jimster716

iTrader: (3)

Ok so earlier today I noticed that there was a dimple on the passenger side roof right above the "b-pillar" where the door meets the body. I thought maybe someone pushed down on it too hard.

But tonight I noticed the same thing on the driver side. Because of the symmetry between sides and that it occurs right above the b-pillar where the doors close into the body, I can only surmise that this is the weak point in the 350Z's body. Not to toot my own horn, but I think regularly autocrossing and HPDEs have actually tweaked the sheetmetal.

I think a chassis stiffening rollcage is in order before something happens that tears the metal. Anybody noticed this on their Z?

mattbruhin

Plainly, NO

jimster716

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for being direct.

joust75

iTrader: (1)

Did you maybe install a harness bar??

This might have pushed out the B pillars, causing dimples.....

jimster716

iTrader: (3)

Nope.

I guess the 275/40/18 tires front and rear, cusco sways, and Tein Flex are too much for the sheetmetal to take.

Rayden2001

iTrader: (3)

Can you take a picture of it?

ranger5oh

I have the same dimple!!!!! I thought I was going crazy. I am glad you noticed it too. Weird, I hadnt thought of it being a weak point, but maybe that what it is. I am going to go look at it a little later and see.

jimster716

iTrader: (3)

I have a black car so it's not easy to see it especially on camera. I will try but I can't until next week...Dreamworkes has my car again out here.

aalzuhair

iTrader: (2)

Maybe the car needs something like a sub-frame connectors.



Az

aalzuhair

iTrader: (2)

I like this one



or this one

aalzuhair

iTrader: (2)

Can someone Photoshop one of the above sub-frames to this picture.

Thanks,
Az

teh215

iTrader: (8)

The piece above both passenger and driver side windows is not part of the structure of the car, it is a plastic finishing plate that you can remove. Is this the area you are taking about? If so, it could just be a defect in the plastic. Or that single screw in that area my be the culprit.

teh215

iTrader: (8)

For reference from the FSM

joust75

iTrader: (1)

Perhaps maybe welding in a harness bar will hold the B pillars rigid and prevent this from happening to others.

Ranger , can you take a picture of yours? I am about to start tracking my baby and dont want this to happen.....

350ed

iTrader: (17)

Wow, I never knew that was plastic until now.

Z350Lover

iTrader: (2)

I second that!!! You are not alone!!!

cheers,

richie

rodH

iTrader: (2)

I have a slight dip on both sides as well, I noticed it a few weeks ago, but assumed it was from someone pressing on it. I also noticed today as my car was jacked up putting my new springs that there are a couple creases in the side skirts as well on both sides.

ether

this is what i have been considering if i can't find a shop to do a roll cage that i want

http://www.excite.co.jp/world/englis...co=excitejapan

i hope that link works if not use this http://www.rsw.ne.jp and look for reinforce

apsilon

If the dimple is in that plastic piece (I noticed it was plastic the first time I washed the car) I have it as well. I thought it's probably an attachement point or where it's prssed into place. Mine's only noticeable because the reflection changes over the dimple.

Landbarger

iTrader: (2)

Thanks ether, your first link didn't work but the second did fine. that really does look like a workable solution from the perspective of a non-mechanically inclined person. Can someone who tracks (anything) comment on whether this works or just looks nice?