Fix those broken B pillar finishers right! 3D printable replacement brackets

earlynerd

So I bought a 370Z the previous owner apparently broke the B pillar finishers before I even owned. Was frustrated about the cost for a new B pillar finisher, and how thin the clip brackets are on this part so I designed my own replacement bracket. Seems to be a common problem, so I've uploaded the design to thingiverse for anyone to download free! If you have access to a 3D printer its a very cheap fix for a stupidly expensive and common issue.

I'm not selling these, or intend to profit from them in any way. Anyone can print the design. Upload to shapeways or other 3d print service if you dont have a printer or know someone who does. If you're in the Los Angeles area PM me and I'd be happy to run you off a set.

I forgot to get a picture of the back after installing my printed brackets, but I'm sure the other one is in the same condition so I'll try to get a little guide uploaded when I do that one if anyone is interested.

You can find the files here: 370Z B pillar finisher clips by earlynerd - Thingiverse

GaleForce

Rep'd for being awesome

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SouthArk370Z

Very interesting.



Subbed to see if any one can duplicate results.

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nomodsjk

Also rep'd i love seeing people give back to this forum! You sir are awesome. Im definitely gonna benefit from this. Thank you

nomodsjk

Haha between galeforce and me u now have a higher rep count than post count...thats crazy gale force's rep points are worth 50 each!

earlynerd

I've had this account for a while, ever since trading up to my '09 370 couple years ago from a 350Z. I mostly lurk though. Thanks for the rep, post up some pictures if you print any! I'm surprised the B pillar finishers on my car have hung on as long as they have, there was very little holding the drivers side one onto the vehicle... Previous owner probably broke it while applying carbon fiber vinyl or something.

370Z JT

thanks for the file! Broke mine while installing a CF roof cap!

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Tractionless

Getting ready to do the same. Can you advise on how NOT to break them since you're had them off once. Thanks

ScottM

One slot is facing down and the other up? How the hell do you get those off?

370Z JT

You have two options.

1. Use a pry tool to dislodge the top pawl. Then use a pry tool to dislodge the middle clip. Most likely you will break off the clip brackets (very flimsy). Now all you have to do is slide the B pillar down to remove it from the car. This method allows you to reattach the B pillar to the car by using the top pawl and the bottom clip. I don't think the middle clip is important. No 3D printing required!

2. Use a pry tool to dislodge the top pawl. Then use a pry tool to dislodge the middle and and bottom clip. You most likely will break off the clip brackets. This method requires you to 3D print 4 new clip brackets (for both B pillars) and purchase 4 new clips. You will most likely destroy the original clips trying to remove it from the housing.

If I had to do it again, I would have gone with option 1.

If you were to buy 4 new clips, they are like $12 each from Nissan or generic clips are like $20 for a batch of 25.

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earlynerd

I know this thread has probably well been buried, but I've found that standard epoxy does a poor job of attaching the printed clip to the back of the PMMA(acrylic) finisher. sticks well at first but come off easily later even if you sanded well.

I picked up a tube of SCIGRIP 16 10319 Acrylic Cement on amazon (only need a little tube) and it has worked amazingly so far. Extremely solid bond, thick enough to not run anywhere, and cures quickly.
The solvent actually mixes the plastics together at the joint so breakage shouldn't be an issue anymore!

The finisher on the passenger side is very close to doing the same thing, I can tell only one clip is actually holding it on. So I plan to take it off the rest of the way and do this same fix there too before it falls off on the highway.