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-   -   Carbon Fiber Front Fang, B Pillars, Side Mirrors (stage 1) installed! (AK370Z) (http://www.the370z.com/exterior-interior/21531-carbon-fiber-front-fang-b-pillars-side-mirrors-stage-1-installed-ak370z.html)

AK370Z 07-05-2010 08:31 PM

Carbon Fiber Front Fang, B Pillars, Side Mirrors (stage 1) installed! (AK370Z)
 
I have been waiting to do this install for a last few days but the weather was so hot I couldn't attempt. Well, today (regardless of weather condition), I wanted to install these parts. Today they recorded one of the highest temparature in my area in last few years :shakes head:. By the time I was done with this install, my shirt was completely soaked in sweat!

First of all I would like to thank

a. Joseph (JC@370Zsource) from THEZSTORE for putting up with hundreds of questions I asked before I bought these and Greg for a great pricing! :tup:

b. Thanks to simota1's side mirror review, NXTAZEE's B Pillars install and many other members who made install thread on these products.

It was a VERY easy install. I'll try to put caption under the pictures to give you an idea how it was to install these parts on my Z.


OUT OF THE BOX

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04238.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04211.jpg
Very well packaged. Tons of bubble wrap.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04212.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04223.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04226.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04231.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04233.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04234.jpg
The B Pillars are actually from EVO-R (TheZStore carries them). So, if you're placing an order with EVO-R already, feel free to add them to your cart. They are the same!

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04236.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s.../DSC04238B.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04242.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04244.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04245.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04255.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04259.jpg
Please note the front fang ALREADY comes with 3M VHB tapes :happydance:



INSTALL

First I used soap and water and cleaned all the parts (front fang and side mirrors) that I'm going to apply cf covers to.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04385.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04386.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04387.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04391.jpg
a. Rubbing alcohol to clean the OEM B Pillars. b. I did buy some thicker 3M VHB tape but I did not use them. It wasn't necessary. These things sit so flush, I didn't want to create gap with thicker tape. c. I did use the thinner .45 mil 3M VHB tape for the front fang. I really didn't need to use it but I did it to make a stronger bond.


http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04396.jpg
Thinner .45 mil 3M tapes added for extra bond.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04397.jpg
Test fit it first.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04400.jpg
Ready to install. Just hold the front fang straight and then push it in STRAIGHT. DON'T do left and right.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04402.jpg
Installed

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04403.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04405.jpg
This fang overlay fits so well, it will hold up WITHOUT any double sided tape! (not that I suggest it :icon17:)


http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04409.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04411.jpg
Clean it with alcohol. Make sure there's no dirt or oil .

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04414.jpg
Ready to install

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04415.jpg
DO NOT "lightly" install and then move the pillar! First, line up the top right hand edge. Then STRAIGHT PUSH.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04419.jpg
Same thing with the other side.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04423.jpg
For side mirrors, I added some BLACK RTV(it comes with the shipment). I didn't have to but I did anyway. The cover WILL stay in place VERY snugly without any tape.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04425.jpg
Installed


http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04426.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04428.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04429.jpg


http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04435.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04437.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04442.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04447.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04450.jpg

Overall, it was a VERY easy to install. The fitment is perfect. I'm going to add more pictures and comments in about 2-3 hours (I didn't even proof read this thread!). I'm already running late for dinner :eekdance:. If you have ANY question (on install or technique), please DO NOT hesitate to ask. Thanks.

From start (cleaning the area with soap water) to finish, it was only two hours. I took my time too during the install. Very easy to do. I looks much much better than the original look. I like it a lot.

NewlyIMPORTed 07-05-2010 08:36 PM

Very Subtle looks awesome!!!!

fullmonty 07-05-2010 08:42 PM

Very nice AK! When you have time, could you please post some more pics of the B Pillars from like 5'-10' away, so I can see how it looks with the blue?

DeLRo 07-05-2010 08:45 PM

Nice job AK. Would you mind taking a pic of the mirror side so we can see how the inside edge looks. Top and bottom angle would be nice.

209Z 07-05-2010 08:53 PM

ok nowwwww ak needs a a cf hood with a TT kit then u r rdy my friend =]

m4a1mustang 07-05-2010 09:03 PM

Looks good, AK.

Headlights and powdercoated Rays (black) next. :D

fullmonty 07-05-2010 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang (Post 607865)
Looks good, AK.

Headlights and powdercoated Rays (black) next. :D

:iagree:

HKYStormFront 07-05-2010 09:51 PM

you are looking more and more like tony every day AK, when's the black TE37's coming? :D

jk, looks great man!

Sibze 07-05-2010 10:14 PM

Very nice AK! I love love love the front!

MC 07-05-2010 10:28 PM

the fangs overlay looks real good... a great simple alternative to a lip where you can have a unique look but keep OEM bodylines


i like the side mirror covers too i just got some last week for my car... except mine only go at the bottom

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/7536/dsci0010t.jpg

MC 07-05-2010 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HKYStormFront (Post 607924)
you are looking more and more like tony every day AK, when's the black TE37's coming? :D



black would be good but the dark grey super laps would really be nice for his car

nogoodname 07-05-2010 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeLRo (Post 607851)
Nice job AK. Would you mind taking a pic of the mirror side so we can see how the inside edge looks. Top and bottom angle would be nice.

+1 to this request.




The Z looks great and freshen up!!! You so have to get a rear valence and rear spoiler in CF. Would look awesome and goes with the theme.

Sunsational04 07-05-2010 10:51 PM

:tup:

HKYStormFront 07-05-2010 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MC (Post 607979)
black would be good but the dark grey super laps would really be nice for his car

hell yea it would! DO IT AK!! :tup:

AK370Z 07-06-2010 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fullmonty (Post 607848)
Very nice AK! When you have time, could you please post some more pics of the B Pillars from like 5'-10' away, so I can see how it looks with the blue?

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeLRo (Post 607851)
Nice job AK. Would you mind taking a pic of the mirror side so we can see how the inside edge looks. Top and bottom angle would be nice.

No problem. Tomorrow :tup:

Quote:

Originally Posted by 209Z (Post 607858)
ok nowwwww ak needs a a cf hood with a TT kit then u r rdy my friend =]

lol.. I also need to borrow someones credit card! :icon17: . I was never a fan of cf hood. I wonder how it would look ....

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang (Post 607865)
Looks good, AK.

Headlights and powdercoated Rays (black) next. :D

thanks man! I'm very nervous to do stuff to the headlights but with the cf theme I think you're right. Darkened headlight WILL look pretty good. I would LOVE to powdercoat my RAYS to 40th anniversary rims color :drool:


Quote:

Originally Posted by Sibze (Post 607960)
Very nice AK! I love love love the front!

thanks. You must see it in person. Looks much better the way it shines.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MC (Post 607972)
the fangs overlay looks real good... a great simple alternative to a lip where you can have a unique look but keep OEM bodylines


i like the side mirror covers too i just got some last week for my car... except mine only go at the bottom

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/7536/dsci0010t.jpg

Dude, that looks good! I think I will look for a nice cf lip now (no hurry though)

Quote:

Originally Posted by HKYStormFront (Post 607924)
you are looking more and more like tony every day AK, when's the black TE37's coming? :D

jk, looks great man!

lmfao! it's all Tony's fault! EVERY week he goes out and puts something new on his Monterey Blue. Then the idea floats in my head for days! :shakes head:

Quote:

Originally Posted by MC (Post 607979)
black would be good but the dark grey super laps would really be nice for his car

Quote:

Originally Posted by HKYStormFront (Post 608022)
hell yea it would! DO IT AK!! :tup:

Probably not this year! :(. I bought new tires for the OEM 19" few months back (which will go on this month) and also between HKS exhaust, G3 intake and these cf parts, I'm pushing my yearly "mod budget".

Quote:

Originally Posted by nogoodname (Post 607987)
+1 to this request.
The Z looks great and freshen up!!! You so have to get a rear valence and rear spoiler in CF. Would look awesome and goes with the theme.

Thanks man. The rear diffuser is DEF on my list (next cf product). It'll complete the look. As for rear spoiler, I think Mines cf lip would look much better (easier to install too) than total cf spoiler, what you think?

370Z JT 07-06-2010 12:52 AM

Very tastefully done... I need to get me some CF mirror covers.

HKYStormFront 07-06-2010 12:52 AM

i hear ya on the mod budget, black yoko advans (like the silver ones on Z1's 370) would look killer too. lots of good choices out there, as much as i like the stock sport wheels, i'd put wheels on next if it were me...

Trips 07-06-2010 12:57 AM

I don't know how I could have missed this?
AK, the cf parts, made the Z look a lot cleaner, and will you also be doing the rear valence, and the rear spoiler?
Very Nice Improvements Ak. :tup:

TreeSemdyZee 07-06-2010 12:57 AM

Looks good AK. I've been thinking about doing one or all of these on mine, but I can't decide how it would look on Brilliant Silver.

AK370Z 07-06-2010 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple's (Post 608099)
I don't know how I could have missed this?
AK, the cf parts, made the Z look a lot cleaner, and will you also be doing the rear valence, and the rear spoiler?
Very Nice Improvements Ak. :tup:

Thanks. I'm def doing the rear diffuser. As for rear spoiler, I think Mines rear lip looks great! Only if it was cheaper :icon17: !! I may have to wait a little for the rear lip.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TreeSemdyZee (Post 608100)
Looks good AK. I've been thinking about doing one or all of these on mine, but I can't decide how it would look on Brilliant Silver.

Thanks. I think Triple's just painted his front fang. You can kinda get an idea how it'll look (cf will look a little glossy, that's all)

2theextreme 07-06-2010 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK370Z (Post 608087)
lmfao! it's all Tony's fault! EVERY week he goes out and puts something new on his Monterey Blue. Then the idea floats in my head for days! :shakes head:

Me? I do nothing of the sort.....ok, well, maybe I do. I've been better about not getting much since I stretched my budget to "OVER THE LIMIT NOW YOU'RE FARKED, S0N!" status! :roflpuke2:

Looks really good! :tup:

Hey, now I gotta put my CF B Pillars on and get some CF mirror covers, too! :rofl2: Stage 1, eh? What's Stage 2? Any hints?

AK370Z 07-06-2010 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2theextreme (Post 608166)
Me? I do nothing of the sort.....ok, well, maybe I do. I've been better about not getting much since I stretched my budget to "OVER THE LIMIT NOW YOU'RE FARKED, S0N!" status! :roflpuke2:

Looks really good! :tup:

Hey, now I gotta put my CF B Pillars on and get some CF mirror covers, too! :rofl2: Stage 1, eh? What's Stage 2? Any hints?

:bowrofl: @ your budget status! :rofl2::rofl2:

Thanks.

Stage 2 is actually less desirable in my opinion (and it's cheaper). It doesn't cover all the way (only covers painted part) . It leaves the plastic edge open.

I want rear diffuser meow! :eekdance:

2theextreme 07-06-2010 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK370Z (Post 608169)
:bowrofl: @ your budget status! :rofl2::rofl2:

Thanks.

Stage 2 is actually less desirable in my opinion (and it's cheaper). It doesn't cover all the way (only covers painted part) . It leaves the plastic edge open.

I want rear diffuser meow! :eekdance:

EVO-R finally designed a new one......I think they got the hint after 6 different people ran into the same problem and all the photos looked identical......it fit great near the fog light area but as it stretched down and around the rest of the bumper it started to appear you could see the original color of the bumper. It does look pretty sweet! :tup:

Oh...and Virginia hates my headlights and rear fog light! :roflpuke2:

209Z 07-06-2010 09:24 AM

Hey ak if u want an idea on what an oem style cf hood looks like. Check my build thread. Fitment is perfect. Also there is a group buy for mines rear lip and I think we need a couple more people lol.

kenchan 07-06-2010 09:58 AM

AK- looking great! :D

CrownR426 07-06-2010 12:24 PM

What's next gangsta?!

kenchan 07-06-2010 12:55 PM

i think either the evo-r revised rear diffuser or fujimura rear diffuser(?) :D

209Z 07-06-2010 02:01 PM

i say revised evo r =]

kenchan 07-06-2010 02:13 PM

yah, i suppose if the fitment is subpar (gap), you can get those 3M CF sheets, make a 7mm width stripe and run it along the butting end of the diffuser to close up the gap with the bumper.

then it would look very clean and the curvature will visibly fool 99% of the people who see the diffuser as it will just appear like difference in light reflection. they wont know there is vinyl there...other than you. hahaha. :D

spearfish25 07-06-2010 02:23 PM

Hey AK,

Nice work. How does the fang overlay look up near the top of the fangs. In one pic, it looks like some blue paint is still visible. Is this an issue at all, or not noticeable?

tonybui 07-06-2010 02:24 PM

2theextreme, you don't mind me asking where did u get your headlights done and how much ?

kenchan 07-06-2010 03:04 PM

spearfish- just e-tape the area before you slide the fang cover on and it's no issue.

if you do the Evo-R, you want to e-tape just under the grill so that the paint doesn't show through when you put theirs on. ive seen a couple different ones and they both work fine if you do this. the370z store one has a verticle lip to cover the paint/gap and it's a nice idea.

370Z JT 07-06-2010 03:13 PM

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04405.jpg

yea that paint is exposed in this pic.

nogoodname 07-06-2010 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK370Z (Post 608087)
Thanks man. The rear diffuser is DEF on my list (next cf product). It'll complete the look. As for rear spoiler, I think Mines cf lip would look much better (easier to install too) than total cf spoiler, what you think?

The mine's add-on would look good. Would be funny if you got the CF spoiler and the mine's add-on...lol... maybe Tony will do that. :bowrofl:

AK370Z 07-06-2010 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2theextreme (Post 608170)
Oh...and Virginia hates my headlights and rear fog light! :roflpuke2:

:confused: why? :ugh:

Quote:

Originally Posted by 209Z (Post 608282)
Hey ak if u want an idea on what an oem style cf hood looks like. Check my build thread. Fitment is perfect. Also there is a group buy for mines rear lip and I think we need a couple more people lol.

Thanks. Will do. :tiphat:

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan (Post 608308)
AK- looking great! :D

Thanks man.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrownR426 (Post 608538)
What's next gangsta?!

Reahdiffussah! :chinese voice::icon17:

Quote:

Originally Posted by spearfish25 (Post 608763)
Hey AK,

Nice work. How does the fang overlay look up near the top of the fangs. In one pic, it looks like some blue paint is still visible. Is this an issue at all, or not noticeable?

I didn't notice it until you pointed it out. Unless you sit down and get really close, it's not visible at all. In this pic, I'm actually shooting from an angle (bottom to top) therefore it looks more obvious.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nogoodname (Post 608891)
The mine's add-on would look good. Would be funny if you got the CF spoiler and the mine's add-on...lol... maybe Tony will do that. :bowrofl:

lol.. don't give Tony any MORE new ideas than what he already has on his mind! :rofl2::rofl2: :bowrofl:

Picture next to the BAY:
http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...469_edited.jpg

209Z 07-06-2010 10:17 PM

shave front emblem and get headlights doneee...yummy =]

kenchan 07-07-2010 10:58 AM

rear 15mm spacers. :p

Caravanshaka 07-07-2010 11:04 AM

Looks great AK! I agree though, time to do your headlights. :tup:

AK370Z 07-08-2010 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fullmonty (Post 607848)
Very nice AK! When you have time, could you please post some more pics of the B Pillars from like 5'-10' away, so I can see how it looks with the blue?

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04484.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04478.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04483.jpg



Quote:

Originally Posted by DeLRo (Post 607851)
Nice job AK. Would you mind taking a pic of the mirror side so we can see how the inside edge looks. Top and bottom angle would be nice.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04474.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04472.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04473.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/DSC04487.jpg

:tiphat:

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan (Post 610262)
rear 15mm spacers. :p

That would be perfect! I never had spacer in my car. Does it affect handling at the track during high speed turning (or during excessive force?)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caravanshaka (Post 610269)
Looks great AK! I agree though, time to do your headlights. :tup:

Headlight is probably next (after rear diffuser). We'll see. I'm running out of budget associated with the car :eekdance:

m4a1mustang 07-08-2010 02:27 PM

AK can you take pics from 50 and 100 feet away?


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