DeEePiDDy's 09 Chicane Yellow 370z Journal

DeEePiDDy · 11-20-2011, 09:23 AM

Ok so I've had this car for about 15 months now and have documented most of the changes/mods I've made. I've always been meaning to start a nice journal for my car and I figure why not get it done now on this beautiful Sunday morning! Granted I'm back tracking stuff for over a year and the changes I've made are all relatively small, never the less here we go!

It all started back in 1990. I was a 10 year old kid and was out riding my bike when I came across a beautiful 1990 Red 300ZX. I was completely mesmerized... on that fateful day I vowed I would one day own a Z...

Flash forward 20 years and its the summer of 2010. I had been looking for a 370z very seriously for about 2 months now. For monetary reason I was planning on buy a Certified Used Z, rather than a new one. I figured these are incredibly well built machines and that was going to be the best way for me to get a great heavily discounted price. My requirements on the car was that is MUST be a manual. Sorry to the automatic drivers, but IMO its the ONLY way to drive a car like the Z. Other options I wanted included in dash Navigation and was looking at either Silver or the Platinum Graphite as my two main choices.Other than that I was pretty open to what was available.

I began test driving the 370z at various dealerships and to came across an 2009 Touring Sport with Navigation. To be completely honest did not really care for the Sport package. I felt that the Rev-matching system while nice, was almost like cheating and I may be the only one to ever say this but actually preferred the Base wheels over the 19" sport rays! I LOVE the look and feel of the stock navigation but really wanted video playback which the 09's did not have yet. I was quoted an incredible price but had to walk away because it just didn't feel right. I had decided at that point I didn't want the sport package and didn't need the heated leather seats because I would NEVER drive this car in the winter. I decided for financial reasons and to be the most practical I was going to go with a non-sport base coupe.

A week later I came across 2 Z's one of which would eventually because my Z. Both were 2009 Base Coupes. One was silver and one was the Chicane Yellow. Both were certified used with less than 1000 miles on them came came with an amazing 7 year warranty! The day was July 22, 2011 and it was an 09 Chicane Yellow Base Coupe. While initially I was leaning towards a silver of Platinum Graphite, at first site the Yellow just screamed at me. After a test drive and some very aggressive negotiations (by pitting the two dealerships against one another to get my business) I ended up getting the Z for $2000 less than the best price I could find within a 100 mile radius! The hour and half drive home was nothing but pure pleasure!

To Be Continued...

DeEePiDDy · 11-20-2011, 09:41 AM

So one of the things I really wanted was a new headunit. I really wanted a double din unit with navigation and video playback. I began shopping around was stumbled upon this very site. it was on this site that I met Matt Reimer.. AKA BigAudioFanat(ic). Matt was a tremendous resource offering me all types of suggestions and answered the (literally) thousands of questions I had. He is outstanding with his installs in every way and receives my highest possible recommendation. After shopping around I had decided on what exactly I was going to do with my audio install. I went with a Pioneer x920bt head unit, Polk DB6501 component speakers, a Kenwood CMOS-200 Rearview Camera (the Pioneer NDB4 camera was sold out), iPod cable, as well as the Metra ASWC. I was contemplating with whether or not to get the dash kit and after browsing this site and seeing different people installed I decided to go with it due to the tiny gap that was left around the head unit with the original dash kit..

September 18, 2010

The date of installation finally arrived and it all went very smoothly. We even got creative with the location of the Bluetooth microphone. Most people installed it somewhere on the dash or side sills where it is out and exposed. We got it installed in the upper dome lights. We also were able to "hide" the navigation antenna in the rear instead of out on the dashboard. Both are completely invisible and completely functional! Great Job Matt!

Red__Zed · 11-20-2011, 08:47 PM

great looking z! the yellow really is aggressive

DeEePiDDy · 12-02-2011, 07:17 PM

9/19/2010

Immediately after finishing my audio install, Matt and I went to Pepboys and stocked up on detailing products. The very nexy day bright and early I began to do a thorough and complete detailing of the Z. It took about 3 hours but I was very pleased with the results.

The Products...

The Results...

DeEePiDDy · 12-02-2011, 07:25 PM

The Z went unchanged during the winter and spring months, but in July of 2011 I made a few small/simple modifications. I changed the Valve stem caps, installed the red GTR starter button and added the Japanese Fairlady Z badge.

DeEePiDDy · 12-07-2011, 05:50 PM

12/6/2011

So after a few hit and miss attempts on obtaining OEM Nismo wheels I finally landed myself a set. I am so happy with the look!

All packed up and just delivered!

Unpacked and inspected...

Before the install with the original stock wheels...

The install..

All done!

JollyGoodChap · 12-07-2011, 11:57 PM

Starting to like yellow now....

Kingbaby · 12-08-2011, 03:06 AM

I like your modding!

DeEePiDDy · 12-12-2011, 06:17 PM

Forgot to put this in..

a few weeks ago I installed the Nismo Carbon Fiber Shift Knob. I purchased on ebay and it didnt come with the boot finisher. I was able to get a ballcock shank washer from Lowes and it fit perfectly.

haitech · 12-13-2011, 12:53 AM

Nice mods but you didn't even post pics of the final stereo install

gurneyeagle · 01-14-2012, 08:30 PM

Looking good. LOVE Chicane Yellow.

An easy mod would be to die your interior stitching yellow.

Congrats on the Nismo wheels. I just got mine Friday and they look awesome on non-Nismo Z's.

DeEePiDDy · 04-29-2012, 08:27 AM

Its been a while since I've posted in the thread so here is a brief update.

Shortly after getting the Nismo wheels installed I put on a set of Nissan OEM wheel locks.

More recently...

4-17-2012 - 20% Window tint and red painted calipers.

I really like the way the calipers turned out. Really makes the wheels pop. I was considering getting brake caliper covers but the ones I saw online looked really tacky and cheap. Upgrading to brembo brakes would be really expensive and pointless for the way I drive since I do not race or track the car.

The Tints look pretty darn good imo as well. I was going back and forth between 35% and 20% and decided last minute to just go for the 20%.
In some of the pics it looks darker than it really is..

Here we have the final result.

DeEePiDDy · 04-29-2012, 10:33 AM

4/28/2012

So after getting my brake calipers painted red and my windows tinted I've been thinking about body mods. I'm very much interested in getting the S-Tune Body Kit this summer, but before that I need a spoiler. I was going back and forth between the Sport Spoiler and the S-Tune Spoiler. After much consideration I decided to go with the Sport Spoiler for a few reasons. Number 1... If I get the S-Tune Spoiler I am then 100% commited to getting the body kit because imo the car looks silly with the S-tune Spoiler without the bodykit. With the Sport Spoiler I think it looks great either way. Number 2, I came across a Non-OEM replica spoiler for a fraction of the price. I just received it yesterday and according to all the reviews I've read online, no one can really tell the difference. The color matching is perfect and I am more than satisfied with the decision. All in all I've saved about $500 by going with this aftermarket replica that is identical to the "real thing"

Test fit...

Will report back once the spoiler is fully installed.

Jasonle · 04-29-2012, 10:39 AM

Car and the new spoiler is Looking good man!

DeEePiDDy · 04-29-2012, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasonle

Car and the new spoiler is Looking good man!

Thanks! I must give credit where credit is due.. you were the one that made me aware of this great looking replica spoiler. Thanks!

11-20-2011, 09:23 AM	#1 (permalink)
DeEePiDDy Track Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Horsham, PA Posts: 548 Drives: 09 Nissan 370z CY MT Rep Power: 16	DeEePiDDy's 09 Chicane Yellow 370z Journal Ok so I've had this car for about 15 months now and have documented most of the changes/mods I've made. I've always been meaning to start a nice journal for my car and I figure why not get it done now on this beautiful Sunday morning! Granted I'm back tracking stuff for over a year and the changes I've made are all relatively small, never the less here we go! It all started back in 1990. I was a 10 year old kid and was out riding my bike when I came across a beautiful 1990 Red 300ZX. I was completely mesmerized... on that fateful day I vowed I would one day own a Z... Flash forward 20 years and its the summer of 2010. I had been looking for a 370z very seriously for about 2 months now. For monetary reason I was planning on buy a Certified Used Z, rather than a new one. I figured these are incredibly well built machines and that was going to be the best way for me to get a great heavily discounted price. My requirements on the car was that is MUST be a manual. Sorry to the automatic drivers, but IMO its the ONLY way to drive a car like the Z. Other options I wanted included in dash Navigation and was looking at either Silver or the Platinum Graphite as my two main choices.Other than that I was pretty open to what was available. I began test driving the 370z at various dealerships and to came across an 2009 Touring Sport with Navigation. To be completely honest did not really care for the Sport package. I felt that the Rev-matching system while nice, was almost like cheating and I may be the only one to ever say this but actually preferred the Base wheels over the 19" sport rays! I LOVE the look and feel of the stock navigation but really wanted video playback which the 09's did not have yet. I was quoted an incredible price but had to walk away because it just didn't feel right. I had decided at that point I didn't want the sport package and didn't need the heated leather seats because I would NEVER drive this car in the winter. I decided for financial reasons and to be the most practical I was going to go with a non-sport base coupe. A week later I came across 2 Z's one of which would eventually because my Z. Both were 2009 Base Coupes. One was silver and one was the Chicane Yellow. Both were certified used with less than 1000 miles on them came came with an amazing 7 year warranty! The day was July 22, 2011 and it was an 09 Chicane Yellow Base Coupe. While initially I was leaning towards a silver of Platinum Graphite, at first site the Yellow just screamed at me. After a test drive and some very aggressive negotiations (by pitting the two dealerships against one another to get my business) I ended up getting the Z for $2000 less than the best price I could find within a 100 mile radius! The hour and half drive home was nothing but pure pleasure! To Be Continued... __________________ 2009 Nissan 370Z Chicane Yellow Base Manual Transmission

11-20-2011, 09:41 AM	#2 (permalink)
DeEePiDDy Track Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Horsham, PA Posts: 548 Drives: 09 Nissan 370z CY MT Rep Power: 16	So one of the things I really wanted was a new headunit. I really wanted a double din unit with navigation and video playback. I began shopping around was stumbled upon this very site. it was on this site that I met Matt Reimer.. AKA BigAudioFanat(ic). Matt was a tremendous resource offering me all types of suggestions and answered the (literally) thousands of questions I had. He is outstanding with his installs in every way and receives my highest possible recommendation. After shopping around I had decided on what exactly I was going to do with my audio install. I went with a Pioneer x920bt head unit, Polk DB6501 component speakers, a Kenwood CMOS-200 Rearview Camera (the Pioneer NDB4 camera was sold out), iPod cable, as well as the Metra ASWC. I was contemplating with whether or not to get the dash kit and after browsing this site and seeing different people installed I decided to go with it due to the tiny gap that was left around the head unit with the original dash kit.. September 18, 2010 The date of installation finally arrived and it all went very smoothly. We even got creative with the location of the Bluetooth microphone. Most people installed it somewhere on the dash or side sills where it is out and exposed. We got it installed in the upper dome lights. We also were able to "hide" the navigation antenna in the rear instead of out on the dashboard. Both are completely invisible and completely functional! Great Job Matt! __________________ 2009 Nissan 370Z Chicane Yellow Base Manual Transmission

12-02-2011, 07:17 PM	#4 (permalink)
DeEePiDDy Track Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Horsham, PA Posts: 548 Drives: 09 Nissan 370z CY MT Rep Power: 16	9/19/2010 Immediately after finishing my audio install, Matt and I went to Pepboys and stocked up on detailing products. The very nexy day bright and early I began to do a thorough and complete detailing of the Z. It took about 3 hours but I was very pleased with the results. The Products... The Results... __________________ 2009 Nissan 370Z Chicane Yellow Base Manual Transmission Last edited by DeEePiDDy; 12-02-2011 at 07:19 PM.

12-02-2011, 07:25 PM	#5 (permalink)
DeEePiDDy Track Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Horsham, PA Posts: 548 Drives: 09 Nissan 370z CY MT Rep Power: 16	The Z went unchanged during the winter and spring months, but in July of 2011 I made a few small/simple modifications. I changed the Valve stem caps, installed the red GTR starter button and added the Japanese Fairlady Z badge. __________________ 2009 Nissan 370Z Chicane Yellow Base Manual Transmission

12-07-2011, 05:50 PM	#6 (permalink)
DeEePiDDy Track Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Horsham, PA Posts: 548 Drives: 09 Nissan 370z CY MT Rep Power: 16	12/6/2011 So after a few hit and miss attempts on obtaining OEM Nismo wheels I finally landed myself a set. I am so happy with the look! All packed up and just delivered! Unpacked and inspected... Before the install with the original stock wheels... The install.. All done! __________________ 2009 Nissan 370Z Chicane Yellow Base Manual Transmission

11-20-2011, 08:47 PM	#3 (permalink)
Red__Zed A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: window seat Posts: 28,940 Drives: Mostly on two wheels Rep Power: 120	great looking z! the yellow really is aggressive

12-07-2011, 11:57 PM	#7 (permalink)
JollyGoodChap Enthusiast Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Lust Angeles Posts: 328 Drives: Z34 Rep Power: 15	Starting to like yellow now....

12-12-2011, 06:17 PM	#9 (permalink)
DeEePiDDy Track Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Horsham, PA Posts: 548 Drives: 09 Nissan 370z CY MT Rep Power: 16	Forgot to put this in.. a few weeks ago I installed the Nismo Carbon Fiber Shift Knob. I purchased on ebay and it didnt come with the boot finisher. I was able to get a ballcock shank washer from Lowes and it fit perfectly. __________________ 2009 Nissan 370Z Chicane Yellow Base Manual Transmission

12-13-2011, 12:53 AM	#10 (permalink)
haitech Track Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Austin/Dallas Posts: 922 Drives: 11' 370z Magnetic M6 Rep Power: 15	Nice mods but you didn't even post pics of the final stereo install

01-14-2012, 08:30 PM	#11 (permalink)
gurneyeagle A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Houston/Saint Augustine Posts: 2,681 Drives: '18 Audi TT RS Rep Power: 20215	Looking good. LOVE Chicane Yellow. An easy mod would be to die your interior stitching yellow. Congrats on the Nismo wheels. I just got mine Friday and they look awesome on non-Nismo Z's. __________________ Waiting on the Z35! SOLD - 2011 Gun Metallic Touring 7AT w Sports Pkg & Nav, Nismo Bumper and Rims, RC Grille, RC Brake Ducts, H&R Spacers, Painted Door Hdls, GTR Start Button, Nav By-Pass, EVO R Fog Light, CF Ducktail, CF Interior Trim

04-29-2012, 08:27 AM	#12 (permalink)
DeEePiDDy Track Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Horsham, PA Posts: 548 Drives: 09 Nissan 370z CY MT Rep Power: 16	Its been a while since I've posted in the thread so here is a brief update. Shortly after getting the Nismo wheels installed I put on a set of Nissan OEM wheel locks. More recently... 4-17-2012 - 20% Window tint and red painted calipers. I really like the way the calipers turned out. Really makes the wheels pop. I was considering getting brake caliper covers but the ones I saw online looked really tacky and cheap. Upgrading to brembo brakes would be really expensive and pointless for the way I drive since I do not race or track the car. The Tints look pretty darn good imo as well. I was going back and forth between 35% and 20% and decided last minute to just go for the 20%. In some of the pics it looks darker than it really is.. Here we have the final result. __________________ 2009 Nissan 370Z Chicane Yellow Base Manual Transmission

04-29-2012, 10:33 AM	#13 (permalink)
DeEePiDDy Track Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Horsham, PA Posts: 548 Drives: 09 Nissan 370z CY MT Rep Power: 16	4/28/2012 So after getting my brake calipers painted red and my windows tinted I've been thinking about body mods. I'm very much interested in getting the S-Tune Body Kit this summer, but before that I need a spoiler. I was going back and forth between the Sport Spoiler and the S-Tune Spoiler. After much consideration I decided to go with the Sport Spoiler for a few reasons. Number 1... If I get the S-Tune Spoiler I am then 100% commited to getting the body kit because imo the car looks silly with the S-tune Spoiler without the bodykit. With the Sport Spoiler I think it looks great either way. Number 2, I came across a Non-OEM replica spoiler for a fraction of the price. I just received it yesterday and according to all the reviews I've read online, no one can really tell the difference. The color matching is perfect and I am more than satisfied with the decision. All in all I've saved about $500 by going with this aftermarket replica that is identical to the "real thing" Test fit... Will report back once the spoiler is fully installed. __________________ 2009 Nissan 370Z Chicane Yellow Base Manual Transmission Last edited by DeEePiDDy; 04-29-2012 at 10:45 AM.

04-29-2012, 10:39 AM	#14 (permalink)
Jasonle A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: St. Louis Posts: 3,509 Drives: 09 370z Rep Power: 26	Car and the new spoiler is Looking good man! DEpointfive0 likes this. __________________ 2009 Nissan 370z/2003 Honda Soccer Van Shineauto Amuse Body Kit/UAM Fenders/Bc Br Coilovers/Topspeed Exhaust/Racing Hart Wheels and More My Sexy Beast

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