Bonzo Finally Checking In

[Bonzo]

Hello everyone. I joined this forum over a year ago, but until now I have only lurked. I have been trying to work out the monetary details in my life in order to get a 370Z. About a month ago my wife gave me the all clear for this summer after her car is paid off. Awesome! So now it's time to start planning ahead.

I plan to get a Pearl White Automatic w/Sport Package and carpeted floor mats (front and rear). Price has gone up recently to $36,510! Oh well. Anyway, this is going to be my daily driver for about 9 months out of the year, so I think the white will work out perfectly in terms of practicality and good looks.

I am starting to get excited, and look forward to being a bit more active on this forum as well.

Thanks in advance for any input you may have to help me with this awesome car. I'm not sure what I'll be able to add to your discussions, but I'll be sure to pitch in when I can.

Cheers ----- Bonzo

Here is my pre-planned list…..(for now)

Tinted Windows
I've seen the threads. I'm thinking 35 on the side windows and darker on the back, like 20.

3M Clear Bra
Front bumper, mirrors, A-pillars and sides under the doors. Still debating about the hood since it will have that damned line across it. My nephew will install it for free, so it's just material cost.

Install a Homelink / Auto Dim Mirror
This is a little more wiring than I'm used to, although cost wise it's the way to go. I might consider getting the one you can get separate now, but it $785 is a chunk of change. The question is, how hard is to back this car up without the camera? Seems to be quite of bit of talk for 2009's and 2010's about people installing them aftermarket. This leads me to think that it might be worth it to just pay $785 as an option and be done with it. My Murano is hard to back up, and I'm thinking this Z might be even harder. I'll have to test drive one again to double check. Anyone have thoughts?

Rear Fog Light Change
I've seen the threads about turning this into an actual fog light, or a flasher etc, but I don't want that. I want to turn it into a 4th brake light. Did I miss the thread on that mod? I'm thinking I should just be able to buy the fog light accessory, and then wire it into the regular brake lights. Can someone point me to the thread if it's out there.

Radar Detector Hard Wire
I've seen the threads on this and there are lots of options. I use a Valentine 1. I typically run a hard wire from the auxiliary plug wire, under the dash, up the A pillars, across the front of the window, down to the mirror, then terminate it with a Valentine AUX outlet plug taped to the back of the mirror. I use the suction cups to hold the Valentine to the window. Then I make custom double ended black phone cords that are about 4"-6" long and plug it in. This allows me to quickly take down and put up the detector easily (which I do when ever I park, every time). Since I do this, hardwiring all the way without the AUX outlet doesn’t make sense. The phone jack plugs wear out after about a year and break. This way, I just make about 10 of them and I'm all set for years to come. The question is, is right next to the mirror a good place in this car? Can it be reached easily? I honestly didn’t think about it when I went test driving, so I'll have to check that out next time.

Maybe Smoke Out the Tail Lights
I usually like this look on a white car. I will think about it for sure. My nephew could probably do it with a smoked vinyl, so if I don't like it I can just take it off. Painting is more permanent, so I probably won't do that, at least at first.

Maybe Add Center Dummy Switches
Possibly add center dummy switches like this thread, but this would be later.
Switch Panel on console

Maybe Upgrade The Stereo
I'm usually an audiophile person, but I'm not sure it will be important to me in this car. I will be more interested in driving it at first, so we'll see. If I just end up hating the stock set up then I will look into replacing it.

Tell The Dealer
- Try to get a dealer price deal, but I'm not sure how that will work out with it being Nissan and it being a Sports car.
- No dealer stickers!!! License plate surround is okay, but no stickers.
- Get the mileage listed from the dealer the minute it arrives. I don't want any test driving thrill rides.
- I'm sure there is more I will think of, but this is it for now. Any suggestions are welcome.

[KaienZ34]