Is there such a thing as a "Bad" shell? - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

MakoBlunt · 04-22-2009, 01:16 PM

I want to start my first 240sx project and I'm already selling my car to do it
I have around 5-6k to play with.

I already made the budget and with the 5-6k I'm going to get:
S13 SR20DET Red top (2000 complete swap)
Labor^ : 500-800
Shell: 1000-2000
S15 Conversion: 1300-1500 in total(Headlights/fenders/hood/bumper)
Labor^: DIY + $2-3 for a few sodas on a hot summer day

Now on to my question,
Since I'm going to buy a shell to save a lot of cash,
is there things I should look out for? When should I step away from a shell?

druthafoo · 04-22-2009, 01:17 PM

rust rust rust and dont forget rust

renegade_ewok · 04-22-2009, 01:18 PM

rust is the only thing that will make or break a shell really...

That or chassis fatigue after like 250k miles...

zenki.life · 04-22-2009, 01:23 PM

i was going to say lol, that labor part i was thinking would be way more unless your are DIY. labor kills

MakoBlunt · 04-22-2009, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zenki.life

i was going to say lol, that labor part i was thinking would be way more unless your are DIY. labor kills

Omg I know,
body shops charge ridiculous amounts of money for installations.
I just recommend you find a good buddy that knows auto body to teach you how to do it yourself.
All you need is a power drill and access to a homedepot to make a few brackets and get nuts/screws lmao. Lucky enough for me I have a real good friend of mine that helps me out with the body work, he's a genius at the stuff haha.

and what is chassis fatigue?
The shell I want to buy is at 160k miles.

Vision Garage · 04-22-2009, 02:39 PM

bad shells?

RUST
Micky Mouse quick fixes from hitting shit.
Using parts that shouldnt be used.
Accidents which tweak the chasis
Bad Electrical sysytem (long painful hours to diagnose)

japslapsilvia · 04-22-2009, 03:15 PM

i would say the biggest thing that could be wrong with a shell is if its not straight, rust can be fixed, harness can be replaced. depending on ur skill and availability of tools, that is.

i would honestly look as deep as u can into the chassis before buying, carfax, and inspecting it urself, also bring other people with u when u look at it to make sure u dont forget something.

az_240 · 04-22-2009, 03:21 PM

Check the strut towers... make sure they are not banged up in the rear from stuff rolling around... I see that a lot on the S13's.

You can grab a yard stick and get measurements for the front strut towers.... its easy to do and only takes a minute.

Also check the frame under the car....

If you are worried the chassis might flex because of high mileage I'd suggest seam welding and possibly a few bars welded to the strut towers in the rear while the car is stripped.

Matej · 04-22-2009, 03:46 PM

dynamicck · 04-22-2009, 03:55 PM

chassis fatigue?

sort of like exhaust bearing wear, or blinker fluid. lol

slidewaysmn · 04-22-2009, 04:02 PM

Like everyone else stated...rust, frame rails and strut towers... then everywhere visually. I suggest you get suspension components before even thinking about s15 front end...plus they are kinda lame.

Bigsyke · 04-22-2009, 04:07 PM

An s15 conversion will make a Bad shell.

Your in miami, so your s15 shell also wouldnt last long. Unless you provision about a 3rd of your funds to a security system welded into the frame.

Save that 1500 on the conversion and drop it into suspension. Start making your car flashy and you will sell the car at a loss after a few theft attemps...or its stolen.

ErocKs13 · 04-22-2009, 04:25 PM

um, what about your feet?? i.e. suspension, brakes, wheels, brakes? also seats, possible cage, harness, exhaust. please don't just throw a sr in a stock chassis and put an s15 front on. whats the use of power if you can't put it to the ground and handle it. you gotta be able to stop too. i'd hold off on the front end. but it is your car so do what you like. just some helpful advice.

MakoBlunt · 04-22-2009, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigsyke

An s15 conversion will make a Bad shell.

Your in miami, so your s15 shell also wouldnt last long. Unless you provision about a 3rd of your funds to a security system welded into the frame.

Save that 1500 on the conversion and drop it into suspension. Start making your car flashy and you will sell the car at a loss after a few theft attemps...or its stolen.

I drive around in

everywhere I go,
and your telling me if I drive a 240sx with a S15 Conversion I'm gonna have a problem? I've never had a problem with theft around my area. I also make sure I don't park anywhere secluded. As for everyone else, YEAH! I forgot about brakes and everything lmao, but the shells I have been looking at all include wheels with premium rims/wheels and a suspension already there. So no worries. Thanks for opening my eyes to a lot of things!

s13boy89 · 04-22-2009, 04:50 PM

well i wouldnt steal that it really fucking ugly

MakoBlunt · 04-22-2009, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s13boy89

well i wouldnt steal that it really fucking ugly

I guess everyone has their own opinions lol ^_^

Thanks for the advice though everyone.

Bigsyke · 04-22-2009, 05:28 PM

^^^No really, nobody steals mitsu's.

You got somethin commin if you put that s15 front on with no security.

This is a typical ricer violation.

MakoBlunt · 04-22-2009, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigsyke

^^^No really, nobody steals mitsu's.

You got somethin commin if you put that s15 front on with no security.

This is a typical ricer violation.

Haha okay, I got that covered.

ESmorz · 04-22-2009, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MakoBlunt

I drive around in

everywhere I go,
and your telling me if I drive a 240sx with a S15 Conversion I'm gonna have a problem? I've never had a problem with theft around my area. I also make sure I don't park anywhere secluded. As for everyone else, YEAH! I forgot about brakes and everything lmao, but the shells I have been looking at all include wheels with premium rims/wheels and a suspension already there. So no worries. Thanks for opening my eyes to a lot of things!

Lol, you're that kid from the drifting Myspace group.

***FaLKoN240*** · 04-22-2009, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MakoBlunt

I already made the budget and with the 5-6k I'm going to get:
S13 SR20DET Red top (2000 complete swap)
Labor^ : 500-800
Shell: 1000-2000
S15 Conversion: 1300-1500 in total(Headlights/fenders/hood/bumper)
Labor^: DIY + $2-3 for a few sodas on a hot summer day

Did anyone notice in this list that there is nothing cool going into this car?

Plus you can get an S chassis shell for less than $1000.

You should spend money on suspension and brake stuff, if you've set a budget like that.

Anyone that's been on here for a while could build a more than capable car that looks and performs well for 5-6k.

MakoBlunt · 04-22-2009, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FaLKoN240

Did anyone notice in this list that there is nothing cool going into this car?

Plus you can get an S chassis shell for less than $1000.

You should spend money on suspension and brake stuff, if you've set a budget like that.

Anyone that's been on here for a while could build a more than capable car that looks and performs well for 5-6k.

Mind helping me out then?

Please? lol

And @ Esmorz I'm not apart of any drifting myspace groups, sorry?

JVD · 04-22-2009, 05:52 PM

Your budget is ridiculously low to be honest.

Wait till you start doing it. You'll see what I mean. Every little parts run adds up QUICK.

s13boy89 · 04-22-2009, 05:55 PM

why do people have to spoon feed you are you that stupid

MrFairlady · 04-22-2009, 06:14 PM

Man...Take the time and D.I.Y - thats The FUN part.DOn't pay someone to do it.
SR20 Swaps are Very simple and you can learn to do it (wiring,& what to remove and what to keep) in 1 day surfing This site and Google.
RWD in general makes it an Easy swap + It came in the car for starters.

If you Don't know whats Done - How are you gonna fix anything in the future?The Fun part is LEARNING something and This car will most likely throw little gremlins @ you.Go Ahead and BE ready for them buy knowing what YOU DID.

I learned everythinb I needed on this site and even other Online SHops ahve helpful wiring setups (frsport,phase2motortrend.com,etc)

Wiring is SImple and Installation will be Way easy if you take the current motor out yourself.You'll love the car even more because You did it all.

MakoBlunt · 04-22-2009, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s13boy89

why do people have to spoon feed you are you that stupid

Are you having a bad day or something?
I'm just coming here to learn what I can from a community willing to share man. Isn't that what it's all about? I've looked around, haven't found what I needed, so I come here to ask experienced people

Sorry if that makes you upset yo.

And to MRfairlady,
Thanks for the info, I'm going to learn everything I can from this project!

tinys s14 · 04-22-2009, 06:34 PM

rust and if the car has been in an accident

Bigsyke · 04-22-2009, 06:36 PM

If you want direction get a 100% stock 240sx and dont touch it untill you know how to install modifications and have it come out factory perfect.

Ive fucked my s14 up with mods to the point where I cant even chirp the tires in 1st at WOT.

Id enjoy driving a stock 240sx over mine. I probably couldnt even get sideways because my hawks cant even lock up the tires in the rain.

Go ahead and throw money at your 240 right off the bat like some chump and end up like me.

s13boy89 · 04-22-2009, 06:41 PM

no im not having a bad day their have been over 1000000000000x threads about this and yet you want to not hear me bitch

ReLiC · 04-22-2009, 06:42 PM

imo take care of suspension before you go with s15 front end (i wouldn't go s15, but i know there's no changing your mind).

I agree with falkon, you can get a shell for under 1000. So spend that extra cash on suspension.

gijoe69 · 04-22-2009, 06:45 PM

man to be honest just buy a s13 auto and drive it around and do like brakes, suspension, exhaust then when you are ready just get a couple buddies and some beer and do a 5 speed conversion then after you complete that you will be more comfortable to do a KA, SR, RB swap by yourself instead of paying people to do it! also learn how to drive the car first b4 boosting lol also keep it legal don't be blasting around corners thinking you can drift and be like Initial D or cause its cool! play it safe! don't fuck up the scene because you are just some dumb kid lol

04-22-2009, 01:16 PM	#1
MakoBlunt Leaky Injector Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Miami Posts: 92 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Is there such a thing as a "Bad" shell? I want to start my first 240sx project and I'm already selling my car to do it I have around 5-6k to play with. I already made the budget and with the 5-6k I'm going to get: S13 SR20DET Red top (2000 complete swap) Labor^ : 500-800 Shell: 1000-2000 S15 Conversion: 1300-1500 in total(Headlights/fenders/hood/bumper) Labor^: DIY + $2-3 for a few sodas on a hot summer day Now on to my question, Since I'm going to buy a shell to save a lot of cash, is there things I should look out for? When should I step away from a shell?

04-22-2009, 01:17 PM	#2
druthafoo Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: VIRGINIA Age: 38 Posts: 323 Trader Rating: (5) Feedback Score: 5 reviews	rust rust rust and dont forget rust __________________ *PM for Stereo Help* Eclipse55090CrystalSSCS6SIMAG

04-22-2009, 02:39 PM	#6
Vision Garage Nissanaholic! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: USDM Land Posts: 1,799 Trader Rating: (9) Feedback Score: 9 reviews	bad shells? RUST Micky Mouse quick fixes from hitting shit. Using parts that shouldnt be used. Accidents which tweak the chasis Bad Electrical sysytem (long painful hours to diagnose) __________________

04-22-2009, 04:02 PM	#11
slidewaysmn Leaky Injector Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brainerd, MN Age: 35 Posts: 136 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Like everyone else stated...rust, frame rails and strut towers... then everywhere visually. I suggest you get suspension components before even thinking about s15 front end...plus they are kinda lame. __________________ '95 Zenki '85 Cressida

04-22-2009, 04:50 PM	#15
s13boy89 Nissanaholic! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: anaheim Age: 35 Posts: 1,991 Trader Rating: (11) Feedback Score: 11 reviews	well i wouldnt steal that it really fucking ugly __________________ I have kids running around here I dont want to use an xxr as a coffe table

04-22-2009, 01:18 PM	#3
renegade_ewok Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: NYC Age: 37 Posts: 450 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	rust is the only thing that will make or break a shell really... That or chassis fatigue after like 250k miles...

04-22-2009, 03:21 PM	#8
az_240 Post Whore! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Phx Posts: 3,097 Trader Rating: (41) Feedback Score: 41 reviews	Check the strut towers... make sure they are not banged up in the rear from stuff rolling around... I see that a lot on the S13's. You can grab a yard stick and get measurements for the front strut towers.... its easy to do and only takes a minute. Also check the frame under the car.... If you are worried the chassis might flex because of high mileage I'd suggest seam welding and possibly a few bars welded to the strut towers in the rear while the car is stripped.

04-22-2009, 03:46 PM	#9
Matej Post Whore! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: N/A Posts: 9,423 Trader Rating: (39) Feedback Score: 39 reviews

04-22-2009, 03:55 PM	#10
dynamicck Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: HB Posts: 406 Trader Rating: (4) Feedback Score: 4 reviews	chassis fatigue? sort of like exhaust bearing wear, or blinker fluid. lol

04-22-2009, 04:07 PM	#12
Bigsyke Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NA Age: 40 Posts: 1,342 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	An s15 conversion will make a Bad shell. Your in miami, so your s15 shell also wouldnt last long. Unless you provision about a 3rd of your funds to a security system welded into the frame. Save that 1500 on the conversion and drop it into suspension. Start making your car flashy and you will sell the car at a loss after a few theft attemps...or its stolen.

04-22-2009, 04:25 PM	#13
ErocKs13 Zilvia Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: oklahoma Posts: 148 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	um, what about your feet?? i.e. suspension, brakes, wheels, brakes? also seats, possible cage, harness, exhaust. please don't just throw a sr in a stock chassis and put an s15 front on. whats the use of power if you can't put it to the ground and handle it. you gotta be able to stop too. i'd hold off on the front end. but it is your car so do what you like. just some helpful advice.

04-22-2009, 05:28 PM	#17
Bigsyke Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NA Age: 40 Posts: 1,342 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	^^^No really, nobody steals mitsu's. You got somethin commin if you put that s15 front on with no security. This is a typical ricer violation.

04-22-2009, 05:52 PM	#22
JVD Nissanaholic! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Alberta, Canada Age: 36 Posts: 1,820 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Your budget is ridiculously low to be honest. Wait till you start doing it. You'll see what I mean. Every little parts run adds up QUICK.

04-22-2009, 05:55 PM	#23
s13boy89 Nissanaholic! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: anaheim Age: 35 Posts: 1,991 Trader Rating: (11) Feedback Score: 11 reviews	why do people have to spoon feed you are you that stupid __________________ I have kids running around here I dont want to use an xxr as a coffe table

04-22-2009, 06:14 PM	#24
MrFairlady Nissanaholic! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Fascination Street,N.C Age: 46 Posts: 1,701 Trader Rating: (31) Rides Gallery: MrFairlady Feedback Score: 31 reviews	Man...Take the time and D.I.Y - thats The FUN part.DOn't pay someone to do it. SR20 Swaps are Very simple and you can learn to do it (wiring,& what to remove and what to keep) in 1 day surfing This site and Google. RWD in general makes it an Easy swap + It came in the car for starters. If you Don't know whats Done - How are you gonna fix anything in the future?The Fun part is LEARNING something and This car will most likely throw little gremlins @ you.Go Ahead and BE ready for them buy knowing what YOU DID. I learned everythinb I needed on this site and even other Online SHops ahve helpful wiring setups (frsport,phase2motortrend.com,etc) Wiring is SImple and Installation will be Way easy if you take the current motor out yourself.You'll love the car even more because You did it all. __________________ z-tERty-2

04-22-2009, 06:34 PM	#26
tinys s14 Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Queens, NY Age: 34 Posts: 1,030 Trader Rating: (12) Feedback Score: 12 reviews	rust and if the car has been in an accident

04-22-2009, 06:36 PM	#27
Bigsyke Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NA Age: 40 Posts: 1,342 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	If you want direction get a 100% stock 240sx and dont touch it untill you know how to install modifications and have it come out factory perfect. Ive fucked my s14 up with mods to the point where I cant even chirp the tires in 1st at WOT. Id enjoy driving a stock 240sx over mine. I probably couldnt even get sideways because my hawks cant even lock up the tires in the rain. Go ahead and throw money at your 240 right off the bat like some chump and end up like me.

04-22-2009, 06:41 PM	#28
s13boy89 Nissanaholic! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: anaheim Age: 35 Posts: 1,991 Trader Rating: (11) Feedback Score: 11 reviews	no im not having a bad day their have been over 1000000000000x threads about this and yet you want to not hear me bitch __________________ I have kids running around here I dont want to use an xxr as a coffe table

04-22-2009, 06:42 PM	#29
ReLiC Zilvia Addict Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: la puente Age: 36 Posts: 862 Trader Rating: (13) Feedback Score: 13 reviews	imo take care of suspension before you go with s15 front end (i wouldn't go s15, but i know there's no changing your mind). I agree with falkon, you can get a shell for under 1000. So spend that extra cash on suspension.

04-22-2009, 06:45 PM	#30
gijoe69 Zilvia Junkie Join Date: May 2003 Location: San Francisco, CA Age: 40 Posts: 366 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	man to be honest just buy a s13 auto and drive it around and do like brakes, suspension, exhaust then when you are ready just get a couple buddies and some beer and do a 5 speed conversion then after you complete that you will be more comfortable to do a KA, SR, RB swap by yourself instead of paying people to do it! also learn how to drive the car first b4 boosting lol also keep it legal don't be blasting around corners thinking you can drift and be like Initial D or cause its cool! play it safe! don't fuck up the scene because you are just some dumb kid lol