Hey Guys!
So I've been doing some thinking lately and after some deep debate, I'm thinking of taking on a big project to convert my 2004 G35 to the 2006 G35 concept. I know the concept is similar to the G37, and at one point I just thought of buying one of those instead, but if even I could sell my current car for 16-18k CAN, G37's still cost in the 29-32k range - more than a 10k difference. Plus I'd still have to modify it a little to be like the concept, costing even more. My car only has 123k Km on it, so it still has plenty of life anyways.

So, I know this will be a very involved project that will take many months and probably a good chunk of dough (I'm thinking in the 6-7k range), but I'm hoping some of you guys could help me with the planning process. I need to work out what parts I need and what would be the best way to do some things. Here's what I'm working toward:











Exterior:
G37 Fender - I know the edge that lines the door is differently shaped than on the G35, an there are a few other things to consider based on some other threads on the forum, but should I go with a metal g37 welded to a metal G35fender or get a fiberglass G37 and a new fiberglass G35 fender?

G37 Hood - probably go CF as I haven't been able to find a (cheaper) fiberglass OEM hood anywhere

G37 non sport front bumper

G37 front grille

G37 headlights

G37 Tail lights - This is another tricky situation. Converting the back end causes nearly as many headaches as the front. I was thinking of getting the G37 tail lights, and cutting the G35 rear fenders to fit them, and then get a G37 trunk. Would this work? Or would it be easier to get a G35 trunk and re-shape it to fit around the G37 tail lights? I think this depends on the difference in dimensions, as the curves of the rear fender are surely different. I haven't looked into this yet.

G37 rear bumper - does anyone know if there's a difference in width b/w the g37 and g35 rear bumpers? I think I'd probably have to reshape the rear fender where it meets the bumper. I guess if there is a difference in width, the g37 would probably be a touch wider, but then I may be able to split the bumper down the middle, take out an inch or whatever and re-mould it together - not sure how that would turn out though.

Concept Exhaust Tips - I have to find something similar to the oval exhaust tips and by the looks of it, widen the space b/w the pipes and remould the g37 bumper around them.

Rims - I've been looking everywhere and can't seem to find those rims. The closest I've come is the 19" special edition ones you can order from the dealership, but I'm pretty sure most sites say the concept runs 20's.

Paint - not sure where exactly I could order this. I've seen the ChromeFX stuff, but I think it's too reflective. Any suggestions would be appreciated

Side skirts - would it be possible to retrofit G37 side skirts onto the G35, or should I go aftermarket? I found these which seem to give a similar look to those on the concept, but again, the G37's are almost spot on.
http://www.bodykits.com/Extreme-Dime...100467/618233/

Chrome accent - Is the accent on the side skirts painted on, or is it a vinyl/sticker? If so, anyone have any idea where I could even order something like this or get something I could cut/shape myself?

Other than that, I think that covers the exterior. Anything I'm missing?

-Nick

 

If its 6-7k compared to around 10k for a g37, why don't you just save up 3k? But at the end of the day its your call, good luck with the project

 

Interior:

This I think will technically be more difficult to accomplish. Here are some potential issues I see:

1) Colour - it looks like the steering wheel and dash are a custom dark brown, which I would have to do myself. I don't think it's realistic to custom wrap the steering wheel and paint all the panels that brown colour. I can just picture a disaster. Unless someone has some experience with this and could direct me with the right paints/ dye.



2) Steering wheel - There's this one on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Infin...Q5fAccessories
It looks killer and pretty darn close, but I don't know if it would be a direct replacement on my G35 as it is meant for the G37. It's also hella expensive. Plus I'd have to find an airbag w/ center piece that fits, as I know mine is not the same shape. Anyone know of a G35 aftermarket steering wheel that looks like the one on the concept?

3) Dash assembly w/trim. This is the part I'm hung up on. Would it be better to try and reshape my current dash to look like the concept, or somehow retrofit the G37 dash into my car and then add the necessary tweaks and modifications after? Would it even be possible to fit the G37 assembly into the G35? I know that technically "anything" is possible, but on a practical level, would it be worth it? I know it will probably take a lot of work and re-shaping of some of the edges, but I think this may provide a cleaner look in the end vs. having custom shaping done to my current dash. I don't know.

4). Custom LCD - the center console has a custom LCD with clock imbedded. The brushed aluminum plate probably wouldn't be too difficult to create, but the LCD will be the tough part. How the heck woud I go about replicating this?

5) Gauge Cluster - I don't think I'll be able to get this 100% either. What I was thinking of doing was just modifying my current cluster. Find deep dish chrome rins, and mod the face with a brushed aluminum center (like the concept) with a white/blue light combo.

6) Doors - again, in terms of making it look like the concept, would I be better served by getting G37 door panels and slightly modifying them, or more heavily modifying mine (for the almond coloured trim and chrome handle, ect. )?

7) Shifter - This would have to be completely custom manufactured/ carved. I'll probably have to do this myself as I doubt anything aftermarket is even close, and I'll have to have it work with the modified center console.

So many things to think about.
-Nick

 

Yeah, you make a good point as this project will be stupidly complicated, and as I said, I'm not even sure if it would be (realistically) possible. But on top of the 10k difference, I'd still have to put 2-3k more into the G37 for the custom paint job and interior mods, making the total difference in the 13k range.

 

at least $20K to complete the project

 

Really?
Maybe I'm off my rocker, but I was thinking of a breakdown like this:

hood - found used $350
Fenders - new $400
headlights found used set for $800
grille - used $150
Tail lights - found a used set for $240
Rear bumper - used for $200
Front bumper - found used for $250
Used side skirts - $250

Thats bout $2700

Labour - 2k

Wheels/Rims - 2k

Then Paint. No clue how much to add here, but Thinking of ~2k

Interior work, I'd do myself which may add another $500

So I guess reflecting on it a bit more, instead of 6-7 k it's probably closer to 10k, which saves about 2-3k from buying a g37 and modding it after. The big think now is debating whether that extra 3k is worth all the hassle and work. I think the sense of accomplishment in successfully doing a project like this is worth it to me. But then again, I don't know if i'll be in over my head.

-Nick

 

By the way, I haven't actually bought any parts yet as I'm looking to you guys with more experience with this type of stuff for some advice, but I have done some shopping around to get some ideas.

 

If you succeed then you will have a one of a kind, but then again the interior looks VERY complicated to complete.

 

I agree. It will probably be the most challenging part.

The center console worries me the most, but I do have a plan for that - paritally. See I already have the aftermarket AC controller, so I was thinking of using that for the custom controls. Hide that somewhere deep in the dash. I was then thinking of taking off the attached buttons and soldering in wires to those that attach to new push button switches that will be mounted similar to those in the aluminum panel. I could modify the rectangle buttons from the OEM stereo to fit.

The big thing will be making a custom LCD panel. One of my buddies is an electrical engineer and may be able to help with this. Essentially it would just be a matter of making a panel that emulates the original display in the upper dash but organizes the icons in more of a square vs long rectangle.

 

really? seems like a waste of Time and Money.

 

just wait, Strafe is coming out w/a complete front end conversion kit soon

 

Imo just take it to a custom shop and let them know what you want to do and see if its in your price range. Good luck tho, wish you all the best !

 

Something you may not have considered - what about resale or insurance? This level of custom work will make the market for the car much smaller, at best, and will likely make it worth less than a stock vehicle.

There's also your car insurance. They probably won't pay for any of your mods with your current coverage, so you may end up paying more in insurance than you would have if you had gotten a G37.

 

the front end conversion is easy, a lot of the stuff bolts right up with the right parts. the rear end is a little tough, i honestly wouldnt spend that much money doing that unless ur gunna go all out. but there's just no point, save up your cash and spend it on something else.

 

save money and buy G37.
problem solved without any complicated problems.