ToddG's upgrades/mods (with pics!)

[ToddG]

Well guys (and gals) I figured I'd post up where my truck currently stands with all the improvements/upgrades/mods I've made to it so far. For those that don't know or don't remember I bought my truck in April 2008 used with 11,500 miles on it. It currently has just over 16,000 on it and I've been doing all kinds of stuff to it since day one, most of these things inspired by Club Frontier (you guys). The first thing was the stereo upgrade with custom fiberglass sub enclosure which you can read those write-ups in my sig. Exhaust and Nismo CAI were the next things done.

I still have a few things on my to-do list like paint the calipers (I have the kit) and install a rear sway bar.

So without any further ado the modifications:

My pedal set:


My shift knob:



Hitch plug relocation courtesy of EB_05_NISMO (and this thread: Hitch Plug Relocated to Bumper


My hood struts courtesy of this thread Redline Tuning Hood Struts (I went the McMaster Carr sourced parts route, thanks for the part numbers guys):



And last but not least my custom painted Nissan SE rims (thanks to Bigdog for selling me your old rims):





Any questions about anything just ask.
Thanks to everyone for the inspiration, ideas and write-ups.

I'm especially proud of how the rims turned out.
I designed how I wanted them to look (Photoshop) and then painted them myself.
They are gunmetal, with black inserts and red on the stand-offs to match my truck (and red and black center caps).
What do you guys think of those bad boys?

[Devilrunner665]

wow........your truck is ssssooooo clean......love the wheels man!.....and your hood strut mod has given me an idea as well.......

[dubie2003]

Did you go with the 18in ones or the 22in ones?

[ToddG]

Originally Posted by Devilrunner665

wow........your truck is ssssooooo clean

I know you and I would get along great in person . . but you would not be allowed to drive my truck Devil!!!! My truck is basically a street truck that has some off-road tendencies, 4x4 ready. Sorry it's too clean for you dude.

Originally Posted by dubie2003

Did you go with the 18in ones or the 22in ones?

You mean struts? In the write up there is a McMaster Carr list of part numbers. I followed them exactly, all part numbers are still valid. If you read that thread you will be able to do exactly what I did, it's all there. Redline tuning instructions with a 1" modification for positioning a strut bracket just as outline in that thread and it worked perfect.
McMaster part numbers from other thread:
Based on COFronty's supplied part numbers...
______________________________________________



Part #: 9416K18 @ $12.46 X 2
(Force: 70-90#) I used 80lb struts as outlined later in that thread. They work perfectly.
_______________________________________________



Part #: 9416K74 @ $1.75 X 4
_______________________________________________



Part #: 9512K95 @ $1.94 X 4

Prices have changed since then obviously (what hasn't gone up?). I think everything delivered to me was $44.

[Devilrunner665]

Originally Posted by ToddG

I know you and I would get along great in person . . but you would not be allowed to drive my truck Devil!!!! My truck is basically a street truck that has some off-road tendencies, 4x4 ready. Sorry it's too clean for you dude.

its cool.....but i'll let you hold on for dear life when i take you offroading...there is a reason why there are 2 oh sh*t bars on the passenger side.....thats because of me.........

[ToddG]

Originally Posted by Devilrunner665

its cool.....but i'll let you hold on for dear life when i take you offroading...there is a reason why there are 2 oh sh*t bars on the passenger side.....thats because of me.........

Glad you didn't take that the wrong way, but I'VE SEEN YOUR VIDEOS DUDE . . LOL. You use every last ounce and then some of your truck. I need mine to last a few years as my DD and in the meantime enjoy some casual off road from time to time.

And you're right, I'd probably have to change my underwear after off roading with you. Sad to say, but I've never caught air in anything road legal.

Bill Cosby on keeping an extra pair of under wear in the car in case of an accident: "first you say it, then you do it".

[gti16vman]

I really like the wheels. Red was my first choice of color, but I got too good of a deal on mine. Your truck looks great.

[Devilrunner665]

Originally Posted by ToddG

Glad you didn't take that the wrong way, but I'VE SEEN YOUR VIDEOS DUDE . . LOL. You use every last ounce and then some of your truck. I need mine to last a few years as my DD and in the meantime enjoy some casual off road from time to time.

And you're right, I'd probably have to change my underwear after off roading with you. Sad to say, but I've never caught air in anything road legal.

Bill Cosby on keeping an extra pair of under wear in the car in case of an accident: "first you say it, then you do it".

I have to wear ear plugs when other souls are riding in the runner.....screaming bloody murder....

[ToddG]

Originally Posted by gti16vman

I really like the wheels. Red was my first choice of color, but I got too good of a deal on mine. Your truck looks great.

The original rim's (factory) paint was flaking off from 2 of the 4 rims. Nissan would not warranty them, the bastards. Anyway I snagged these rims from Bigdog and used Duplicolor rim paint for the transformation. There is about 6 coats of clear coat on them too. Buffed and polished with Meguiar's they shine like crazy, even though it's hard to tell in the pictures. I also used wheel wax on them for extra protection. I hope they hold up to the Pa winters (with salt on the road) and the limited off roading I do.

Look for my old SE rims (paint flaking and all) for sale in the CF classifieds soon. They'd make a good set of rims for sanding/stripping and a paint experiment like mine. Or maybe somebody just wants a set of beater rims? Anyway, I'll have them up for sale in the very near future for those interested.

[bigdog]

The wheels came out real nice. I thought you were going to just get them powder coated, but I like what you did a lot more. The little red details and the center cap are a nice touch.