Custom Machined Parts For Your 370Z

flashburn · 06-15-2010, 07:58 AM

The work being done in this thread is awesome! I'm especially digging that 240Z license plate frame. Or maybe possibly one without the profile shot.

DarkPath · 06-15-2010, 08:41 AM

I know you are asking about machined parts, but wonder if you can do sheet metal or CRES (chrome reinforced steel) either
material powder coated black to redo the OEM License plate bracket - I hate the way a portion of the OEM bracket travels
up above the mount point and has the possibility of chattering against the fascia. I know its a rough drawing - but talking
about something like this. I started thinking about the suggestion cause I am not really feeling the Stillen off-center tow bolt
mounted version. I like the idea that its tow bolt mounted, just not the fact that it's off center. It takes away from the lines
of the Z that are otherwise so clean and symmetrical. Another variation is a drilled tow bolt mount that allows for an L bracket
that pushes the plate to a more centered location that still covers the mount. Just a suggestion.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bracket -standard plate width - mount area 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep... Larger holes allow for mount screws to pass thru the front of the
bracket... the other 4 holes allow for license plate mounting.

scruffydog · 06-15-2010, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkPath

I know you are asking about machined parts, but wonder if you can do sheet metal or CRES (chrome reinforced steel) either
material powder coated black to redo the OEM License plate bracket - I hate the way a portion of the OEM bracket travels
up above the mount point and has the possibility of chattering against the fascia. I know its a rough drawing - but talking
about something like this. I started thinking about the suggestion cause I am not really feeling the Stillen off-center tow bolt
mounted version. I like the idea that its tow bolt mounted, just not the fact that it's off center. It takes away from the lines
of the Z that are otherwise so clean and symmetrical. Another variation is a drilled tow bolt mount that allows for an L bracket
that pushes the plate to a more centered location that still covers the mount. Just a suggestion.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bracket -standard plate width - mount area 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep... Larger holes allow for mount screws to pass thru the front of the
bracket... the other 4 holes allow for license plate mounting.

I can look into the design when I have a chance. If I know of a shop around here I can ask for a quick quote. Or if you know of one, you can also do the same around your area. But I think it'd be best to make one out of a solid piece instead of a sheet metal. I would most likely eliminate the bottom 2 bolt holes anyways because it's not really helping the license too much structurally. It should reduce the part size dramatically.

DarkPath · 06-16-2010, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scruffydog

I can look into the design when I have a chance. If I know of a shop around here I can ask for a quick quote. Or if you know of one, you can also do the same around your area. But I think it'd be best to make one out of a solid piece instead of a sheet metal. I would most likely eliminate the bottom 2 bolt holes anyways because it's not really helping the license too much structurally. It should reduce the part size dramatically.

My thought was to replace the Plastic OEM center mount... The rough drawing I whipped up would be virtually invisible if painted black.. I left it as large as I did for support of the bottom of the plate once installed - so wind wouldn't bend it back into the grill and chip paint or whatever... Its just a thought. I feel the OEM mount is cheap at best, considering they put it on a nearly 40k car. Like they say - the devil is in the details... even a diamond bracelet would lose its luster if you wrapped it with a bow that had been dragged thru dog shiz....

kenchan · 06-15-2010, 10:25 AM

i just use a matte black metal plate frame i bought from Griot'sGarage long time ago. it's simple and doesn't distract focus from the car when one looks at the car.

Modshack · 06-15-2010, 11:09 AM

For those of you with a creative nature, and no buddies with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of CNC machines or easy access to a local shop to do small quantities, there is a Web based service that I've used for 7-8 years now for some of my proprietary parts. They have a free Cad program you download, then design away. Instant quotes available on most any quantity, and the full gamut of machines available to make your part. Extensive materials list too...

Check it out at: CNC Machine Shop | Custom Waterjet, Plasma, Laser Cutting | eMachineShop.com

scruffydog · 06-15-2010, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Modshack

For those of you with a creative nature, and no buddies with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of CNC machines or easy access to a local shop to do small quantities, there is a Web based service that I've used for 7-8 years now for some of my proprietary parts. They have a free Cad program you download, then design away. Instant quotes available on most any quantity, and the full gamut of machines available to make your part. Extensive materials list too...

Check it out at: CNC Machine Shop | Custom Waterjet, Plasma, Laser Cutting | eMachineShop.com

Thanks a lot Modshack, I really appreciate your help here. This will help me and others!

Just thought everyone should know, I am here to help the community out by draw up whatever in CAD (esp the more advance stuff). So this helps me and others to get a good idea how much the parts will cost or even made.

Also, another note, for the people that want to know how much these emblems, or other parts will cost, I nor AGstacker can give out anything right now because we're not in business to sell anything, at least yet.

Once we get the protos in, we have to breakdown the cost to machine, labor, time, etc, etc and then we can come up with a price. Then one of us will have to become a vendor in this forum to sell....so please be patient in the meantime.

Like Modshack states above though, I can go out there and issue a quick quote, but I guarantee it'd be more than you're willing to pay for these emblems. Either way, I am glad there are great service like that available for us people with no machine shop connections or access.

Modshack · 06-15-2010, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scruffydog

Thanks a lot Modshack, I really appreciate your help here. This will help me and others!

No problem! It is a handy service, and like anything Machined, quantities bring the price down. One-offs can be pretty pricey. As an example, I have these black MAF holders machined for my VW/Audi MAF tubes... Quantities of 30 in CPVC run around $15/each. Quantities of one can run in the Hundreds of $$'s...

scruffydog · 06-15-2010, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Modshack

No problem! It is a handy service, and like anything Machined, quantities bring the price down. One-offs can be pretty pricey. As an example, I have these black MAF holders machined for my VW/Audi MAF tubes... Quantities of 30 in CPVC run around $15/each. Quantities of one can run in the Hundreds of $$'s...

yea, i know...sucks how that's the way it's gotta be. It's the way of business i guess. Huge quantity requires less setup time, run time per part, less labor, etc, etc....

Kind the reason why I was a little hesitant at first with the Machining emblems, the Z logo has some pretty intricate features to it -> directly driving the cost up. But it'll look really nice

Either way, thanks to AGstacker being able to program that with CAMworks for his CNC. Now it's just machine time we're gonna have to wait on.

Very nice part by the way! Kinda makes me want to dedicate my full time job to design car parts instead of making Medical Devices to save lives :P

fuct · 06-15-2010, 11:31 AM

ive got 8 years experience with AutoDesk Inventor if you need any models made AgStacker.

kenchan · 06-15-2010, 11:50 AM

now we're even closer to getting our emblems!

billydsz · 06-15-2010, 01:49 PM

How does Nissan corporate feel about their trademarked emblems being reproduced by custom shops? Do they care? Some companies jealously guard against that kind of thing and others don't care at all. Just wondering if anyone knows Nissan's attitude?

kenchan · 06-15-2010, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billydsz

How does Nissan corporate feel about their trademarked emblems being reproduced by custom shops? Do they care? Some companies jealously guard against that kind of thing and others don't care at all. Just wondering if anyone knows Nissan's attitude?

where did that z go... oh here it is. here's one for your car:

billydsz · 06-15-2010, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

where did that z go... oh here it is. here's one for your car:

LOL it's a beauty. But I don't think it will go with my plaid car wrap.

Modshack · 06-15-2010, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billydsz

How does Nissan corporate feel about their trademarked emblems being reproduced by custom shops? Do they care? Some companies jealously guard against that kind of thing and others don't care at all. Just wondering if anyone knows Nissan's attitude?

Well...I don't know Nissan's Policy, but I will say that Audi came down hard on a friend of mine who was marketing to Audi enthusiasts. The direct Mark was not even used, but the affiliation was there. When they got tuned in, they became very threatening legally causing him to stop marketing the product..

06-15-2010, 08:41 AM	#2 (permalink)
DarkPath Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hampton Roads VA Posts: 318 Drives: 40th Anniversary M6 Rep Power: 17	I know you are asking about machined parts, but wonder if you can do sheet metal or CRES (chrome reinforced steel) either material powder coated black to redo the OEM License plate bracket - I hate the way a portion of the OEM bracket travels up above the mount point and has the possibility of chattering against the fascia. I know its a rough drawing - but talking about something like this. I started thinking about the suggestion cause I am not really feeling the Stillen off-center tow bolt mounted version. I like the idea that its tow bolt mounted, just not the fact that it's off center. It takes away from the lines of the Z that are otherwise so clean and symmetrical. Another variation is a drilled tow bolt mount that allows for an L bracket that pushes the plate to a more centered location that still covers the mount. Just a suggestion. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bracket -standard plate width - mount area 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep... Larger holes allow for mount screws to pass thru the front of the bracket... the other 4 holes allow for license plate mounting. __________________ C&C WMBG www.carsandcoffeewilliamsburg.com [B]Looking for build badges? darkpath.ent.llc@gmail.com Last edited by DarkPath; 06-15-2010 at 09:03 AM.

06-15-2010, 11:09 AM	#6 (permalink)
Modshack A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Greenville NC Posts: 2,883 Drives: 370Z Sport Rep Power: 978	For those of you with a creative nature, and no buddies with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of CNC machines or easy access to a local shop to do small quantities, there is a Web based service that I've used for 7-8 years now for some of my proprietary parts. They have a free Cad program you download, then design away. Instant quotes available on most any quantity, and the full gamut of machines available to make your part. Extensive materials list too... Check it out at: CNC Machine Shop \| Custom Waterjet, Plasma, Laser Cutting \| eMachineShop.com __________________ Steal my car! (SOLD)...Now Porsche Cayman S Oil Cooler DIY: Here!

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06-15-2010, 07:58 AM	#1 (permalink)
flashburn A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,884 Drives: '12 Corvette GS 6M Rep Power: 21	The work being done in this thread is awesome! I'm especially digging that 240Z license plate frame. Or maybe possibly one without the profile shot.

06-15-2010, 10:25 AM	#5 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141522	i just use a matte black metal plate frame i bought from Griot'sGarage long time ago. it's simple and doesn't distract focus from the car when one looks at the car.

06-15-2010, 11:31 AM	#10 (permalink)
fuct A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sugar Land Posts: 3,692 Drives: 97' Ranger :) Rep Power: 26	ive got 8 years experience with AutoDesk Inventor if you need any models made AgStacker.

06-15-2010, 11:50 AM	#11 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141522	now we're even closer to getting our emblems!

06-15-2010, 01:49 PM	#12 (permalink)
billydsz Enthusiast Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: New Bern Posts: 252 Drives: 9 370z SptCp SRd 7AT Rep Power: 17	How does Nissan corporate feel about their trademarked emblems being reproduced by custom shops? Do they care? Some companies jealously guard against that kind of thing and others don't care at all. Just wondering if anyone knows Nissan's attitude?