Extra storage for non-GT 350Z cars

[Paul_S]

I've finally got round to a little mod that I've been thinking about for the last 2 years!

Since I have a non-GT model there is a large void behind the drivers seat where the sub would go for the Bose system. Some time ago I bought a 2nd hand storage bin from a scrapyard, here's he fitting procedure.

Firstly, I took the precaution of putting some blue towel over the drivers' seat runner (Nissan had kindly greased it for me when I had the classic seat squeak).



Next I used this link - it's excellent for info on removing the interior plastics.

Here are some of the parts.



Originally, I was thinking of buying a new door to fit too but then I decided against it. Looking at the plastic front I am not sure a door would fit on the other side. I imagined it to be the same on both sides but there are subtle differences.



Once the plastics were off you are left with the speaker plate to remove (14 bolts!!).



With the plate removed you are left with a large void.



Slide the storage bin into the void and use the same bolts to secure. I clipped the plastic front and door back on too.



There was a bracket behind the original bin, but I didn't bother trying to make one up for this side. You can see the 2 screw holes at the back of the bin not used here. With all the bolts in place the bin is secure and it's very rigid so I don't think the missing screws will be a problem.

Next, I fixed the plastics back in.



With the panel clipped back in place you wouldn't know the difference.



The panel clips in and out quite easily. In the future I may remove the clips and use something like magnetic catches to hold it in place. I probably won't bother though because I am only going to be using it to hold stuff that you like to keep in the car but hardly ever need. I've got the 'home station' for my MP3 player, an old towel, some blue roll and my winter tyre socks stored there so far.

As is traditional, here are some bits I had left over. I decided not to bother with the light that clips into the top of the bin (I didn't even know there was one!). I have a strange shaped piece of metal and a few bolts left too.



There are several 350s in the scrap yard now so getting another bin should be easy.

Go on non-GT owners, you know you want to....

(Shamelessly cut and paste from the post I made on 350UKOwnerslcub)

[BRONZEE]

Nice bit of work there. Looks great, just like a bought one!!! Having 2 of those storage areas is a fab idea!! The one behind the passengers side is pretty good though. Can easily slide stuff like laptops and compendiums and general stuff you don't want openly visable.

Oh well, not for me like my Bose sounds a bit much.

[Rob Gaskin]

Some good info here, especially the plastic removal link and pictures of what's behind the panels.

Some useful space to be gained, nice one! This should have been standard.

[Paul_S]

I suppose they just fit the metal bracket assuming the car is destined to be a GT and then just blank it off to turn it into a non-GT.

Just think of all that weight!!!

It's a handy little mod because you can keep the boot empty of all the things you normally carry but hope to never need.

Thanks for the positive feedback :-)

[BRONZEE]

Thing I found interesting is, I didn't know you could even buy the double storage compartment plastic as such. So many cool bits available for our cars now.

[dav350z]

Thanks for that Paul. That creates a very useful extra storage area.
You are very brave attempting that - not sure I would try it!!

[Paul_S]

Basically I just used a storage bin out of a scrap car (the rest is the same). My theory was that it must fit since I don't expect Nissan would make a different storage bin for LHD cars.

I'm not sure I was that brave (apart from hoping the plastic lugs didn't snap off!). If you want to see brave I'll have to post the installation of my MP3 player when I only had the car a couple of months :-<>

[dav350z]

Originally Posted by Paul_S

If you want to see brave I'll have to post the installation of my MP3 player when I only had the car a couple of months :-<>

[Paul_S]

Maybe I'll dig that out then for a laff!

[dav350z]

Originally Posted by Paul_S

Maybe I'll dig that out then for a laff!

Yeah - go on then.