I have an 83 ZXT in need of Turbo hood, fenders, Headlight Bucket and door skin replacement due to traffic accident.

Has anyone out there purchased the Aftermarket steel replacements from Victori British catalog???? Any info on quality and "fit" characteristics??

The Aftermarket prices are substantially less than OEM (e.g., aftermarket hood=$189 vs OEM=$379). I'm concerned about these parts being manufactured in a 3rd world sweat shop in regards to quality and fit. I would hope they would be using the OEM blueprint drawings.

Any help out there?

Thx,
Steve

 

they say that you cant go wrong with OEM.. but im not too sure on the parts victoria britsih sells.. sometimes if you let the body shop guys source out the parts.. they might get it a lot cheaper for you.. if you have a good relationship with your auto body guy he can prolly get you a really good deal on some body parts.. on my 79 ZX i used after market hood and fenders and they fit good.. i didnt see any problem in using them.. the materials that nissan used in the 280ZXs wasnt that great either.. so save moeny they used fairly thin sheet metal and most of the time wasnt properly treated to protect agaisnt rust.. on some of the aftermeket products they do a bettr job then nissan did.. but id let your autobody guy make that call.. hes the expert..

 

Thx for the input. I agree, the metal material that Datsun\Nissan used was reprocessed American steel; already had the cancer in it and was very thin as you say. Most Z's even out of the "rust belt" had serious problems.

Your fit application on your 79 was the info I was looking for from an experience standpoint. The fit is important.

The Auto body shop that I am using shys away from Aftermarket applications if they perform the work, due to the liability in their trade and potential misfits. (long story). They will source the Aftermarket for me but I have to build it, which is not a problem.

What source did you use for your aftermarket hood?

Thx for the previous link to your wheels. Wow...$155 including spacers. That IS a good price.

 

most body shops dont even wanna use second hand parts... youve gotta stip the paint off them and do body work on it.. while with a new one all you gotta do is prep it and paint it...

 

Yup...that vanity plate looks familiar. Lived in Plaistow on and off for 40 years. Hampstead is right next door.

Get the Turbo Z...great, fun car. Iv'e had mine since new for the past 20 years. You would certainly have technical advice nearby. Thx for the experience tip on aftermarket. I think that will be direction I will go.

To 280XZ fever: 2nd hand parts would be fine except all used sheet metal in this part of the country has the cancer in it.