Carbon fiber rip off

[hls30.com]

Check this ricer ad out!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7950731979&category=36475

The seller makes it sound like replacing non structural panels in a Z will get the weight down to 1900lbs-not sure if he means using the pieces he is selling will or not, but the answer is NO!

$1800 plus $90 shipping for cosmetic parts that are not functional(or even named correctly)-the cowl pannel has no vents in it(and only one opening for a wiper)-say good by to the fresh air intake, the door trim panels have no cut outs for window cranks or arm rests(probably no mounting holes either), The center console is a plate that fits into the dash. Most race cars using carbon fiber to reduce weight would put the $1800 in replacing larger, heavier sheet metal(bumpers, hood and fenders), either remove the cardboard and plastic or leave the interior panels alone.

$50 worth of materials, $200 worth of time(including making the forms and laying the materials), and $1640 in his pocket!

I would guess that using these panels could save maybe 19 pounds at the far outside, at $1890 that's $100 a pound! I can think of better use for that money in a racing budget!

Will

[Bambikiller240]

The guy should have listed the "Item Location" as FANTASYLAND instead of La Jolla. Did anyone notice the sales tax rate charged to CA residents? 0.075% (correct CA sales tax for La Jolla is 7.75%) Some businessman! :stupid:

[TomoHawk]

My race bike cost me $100 a pound. Good thing it only weighs 21 pounds...

[e_racer1999]

hey, he's local to me. should check him out.. haha

[EricB]

Just like Will said... I don't know what he's selling for $1800??? a flat sheet of material he could have bought pre-made and that he cut out to replace a door panel? so he molded ac owl panel and the rear taillight trim - wow! What skills!

You know what - I'm going to email him right now asking exactly what you get for $1800

-e

[mperdue]

The funny thing is that the tail light surround is already very thin and light metal. I wonder how much weight you save there - maybe a pound? Now if by door skins he meant the entire door inside and out that would be something. But those door panels are just flat pieces, and dont' even have cut outs for the handles! If he'd throw in a hood, fenders and hatch it would be worth it.

Michael

[sblake01]

I emailed him and said "You are kidding, right?" and have yet to receive a response.

[zguitar71]

I bet his z weighs more than 1900 LBS. There is no way he saved 400bls with those parts. He is only out to rip off the "bling bling" kids that do not know any better.

I have seen the front strut brace he is using before. Does anyone know if it is strong enough for repeated autoxing or would the bolted areas on either side of the main cross bar begin loose there shape from flexing and loosen after a while?

[Chino 240Z]

Betcha dollars to donuts his car kicks A$$ on the track. Looks like he's having fun playing with the car too. Gotta support that racing addiction some way.

[LanceM]

I'd like to know where he got that airbox for the webbers...

[ChrisA]

Ebay auction aside, I'd like to know more about both cars. Specs, mods, etc. They look good.

Chris

[EricB]

Hey Lance I saw a very similar airbox for sale by the folks at TWM up in the Santa Barbara area - I haven't had much luck in the past with getting friendly people on the phone in the past but maybe that's changed or can be overlooked...

http://www.twminduction.com/airbox.htm

-e