Slight accident and need some body parts

[TheDieseliminator]

Hey all, yesterday I got into a car accident that pretty much wasn't my fault. As far as damage goes on the Maxima it isn't too bad and my passenger front fender got banged in. That's the main part I'll need along with the right front headlight bezel (it's plastic) and a right front turn signal light. Believe it or not as many junkyards as I have local to me that have plenty of 80's vehicles not one has an 81-84 Maxima. So I'm out of luck for anything local pretty much. Both of my fenders aren't perfect anyways and I'd like to replace both of them. I'd even like to replace the whole grille assembly with the headlight bezels because mine too are cracked in places. Also, I should have posted this a long time ago but I'm in need of some interior parts too. I need a light grey driver's side sun visor mounting piece (the sun visor is held up by two screws on the far left closest to the door) and the piece that the rearview mirror mounts to. I'm also in need of the black plastic power window control unit in between the two front seats. Problem with mine is the plastic around the 4 screws that mount in to the center console is broken. Everytime I want to put the driver's window (or any other window from the control) I have to stick my hand under the control and then push the bottom to get the window down. If I don't the whole control will just fall downward toward the e-brake handle. In my opinion it's a bad design given the plastic takes its toll after the years. Plus it's not like my car was properly treated anyways. Also, both my rear doors will not open. When you lift the handle up about halfway up it seems as if the door will open but it doesn't and you can lift the handle as high and hard as you want. The doors still will not open. I figure a mechanism inside the door needs to be replaced, but I want to know what is the best way to go about removing the door panels without breaking clips or damaging stuff? My panels are decent and I don't want to just grap them and pop them off. I have driven the car with the interior parts in this condition for over a year and I'm getting to the point of getting sick of it. As you all can see I'm in need of my fair share of parts and let me know if you can help. If possible I'd like to get the front fenders primered or black (kinda like a NOS part), but that might not even be possible. Are fenders for these cars still available from the aftermarket anywhere? Thanks for more info.

Salvy

[Carimbo]

I'd even like to replace the whole grille assembly

Have I got a grille for you! (Such a nice grille!) $20 + shipping.

[asavage]

. . . passenger front fender got banged in.

I have this fender, from the '83 Gasser that Carimbo & I sent to the JY last spring. It's nearly perfect -- there is a very slight indentation at the 1 o'clock position (you can see it, not the trim but the fender itself). It is slight. Rust-free. Click on the pic for larger.

I took it in case whoever ends up with the '83 "Myrna" Wagon wanted to replace its rusted and dented fender, they'd have one:


However, if you really want it, I'd sell it. It's worth $50 to me, and you'll have to do your own calc on shipping. I can build a crate for it that will withstand cross-country shipment, I've done it before, but you'd better figure on another $80 for that crate, and it will add about 40 lbs. Just putting it out there . . .

It's a Sedan fender, so it has no antenna mounting hole (the Wagon does).

A new Sedan fender (63112-W2431) is $211 + shipping, and then you have to paint it, of course.

You will definitely want to transfer your "DIESEL" plastic emblem.

. . . and the piece that the rearview mirror mounts to.

See the mirror mounting post.

Would you believe that part (96326-W1000) is only $6?

I'm also in need of the black plastic power window control unit in between the two front seats.

I probably have one of those. Possibly more than one spare. I'll try to find it tomorrow. Remind me if you haven't heard from me by Sunday.

both my rear doors will not open. When you lift the handle up about halfway up it seems as if the door will open but it doesn't and you can lift the handle as high and hard as you want. The doors still will not open.

You aren't going to like this.

You have to remove the back seat parts via the front doors. Sometimes you have to remove one or both of the front seats to do this. With the back seat removed, you can (I think, on this model) remove the armrest and ashtray, then pull the panel. You'll have to buy new clips, and you usally will have to do some minor repair work on the pressboard at the bottom of the panels. There is a tool to help remove the panel w/clips, but you can't use it unless you can get the door open.

Once you have the panel off, you use a hairdryer to heat the plastic moisture barrier's adhesive and slowly peel it back. It's dusty/dirty. Do not damage it, because you need to be able to reinstall it (or cut an equivalent) and glue it back in place (I use 3M "777" spray adhesive: I do a lot of this kind of work as a locksmith). It is not nearly as easy to cut a new moisture barrier and glue it in place as it is to re-use the original one -- I've done it many times, and it's always easier to re-use and patch with duct tape if necessary.

Moisture barrier out of the way, get a good lubricant (I like Tri-Flow) and liberally spray the latch mechanism -- not the lock, the latch. You have decent, though not great, access to it as long as the window is up. Then you can get a light in the area and have a friend work the outside handle (or you can pull the remains of the inside handle's rod) and see what is not moving. It can be done. But don't bother even trying unless you remove the seat completely.

I figure a mechanism inside the door needs to be replaced

I doubt it -- probably just remove it, clean it, lube it with grease. You may even get away with just the spray lube (as long as it's a good lube, not WD-40!). A lot of work, but it will probably work like new if you go that route. The rear latches do not get worked much. The driver's latch might wear out, but not the rear doors'.

[asavage]

I'm also in need of the black plastic power window control unit in between the two front seats. Problem with mine is the plastic around the 4 screws that mount in to the center console is broken.

I don't know if this will help. I've got two of them, they're both brown, and they both have this same plastic post broken off. If it was mine, I'd probably through-drill it, and use a tiny machine screw (No. 4 or maybe No. 6, stainless steel) to bolt it up.



You can have either of them for $7. Again, they are both broken at the same mounting stud. If you want me to do the screw-fix before I send it off, add $10 -- but I think you could handle it yourself.

[TheDieseliminator]

Al, thanks for the replies and the help on the replacement parts. I will consider on buying them, but I'll need to wait to see if I might just straighten out my existing fender and fix the car the best we can so I have a front turn signal light again. I'm in need of most of those parts you pictured and I'll get back with you when I'm ready to buy them. At that time I'll send you the money for whatever I buy and what I owe you for the exhaust manifold. Thanks again.

Salvy

[TheDieseliminator]

I also forgot to say my windshield leaks during a moderate to heavy rain especially when the car is parked and not moving. It's been like this since I bought it and it only comes from the top of the windshield. Reason it leaks is someone used like a calking to seal it up (a half-ass job in my opinion). I'm sick of it leaking and when it rains it makes the floor wet on both sides of the car. I wanted to ask what would Nismo parts want for a windshield weatherstripping/gasket? Can one recommend the best place for me to go to buy a quality gasket at a good price (not expensive)? I'd like to get an original Nissan part and then go to a glass business for them to remove my windshield and then reinstall this new gasket properly. Thanks for any help or advice.

[asavage]

I wanted to ask what would Nismo parts want for a windshield weatherstripping/gasket?

There isn't a gasket. The windscreen is glued in.

[My '82 Wagon's rear glass leaked slightly in 1999. I bought its gasket and paid a body shop to replace it, and the leak was fixed.]