So with R33 parts rapidly becoming unavailable new from Nissan (and many parts still not available under the Heritage Program), I figured that, whatever course of action I take to fix the interior, I should at least stock up on a few parts I will need to at minimum bring the interior back to OEM status.
Everything that Cesar did in terms of the leather work (with some exceptions) will stay - that work is simply too beautiful from a quality and tactile (and smell) standpoint to switch back - but items that in my opinion detract from the utility of the interior, as well as drive-ability, will be taken back to OEM, or OEM+, levels. For me, the 2-DIN Navi/stereo doesn't work (too complicated, and the HVAC control relocation I don't like) and the A-pillars need to be replaced (the Morel speakers in the A-pillars are ugly and I don't think they sound that good) despite my attempt to
recolor the suede to a proper color.
As of this writing, my NISMO contacts have informed me that the HVAC control unit, the passenger side A pillar column cover, and of course the original radio cassette deck are no longer available as new. So, over the last couple of weeks I've been on Yahoo Auctions trying to find quality used items.
First, the HVAC control unit - my old one is now permanently encased in the shift surround so I would end up having to cut through plastic to get it out. And given that someone out there probably wants this set up (admittedly a decent alternative to sticking the HVAC control unit in the glove box), I decided to go ahead and find a used HVAC control unit. Let me know if you are interested in my WORX'd old one!
Second, as I continue to unpack stuff for the house I keep looking for my original OEM radio cassette head unit. However, it remains to be found. Maybe someday I will find it, maybe not.
Never fear however, I found this on Yahoo Auctions:
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| Going to have take care of that slight rust on that left bracket... |
Complete with brackets too! Total WIN! Having not accessed the space behind the audio since WORX installed the 2 DIN Pioneer CyberNavi, I am concerned that the brackets to hold both the HVAC unit and a 1 DIN radio might also be missing. Of course, brackets can be fabricated, but it's always better if OEM parts are used.
Nice to have everything in one package. The concern though now is, whether OEM wiring for the head unit is still present in the car. If not, it will be quite painful to get it fixed to be able to hook it back up. Further, I have no idea whether either of the two parts work! (a call to NISMO and they told me they have a shop they work with that can fix the head unit so...)
Anyway, I did what I could to clean it up:
I also found this on Yahoo Auctions a few days later.
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| Not exactly the best packaging but hey it worked... |
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| A bit of wear and tear but I can live with it! |
Finally, rummaging in my boxes of car parts (that I have unpacked!) I found this - yep my original ashtray. You may notice it has a cut out in the rear, this was because I was experimenting with LED lighting for the cigarette lighter surround, and wanted that very bright light to illuminate the inside of the ashtray. Not sure if I will keep it or get a new one but at least one less part I have to buy.
I also found the OEM cigarette lighter.
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| You can see how faded it is. The white graphic outline is gone! |
I also found the original OEM speakers. I think these are for the rear, but you can see how cheap (paper cones) they are.
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| Still, I wonder what they sound like now... |
Lastly - bonus - this was something I had bought a long time ago when trying to figure out if I could use the Nissan OEM CD changer deck that came with the Kenwood Sound Cruising System. I was able to figure out that the Alpine CD changer that was located in the trunk was similar to the one Honda used in the NSX (just one difference in the harness pin), but I could never find the amp that was mounted in the space next to the battery so gave up...
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| I wonder if the lettering is supposed to be yellowed like that... if not that would bother me anyway...plus those scratches... |
Anyway, combined with a few strategic purchases of some other new items from Nissan and some other used parts on Yahoo Auctions, my interior should soon be back to normal. Actually, consistent with my theme of OEM+, the result should turn out pretty good.
Now, the next step is trying to figure out if the original audio harness still exists or if it's been hacked as well...
