Probably something that no one will be able to answer, but I'm going to ask it anyway.

 

Does anyone know whether Nissan changed or added a UV additive for plastics and glues used on Z32s manufactured from 1993 onward?

 

The reason for my question is mainly due to noticing the dreadful seat belt buckle discolouring seen on pre-93 cars. I changed mine about 10 years ago as the orange had turned into a faided powdery colour. The replacement buckles were from a 93 car and have retained their colour. Other Z32s from 93 onwards I've noticed have never had the faided buckle release and most pre-93 cars have.

 

I've also noticed that dashboards on 93+ cars don't peel like earlier models. You could say, well that's because they're newer however I've seen dash peeling on Z32s for years and years now which makes me believe that 93 onward cars have better UV stabilisers in their glues and plastics.

 

Might be wrong though?

Edited April 23, 20178 yr by Funkysi

Hey dude, well I purchased a brand new dashboard for my Z 4 years ago and the part number was the same throughout all years. I believe the peeling dashboards syndrome the Z32 has is due to long exposure to the sun as its possible those cars (mine included) must have been left outdoors for a long period of time and that exposure to the harsh UV rays and heat of the sun caused the glues in the dashboard to separate. To combat this I have been using a sunshade on my Z ever since I installed the new dashboard when I'm not driving the Z and I hope this will stop the dash from peeling. I also intending to apply high quality dashboard protectant to the surface to aid in protecting the dash from the sun.

 

The seat belts is probably in the same boat and you also need to remember that in 93-94 Nissan had some finanical problems and began cutting back on alot of freebies for the Z32 to cut costs. Things like the trunk carpet got thinner and there was less sound deadening applied to the truck carpet. The wheel wells didnt come with added undercoating in the later model cars and then there was the paid options which the early models got free like spoilers aircon cruise control etc etc. So realistically it would be a lesser quality plastic used in the later models then the earlier models but I think the stayed the same. Its all about how the car was treated before you took possession that determines the quality of the parts on the car.

I think 93+ cars had better quality plastics in some areas though, seat belt buckles etc.

 

How much was your dash out of interest?

Just had a look back in 2012 they were 134,000 yen which set me back $1700 + $300 aud freight from japan to australia (air freight)

 

Its possible i have tried to convert as many of my original 89 trim to the later model stuff. My tonneau cover i brought brand new as well did fade after a few years in the sun at the top of the end pieces which my old tonneau cover did as well.

Based on the exchange rate back than, that's not too bad. I'm going to have a look at a 96 dash today. I have another spare too which is pretty good.

 

I'm trying to buy up as much OEM stuff as I can at the moment as the rate of obsolescence picks up. Two parts that have recently gone that I was gutted I didn't get new were the exterior plastic finishers for the door pillars (where the window runners slide on the doors) and the early third brake light. They've literally gone in the last 6 months. Tried direct from Japan too and nothing.

Really that sucks i was looking at maybe replacing mine at some point in time guess thats not going to work. Mine arnt too bad so no biggie.

 

As for the plastics i think preventative maintance with uv protectant and keep out of the sun if you can is the best way to stop the fading of the plastic. I can tell you now all of my brand new roof mouldings trim has already started to deteriorate and fade after 4 years of sun damage. If i get new ones again im going to try and spray clear coat over the mouldings to try and preserve them longer and prevent the sun damage.

I know there are some bits on my 95 that are fading, getting that dried out chalky plastic look - The plastic surround thats around the interior door release handle is one