5th Gen Fender Braces

*DrunkieTheBear* · 12-09-2008, 06:35 PM

So yesterday I'm down in Orlando yesterday getting my new exhaust welded in, a 3" setup I have been waiting for. I begin to become acustom to the owner, Hector, a very informative guy with alot of information and knows what he is doing, he made sure my exhaust had perfect welds even if he had to get in there and do it himself. We began to converse about the things that can be done with the Maxima's as he had been intrigued by what I had done, the SFC's being the beginning of it all. So we got onto the subject of Fender Braces and told him about alot of you guys were waiting for the possibility of these things. Well one thing led to another and guess what? It happened all last night, we made all the measurments and perfected the design and fitted them to my car last night. Hector and I both worked way more hours and pushed ourselves to perfect this to be as close to perfect as possible and worked long into the night. It is made from a solid piece of 1/4" steel very very strong stuff cut from a plasma cutter with CAD. So I figured I would share with you all his information as he is very very interested in making more for both 4th and 5th gen Maxima's. Please feel free to contact him, his website is www.exhaustdepot.net, his phone number and all info is on the page and he wants to make more stuff for us, if we can show support and prove to him that we want these, he will be willing to do more for us. Now for pics:

Now if any of you have questions about these contact Hector via phone(407-601-4950) or email (sales@exhaustdepot.com). I bought mine for $175 and he is looking to sell more to help us out for both 4th and 5th gen maxima's at $175 for a set. I had mine welded in but he will be making them so you can all easily bolt them into the car so anybody can do this in a driveway.

My Review:
We all notice that gap that grows between the door and fender when we lift the car. Well the true test came once we got them on the car and lifted the car back up on the lift and there was absolutely no change in distance (it was 1 am my buldging discs were screaming and I needed to get the bumper on LOL). So at about 1.30 am I finally leave and the moment I hit the road and turned at the first intersection, I knew there was a difference. It wasn't even a mile down the road before I called Hector and thanked him for all his time to help me get this setup and put them in my car. Its not hard to describe the difference these make and it goes on the list of the best mods I have ever done. The turn in "feel" is amazing, I was forcing the car to try and feel wayward down the road and get a full feel for everything and it just felt so tight and it honestly helped with the feel of how bumps resonated through the car. I give this a full thumbsup for money well spent as it is so cheap. Guys you really don't understand how weak our firewall sections are until you have these on, Evos come with these standard and its hard to understand why these aren't standard.

All feedback is welcome. I will make a full and complete write up if other people show interest and purchase them.

IHAVEA2KMAXIMA · 12-09-2008, 06:54 PM

wow that looks beefy! Curious... where would it bolt on to? And I guess shipping is extra right?
Is your 3" done yet?

*DrunkieTheBear* · 12-09-2008, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IHAVEA2KMAXIMA

wow that looks beefy! Curious... where would it bolt on to? And I guess shipping is extra right?
Is your 3" done yet?

Your right it is beefy. You would bolt it to the bolts that are used for the door hinge and drill a hole to bolt it to the frame section

And yes the 3" exhaust is done and it is loud but a nice exhaust note...video to come, just didn't have time today

*The Law* · 12-09-2008, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveVQ

Your right it is beefy. You would bolt it to the bolts that are used for the door hinge and drill a hole to bolt it to the frame section

And yes the 3" exhaust is done and it is loud but a nice exhaust note...video to come, just didn't have time today

Dave would you like to bring me one when you come to cali?

IHAVEA2KMAXIMA · 12-09-2008, 07:17 PM

Well go make some time then!! lol jk Just make sure you get tons of pics from all kinds of different crazy angle and clips of in cabin and idle and drive by! I'm so demanding sorry hehe.

Oh and would he be interested in making a one piece strut bar? I hate the ebay crappy *** one which I can bend it with my weakling arms.

PulsarGTS · 12-09-2008, 08:23 PM

Always cool to see new stuff being developed. I'd be interested in a set of these in the spring for sure.

MOHFpro90 · 12-09-2008, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IHAVEA2KMAXIMA

Oh and would he be interested in making a one piece strut bar? I hate the ebay crappy *** one which I can bend it with my weakling arms.

Yeah, he would make one for you. I wish I would've taken pictures of the one they had on the evo. It had 2 parallel 1/2inch bars that ran from strut to strut, with a /\/\ pattern in between them . Then, half way down the bars, it had a brace that bolted to the back of the firewall. Basically, a 3pt strut bar. It was really impressive.

And his exhaust...hmm, how should I put it. Think of a porsche with no cats running borla's or something. (except without that unique porsche sound of course)

*DrunkieTheBear* · 12-09-2008, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IHAVEA2KMAXIMA

Well go make some time then!! lol jk Just make sure you get tons of pics from all kinds of different crazy angle and clips of in cabin and idle and drive by! I'm so demanding sorry hehe.

Oh and would he be interested in making a one piece strut bar? I hate the ebay crappy *** one which I can bend it with my weakling arms.

You know I mentioned that to him about also having it bolt to the firewall as well...who knows if there is enough demand anything is possible.

*DrunkieTheBear* · 12-09-2008, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOHFpro90

Yeah, he would make one for you. I wish I would've taken pictures of the one they had on the evo. It had 2 parallel 1/2inch bars that ran from strut to strut, with a /\/\ pattern in between them . Then, half way down the bars, it had a brace that bolted to the back of the firewall. Basically, a 3pt strut bar. It was really impressive.

And his exhaust...hmm, how should I put it. Think of a porsche with no cats running borla's or something. (except without that unique porsche sound of course)

I have wanted to go WOT so bad lately, I did it on the highway last night, but my top end sucks (it needs a tune terribly) but my midrange PULLS I mean PULLS. I have not had a chance to go WOT at all today driving around cause every time I do, theres a cop and I'm a bit louder then before...I'm gonna get in trouble I can already tell

*DrunkieTheBear* · 12-09-2008, 09:04 PM

I compared the frame sections of the 5th and 4th gens and they same to be exactly the same. So I do believe these will fit both gens but we may need someone to confirm this.

MrDicks95SE · 12-09-2008, 09:13 PM

vid of exhaust???

*DrunkieTheBear* · 12-09-2008, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr****s95SE

vid of exhaust???

I can give pics to represent the quality of work these guys do....

These guys worked hard to get the 3" over the rear beam and they did such a nice job that nothing rubs and that infamous clunk we all get on the rear beam going over bumps...doesn't even happen with this setup and its 3"! The quality of welds and work these guy do are out of this world and their knowledge base and how nice they all are blew me out of the water.

*zero2sixtyZ* · 12-09-2008, 09:42 PM

I'd be interested in the spring, and I would definitely like to hear that 3" exhaust of yours. Good work man.

IHAVEA2KMAXIMA · 12-09-2008, 10:03 PM

Wow, the 3" is really tucked in there. And can you get a quote for the strut bar? The design that MOHF described really got me interested! One piece solid strut brace ftw!
You should start a GI thread for the strut bar

*DrunkieTheBear* · 12-09-2008, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IHAVEA2KMAXIMA

Wow, the 3" is really tucked in there. And can you get a quote for the strut bar? The design that MOHF described really got me interested! One piece solid strut brace ftw!
You should start a GI thread for the strut bar

HAHA well um we didn't exactly go into that, but I'll mention it to him...but is any body interested in the Fender Braces?

PulsarGTS · 12-09-2008, 10:52 PM

is the ehaust SS or aluminized?

*n3985* · 12-09-2008, 10:53 PM

For $175 and bolt-on I can see most people buying it for kicks and giggles (or maybe just me). How difficult is it to remove a fender for a n00b? and +1 on the firewall FSTB!

*DrunkieTheBear* · 12-09-2008, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PulsarGTS

is the ehaust SS or aluminized?

I'm not sure LOL I'll ask.

Quote:

Originally Posted by n3985

For $175 and bolt-on I can see most people buying it for kicks and giggles (or maybe just me). How difficult is it to remove a fender for a n00b? and +1 on the firewall FSTB!

I didn't know how to take off the fenders either till yesterday so its pretty easy to figure out, just a lot of 10mm bolts and such. As for under the fender we had to push in the notches that are rivetted with a hammer and make it flat and thats about it. I will make a full write up if people buy these to make things much easier, it will probably take 1-2 hours to install its not hard at all.

PulsarGTS · 12-09-2008, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveVQ

I'm not sure LOL I'll ask.

lol ok, i was curious because if they can make one oem fitting exhaust, they could make more for the max community like with the fender brace.

*DrunkieTheBear* · 12-09-2008, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PulsarGTS

lol ok, i was curious because if they can make one oem fitting exhaust, they could make more for the max community like with the fender brace.

Well fender bracing is easy enough to reproduce exactly because we had the CAD program and it cuts exactly the same each and every time...an exhaust is a different story and requires the ability for production and is a bit more difficult.

**nismology** · 12-09-2008, 11:42 PM

They used to be in SoFla.

Good stuff Dave. I might be in touch with you for help installing a certain cheap mod.

MOHFpro90 · 12-10-2008, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nismology

They used to be in SoFla.

Good stuff Dave. I might be in touch with you for help installing a certain cheap mod.

:Laugh: Yep, we were talking about that. One of the Evos that was there was from miami, up for the day. He was putting down 527whp! I found that ridiculous!

Anyhow, PulsarGTS, the exhaust is aluminized, I was talking to him about that for a little bit. Lighter and better than stainless, it doesnt have nearly the expansion of stainless. And it never rusts.

n3985, the fenders arent too bad to remove. Just a lot of bolts, more than you would think. Dave's fenders had 3 bolts in the engine bay, 2 bolts behind the headlight(which had to come out), and I would guess(not sure, I wasnt watching) 6-8 bolts in the fender well. All are 10mm though.

Blackmax1924 · 12-10-2008, 08:40 AM

I'd definitely be interested in a set for the 4th gen if they do decide to make them...I would even be willing to be the guinea pig for the fender braces to see if they would fit both the 5th and 4th gen maximas.

MorpheusZero · 12-10-2008, 01:40 PM

Hmm. It'd be interesting to see the difference in structural strength between these and the TMS pieces (even though the TMS pieces seem to be a phantom product at this point). That said for the right price it won't really matter to me. What sort of setback $-wise are we looking at here?

mist max2000 · 12-10-2008, 02:11 PM

wow.. im highly impressed with these,..they look awsome...i would be interested in these after the xmas time is over and i have some free flow cash like im sure many others might be....keep us updated if there gonig to do a small run of these..or is it something where they have the blueprint and can fab one up asap anytime?

...but how much is shipping to CT going to be.. :-/ and dave--did you have any problems with realignment of the fender?..oh and where is your 3" exhaust thread plus vids! ive been waiting to hear that

*DrunkieTheBear* · 12-10-2008, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MorpheusZero

Hmm. It'd be interesting to see the difference in structural strength between these and the TMS pieces (even though the TMS pieces seem to be a phantom product at this point). That said for the right price it won't really matter to me. What sort of setback $-wise are we looking at here?

$175 for a set...He's ready and willing to make them now so you guys can just shot him an email or call him and you will start getting them.

Just let me know if you guys order them cause I will make the writeup.

sales@exhaustdepot.com

407-601-4950

*DrunkieTheBear* · 12-10-2008, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mist max2000

wow.. im highly impressed with these,..they look awsome...i would be interested in these after the xmas time is over and i have some free flow cash like im sure many others might be....keep us updated if there gonig to do a small run of these..or is it something where they have the blueprint and can fab one up asap anytime?

...but how much is shipping to CT going to be.. :-/ and dave--did you have any problems with realignment of the fender?..oh and where is your 3" exhaust thread plus vids! ive been waiting to hear that

thats why I will make a write up, there is some small triming that needs to be done to the inside of the fender, but its not that bad if you don't my sitcks out just a mm or two nothing I worry about but its easy to refit the fender after.

*essential1* · 12-10-2008, 07:43 PM

Im really interested in these. But with the amount of cash i just dumped on mods, i realistically wouldn't be able to afford them right now. Even at that low price...

Thanks alot though for helping to contribute to the aftermarket for the maxima platform

*The Law* · 12-10-2008, 08:08 PM

Dave you never answered my question!

*DrunkieTheBear* · 12-10-2008, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Law

Dave would you like to bring me one when you come to cali?

I would but on the account of me losing my job...Everything is up in the air and the old lady doesn't want to go to Vegas anymore :rollseyes: We will see but as of right now everything is up in the air...it sucks

*The Law* · 12-10-2008, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveVQ

I would but on the account of me losing my job...Everything is up in the air and the old lady doesn't want to go to Vegas anymore :rollseyes: We will see but as of right now everything is up in the air...it sucks

Oh......well.......

IHAVEA2KMAXIMA · 12-10-2008, 11:28 PM

Do it while the gas is still like $10 for a tank of premium!

MrDicks95SE · 12-11-2008, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PulsarGTS

is the ehaust SS or aluminized?

it looks aluminized...

*The Law* · 12-11-2008, 02:13 AM

I so want a fender brace......

*DrunkieTheBear* · 12-11-2008, 09:17 AM

Call him and I'll be more then happy to guide you through the install

Blackmax1924 · 12-11-2008, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveVQ

Call him and I'll be more then happy to guide you through the install

So how certain are you that they would fit on a 4th gen maxima? I really want fender braces but I dont want to waste all that money to ship them upto MA and have them not fit and have to send them back. You know what I mean? Otherwise everything is perfect the design is great and the price is even better so I ready to buy probably a couple days after xmas.

*DrunkieTheBear* · 12-11-2008, 12:20 PM

Well if some one could take a couple measurements of a few things then we could be certain that they fit.

Blackmax1924 · 12-11-2008, 12:47 PM

Alright well if someone with access to their 4th gen maxima could take some measurements to make sure these will fit I will be greatly appreciative. I am at college at the moment and my car is at my house and I won't be home until next wednesday. If we can get the measurements and make sure they fit by then I will for sure ordering these after xmas.

Dave if there is someone willing to take some measurements what exactly would you need measured?

If it comes down to it then I will see if my dad could measure it for me....that would be last resort though.

Thanks

*DrunkieTheBear* · 12-11-2008, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackmax1924

Alright well if someone with access to their 4th gen maxima could take some measurements to make sure these will fit I will be greatly appreciative. I am at college at the moment and my car is at my house and I won't be home until next wednesday. If we can get the measurements and make sure they fit by then I will for sure ordering these after xmas.

Dave if there is someone willing to take some measurements what exactly would you need measured?

If it comes down to it then I will see if my dad could measure it for me....that would be last resort though.

Thanks

Distance of door hinge to door hinge (center of bolt to center or bolt)

down at the bottom make sure there is 1.5" across from the hinge to edge of frame.

lastly, the hinge has to have an inset size of 1.25" so the tabs will fit.

Blackmax1924 · 12-11-2008, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveVQ

Distance of door hinge to door hinge (center of bolt to center or bolt)

down at the bottom make sure there is 1.5" across from the hinge to edge of frame.

lastly, the hinge has to have an inset size of 1.25" so the tabs will fit.

I am guessing in order to do at least some of those the fender has to come off then huh? I believe the first two you can do with the fender on but the last one I am pretty sure it will have to be removed right? If so then my dad wont do that at least until im there to do it with him or in which case ill probably do it myself.

If there is anyone out there that has their fenders off at the moment and wouldn't mind taking a few quick measurements to help out the aftermarket side of products myself and I'm sure many others would be greatly appreciative of your time.

Thanks