1997 Q45t - Silver Moss - it's mine - all mine

[dalewheat]

Found this 1997 Q45t for sale and just couldn't pass it up. I originally wanted it for my wife to replace her 1996 Honda Accord, but after driving it, the plan has changed.

So it's got 182,000 miles and still drives great. I'm in the process of fixing up all the little doo-dads that I find as I go along. For the most part, it's in very nice condition and is quite pleasant to drive.

This is my first Infiniti, so it's all new to me. My main reason for joining the forum is to ask some basic questions, mostly along the line of "what do you call THIS part?" so that I can then ask more intelligent questions. I originally posted this in the "General Chat" section by way of introduction, but it was suggested (by member Jesda) that this would be a better place to ask Q45-specific questions.

Here's the shopping list of things I want to repair/replace/upgrade:

Bose stereo is D.E.D. I've got a Pioneer single DIN unit lined up to be installed that is allegedly compatible, but with Bluetooth.

The 6 disc changer in the truck is missing the magazine. I can't see any obvious brand on the outside to help match it up. How can I properly identify it in furtherance of getting the right magazine?

The fuel filler cover sticks and doesn't like to snap back closed. I've bought a replacement off of a parted out Q45 across town, but have yet to install it.

The hood stays (struts, gas cylinders) are worn out and don't do the one thing we all expect them to do. eBay replacements were $20 but have taken a week and a half to get from Oxnard CA to Dallas.

All of the doors just swing open and closed - they won't stay open, especially if parked on any sort of incline. What do you call that particular mechanism? Door open-keepers? Is it something in the door or that part that attaches to the body that's worn out?

The driver's side visor mount (right side) has busted the little plastic moutning plate. A sheet metal screw used to push out on some little plastic tabs to hold it into the roof, but those tabs are gone. Where can I find a replacement plastic piece? It has the numbers "TL7170" and "V89453" as well as ">POM<" molded on the face. Update 5 May 2015: The part number according to the FSM is 96420.

The passenger seat reclines but fails to incline. The same parted-out vehicle that donated its fuel filler cover is also going to contribute two more seats to my cause, unless someone knows an easier fix. Also, how to remove the front seats? Everyone seems to think it's just four bolts, but I'd rather ask the experts.

There is one tiny chip in the windshield. Opinions on filler kits? Do I need a whole new windshield?

I managed to find a remote contorl for $25 and was able to get it programmed, but I only have the one key that came with the car. As I understand it there is an immobilizer chip in the key. What's the deal on getting new keys cut and programmed?

So many questions! I beseech thy wisdom, O Internets.

Update 5 May 2015:

I found out yesterday that the intended replacement radio (Pioneer DEH-6700-something) won't talk to the disc changer. I don't have the disc magazine yet in any case. Maybe there's a gizmo that let's me hook it up, somehow. If not, I'll invent one. How hard could it be?

A thorough power-wash of the inside of the fuel filler cover fixed the opening issue (totally filthy and gummy). It still wants some persuading to close, as there is some play in the hinge; does not hit the striker properly. It's only held on by two screws, which were thoughtfully supplied by the parts picker, so I may swap it out anyway and see if I get a better motion. I like machines that work as I expect them to. That will be pushing my mechanical prowess to the limit, though. Wish me luck!

My lowest-bidder replacement hood stays ($20 for a pair on eBay, including shipping that took 10 days from CA to TX) arrived yesterday and I handed them over to my mechanic. He called this morning to say they lack the ball joints, but so do new units from NAPA. He's going to try to pop off the existing ones and see if he can get them swapped out. The original stays are Nissan. Auto Zone and O'Reilly's did not have them in stock.

I've found the FSM and it shows the location of the detent mechanism but does not give a part number. It looks just every other one I've seen on a Japanese car. I might look at pulling them from the donor Q45 if they operate properly. Will also pull the plastic mounting tab for the visor (same left and right) while I'm in there pulling the seats.

While the car is in the shop for the radio swap and miscellaneous service, the glass guy is going to quote the epoxy filler for the windshield. We'll see.

Will have to do some more research/telephone calls to find out the best way to get a couple of spare keys programmed. Will post what I find. I hope there's an alternative to 1) go to dealership 2) open wallet.

[kenny2303]

Welcome! I can hear the dollar signs all the way from Iowa! Or maybe I'm still hearing my 97 q...

[dalewheat]

Welcome! I can hear the dollar signs all the way from Iowa! Or maybe I'm still hearing my 97 q...

@kenny2303: Somebody call a cop, because I totally stole this car from the previous owner. Therefore, there's a bit more money in the budget to get it back into prime condition.

I had a pretty good idea of the car's maintenance history and was able to get a the last few years' worth of service records. It's had the rack & pinion replaced along with a bunch of other stuff, so I think I can get by with a few hundred dollars worth of "minor" stuff. The stereo upgrade ($250 so far) is probably the biggest expense, followed closely by $100 for front seats.

Update: The seats from the donor car have already been pulled by the picker. It really was just 4 bolts per seat, 14mm wrench required, and a couple of electrical cables. I might even be able to do the passenger seat swap myself. We'll see.