Nissan Enthusiast Forums - 1988 Maxima Front Air Dam

ATOMGUILD · #1 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 04:11 PM

Hello to all the Maxima owners!

I have a 1987 Maxima GXE and am looking to add the front black plastic air dam to enhance her looks. The car has been in my family since new and has only 64K on it currently and bone stock! I know that the front air dam was originally package as part of the 1987-88 SE's equipment... or at least that's what I believe to be the case. Anyway, I have exhausted my resourses in my area and the local Nissan dealer cannot seem to actually be able to "find" that part - even to order it at an outrageous price.

I found one on eBay a few months ago but the seller never sent it and I'm out $50 - I'm pretty sad about it too... I am reaching out to anyone that might either have one for sale - or can direct me to one somewhere. I have considered that the part may have been a NissanUSA dealer add-on but still it seems strange that they all have it yet I cannot seem to get any answers as to where it came from.

Any help from you fellow Maxima enthusiasts would be much appreciated!

Thank you!
ATOMGUILD (Rich in Orlando, FL)

vernk · #2 (**permalink**) 10-08-2007, 09:05 PM

check with Countzero on Maxima.org I think he has a few parts cars

ATOMGUILD · #3 (**permalink**) 10-09-2007, 12:04 AM

Thank you for the tip! I just emailed him...

Rich

MADMIKE · #4 (**permalink**) 10-09-2007, 03:47 PM

yeah i would sell it. 2nd gen maxima kinda sucked. i also had an 88
go with a first gen or even a 4-5 gen. thats it. imho

seabob4 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-25-2008, 02:19 AM

Looking for the same, and yes, it was part of the SE option, bought a new one in '87. Now I have a white '87, has the rear spoiler, 5-speed, needs the front dam. Anybody out there have one? And by the way, I'm new, but I will tell all you "bubble car" lovers, the chiseled looks of the 2nd gen Max is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful cars ever built. Along with the mid-80s 911-930 Porsche Turbos! Glad to be part of you guys! Some feedback (I don't care if it's negative) would be appreciated. But, does anyone know where I can get that f****** airdam!?

MADMIKE · #6 (**permalink**) 01-25-2008, 03:46 AM

junk yard

1800bucks · #7 (**permalink**) 02-19-2008, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seabob4

Looking for the same, and yes, it was part of the SE option, bought a new one in '87. Now I have a white '87, has the rear spoiler, 5-speed, needs the front dam. Anybody out there have one? And by the way, I'm new, but I will tell all you "bubble car" lovers, the chiseled looks of the 2nd gen Max is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful cars ever built. Along with the mid-80s 911-930 Porsche Turbos! Glad to be part of you guys! Some feedback (I don't care if it's negative) would be appreciated. But, does anyone know where I can get that f****** airdam!?

I'm a newbie to this site, but not a newbie to the Nissan world. I must agree, the '87-'88 body was the most beautiful style. I had a '87 5-spd that could hang with my buddy's '80 Z28 with a 400 CID. Enough about that.
That front valance piece is going to be a bear to find. Have you contacted any local body shops for help? The next logical place to look would be the salvage yards.

rayscards · #8 (**permalink**) 03-06-2008, 11:35 PM

I was Lucky, my local dealer (Memphis, TN) took the time and went looking in an old parts catalog and was able to find the Air Dam replacement for my 88 SE. The part # on my receipt: 999J1-U7000 Maxima Air Dam . Now when I went to the internet to search it came up as 350z part, but I picked it up Monday (Mar 3rd) and it was the correct part. I asked about the availablilty for others and he mentioned there were 2 in the Nissan warehouse? Cost before Tax ~$135.

Unfortunately I also needed a new replacement Grille Assembly (62254-38E00) that I ordered but this was no longer available.

I also need Factory Fog lights, if anyone has any ideals for new ones please lmk.

rayscards · #9 (**permalink**) 03-06-2008, 11:35 PM

good luck

ATOMGUILD · #10 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 02:53 PM

THANK YOU Rayscards!!!

I will be going to my local dealer with the part number info you provided and hopefully I will have the same luck! Was there also any hardware available (or required) for mounting the air dam?

As for you grille - I have seen a few on Ebay that are OEM... I just looked and there is this one listed (used) under this auction number: 1102132241289 - Try a search and check it out.

Good luck and thank you again!
Rich

MADMIKE · #11 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 03:22 PM

I would say skip the oem hardware, and go to the hardware store and get the bolts in stainless.

rayscards · #12 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 06:03 PM

This is not the traditional Grille between the headlights. There is another 'grille' under the bumper just above the Air Dam. Mine is broken, I plan to install the Air Dam this weekend and will post how critical this part is to the install. Taking a quick glace, my broke one should work for the time being.

I looked in the box but have not taken it out... it sounds like the bolts/clips are included but I'll let you know after I try the install.

ATOMGUILD · #13 (**permalink**) 03-13-2008, 01:56 AM

HI Rayscards,

I just ordered my air dam from my local dealer using the "accessory" part number you provided... $135 plus tax. Thank you! What dealer did you use in Memphis (I'm in Orlando, FL)? Is it possible to get a copy of that "old catalogue" they used?

Also, I am curious about the fog lights you mention... Are they no longer available? I remember them as being an option on the SE models (along with the trunk spoiler) and since I now have the air dam, the fog lights were tobe next...

Anyway, eager to hear about the install... Keep me (us) posted!

Again, thanks for all your help!

Rich

rayscards · #14 (**permalink**) 03-14-2008, 04:15 AM

Hi Rich,

Glad you were able to get the part. I ordered it from Wolfchase Nissan, I'll probably go by tomorrow to see if they can get fog lights. I went to another dealer and they indicated they are no longer available, but I'll try Wolfchase Nissan before I give up.

You can go with after market fog lights, but to me they are smaller than the OEM's and don't look as sporty.

When I finally took a good look at my existing air dam (just before starting to install the new one) I realized the lower grille being broken was the main reason my air dam was sagging. Once I bolted the air dam in new holes I drilled in the grille it looks fine now... except for 20 years worth of rocks and curbs. I think once I sand and repaint it will be fine, but I'll probably put the new one on once I can find another lower grille... I think the grille is standard on all 87 & 88s so I am hopeful I can get one at junkyard if necessary.

By the way my real spoiler could also be replaced. The seal is broken and getting a little water damage... if I find the part I'll keep you posted.

Good Hunting,
Ray