To select automotive enthusiasts, "JDM" is more than just an acronym for Japanese Domestic Market. JDM is not simply rare parts. It is a way of life. A culture. A modus vivendi. JDM is a lifestyle.
It happens. No matter how much you plan and research then plan and research then plan some more before you finally pull the trigger on a purchase, it is still possible to have a regret over a part choice. Often times it does not happen before the part has even made its way onto the vehicle. This has happened to me, I think. I researched mirrors for the Z for a few months and I decided on the VeilSide VIII Aero Mirrors. I wanted something different and I liked the sleek, simple design. That has not changed. I do like these mirrors a lot. The main reason I am second-guessing myself is that, contradicting my initial impressions of the two sets of mirrors, I actually think the Craft Square mirrors will flow with my build theme more so than the VeilSide mirrors. I did not originally want to do Craft Square because I feel like that is the default for aftermarket mirrors. A lot of people choose these mirrors. But I suppose there is a reason for that. A nice shot of a Craft Square TC-N1 (long neck) by Jason Hoang of LifewithJson.com...
Here is a set of the short-neck TC-F mirrors on an INGS+1 kitted Z33...
First, Happy New Year to the readers of JDMphasis… I hope 2016 proves to be a happy and prosperous year for all of you. It has been a while since I have posted any progress posts about either of my two projects. I believe the first day of the new year is an opportune time to share my goals and objectives for these builds for the upcoming year. PROJECT Z33 As you may know, I have quite a few parts stockpiled for Project Z33. The car is still 100% bone stock at the moment. However, here is a list of the parts that I have waiting to be installed.
18" Volk Racing TE37SL wheels
Kics Project Leggdura racing Nuts
Tanabe Sustec Pro Comfort-R Coilovers
Blox Shorty Antenna
VeilSide VIII Aero Mirrors
Tommy Kaira Hebi Bebi Shift Knob
Nismo GT Titanium Shift Knob
Redline Goods Shift & E-Brake Boots
Nardi E-Brake Handle
Works Bell Hub
Vertex 10 Star Deep Corn (330MM) Steering Wheel
TWM Performance Short Shifter
The following parts are en route from Japan:
INGS+1 N-Spec Type E Aero (shown below)
Longnose Front Bumper
Rear Bumper
Side Skirts
Type II Bonnet
Carbon Canards
Z-Power Wing
Runduce Big Brake kit
8-Piston Front kit (380MM)
6-Piston Rear kit (356MM)
Amuse R1-Titan Exhaust
Amuse R1-Titan Y-Pipe
So, clearly, there is plenty of work to be done once these parts arrive. I recently received word that my brakes are in California. I am just waiting for some of the other parts to arrive stateside so as to combine shipping and save a couple dollars. I am hopeful that we can get the project well underway by spring. On top of the listed parts above, I have a few other things I would like to address at the time that the build process begins. Namely, some other suspension components and tires - I am still up in the air as to what rubber to use on this build. The car is ten years old, so we are going to assess the condition of some of the suspension components and see what we would like to address in terms of replacing and upgrading. Other than that, we are going to wrap the car. I am thinking a similar color and finish to that of the R's Tuning R35 GT-R:
I am truly looking forward to getting this build underway. I know it will not come together overnight and I am sure there will be some snags, delays, and issues that arise, but I am hopeful that the end result will be well worth all the headaches and hiccups.
PROJECT FJ
Aside from a few small exterior modifications, the daily driving FJC is still in relative stock form, as well. A few of my plans for this build have changed with the acquisition of the Z33. I have decided to tone down the goals a bit. However, I think the end result will be a pretty fierce daily-driven FJ Cruiser.
Parts I have waiting to be installed:
18" Volk Racing TE37 LARGE PCD
Pro-Comp USA 3" Lift Kit
N-Fab Nerf Bars
Trail Teams Edition Black-Out Grille
Trail Teams Edition Black-Out Door Handles
Tires are also on the list of things to procure for this build. I have only recently, after months of research and back-and-forth, finally decided on the sizing. I would also like to upgrade the horn. The horn on this truck, in my opinion, is pathetic. Other than that, I would like to do a light bar and install a more aggressive front bumper, perhaps a Demello Offroad Single Hoop:
I think that will be it for this truck for 2016. But, then again, who really knows?
Though these projects have barely begun at this point, I would not even be close to where I am at this point without the assistance and support of my friends at Bulletproof Automotive, namely Ben and Bo, who have hooked me up with great sponsorship pricing on some of the best Japanese parts available for my platform and my good buddy Brian of Pro-Spec Auto who has had my back since Day 1.
Thank you for following the build log of these projects of mine. Stay tuned…
If someone had suggested that I would be considering any Version III aero components from VeilSide for my Z project, I do not think I would have taken them seriously. For those who may not know, the VIII aero is the aero used on the Tokyo Drift Nissan Z33 driven by DK. (Though it is not a route I would take with my own Z, I think I am one of the few who actually does not hate the aggressive VIII widebody when done correctly.)
That said, I found myself looking for mirrors for this project. I love the Ganador mirrors, but learned that they have been discontinued. I searched and searched for a few months trying to track down a set, but I had no luck. I very seriously considered doing a set of Craft Square mirrors, but 1) I do not think they fit the theme I am going for with this project and 2) I feel like everyone has them. That is when I started looking around. ChargeSpeed makes a set for the Z33 that I considered, but they appeared too bulky for my tastes. Seen here:
Mine's also had a set of Z33 mirrors that I really liked, but, you guessed it, discontinued as well. I will admit that I did not spend a significant amount of time searching for a set of these. They really are very sharp-looking!
Another factor that I considered is that, though I like the look of the carbon and I will have other carbon fiber accents on the Z, I do not want carbon fiber mirrors. A little accenting, perhaps, but not full carbon. I want to paint the mirrors. So, I viewed paying for a set of full carbon fiber aero mirrors as, in some ways, a waste of money, as I knew I would be covering the majority of the carbon fiber. That is when I began looking into the VeilSide VIII mirrors. I very much like the small, sleek design. In an odd way, I feel as though they contradict the over-the-top style of the rest of the VeilSide VIII aero. Anyway, I believe they will go great with my vision for this car. I was able to track a set down and I am very happy with them. Though I am waiting on the rest of my aero to arrive before I do anything with the exterior of the Z, I cannot wait to get them installed!
This aero is not the cup of tea of every enthusiast out there. Some love it. Some hate it. One thing that cannot be denied, however, is that you do not see a VeilSide Fortune-clad FD every day, be that good or bad…
Once again, I cannot tell a so-called enthusiast how to spend his/her money, but I guess I cannot grasp the concept of the "enthusiast" websites showcasing corner-cutting; the type of corner-cutting that ultimately harms the industry they claim to love and wish to promote. I can understand, with the crazy number of pictures some of these sites post up on a daily basis, missing a car that is rocking fake aero or even mistaking a set of replica wheels for the real thing, but when the vehicle in question is tattooed with branding of a bootleg company, an alarm should sound and I would hope that someone who loves the JDM parts scene and culture would think twice about supporting or condoning this methodology in regards to modifying.
I explored the website shrouded all over (at least 9 times) the Evo pictured below and found a bevy of [JDM company]-style parts for multiple makes and models. Founded in 2010, this company boasts of "using only Japanese made carbon fibre" for their products, resulting in "uncompromising craftsmanship and quality." I just find myself wondering why, with all the "cutting edge technology" and quality control, original and unique designs cannot be achieved. Why steal someone else's construct?
I'd be quite surprised if Zele, Do-Luck, Veilside, Nismo, Mugen, RE-Amemiya, C-West, DAMD, Varis, Voltex, Jun, Wald, Origin, Bee-R, Auto Select, Top Secret, HKS Kansai, and every other legitimate aero company referenced as a [fill-in-the-blank]-styleon that websiteare receiving, for their covetable designs, a percentage of the sales of this glorified replica company.
If I can just encourage you perusers of Facebook and automotive blogs to think twice before you applaud these pictures. Please do not perpetuate the "corner-cutting is okay" notion by praising these cars. Before you brusquely and impulsively click LIKE, SHARE, or type "Dope!" or "Do want!" or "Sick!" please consider the company that has been ripped off. Consider the research, development, tooling, and prototyping that went into that original design by those original designers. Consider those visionaries. Consider the skill and talent that went into imagining, conceiving, constructing, and actualizing that design. Consider the industry you love.
I deem it fitting that, as I depart for a brief trip to the Left Coast where I will visit my friend, Ben, of Bulletproof Automotive, who faithfully promotes the upright code of Represent the Real, this topic be confronted once again.
If you support knock-off and replica companies, it is likely that you will not enjoy this post. (Although, I tend to doubt that you would be perusing JDMphasis to begin with if you are a fan of fake…) I have published quite a few posts conveying my disapproval of and aversion to these parts, many echoing what I am about to write. That said, please understand I have friends who buy replica parts. As much as I would like to sometimes, I cannot tell anyone how to spend his or her money. This is not a personal attack against those who fake the funk. Nonetheless, the following post will certainly not be my last expression of denunciation, disgust, and disdain of these sordid products…
_____________________________________________
I have been browsing the vendor sections of a few select forums lately and it is truly disconcerting to ponder the state of the industry when the vast majority of classified threads are advertising fake parts. I understand the notion that people want to save money and spend as little as possible. Especially in difficult economic times… To some, particularly when it comes to aero components, it is an easy decision to purchase the replica version of a certain part because the exact desired look can be achieved at a percentage of the cost of the authentic. It does not occur to people, however, that, with every replica/knock-off purchase, they are hurting the mastermind behind those original designs. People choose not to believe this truth and indifferently shrug it off as a “part of doing business.” The reality, however, is that the consumer, down the line, will be hurting, as well.
I suppose the thing I have trouble wrapping my head around most is why. Why choose replicas? Why cut corners? Is it for the instant e-praise? So a stranger on the internet can tell you your ride is “dope”? Is it so you can sooner land a “feature” on one of the many websites or publications that, frankly, do not care much about quality or, sadly (and ironically), the aftermarket industry? (On top of which, it must be acknowledged that many of these, like the parts on the vehicles they showcase, dicey and indiscriminate stance/trend/hipster sites, in reality, probably know next to nothing about the actual parts on your particular automotive platform.) Their main objectives and concerns are far from in line with supporting and promoting quality or innovation in the aftermarket industry. It is more about volume, how many people ‘LIKE’ their fan page or their corner-cutting features. Please do not get me wrong... I do not have a problem, at all, with growing, promoting, and building a name and reputation – but not at the expense of the real talent and ingenuity in the industry; not if it means perpetuating the notion that it is okay to rock fake parts or cut corners with builds.
I often urge enthusiasts to save money for “a bit longer” to buy authentic not solely because, in doing so, they are supporting the skilled company that actually did the legwork and, thus, deserves the credit, but also because, in buying authentic, one will be taking a stance against the perpetuation of that notion that cutting corners is accepted and permissible. A prevailing tendency towards quantity over quality, the definition of “feature” has evolved to become hollow and remiss, to say the least. Let’s face it – how difficult is it to dial down one’s coilovers to the lowest possible setting, mount a set of wheels with offsets that could be confused for Arctic Basin temperatures, stretch a set of 225/25 Nankangs on an 11” wheel, and slap on a replica lip? If that is all it takes to land myself a “feature,” I will kindly dismiss myself (and my car) from candidacy.
Perhaps I am a bit too cynical, but I have trouble believing that people modify for themselves these days. With the boom of social media and online publication, everyone seems to be in a rush to get a cyber thumbs-up or pat-on-the-backfrom the obscure, disillusioned masses sitting behind their laptop monitors. To me, the “I want it now and I don’t want to work for it” mentality falls right in line with the trending ascent of replica parts. If people were, in fact, modifying their rides for themselves would they, so hastily, cut corners? Who knows? But, even if we put the adverse effects that buying replica and knock-off parts has on the real innovators of the aftermarket world (and the industry as a whole) aside for a moment, I suppose I am naïve enough to believe that “enthusiasts” would actually want their so-called pride and joy, their projects, to feature the BEST parts from the BEST companies in the world. Am I wrong?
By definition, an enthusiast is a person who is filled with zeal, devotion, and passion for some principle, pursuit, etc… A devotee, or fan. The word principle jumps off the page at me as I re-read the definition of “enthusiast.” Integrity, ethicality, honor, and morality are all synonyms for principle. Ironically, to me, the companies that steal designs and cash in on someone else’s ingenuity for the sake of a monetary profit are far from principled. Where is the morality and integrity? Where is the devotion? Where is the love and enthusiasm for a hobby and a culture? It's quite simple. There is very little. There is an overwhelming dose of hypocrisy, but there is no passion, dedication, or respect to the true pioneers of the industry when a design is stolen for the sole purpose of turning a profit. There is no risk; no originality, on the part of these knock-off companies.
Many pro-fake personalities audaciously attempt to argue that these companies actually help the consumer and enhance the aftermarket because they are offering in-demand products at affordable prices. My question is, if they truly care about the consumer and the modifying culture, why do they not create their own designs and provide more options for enthusiasts? If they are truly the saviors to the budget-conscious enthusiast in providing a copied product at a reduced rate, why not make a killer design of their own at an affordable price? Why steal someone else’s proven design? Would these diffident and recreant replica companies have a place in this industry if they were not cashing in on the work of the real talent, the skilled Japanese tuning companies? If replica companies do, in fact, have the well-being of the consumer at heart, as they would love us to believe, why won't they provide the community with more options by producing some of their own original designs? Would that not expand and improve the industry? Would it not enhance the culture they claim to love, respect, and represent with pride?
As I have done in past posts, I will use the example of the aero of my personal project… Zele Performance. Amuse, INGS+1, Impul, Nismo, C-West, Chargespeed, VeilSide, Vertex, etc… are but just a few of the legitimate, well-respected Japanese tuning companies that BAUS Auto ripped off before they decided to steal the V36 aero designs of Zele. But BAUS is far from the only stale, money-hungry, uninspired pillager of pioneering. One need not go much further than any forum classified section to heed the state of the industry we all love. I see twenty threads advertising brands such as Seibon, Extreme Dimensions, Autokits-X, AMS, BlackTop Aero, 180Custom, VIS, Rexpeed, CarbonSignal, JDP Engineering, Shine Auto, AIT, Aero Jacket, Data Systems, UAM, ABS Dynamics, Chaser Aerodynamics, and countless others for each single thread advertising authentic products from legitimate companies.
It is not a difficult concept to grasp. If it weren't for the real, bona fide innovators and pioneers with the passion, talent, ingenuity, expertise, and moxie to create the original designs, these knock-off companies that feign superiority would not be saturating the market. Can a valid, sensible argument be made that these companies are made up of passionate enthusiasts of modifying automotive culture?
Sadly, I don’t think so…
Furthermore, I was recently called out on a forum for being “butt-hurt” with people praising a certain replica/knock-off company. The message board moderators must be indifferent (to say the least) to the marauding of the industry by replica companies, as well, because my retort post was deleted. Shocker! The thread was not created by a forum sponsor or vendor. My response to the accusation of being "butt-hurt" was not rude. I did not personally attack the grizzled veteran forum member of 6 whole months. I did not curse. I was simply trying to educate those people who, frankly, know no better. The result? A deletion of my post. And, thus, the perpetuation of this ugly trend. And we wonder why the industry is in dire straits.
My response:
I am not "butt-hurt.” Consider the irony in the fact that you are the new guy on the forum wondering where all the parts are for your car... Why do you think companies are not making as many parts as you'd like? The answer? Because out-to-make-a-buck-off-a-proven-design replica companies rip off the real talent of the industry by copying their designs and selling them at a fraction of the price. Amuse, Access Evolution, Mines, and Varis, all companies that this CarbonSignal company has undermined by stealing their designs, are not huge corporations. They are small, for lack of a better term, "mom and pop" boutique shops in Japan that are very good at what they do. Why do you think more parts are not coming out for your car? Why do you think, when they do, the prices are high? Part of that is an essential aspect of being a successful company in this day and age: branding. The other part is that they are forced to think twice when, within weeks of creating a great design, they are ripped off by these fly-by-night companies that are out looking to make a dollar under the flawed and deceptive pretense that they are actually "helping the budget-conscious consumer."
Before you go calling someone out for being “butt-hurt,” think about it. The facts are right in front of you. Parts coming out of Japan over the last five to ten years have drastically diminished. Why? Partly, the bad economy, yes. But to suggest that replicas and knock-offs have nothing to do with that fact is absolutely absurd. The people who are actually getting "butt-hurt" are the ones who do not want to listen to the truth about replicas and knock-offs. People take offense when someone suggests that they are "cutting corners" with their builds by purchasing fake parts, but, bluntly, that is exactly what it is. I'm sorry if you do not like to hear that. The editor of Modified Magazine, Peter Tarach, put it nicely in Speedhunters'The State of Tuning, 2011:
"No matter which side you take, the truth is knock offs and counterfeits have hurt this industry in a big way. Less and less companies want to innovate in this market because of fear of having their products being copied and if you look at the track record of consumers these days, they are willing to buy whatever is cheapest despite the lackluster quality or fitment issues associated with knock off parts. Sadly, I don’t think it’s going away anytime soon. The best way to fight the problem is with awareness. As a consumer, think long and hard before buying a knock off product. What you may be saving initially will more than likely cost you in the future. It’s no secret that cheap parts don’t last as long, or that they need to be modified to work or fit (which costs money). Plus, think of the company that spent the time and money to actually design the product. That should count for something."
I am not making this stuff up. I do not come into threads looking to stir the pot with people who support replicas and knock-offs or to engage in foolish e-arguments. I am attempting to educate people as to the real damage these parts do to the industry, whether you want to hear it or not. As a JDM enthusiast, I truly hope some of my fellow “enthusiasts” on this site really consider the consequences of the decision to support a company like CarbonSignal by purchasing their parts.
I began writing this post (not expecting it to be this lengthy) in response to a few things I have been witness to as of late… As mentioned above, browsing the sorry vendor forum classifieds and engaging in the debate on message boards, but also a video I came across a few months back that I never found opportunity to post. Frankly, it is, in many ways, comical. Chalk-full of bold, haughty, and headstrong hubris and irony, a name highly synonymous with replica body kits, Extreme Dimensions, attempts to warn potential customers of fake parts. Just a hint of irony here.
What?!? Is this real life?
“Knock off knocking off the knock-offs!”
And a sorry picture borrowed from my good friends at Bulletproof Automotive, illustrating, via a forum vendor section, the ongoing marauding of the industry at the hands of replicas.
In closing, quite simply, please think twice before you decide to put your money in the hands of a company that has ripped off the real assets to the modifying community and tuning culture. They have not earned it. And worse, they are harming the companies that have. As my friends at Bulletproof urge, Represent the Real... With pride.
Not only has it earned a "feature" on one of the typical, trendy, and trite stance websites, but if one were to ask the owner of the G featured on this HIN pre-party flyer what aero his G37 is wearing, he would proudly proclaim a replica manufacturer that has not only ripped off the original design of the Zele G37 as seen on his car, but other JDM companies such as Nismo, Impul, INGS+1, C-West, Chargespeed, VeilSide, Amuse, and Vertex...
Color me disillusioned, disenchanted, and disgusted.
One need not be an avid reader of JDMphasis to make the guarded leap that I am passionate and vehemently enthusiastic in supporting authenticity and defending innovation within the JDM parts syndicate.
I have said it before - modifying is a bit more than a hobby to me. It is a passion. As is the ongoing campaign against knock-offs and replicas. A common tactic among those companies that steal and undermine the legitimate Japanese parts innovators is the employment of the false proposition that they have the best interest of the consumer at heart. Supplying knock-off and replica parts at a fraction of the cost of the original, they would have us all believe that they are the automotive parts saviors of every enthusiast out there.
[Enter BAUS Auto.]
I know very little about this company except what I have seen on the Z forums and, most recently, what I have read in the haughty thread created on the G boards advertising their Zele replica body kit for the G37. A post filled with hubris, this company boasts that this body kit will be available for purchase within the next few weeks. Below are the 'test-fit' pictures they originally posted where they claim "perfect" fitment while, at the same time, acknowledging that they have not secured every bolt and screw of the kit (a rather bold claim, if you ask me...). However, the thread was deleted after forum members, such as myself, expressed displeasure with the production of this kit.
If you happen to own a G37 and find yourself interested in outfitting your G with this body kit, I strongly urge you to reconsider. If you can call yourself even a moderate enthusiast of the JDM parts culture, in putting a single dime in the pocket of this company, you, like them, will become a contributing factor to the ravaging destruction of JDM in the United States. Zele is not the first JDM company BAUS Auto has ripped off. Impul, INGS+1, Amuse, Nismo, C-West, Chargespeed, Veilside, Vertex... These are just a few of the legitimate Japanese tuning companies BAUS has undermined before they decided to steal the Zele G37 aero design. An aftermarket parts savior, BAUS Auto is not. Make no mistake, they are not out to serve the consumer. They, like every other company producing and/or selling replica and knock-off parts, are out for themselves. BAUS Auto has blatantly stolen the G37 body kit design of Zele Performance, a proven, in-demand product from a proven leader of the Japanese Domestic Market, to put a dollar in their pocket. Though purchasing this kit at a fraction of the cost of the original may be tempting for those individuals struggling financially to modify their G's, please try to keep in mind that, in the long run, this only hurts the consumer, and the true JDM enthusiasts.
