Yeah I totally made that up

 

Sorry to OP for going OT.

Actually, yes I take it to car shows once in a while but it's still a daily driven car for the most part.

I can't discuss the terms of my sponsorship, but I can tell you it's not a full sponsorhip.

It's difficult to get sponsorships when you're not in an area near the companies so they can get to know you. Also, remember companies are sponsoring you essentially to market for them. If there is not much of a market in your general area, then what exposure can you get for the company? Yeah, Houston is one of the largest cities in the US, but the import scene is not thriving like places on the west or east coast. A lot of national car show tours don't even stop here (ie HIN).

I'd say it's even more difficult now because of the economy. Everyone in the industry has taken a hit, from manufacturers right down to the publishing companies and local tuner shops.

When I say difficult, I don't mean impossible. It did take some time and a lot of help from people that have become friends as well as sponsors like Andy, Brian, and Dat here on the forums.

 

VIS racing for the most part is known not to make products that fit very well. Some replica companies do make a pretty good product. The main concerns when going with replica exterior items is how much an individual will have to pay for body work to improve fitment, smoothness, etc. A lot of times the cost of the body work required purchasing a replica makes the total cost close to or sometimes more than paying for an authentic kit in the first place.

Shine Auto makes a vertex replica kit that fits pretty well, but they only make the lip kit and not the full bumper version. The best way to answer your question is to see how much each purchase will cost you and make a personal decision based on your needs.

Option 1: Replica Kit + Required body work = Total cost
Option 2: Replica Kit + Sloppy body work = Total cost
Option 3: Authentic Kit + Less body work = Total cost

Good luck and hope that helps.

 

^ very well put

Mine was option 1:
Version Select Kit =$625
Paint, Prep and Install = $1100
Total = $1725

 

Well said.

 

Hey OP, I'll put it this way. VIS Racing believes in their product so much that they're using MY AUTHENTIC VERTEX 350Z on their website. If their products are so good, why don't they just use their customer's cars? I can't respect a company that uses pics of authentic kits and say that's their product.

Here's the link to my car on the Vertex USA website

http://www.vertex-usa.com/customers-...nezs-350z.html

Here's the pics they shopped and using for their site

 

+10000

When I saw the pic from VIS site that OP posted I knew I recognized the car and alerted Mel.

This type of shiet happens on EBAY too, I see a lot of cars of forum members being used to advertise knock-off kits.

 

I was wondering when you we're going to notice that, lol.

 

LOL I thought it was your car. I had to call them last year to remove images of JP cars from their JP Type-A replica page

 

Pm'd

 

Ok seriously I need to stop looking at pics of your car. Seems everytime I do, my pants get tighter and my wallet gets lighter

 

okay then...

 

Buy, and carry a replica gun with you.
It's cheaper, and it looks the sheet.
If you ever really need to use it, well,
that's a different story isn't it.
If it doesn't work you could always hit him with it.
Buy your car, or parts from a flea market?
REPLICA = RICER = FAIL

 

This is probably off topic but if someone where to buy a replica body kit and it looked the same and fitment was good, how the hell would anyone tell the difference? Im not taking either side I just really want to know how to tell them apart.

 

how can you compare a body kit with something you protect yourself with?

the comparison make absolutely no sense

 

Not all fakes are bad... let's talk women for instance... some replica mods can be very nice, fitment can still be an issue though

 

Just making a comparison to replicas.
It could be purses, wallets, shoes, whatever.
I brought up the gun because I watched ****** earlier today.
Problem with replica body kits is there's usually no refunds, and or
lousy fitment, extra $$$ spent at a body shop to MAKE it somewhat fit.
In the end buy the real deal, at least you get peace of mind, and perfect fitment, or a replacement/refund. If you buy the real stuff you don't
have all the problems and headaches...

 

We've ran into this problem many times. I dont understand why they can't sue a picture of their own if they claim it fits so great.

 

That would be something to make me iffy about buying their product. That's why I don't have a problem wanting to buy from Shine because everybody talks about the great fitment.

 

I know this is an old post. But im looking into a Version Selcet kit for my Z. Is it as nice as everyone is saying it is? ANy help will be appreciated. Thanks everyone