Top Secret, What do you have to hide??
Did Top Secret have something to hide??
I dont really like to get into the mud slingin that goes on on this forum about real vs knock off's. BUT what I do try and do is give feedback on kits, parts ect. This is now a pay site and I think the members deserve to know the truth about products that they are thinking about buying, good or bad. Im not one that is into knock offs but as some of you know I will give feedback on them. Like the topic I posted about real vs fake Kenstyle. Top Secret posted in the Vendor Specials section of the site about the TS hood vs the Seibon hood.
https://g35driver.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55503
A member and myself replied to his thread giving our thoughts on the TS and the Seibon. WELL I guess TS or EDIT:SOMEONE didnt like our post's and has had them removed and the topic is now locked. WHY?? I dunno. BUT I really dont understand how someone can talk chit about anothers hood and doesnt like to hear feedback about their own product, or not like others to hear it. Im sure this isnt going to get many many points on this forum but atleast you the forum members what the hell is going on.
https://g35driver.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55503
A member and myself replied to his thread giving our thoughts on the TS and the Seibon. WELL I guess TS or EDIT:SOMEONE didnt like our post's and has had them removed and the topic is now locked. WHY?? I dunno. BUT I really dont understand how someone can talk chit about anothers hood and doesnt like to hear feedback about their own product, or not like others to hear it. Im sure this isnt going to get many many points on this forum but atleast you the forum members what the hell is going on.
Last edited by G352NV; Jun 8, 2005 at 03:48 PM.
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So far I've stood behind TS posts in all the subjects you mention above G352NV. And like yourself I try to keep out of the mud slinging because I want to be a reputable and curtious member that has much to offer to this "community". I have PMed you back and forth before about certain things and you the same with me and we have helped each other but being a buyer of the true Kenstyle kit and then advocation the knock-off really dissapointed me. But I have to go now, lol. I'll add more later. Maybe immature members won't come into this topic and start with the inflamatory remarks. I'd like to hear peoples perspectives [not blatant opinions] on not only the knock off kits, but the hoods, fenders, etc.
I look forward to comming home tonight and seeing others responses!
I look forward to comming home tonight and seeing others responses!
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I have the luxury / misfortune, depending on how you look at it, of not buying any parts for my car yet, hell I don't even have the car yet! But I've done my share of customizing. I have talked to Top Secret people, and they were all cool and straight with me, but I also know G352NV. Me & him have PM'd a lot, and he's been cool enough to tolerate all my stupid questions as well. He's done a HELLA sweet job on his car, and seems to know his stuff, and is cool enough to share his experiences and knowledge.I think its up to the end user, who's money it is, to take what they learn from places like this and make their own decision on what to buy, Real or Knock Off. I don't think the thread should be locked, or should Top Secret feel the need to have anything hidden from this group, most of the people on here base how they spend loads of money. I can tell you its helped me decide where and how I'm going to spend MY MONEY. That's my 2 cents. Later... 
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Nothing beats an honest un-bias opinion on products. Companies will always say that their product is the best but more often times than not it's to sell their stuff. If a member goes out and buys the product then says it's good or bad then it helps the rest of the members make a choice whether to buy it or not. I for one like reading all the product reviews from other members.
I really have an issue with the censorship. The only way a topic should get deleted is if someone is threatened or just fabricating nonsense . The site costs money but keep the presses free. Even sheep can get pissed and flock away from the heard like another site. I like how this community has grown with the content it provides. I'm not keen on the abuse of power and would hate something of this nature to get out of hand.
this reminds me of blacksheep.. "you can put a warranty on a piece of ****.. in the end its still a piece of ****" or something like that.. im glad we have members who will get us the info on products.. luckily i saw this post that steve is talking about and i didnt think it was that bad.. just that he saw how cheap the hood really was up front.. i was actually considering this hood and now i just gonna put it off so yeah thanks steve.. i trust ya
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Well, I wasn't dissapointed I've asked this question before, and I'll ask it again because we all seem to be in a somewhat calm / logical state, haha. Why is that these certain companies that make knock-offs do not change the design, at all? I mean You can't please everyone, every body kit maker, turbo maker, spoiler maker, condom maker [joke] knows this and have learned to cope and deal with it as best they can. OK, so now for a specific topic... If a company were to reproduce the TS front bumper why not make the grill a seperate peice? This has been a complaint, if the front bumper were made so that the stock grill, gialla grill, SP grill, etc could be fitted to it wouldn't sell alittle better? Not only would this please new buyers but also hopefully subside some of the people who are against knock-offs so that they could still be distingushed between real and knock-off - the people with the knock-off may not like this idea because they want to prestige that comes along with owning the "Kenstyle kit" or the "Impul kit" or the "Top Secret kit". Another example, the Kenstyle rear: obviously this rear bumper is very popular, perhaps the most popular but one of the big complaints is it gives the butt of the car to much of a bulky look, it is to wild, and the black part extends up to high. This could easily be fixed but help rounding out the sharp curve that occurs in the bumper above the black peice now, and perhaps just making the black peice smooth...I'm no kit maker and I'm just thinking up things off the top of my head. Any reputable body kit manufacturer should be able to make these small, subtle, yet effective changes and both parties should be happy with this conclusion. There is no reason to copy a design directly, there is always room for improvement and change. This is a huge industry and more than enough room for everyone, but what has happened to originality? It seems as though people following blindly what others do, making hardly no varitions, whether it be they are scared or just whatever. Why aren't people mixing and matching more kits? Going out on a limb to take a chance and do something no one has done. While Paranormal [please correct me if I'm wrong man] owns the replica KS kit but tried to make himself stand out and paint the entire rear bumper white - I give him props for this because on such a light color it was really a chance but it turned out great and everyone loves the combo he has done. So why not have 3 different kits on a car - front, sides, rear? Why isn't anyone putting the TS wide body rear end with an aggressive regular front bumper? There are so many things that can be done here people...OK, Now I gotta go again...I'll add more later 
lol.
I've asked this question before, and I'll ask it again because we all seem to be in a somewhat calm / logical state, haha. Why is that these certain companies that make knock-offs do not change the design, at all? I mean You can't please everyone, every body kit maker, turbo maker, spoiler maker, condom maker [joke] knows this and have learned to cope and deal with it as best they can. OK, so now for a specific topic... If a company were to reproduce the TS front bumper why not make the grill a seperate peice? This has been a complaint, if the front bumper were made so that the stock grill, gialla grill, SP grill, etc could be fitted to it wouldn't sell alittle better? Not only would this please new buyers but also hopefully subside some of the people who are against knock-offs so that they could still be distingushed between real and knock-off - the people with the knock-off may not like this idea because they want to prestige that comes along with owning the "Kenstyle kit" or the "Impul kit" or the "Top Secret kit". Another example, the Kenstyle rear: obviously this rear bumper is very popular, perhaps the most popular but one of the big complaints is it gives the butt of the car to much of a bulky look, it is to wild, and the black part extends up to high. This could easily be fixed but help rounding out the sharp curve that occurs in the bumper above the black peice now, and perhaps just making the black peice smooth...I'm no kit maker and I'm just thinking up things off the top of my head. Any reputable body kit manufacturer should be able to make these small, subtle, yet effective changes and both parties should be happy with this conclusion. There is no reason to copy a design directly, there is always room for improvement and change. This is a huge industry and more than enough room for everyone, but what has happened to originality? It seems as though people following blindly what others do, making hardly no varitions, whether it be they are scared or just whatever. Why aren't people mixing and matching more kits? Going out on a limb to take a chance and do something no one has done. While Paranormal [please correct me if I'm wrong man] owns the replica KS kit but tried to make himself stand out and paint the entire rear bumper white - I give him props for this because on such a light color it was really a chance but it turned out great and everyone loves the combo he has done. So why not have 3 different kits on a car - front, sides, rear? Why isn't anyone putting the TS wide body rear end with an aggressive regular front bumper? There are so many things that can be done here people...OK, Now I gotta go again...I'll add more later lol.
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I mixed and matched my kit. Not for originality, but because of personal preferances. If the goal was to be different from other G35s, the image of Gs would go to hell! Look at more popular cars, like Hondas. SOOO many people are out looking for individuality that it has gone to hell. There has to be so many variations of modifications, that hondas are now covered in neons and stickers! I left the Honda world and into the G35 world in hopes of leaving the insanity
Why dont replicators modify their replicas to be different? Its all about sales and marketing.... business. Heres a perfect example. You want to buy a Movado watch, but cant afford to spend $1,400 for it. You could buy a Guess watch that looks similar. It looks the same, but its been changed around and has its own look. It goes for about $110. Or you can buy a good quality immitation Movado watch for the same price. The quality is great and even a Movado dealer cant tell its a fake. Alot of people would by the replica.
These bodykit replicas are selling their kits to those that want a Movado bodykit, but just dont have the money for the real one. Why dont they modify it? They dont want to be tagged as "Guess" bodykits as a look-alike. With their replicas, you cant tell the difference once its painted and installed.
I've competed in car shows several times. Been in the car scene for many years now. I've learned that not only in the car scene, but also in life that prestige is an illusion.
Why dont replicators modify their replicas to be different? Its all about sales and marketing.... business. Heres a perfect example. You want to buy a Movado watch, but cant afford to spend $1,400 for it. You could buy a Guess watch that looks similar. It looks the same, but its been changed around and has its own look. It goes for about $110. Or you can buy a good quality immitation Movado watch for the same price. The quality is great and even a Movado dealer cant tell its a fake. Alot of people would by the replica.
These bodykit replicas are selling their kits to those that want a Movado bodykit, but just dont have the money for the real one. Why dont they modify it? They dont want to be tagged as "Guess" bodykits as a look-alike. With their replicas, you cant tell the difference once its painted and installed.
I've competed in car shows several times. Been in the car scene for many years now. I've learned that not only in the car scene, but also in life that prestige is an illusion.
just so everyone knows.. i have the real kenstyle side skirts and a replica rear bumper... becuase i couldnt find the real rear bumper...becuase they only sell there kit as a whole.. thats the only reason for that.. thanks for the props tho.. i am currently putting a top secret front on and a impul rear bumper to mix it up even more..i like the kenstyle rear but it is a little to boxy for my liking.. it looks good non the less..
Originally Posted by Silverbolt
These bodykit replicas are selling their kits to those that want a Movado bodykit, but just dont have the money for the real one.
Granted, in the end I chose to go complete w/ Kenstyle, but that's because the Top Secret bumper is outrageously priced as well.
Bottom line is, kits for the G35 are way overpriced no matter how you slice it.
Just my .02.
Originally Posted by coupin827
I'm going to have to disagree here. I for one could afford the watch in your example, and I could afford the real Kenstyle kit, but opted for the replica. Why? Because it makes absolutely no sense to me that 1. I'd pay $3000 for any body kit and 2. I didn't have the option of mixing and matching.
Granted, in the end I chose to go complete w/ Kenstyle, but that's because the Top Secret bumper is outrageously priced as well.
Bottom line is, kits for the G35 are way overpriced no matter how you slice it.
Just my .02.
Granted, in the end I chose to go complete w/ Kenstyle, but that's because the Top Secret bumper is outrageously priced as well.
Bottom line is, kits for the G35 are way overpriced no matter how you slice it.
Just my .02.
They overprice it because they can. The value of something is not determined by how much it cost to make, but by how much people are willing to pay for it. Right now, aftermarket parts for the G35 are extremely limited, and theres very little compitition between companies when it comes to G35 aftermarket parts. These companies are able to get away with these outrageous price, and also feel that they can because the G35 is more expensive than the typical hondas, toyotas and nissans. If we have the money to spend on a 40k car, then we'll have the money to blow on parts. To a certain extent, thats why I would encourage other companies to replicate. It causes all the companies to lower their prices and have to come up with newer ideas and designs. There needs to be more compitition in order for the prices to stablize to a reasonable level. Compitition will bring more variety and choices for us to choose from. There was a time when body kits for civics, and other hondas were outrageously priced, just like the G35's kits. After years of compitition, you can have a decent body kit, painted and installed for an even grand! The aftermarket world for the G35 is so very small and limited right now. Considering that the G35 is a Skyline, its a little disapointing.
Last edited by Silverbolt; Jun 5, 2005 at 06:50 AM.
Originally Posted by paranormal
just so everyone knows.. i have the real kenstyle side skirts and a replica rear bumper... becuase i couldnt find the real rear bumper...becuase they only sell there kit as a whole.. thats the only reason for that.. thanks for the props tho.. i am currently putting a top secret front on and a impul rear bumper to mix it up even more..i like the kenstyle rear but it is a little to boxy for my liking.. it looks good non the less..
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Originally Posted by G352NV
I dont really like to get into the mud slingin that goes on on this forum about real vs knock off's. BUT what I do try and do is give feedback on kits, parts ect. This is now a pay site and I think the members deserve to know the truth about products that they are thinking about buying, good or bad. Im not one that is into knock offs but as some of you know I will give feedback on them. Like the topic I posted about real vs fake Kenstyle. Top Secret posted in the Vendor Specials section of the site about the TS hood vs the Seibon hood.
https://g35driver.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55503
A member and myself replied to his thread giving our thoughts on the TS and the Seibon. WELL I guess TS didnt like our post's and has had them removed and the topic is now locked. WHY?? I dunno. BUT I really dont understand how someone can talk chit about anothers hood and doesnt like to hear feedback about their own product, or not like others to hear it. Im sure this isnt going to get many many points on this forum but atleast you the forum members what the hell is going on.
https://g35driver.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55503
A member and myself replied to his thread giving our thoughts on the TS and the Seibon. WELL I guess TS didnt like our post's and has had them removed and the topic is now locked. WHY?? I dunno. BUT I really dont understand how someone can talk chit about anothers hood and doesnt like to hear feedback about their own product, or not like others to hear it. Im sure this isnt going to get many many points on this forum but atleast you the forum members what the hell is going on.
Everyone here is entitled to their opinion. I think where you made your mistake was not posting your opinion in the appropriate forum. The Vendor Specials section is NOT a place to voice your opinion about a product. You were, in a way, hijacking TS's thread. Why not write-up your opinion about the TS vs. Seibon hoods in the Modification Reviews section? I bet your post would not be deleted there.
The other thing to remember is that knock-off products are hurting the manufacture of the original. The vendors have a right to defend their products, their business and their livelihood.
Originally Posted by skeleton_cru
G352NV,
The other thing to remember is that knock-off products are hurting the manufacture of the original. The vendors have a right to defend their products, their business and their livelihood.
The other thing to remember is that knock-off products are hurting the manufacture of the original. The vendors have a right to defend their products, their business and their livelihood.
Also, their high priced original bodykits are actually encouraging replicators to make knock-offs. Replicators are basically thinking... "If the authentic one is selling for this much, I can replicate it and sell it for half the price... which is STILL making a killing! On top of that, with my lower prices, I'll be selling ALOT more! Since theres so much hype on this particular style, I'll just replicate it, piggy-back, and ride the hype!"
Having high priced originals that have alot of hype, in an aftermarket world that only has a handfull of kits to choose from... thats almost as good as sending an invitation to the replicators!
Last edited by Silverbolt; Jun 5, 2005 at 07:25 AM.
Originally Posted by Silverbolt
Compitition hurts. Untill the manufacturers start pricing their products at a more reasonable price, and theres a larger variety for us to choose from... BRING ON THE PAIN!
Also, their high priced original bodykits are actually encouraging replicators to make knock-offs. Replicators are basically thinking... "If the authentic one is selling for this much, I can replicate it and sell it for half the price... which is STILL making a killing! On top of that, with my lower prices, I'll be selling ALOT more! Since theres so much hype on this particular style, I'll just replicate it, piggy-back, and ride the hype!"
Having high priced originals that have alot of hype, in an aftermarket world that only has a handfull of kits to choose from... thats almost as good as sending an invitation to the replicators!
Also, their high priced original bodykits are actually encouraging replicators to make knock-offs. Replicators are basically thinking... "If the authentic one is selling for this much, I can replicate it and sell it for half the price... which is STILL making a killing! On top of that, with my lower prices, I'll be selling ALOT more! Since theres so much hype on this particular style, I'll just replicate it, piggy-back, and ride the hype!"
Having high priced originals that have alot of hype, in an aftermarket world that only has a handfull of kits to choose from... thats almost as good as sending an invitation to the replicators!