Differences Between Plastic And Fibreglass

[JGTC]

Hey everyone,

I've been hunting aroung for a N/A R34 with the factory Altia aero kit, i was just wondering what are some tell-tale signs that it's a genuine plastic kit and a fibreglass copy?

Here's the kit in question

Thanks in advance,

Danny

[JMW]

The easiet way to tell the difference is the finish. Factory plastic will be smoother both outside and inside, fibreglass will normally be a little wavy and rougher on the inside or back of the kit.

[cosmic starz]

+1

and a close look and the touch/flexibility factor will disclose what is what

[JGTC]

Ah ic, thanks for that, so the fiberglass will be more flimsy right? and when you mean the smoothness of the paint can you tell my running your fingers over it?

Cheers again,

Danny

[JMW]

Actually the plastic will be more flexable, if the kits off the car it makes it easier to tell as fibreglass will be heavier and thicker too. Not so much by running your hand over the painted surface, but by standing back and seeing if the kit looks wavy.

[.:: GimpS-R34 ::.]

as mentioned the fiberglass kit will be rough on the inside.. the plastic, being moulded will hav alot smoother wall.. the plastic will be alot more flexible, should bend easily and bend back into shape..

[joeyjoejoejuniorshabadoo]

get adjustable coilovers and slam it on its balls... then drive up a driveway... if your frontbar is half missing then its fibreglass

[JGTC]

Hahaha, by far the best method. One thing as well, is it true you're able to tell if you're factory aero is from the factory by getting your VIN "fasted"? I'm planning to import from Japan and i want to be sure i'm not buying a car with a copy fiberglass kit.

Cheers,

Danny

[funkymonkey]

no one copies the altia kit.... no one. lol, it'd be kinda silly, esp when the factory option was so cheap compared to aftermarket according to the catalog.

if the r34 has an altia option kit on it, then its most probably genuine. there's plenty of genuine ones going cheap, and most of them have had them since day 1.

fibreglass kits are usually unpainted on the inside, a photo of the inside of the bumper will tell you pretty easily what it is.

failing that, just kick it. if it's fibreglass... run. if not, buy.

[Mr. Oizo]

no one copies the altia kit.... no one. lol, it'd be kinda silly, esp when the factory option was so cheap compared to aftermarket according to the catalog.

wut

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Brand-new-Nismo-fro...%3A1|240%3A1318

[funkymonkey]

we're talking about a car sitting in japan, not your usual habib spec chinese bodykit special r34 in australia.

i should qualify that by saying in japan it'd be cheaper to get an original factoy kit than a fibreglass knockoff.

[JGTC]

Thanks for the replies, i also was under the impression that the ones in Japan mostly have genuine Altia's but had no one to confirm, thanks a heap.

habib spec ftw,

Danny

[Bliksem]

Might not be a 100% certain method of telling but notice the side grilles of the one in your photo, they are a black factory looking material. Alot of copies dont come with that like the copy bar Mr Oizo posted.

Edited April 5, 2009 by MintR33

[cosmic starz]

r OIZO is spot on again

Here are pics of my genuine factory fitted kit - note: bonnet is not fully closed as just did oil and filter change, and car has not been washed for about 3 months - its always garaged - the key point to note is that area with the word SKYLINE imprinted (the lower front centre section) is always black/gray colour from factory - if car has front bar all same colour likely it has been modded or reprayed due to accident damage

[JGTC]

Thanks mate, i also to a small extent noticed that (not with a concrete knowledge) but yes i did recognise on all the altia kits i have seen in real life. I did manage to get a good idea between a altia kit and a fibreglass uras kit at Top Secret Imports, the plastic was a little more rigid and much thicker than the uras one.

Also, referring to the "skyline" part in the middle, is that like a different plastic to the rest of the front bar? Like a raw-unpainted plastic center piece?

Cheers again guys,

Danny