VIS CF hood quality control issues
01-27-2015, 08:17 PM
#1
**DISCLAIMER~If I'm ranting in the wrong section admins/mods feel free to move this.**
Wasn't looking to make a big deal out of my new hood, but I can't help it now.
Ordered off Amazon from "The Go-to seller" for about $700 and it was packed very well/no damage due to shipment.
The hood was crap IMHO before it even went in the box.
It does have a VIS racing stamp on the underside and arrived in a VIS box..it actually was shipped about 30 miles away from VIS so I'm going to dare to say that the go-to seller on Amazon is VIS.
I'll let the pictures speak and all opinions welcome.
Of course I am expecting an exchange/refund and free return shipping with pick up.
Wasn't looking to make a big deal out of my new hood, but I can't help it now.
Ordered off Amazon from "The Go-to seller" for about $700 and it was packed very well/no damage due to shipment.
The hood was crap IMHO before it even went in the box.
It does have a VIS racing stamp on the underside and arrived in a VIS box..it actually was shipped about 30 miles away from VIS so I'm going to dare to say that the go-to seller on Amazon is VIS.
I'll let the pictures speak and all opinions welcome.
Of course I am expecting an exchange/refund and free return shipping with pick up.
Last edited by Fakie J Farkerton; 01-27-2015 at 08:22 PM.
01-27-2015, 09:58 PM
#2
you bought an external body panel. can't expect it to stay perfect forever.
HOWEVER,
you paid for a product and would expect it to be in perfect, undamaged condition. yeah, I'd be pissed too. lol
HOWEVER,
you paid for a product and would expect it to be in perfect, undamaged condition. yeah, I'd be pissed too. lol
01-27-2015, 11:41 PM
#3
I haven't even installed it yet.
Even if I decided to keep it and paint it because the imperfections bugged me that bad; it's still a no go because the edge with the bubbles in the gel coat is uneven, and would take some work to look right.
The only place this should be displayed is back at the shop to show what not to do.
Edit: Seller just contacted me and said some imperfections are normal; but I just now sent pictures so I will see what he thinks now.
Also the seller said he would need to show the pictures to his supplier, so maybe I'm wrong about it coming from VIS directly.
Last edited by Fakie J Farkerton; 01-28-2015 at 01:48 AM.
01-28-2015, 01:50 AM
#5
01-28-2015, 02:17 AM
#6
I don't own any VIS stuff. Just heard great things about them over the years. IIRC, Flava24/7 has a VIS CF hood on his Maxima.
01-28-2015, 02:24 AM
#7
The first two pictures are the worst ones and totally unacceptable. With all the CF I have on my various cars, I've never encountered such imperfections.
I don't own any VIS stuff. Just heard great things about them over the years. IIRC, Flava24/7 has a VIS CF hood on his Maxima.
I don't own any VIS stuff. Just heard great things about them over the years. IIRC, Flava24/7 has a VIS CF hood on his Maxima.
I value your opinion and especially your knowledge of CF appearance.
This is some
01-28-2015, 03:56 AM
#10
01-29-2015, 05:59 PM
#11
Tried to make his reply look like a quote, but did it work?..
Originally Posted by The Go- To Seller
I have contacted VIS today and they said they are having their oversea manufacture looking into the problem. Meanwhile they are checking to see if they have another one in stock and will inspect that one to see if it has the same problem. As far as the weave, that is something that is unavoidable due to this in hand made, but the small little air bubble within the clear coating that is sometime they have not seen before. I will update you on that as soon as I hear something back from them. Thanks
01-30-2015, 10:33 AM
#12
01-30-2015, 10:48 AM
#13
It's still in the works.
If they try to make me pay for return shipping we have a problem.
I'm hoping this will end well.
01-31-2015, 08:19 AM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Snakeden Branch, VA
Posts: 1,441
^^ That is unacceptable, even for a cheaper product.
I've seen similar things like this with the value minded carbon fiber products for sure, especially considering that a real CF hood should cost $700 x 2 if not more.
I've seen similar things like this with the value minded carbon fiber products for sure, especially considering that a real CF hood should cost $700 x 2 if not more.
01-31-2015, 03:23 PM
#17
If you paid with a credit card or PayPal just reverse the charge. If they want the hood back they can pay shipping otherwise you have a free blemished cf hood.
If it's a race car who cares about aesthetics.
Sent from my XT1060 using Maxima
If it's a race car who cares about aesthetics.
Sent from my XT1060 using Maxima
Last edited by asand1; 01-31-2015 at 04:09 PM.
02-02-2015, 11:15 AM
#18
Today's update.
I'm happy enough.
Will post again when the new one arrives.
Originally Posted by The Go- To Seller
Good morning. Hope you had a great weekend. I spoke with VIS today and they said they have check another hood and they don't see any air bubble in them. I will try to go to VIS later on today and ask if I can take some pictures of the hood that they have in stock and forward you that. Thanks
Originally Posted by The Go- To Seller
You are right on that. I have submitted the return request to VIS and waiting on their approval. I don't expect to have any problem. I will keep you posted on that. Thanks
Will post again when the new one arrives.
Last edited by Fakie J Farkerton; 02-02-2015 at 12:06 PM.
02-24-2015, 05:26 PM
#20
Hood arrived today.
I think this one is a keeper.
The only imperfection I've seen is a slight yellowish color on the sides a few times.
Any ideas?
I hope it buffs out there.
The VIS sticker was stuck to the cardboard when I was unboxing too..found it right where you see it.
It was packaged even better than the first time and it was well packaged then too..I got a box in a box this time and had extra protection on the edges as well.
They did this to protect the sharp edges last time too.
I'll bolt it up soon and aerocatch after that.
I think this one is a keeper.
The only imperfection I've seen is a slight yellowish color on the sides a few times.
Any ideas?
I hope it buffs out there.
The VIS sticker was stuck to the cardboard when I was unboxing too..found it right where you see it.
It was packaged even better than the first time and it was well packaged then too..I got a box in a box this time and had extra protection on the edges as well.
They did this to protect the sharp edges last time too.
I'll bolt it up soon and aerocatch after that.
Last edited by Fakie J Farkerton; 02-24-2015 at 05:45 PM.
03-22-2015, 05:12 PM
#25
I'll post them when it's all buttoned down.
I bolted it up today.
Got 3 of 4 bolts in, the other won't line up for crap.
Pretty sure I'll have to drill the hinge wider as I can't seem to coax it into place as is.
I purchased shorter bolts as the ones provided bottomed out before they were all the way in.
Can't get the hood shut as of yet.
It's hitting something.
I took off the FSTB and moved a couple of other things around with no luck.
Looks like I may end up using the bolts provided to fit some washers in to try to get some space to shut it.
Always something.
I bolted it up today.
Got 3 of 4 bolts in, the other won't line up for crap.
Pretty sure I'll have to drill the hinge wider as I can't seem to coax it into place as is.
I purchased shorter bolts as the ones provided bottomed out before they were all the way in.
Can't get the hood shut as of yet.
It's hitting something.
I took off the FSTB and moved a couple of other things around with no luck.
Looks like I may end up using the bolts provided to fit some washers in to try to get some space to shut it.
Always something.
03-22-2015, 09:34 PM
#27
04-02-2015, 03:18 PM
#30
In contact with VIS now as well as the Amazon seller to see if the fitment issues are normal.
VIS wanted some photos and here is what I sent:
It's pretty far off.
I sent them a video of the closing issue.
I didn't see any other way to show them that.
Edit: VIS contacted me after seeing the photos.
They didn't mention the shutting issue, but told me to try fitting the hood on the hinges with the screws loose to allow some play and to have an assistant. That's what I did day one and it feels like a "is it plugged in?" type of response, but I'm sure they are just going off of a list of possibilities.
I'm not as concerned with the one bolt not aligning, although it would be nice; I'm more concerned with it not shutting, so I questioned them about my stacking washers as an option.
Awaiting another reply.
VIS wanted some photos and here is what I sent:
It's pretty far off.
I sent them a video of the closing issue.
I didn't see any other way to show them that.
Edit: VIS contacted me after seeing the photos.
They didn't mention the shutting issue, but told me to try fitting the hood on the hinges with the screws loose to allow some play and to have an assistant. That's what I did day one and it feels like a "is it plugged in?" type of response, but I'm sure they are just going off of a list of possibilities.
I'm not as concerned with the one bolt not aligning, although it would be nice; I'm more concerned with it not shutting, so I questioned them about my stacking washers as an option.
Awaiting another reply.
Last edited by Fakie J Farkerton; 04-02-2015 at 08:03 PM.
04-07-2015, 09:36 AM
#31
Well VIS was little to no help and I'm ready to tell everyone NOT to order from VIS. This is some
Edit: Added 4 washers on each bolt (the three that bolted up that is) and it shuts now!!
It's still not quite right and I think I'll need to add a few more to get it to look right.
I don't think I want the hood pins to help pull it down more, because I've seen a CF hood dimple from that. Step in the right direction anyways.
Edit: Added 4 washers on each bolt (the three that bolted up that is) and it shuts now!!
It's still not quite right and I think I'll need to add a few more to get it to look right.
I don't think I want the hood pins to help pull it down more, because I've seen a CF hood dimple from that. Step in the right direction anyways.
Last edited by Fakie J Farkerton; 04-07-2015 at 04:26 PM.
04-07-2015, 07:07 PM
#33
Arent CF hoods for race cars? Id be happy that it was lightweight. Grind, sand, and paint that bitsh and then grind those hinges. I think you expect to much from a race part. CF should be about function, not form, unless you're a ricer.
04-07-2015, 08:01 PM
#34
Glad you learned something.
04-07-2015, 10:04 PM
#35
He didn't buy some no name here today gone tomorrow company, he bought from VIS. A certain level of expectations are assumed. Gaps may be a hair off, or a few bubbles here or there, or a slight pull in the fabric design, but I at least expect the darn thing to drop right onto the hinges w/o issue, and latch properly.
04-08-2015, 12:18 AM
#36
So if VIS won't fix this misalignment, at least with the Aero catches it should hold.
Years ago I got some no name POS cracked CF/FG hood for a few bucks and had it repaired, sanded, and painted by a shop.
They ran into the same problem with not getting one of the bolts to line up on the hood hinge. If they forced all four bolts to fit the hood alignment on the car was off. Also they messed with the hood latch mechanism and lowered it so it would catch and close properly. They also had to ditch those two rubber hood bumps on the fenders as well.
Once I was comfortable with the Aero catches I removed the factory hood latch, cable, and hardware for weight savings. I have yet to have a problem on the road course, even with one bolt not there.
That said I would expect the VIS stuff to be of better quality.
Years ago I got some no name POS cracked CF/FG hood for a few bucks and had it repaired, sanded, and painted by a shop.
They ran into the same problem with not getting one of the bolts to line up on the hood hinge. If they forced all four bolts to fit the hood alignment on the car was off. Also they messed with the hood latch mechanism and lowered it so it would catch and close properly. They also had to ditch those two rubber hood bumps on the fenders as well.
Once I was comfortable with the Aero catches I removed the factory hood latch, cable, and hardware for weight savings. I have yet to have a problem on the road course, even with one bolt not there.
That said I would expect the VIS stuff to be of better quality.
Last edited by 98SEBlackMax; 04-08-2015 at 12:39 AM.
04-08-2015, 07:02 PM
#37
So if VIS won't fix this misalignment, at least with the Aero catches it should hold.
Years ago I got some no name POS cracked CF/FG hood for a few bucks and had it repaired, sanded, and painted by a shop.
They ran into the same problem with not getting one of the bolts to line up on the hood hinge. If they forced all four bolts to fit the hood alignment on the car was off. Also they messed with the hood latch mechanism and lowered it so it would catch and close properly. They also had to ditch those two rubber hood bumps on the fenders as well.
Once I was comfortable with the Aero catches I removed the factory hood latch, cable, and hardware for weight savings. I have yet to have a problem on the road course, even with one bolt not there.
That said I would expect the VIS stuff to be of better quality.
Years ago I got some no name POS cracked CF/FG hood for a few bucks and had it repaired, sanded, and painted by a shop.
They ran into the same problem with not getting one of the bolts to line up on the hood hinge. If they forced all four bolts to fit the hood alignment on the car was off. Also they messed with the hood latch mechanism and lowered it so it would catch and close properly. They also had to ditch those two rubber hood bumps on the fenders as well.
Once I was comfortable with the Aero catches I removed the factory hood latch, cable, and hardware for weight savings. I have yet to have a problem on the road course, even with one bolt not there.
That said I would expect the VIS stuff to be of better quality.
I'm not a fan of removing the factory latch given the thin gauge steel atop the radiator support, and that's even with some aluminum flat stock on the underside of the top radiator support bar to disperse the load from the hood pins.
Last edited by schmellyfart; 04-08-2015 at 07:07 PM.
04-09-2015, 10:20 AM
#38
Do you recall how much weight you saved by removing those items?
I'm not a fan of removing the factory latch given the thin gauge steel atop the radiator support, and that's even with some aluminum flat stock on the underside of the top radiator support bar to disperse the load from the hood pins.
I'm not a fan of removing the factory latch given the thin gauge steel atop the radiator support, and that's even with some aluminum flat stock on the underside of the top radiator support bar to disperse the load from the hood pins.
565 grams, about 1.25 pounds.
Also used these parts to brace the latches. They are overpriced but it helps reinforce the mounting locations. IMO the Aerocatches should come with these plates.
http://passwordjdm.com/PasswordJDM-A...P2758C421.aspx
The hood has been on the car since 2011 and haven't had a problem with cracking. It does shake above 90~100 MPH I might trim those rubber stops and re-install them to help keep the hood steady.
04-10-2015, 06:21 AM
#40
cf is nice, would rather get drunk and ram my head into the wall as i know that's what i'm going to do after fitment issues anyway. can't trust anyone anymore as there's too many aftermarket d-bags that sell $hit nowadays. pics when you get it mounted straight, if possible.
