Fiberglass fenders. Pros Cons - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

Siberian Husky · 10-04-2010, 05:39 PM

Im looking into this silvia front conversion kit and it comes with fiberglass fenders. I can't see anything wrong with running fiberglass panels. They weigh less, they dont rust. Granted they are of course flimsier, but fiberglass these days holds up well to even fast speeds.

I tried searching, but nothing came up that satisfied by inquiry as to hop on this good front end deal or wait out for some sheet metal fenders.

I dont think I can accept "cheap" as an appropriate con, because I really could give a f*ck about another persons subjective opinion on value.

I'd like to keep this discussion about functionality and practicality.

Thanks

singlecamslam · 10-04-2010, 06:25 PM

Pros: none
Cons: everything. Unless its a really good brand its going to look like ass, nothing beats OEM metal.

Csomme · 10-04-2010, 06:28 PM

unless you're going to run a larger front wheel, stick with Metal.

drivens13 · 10-04-2010, 06:34 PM

ffiberglass any facking sunks.The parts never fit well and you are constantly repair the parts because those cheap fiberglass parts have no strength compared to metal ofcoarse.

living4surf · 10-04-2010, 06:38 PM

Biggest con is fitment they will never fit as good as oem metal but the good thing is you can repair them if you crash

C-unit · 10-04-2010, 07:46 PM

the cons are just bad fitment and will turn weavy eventually.

they are easily repairable, cheap, shit load of style to choose from.

duffman1278 · 10-04-2010, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by singlecamslam

Pros: none
Cons: everything. Unless its a really good brand its going to look like ass, nothing beats OEM metal.

tsk tsk

There are pros. Such as non-corrosive, lower density, easy fix(as was mentioned), very rigid when made correctly, resistant to high temperatures, and cheap compared to other fibers.

Broadfield · 10-04-2010, 08:11 PM

There is only one con I can think of, and that's the damn ugly ass vents. Otherwise, as long as you buy quality ones, they should fit damn near OEM like. Most people don't even realize I have 20mm fiberglass fenders. I started with really good quality fenders, ChargeSpeed, then filled the fenders vents.

You can't even tell:

cheesyriceo4 · 10-04-2010, 09:06 PM

(Broadfield, that's a beautiful S13.)

Don't the higher quality(aka more expensive) fiber panels fit better than the cheap knock offs?( For example: Vertex)

I guess a con would be if you hit a pedestrian, they'd be filled with pieces of fiberglass.

Siberian Husky · 10-04-2010, 09:44 PM

the kit im lookin at has the vents in the fenders. look pretty homo yeah, but i think people exaggerate how badly they fit.

sleep · 10-04-2010, 10:13 PM

You get exactly what you pay for

Bushido · 10-04-2010, 10:20 PM

oem metal all the way.

fiberglass fenders only if your wheels call for it.

OBEEWON · 10-05-2010, 05:49 AM

Tires eat fiberglass for brunch. Portly friends lean on your car thinking it's metal, then craaack.

theboy · 10-05-2010, 06:00 AM

depends on the brand. I have origin 20mm fronts and they fit like shit at the gap between the door (1/4" wide gap). But that type of stuff can be fixed with a little bit of work. They are also flimsey, but im fixxing that by adding a couple layers to the inside in certain areas for added rigidity. Get the cheap ones then learn how to fiber glass and do body work. Then realize its a 240 so youll always be working on it no matter what.

CaptainVlad · 10-05-2010, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheesyriceo4

(Broadfield, that's a beautiful S13.)

Don't the higher quality(aka more expensive) fiber panels fit better than the cheap knock offs?( For example: Vertex)

I guess a con would be if you hit a pedestrian, they'd be filled with pieces of fiberglass.

Did he just say Vertex is lower quality... lol

wh0aitznic0 · 10-05-2010, 12:38 PM

You can't pull fiberglass fenders to make wheels fit.

Pulled metal fenders > Fiberglass.

Broadfield · 10-05-2010, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Siberian Husky

the kit im lookin at has the vents in the fenders. look pretty homo yeah, but i think people exaggerate how badly they fit.

No, it's not an exaggeration... most of them fit absolutely horrible. Some of them are so bad you can't even get them to bolt up at all.

There is only 3 brands that I would even think of buying as far as quality:

Vertex, ChargeSpeed and Super Made

fckillerbee · 10-05-2010, 05:13 PM

fyi..i'm running all knockoff fiberglass, as I tend to break shit while drifting, so spending money on something that will break soon isn't worth it.

the full kit i'm running was an ait uras style 4 replica.

when people say they fit like ass, they really do. if you don't know basic cutting and measuring, then your fucked. I spent two weekends getting the whole body kit to fit perfectly. which required cutting and bending, a few zipties, and some more fitting.

one of the fenders hit the door when I open it, so I made it a few mm wider, you really can't tell.

the rear, well, you fit the fenders to the rear. pinch, bow, pull, same shit, you can work fenders to fit. I have 30 mm, and needed over a 50mm pull, and no problem. Hardest part was aligning the car to what i wanted, and then riveted the fenders on. real simple.

as far as the body kit...front bumpers tend to fit perfect, sides are always cut and re-cut to fit, rear needed a little trim....but i saved what...over 1k, and it looks decent....looks great for drifting! lol....30 ft pictures.lol

p.s. the rear had some damage, so fenders hides that a little. if you look close enough, you can see the sides not fitting extremely well.

*jspecusa* · 10-05-2010, 05:38 PM

Never get fiberglass fenders if you have OCD.
Only get it if you are building missiles.
A car is just a tool to perform a task, what's your car being use
for it the key to any build.
It's all about Optimal and Efficiency.

fckillerbee · 10-05-2010, 05:43 PM

^^^^ agreed, make a goal, and shoot for it. if you are driving, fenders will hid damage, easy to replace too. If you aren't, don't buy knockoff shit, buy legit, so that it looks great for the daily. You don't break shit driving to and from work, unless your an ignorant 16 year old.

tims05 · 10-23-2010, 10:37 PM

I just recently got some front fenders from Origin for my s14 zenki. The driverside fits like complete crap and not even close to being able to bolt on enless you brake off the lip that bolts to the fender rail and reglass it back on.

Passenger side is okay, few spots may end up with little crackin if i bolt it down.

I bought the Origin fenders because I heard they were okay/good quality but where they bolt to the car is complete disgrace. Not sure how a company can ship something out like that.

If you look at the pics im attaching you'll understand.

Ive contacted the company I ordered them thru, hope to hear from them on monday.

KiLLeR2001 · 10-23-2010, 11:15 PM

If you want perfect fitment say NO to fiberglass. I tried the fiberglass conversion fenders for my s13.5 and it didn't turn out that great. Spent many hours just trying to make it not seem like so much fail...

Driver side wasn't too bad but the passenger side is a whole different story... And that was after many many hours of cutting/fitting/zip-tie'ing etc. I will be going OEM metal cut and weld when I have the funds.

whitepony22 · 10-23-2010, 11:29 PM

I just finished mocking up my S13 Silvia front with Origin fenders, and they fit decent at best. But for the amount of time/work involved with them.... I don't really see the value at this point.

I am surprised at how rigid they are with everything bolted up, but that is also my biggest concerns as I see simple chassis flex from a drive way or a pot hole or something cracking the hell out of them.

chiboy002 · 10-23-2010, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fckillerbee

^^^^ agreed, make a goal, and shoot for it. if you are driving, fenders will hid damage, easy to replace too. If you aren't, don't buy knockoff shit, buy legit, so that it looks great for the daily. You don't break shit driving to and from work, unless your an ignorant 16 year old.

hey hey hey. i drive cautiously because i don't wanna kill my vertex front...... and no, my mommy didn't pay for it

slideways2004 · 10-25-2010, 05:17 AM

yea, my buddy got some origin front fenders and they didnt fit very good. The worst part was the door to fender gap. It was huge.

tougefactory · 10-25-2010, 10:10 AM

Origin Fenders. Origin fullkit.

Corbic · 10-25-2010, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duffman1278

tsk tsk

There are pros. Such as non-corrosive, lower density, easy fix(as was mentioned), very rigid when made correctly, resistant to high temperatures, and cheap compared to other fibers.

The non-corrosive is just stupid. Paint your shit and it won't rust.

Also a fiberglass body part will be cracked, smashed and broken long before a metal part has rotted away.

Corbic · 10-25-2010, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jspecusa

Never get fiberglass fenders if you have OCD.
Only get it if you are building missiles.
A car is just a tool to perform a task, what's your car being use
for it the key to any build.
It's all about Optimal and Efficiency.

Even the missile theory sucks.

Sure on a 70's Muscle car it's brilliant, as the heavy steel cowls, fenders and hoods weigh hundereds of pounds.

There is nothing heavy with OEM fenders on a 240, the are made of tin foil.

Only reason to buy fiberglass is you to fucking lazy/cheap to properly work on the highly available OEM fenders.

Cut and Weld my friends.

tougefactory · 10-25-2010, 10:24 AM

Fiberglass is stronger than metal, weight for weight. It is also stronger than metal at the same weight. Deosn't rust, doesn't dent, easy to repair.

I've installed Vertex, chargespeed,c-west, origin and they are all about the same. None of them will fit 100% perfect out of the box but if you're patient you can get them to fit good.

K_style · 10-25-2010, 10:43 AM

I have B-magic fenders.. not the top quality but not the lowest either...

fitment was good except corner light part and you dont see wavy surface...

10-04-2010, 05:39 PM	#1
Siberian Husky Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: CA Posts: 411 Trader Rating: (4) Feedback Score: 4 reviews	Fiberglass fenders. Pros Cons Im looking into this silvia front conversion kit and it comes with fiberglass fenders. I can't see anything wrong with running fiberglass panels. They weigh less, they dont rust. Granted they are of course flimsier, but fiberglass these days holds up well to even fast speeds. I tried searching, but nothing came up that satisfied by inquiry as to hop on this good front end deal or wait out for some sheet metal fenders. I dont think I can accept "cheap" as an appropriate con, because I really could give a f*ck about another persons subjective opinion on value. I'd like to keep this discussion about functionality and practicality. Thanks

10-04-2010, 06:25 PM	#2
singlecamslam Post Whore! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Norcal Posts: 2,531 Trader Rating: (10) Feedback Score: 10 reviews	Pros: none Cons: everything. Unless its a really good brand its going to look like ass, nothing beats OEM metal. __________________ Nothing says racecar like a stock car with no interior.

10-04-2010, 08:11 PM	#8
Broadfield Zilvia.net Advertiser Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Normal, IL Age: 47 Posts: 2,946 Trader Rating: (163) Feedback Score: 163 reviews	There is only one con I can think of, and that's the damn ugly ass vents. Otherwise, as long as you buy quality ones, they should fit damn near OEM like. Most people don't even realize I have 20mm fiberglass fenders. I started with really good quality fenders, ChargeSpeed, then filled the fenders vents. You can't even tell: __________________ Follow Along For My Latest Work My Portfolio Please Share Check Out My Builds

10-04-2010, 10:13 PM	#11
sleep Zilvia Addict Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: San Tan Valley, AZ Age: 38 Posts: 776 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	You get exactly what you pay for __________________ California sucks. Get over yourself cali.

10-04-2010, 10:20 PM	#12
Bushido Post Whore! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: SFL Posts: 3,562 Trader Rating: (10) Feedback Score: 10 reviews	oem metal all the way. fiberglass fenders only if your wheels call for it. __________________

10-04-2010, 06:28 PM	#3
Csomme Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: north carolinazzz Age: 30 Posts: 1,009 Trader Rating: (4) Feedback Score: 4 reviews	unless you're going to run a larger front wheel, stick with Metal.

10-04-2010, 06:34 PM	#4
drivens13 Zilvia Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Fl Age: 37 Posts: 294 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	ffiberglass any facking sunks.The parts never fit well and you are constantly repair the parts because those cheap fiberglass parts have no strength compared to metal ofcoarse.

10-04-2010, 06:38 PM	#5
living4surf Nissanaholic! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: jupiter Age: 35 Posts: 1,701 Trader Rating: (52) Feedback Score: 52 reviews	Biggest con is fitment they will never fit as good as oem metal but the good thing is you can repair them if you crash

10-04-2010, 07:46 PM	#6
C-unit Nissanaholic! Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Vancouver, Hongkong. Age: 36 Posts: 1,808 Trader Rating: (7) Feedback Score: 7 reviews	the cons are just bad fitment and will turn weavy eventually. they are easily repairable, cheap, shit load of style to choose from.

10-04-2010, 09:06 PM	#9
cheesyriceo4 Leaky Injector Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: San Diego Posts: 73 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	(Broadfield, that's a beautiful S13.) Don't the higher quality(aka more expensive) fiber panels fit better than the cheap knock offs?( For example: Vertex) I guess a con would be if you hit a pedestrian, they'd be filled with pieces of fiberglass.

10-04-2010, 09:44 PM	#10
Siberian Husky Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: CA Posts: 411 Trader Rating: (4) Feedback Score: 4 reviews	the kit im lookin at has the vents in the fenders. look pretty homo yeah, but i think people exaggerate how badly they fit.

10-05-2010, 05:49 AM	#13
OBEEWON Post Whore! Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Hightened State of Emergency Posts: 6,051 Trader Rating: (9) Feedback Score: 9 reviews	Tires eat fiberglass for brunch. Portly friends lean on your car thinking it's metal, then craaack. __________________

10-05-2010, 06:00 AM	#14
theboy Zilvia Addict Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Chicago Age: 32 Posts: 618 Trader Rating: (10) Feedback Score: 10 reviews	depends on the brand. I have origin 20mm fronts and they fit like shit at the gap between the door (1/4" wide gap). But that type of stuff can be fixed with a little bit of work. They are also flimsey, but im fixxing that by adding a couple layers to the inside in certain areas for added rigidity. Get the cheap ones then learn how to fiber glass and do body work. Then realize its a 240 so youll always be working on it no matter what.

10-05-2010, 05:13 PM	#18
fckillerbee Post Whore! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern California Age: 36 Posts: 4,266 Trader Rating: (5) Feedback Score: 5 reviews	fyi..i'm running all knockoff fiberglass, as I tend to break shit while drifting, so spending money on something that will break soon isn't worth it. the full kit i'm running was an ait uras style 4 replica. when people say they fit like ass, they really do. if you don't know basic cutting and measuring, then your fucked. I spent two weekends getting the whole body kit to fit perfectly. which required cutting and bending, a few zipties, and some more fitting. one of the fenders hit the door when I open it, so I made it a few mm wider, you really can't tell. the rear, well, you fit the fenders to the rear. pinch, bow, pull, same shit, you can work fenders to fit. I have 30 mm, and needed over a 50mm pull, and no problem. Hardest part was aligning the car to what i wanted, and then riveted the fenders on. real simple. as far as the body kit...front bumpers tend to fit perfect, sides are always cut and re-cut to fit, rear needed a little trim....but i saved what...over 1k, and it looks decent....looks great for drifting! lol....30 ft pictures.lol p.s. the rear had some damage, so fenders hides that a little. if you look close enough, you can see the sides not fitting extremely well.

10-05-2010, 05:38 PM	#19
jspecusa Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: socal Posts: 1,339 Trader Rating: (7) Feedback Score: 7 reviews	Never get fiberglass fenders if you have OCD. Only get it if you are building missiles. A car is just a tool to perform a task, what's your car being use for it the key to any build. It's all about Optimal and Efficiency. __________________ Nissan Japan: "road to happiness has many curves" Jdmlivin: "Jdm is dead, the yen is crazy"

10-05-2010, 05:43 PM	#20
fckillerbee Post Whore! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern California Age: 36 Posts: 4,266 Trader Rating: (5) Feedback Score: 5 reviews	^^^^ agreed, make a goal, and shoot for it. if you are driving, fenders will hid damage, easy to replace too. If you aren't, don't buy knockoff shit, buy legit, so that it looks great for the daily. You don't break shit driving to and from work, unless your an ignorant 16 year old.

10-23-2010, 11:15 PM	#22
KiLLeR2001 Post Whore! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: オーランドフロリダ Posts: 7,955 Trader Rating: (46) Feedback Score: 46 reviews	If you want perfect fitment say NO to fiberglass. I tried the fiberglass conversion fenders for my s13.5 and it didn't turn out that great. Spent many hours just trying to make it not seem like so much fail... Driver side wasn't too bad but the passenger side is a whole different story... And that was after many many hours of cutting/fitting/zip-tie'ing etc. I will be going OEM metal cut and weld when I have the funds. __________________

10-23-2010, 11:29 PM	#23
whitepony22 Zilvia Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Georgia Posts: 170 Trader Rating: (11) Feedback Score: 11 reviews	I just finished mocking up my S13 Silvia front with Origin fenders, and they fit decent at best. But for the amount of time/work involved with them.... I don't really see the value at this point. I am surprised at how rigid they are with everything bolted up, but that is also my biggest concerns as I see simple chassis flex from a drive way or a pot hole or something cracking the hell out of them.

10-25-2010, 05:17 AM	#25
slideways2004 Nissanaholic! Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Age: 35 Posts: 1,706 Trader Rating: (6) Feedback Score: 6 reviews	yea, my buddy got some origin front fenders and they didnt fit very good. The worst part was the door to fender gap. It was huge. __________________ http://essencegarage.wordpress.com/

10-25-2010, 10:10 AM	#26
tougefactory Zilvia.net Advertiser Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,511 Trader Rating: (27) Feedback Score: 27 reviews	Origin Fenders. Origin fullkit. __________________ Performance Parts // Track Prep // Fabrication Follow us on Instagram @TFWorks For all the latest TF★ news visit our blog!!**

10-25-2010, 10:24 AM	#29
tougefactory Zilvia.net Advertiser Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,511 Trader Rating: (27) Feedback Score: 27 reviews	Fiberglass is stronger than metal, weight for weight. It is also stronger than metal at the same weight. Deosn't rust, doesn't dent, easy to repair. I've installed Vertex, chargespeed,c-west, origin and they are all about the same. None of them will fit 100% perfect out of the box but if you're patient you can get them to fit good. __________________ Performance Parts // Track Prep // Fabrication Follow us on Instagram @TFWorks For all the latest TF★ news visit our blog!!**

10-25-2010, 10:43 AM	#30
K_style Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 7,666 Trader Rating: (63) Rides Gallery: K_style Feedback Score: 63 reviews	I have B-magic fenders.. not the top quality but not the lowest either... fitment was good except corner light part and you dont see wavy surface...

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode