I just spend an afternoon at DF working with Peter today. The result was more than satisfying.
About a year ago, we pitched in some money and bought a used 2002 NSX-R hood from Yahoo Auction Japan and produced a “first generation” mold, we weren’t 100 % satisfied with the result. Even though the fitment was comparable to other replicas, but deep down in our heart, we knew there are still room for improvement.
As of yesterday, any one who bought the first “generation” DF NSX-R Hood replica understand that the location/mounting points of the hood made the installation a little tricky, therefore, the proper fitment required some movement of the fender and the bumper.
Originally, we though since the NSXs were hand built, the panel fitment of every car will be slightly different. However, we did some serious pondering and discovered that Honda themselves did some minor tweaking to the JDM OEM hood, which was later confirmed by my good friend from Japan. Therefore, we decided to try again by ordering a new hood - After I convince Peter that the money will be well spend. After six months of waiting and $11k, the real deal arrived – Little over one month ago.
We test fit the new hood and the result was perfect; needless to say, Peter immediately start a new project – To produce the second generation mold.
Today, we test fit the first production replica hood on my car (as well as three other cars; including an 04 and two pre 02 cars with upgrade) and I couldn't believe my eyes... The result was truly amazing. In my opinion, the fitment was actually slightly better than the real deal, and no fiddling with the fender and front bumper was required - On all four cars. We simply screwed it in and drop it down…. The gap between each side of the hood/fender was little closer/tighter and I like it much better.
That does this mean? We now have a NSX-R Hood replica that fits just as good, if not, better than the real deal. Peter is prepping the hood for me right now, and I’ll have some pictures soon.
Anyone who is interested in a NSX-R Hood should consider the DF replica, and you will not be disappointed. I’m a very picky person and my quest of having a hood with perfect fitment really took a toll on me. I thought about installing the real deal but didn't want to chance the fact that if I ever get into an accident, the hood will be a total waste. Therefore, my car will wear the DF hood. I absolutely admired the result. The real deal will be store away in my storage in case a new mold is needed.
Peter, great job and keep up the good work!!!
BTW, Peter is considering making the hood to fit pre 02 spec cars. However, he is concern with the investiment for the new mold vs. potential return. I highly encourage any one who is interested in a NSX-R hood for their pre-02 spec cars to contact him. Some times a little encouragement will do wonders.:smile: After all, you can't find JDM OEM replica cheaper than DF. Don't forget, there are many NSX-R wannabe hoods out there (VIS, Taitec, etc), but domestically, DF is the only manufacture has the product that is a direct copy of the real deal. The air duct is deeper to meet OEM functionality, and the quality of CF is probably the best in the USDM market.
About a year ago, we pitched in some money and bought a used 2002 NSX-R hood from Yahoo Auction Japan and produced a “first generation” mold, we weren’t 100 % satisfied with the result. Even though the fitment was comparable to other replicas, but deep down in our heart, we knew there are still room for improvement.
As of yesterday, any one who bought the first “generation” DF NSX-R Hood replica understand that the location/mounting points of the hood made the installation a little tricky, therefore, the proper fitment required some movement of the fender and the bumper.
Originally, we though since the NSXs were hand built, the panel fitment of every car will be slightly different. However, we did some serious pondering and discovered that Honda themselves did some minor tweaking to the JDM OEM hood, which was later confirmed by my good friend from Japan. Therefore, we decided to try again by ordering a new hood - After I convince Peter that the money will be well spend. After six months of waiting and $11k, the real deal arrived – Little over one month ago.
We test fit the new hood and the result was perfect; needless to say, Peter immediately start a new project – To produce the second generation mold.
Today, we test fit the first production replica hood on my car (as well as three other cars; including an 04 and two pre 02 cars with upgrade) and I couldn't believe my eyes... The result was truly amazing. In my opinion, the fitment was actually slightly better than the real deal, and no fiddling with the fender and front bumper was required - On all four cars. We simply screwed it in and drop it down…. The gap between each side of the hood/fender was little closer/tighter and I like it much better.
That does this mean? We now have a NSX-R Hood replica that fits just as good, if not, better than the real deal. Peter is prepping the hood for me right now, and I’ll have some pictures soon.
Anyone who is interested in a NSX-R Hood should consider the DF replica, and you will not be disappointed. I’m a very picky person and my quest of having a hood with perfect fitment really took a toll on me. I thought about installing the real deal but didn't want to chance the fact that if I ever get into an accident, the hood will be a total waste. Therefore, my car will wear the DF hood. I absolutely admired the result. The real deal will be store away in my storage in case a new mold is needed.
Peter, great job and keep up the good work!!!
BTW, Peter is considering making the hood to fit pre 02 spec cars. However, he is concern with the investiment for the new mold vs. potential return. I highly encourage any one who is interested in a NSX-R hood for their pre-02 spec cars to contact him. Some times a little encouragement will do wonders.:smile: After all, you can't find JDM OEM replica cheaper than DF. Don't forget, there are many NSX-R wannabe hoods out there (VIS, Taitec, etc), but domestically, DF is the only manufacture has the product that is a direct copy of the real deal. The air duct is deeper to meet OEM functionality, and the quality of CF is probably the best in the USDM market.
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