Vigor's kit thread

[VigorousZX]

Hello, as some of you know Ive been redesigning my Zed for some time now. Just this last week I changed direction in my latest build and I'm trying out one of my older renders, the purple car.


This is the result
left being the actual car and the right one is its potential.




Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLAlWBh2KXA

What do you guys think?

[Initial_Z]

What do you mean by "kit"? Are you gonna make bolt on copies of them and sell it?

[VigorousZX]

Exactly, yes. It evolves cutting into the fenders, widening the headlights (with provided brackets) but there is one problem, the high-beams will be cut off in this current design causing legality problems. So far this is a trial test on the design, if people like it, I will have to find an after market set of headlights that look good or have a template to cut a wider opening to expose most of the headlights and make it legal if needed.

[Initial_Z]

but there is one problem, the highbeams will be cut off in this current design causing legality problems

If I were a customer, trust me, this ain't my biggest concern

It evolves cutting into the fenders

This is

[z32pilot62]

Exactly, yes. It evolves cutting into the fenders, widening the headlights (with provided brackets) but there is one problem, the highbeams will be cut off in this current design causing legality problems. So far this is a trial test on the design, if people like it, I will have to find an after market set of headlights that look good or have a temple to cut a wider opening to expose most of the headlights and make it legal if needed.

Why not just incorporate a Bi-Xenon projector into the housing?

[VigorousZX]

It all depends on what a law enforcement officer wants to do, he could give you a ticket for having such a huge "eye lid" cover and specially with it covering the DOT stamp. Its possible that a judge might allow this if one disputes the ticket... but a solid solution would be just to dremel cut a bigger opening.

[Ace2cool]

I like the one in your Sig better, honestly. Though this one so far seems more tangible than the other did.

[AchilleZ32]

Dude stop. Make a widebody or something us Z owners might actually buy. Trying to redesign the front for the sake of redesigning it is dumb. It's especially dumb when no body likes the kit and it doesn't fit the cars dimensions. Put your talents to good use and build something worth while.

[VigorousZX]

My first objective for redesigning it is to have a beautiful car in my eyes... one more beautiful then the Zed.

Making money would be my second reason... I know Zed owners love their cars and wouldnt like to change its identity but the kits will more serve me to sell custom Zeds to people outside of the Z community.

There's lots of money to be made in this business as people love exotic cars, even to own replicas. http://www.madmechanics.com/general-kitcar-chat/

I like the one in your Sig better, honestly. Though this one so far seems more tangible than the other did.

same, I think the sig design flows better with the Zed body... I came to the conclusion of doing the new black design on a mid engine car if I have the resources in the future.

[Z31toZ32]

... I know Zed owners love their cars and wouldnt like to change its identity but the kits will more serve me to sell custom Zeds to people outside of the Z community.

[es.biggs]

I just want to be in the first page of this thread.

Good luck Vig I think this is gonna get nasty. Props for the entrepreneurial aspirations

[xclusivez32]

the headlights remind me of a cougar............. but to each his own

[VigorousZX]

... I know Zed owners love their cars and wouldnt like to change its identity but the kits will more serve me to sell custom Zeds to people outside of the Z community.

Imagine me posting the finished car at some Honda forums... I think people would love it and all that is required is a cheap abused NA and my ~$3000 kit. which would you choose

I just want to be in the first page of this thread.
Good luck Vig I think this is gonna get nasty. Props for the entrepreneurial aspirations

Thanks and If things go well, state wide resellers would be needed

the headlights remind me of a cougar............. but to each his own

Your right, I never realized.

[es.biggs]

You're in NC?

[VigorousZX]

Im in the north west (profile updated) but Zeds are everywhere and so are potential clients. If one can find customers... with a brochure lets say, and collects a deposit, then constructing the kit on a 300zx and charging any amount that a client is willing to pay on top could be easy revenue.

I was also thinking of having a fixed price of the kit on a website but undercutting the cost to forum insiders... then finding customers... even if they want to construct the kit on there own, one can profit from the discount and charge the client the full quoted price on the website. Kind of a customer finders reward if you will.

But Im getting ahead of myself, the kit will have to look good to attract any clients first.

[Z31toZ32]

Imagine me posting the finished car at some Honda forums... I think people would love it and all that is required is a cheap abused NA and my ~$3000 kit. which would you choose

i like your entrepreneurial spirit, i'd like to consider myself a businessman as well. however, is your entire is target market "i think they would love it." have you done any real, actual market research to determine that yes, you have a target market, and yes, they want to buy, and yes, they have money? if you do have this info, or some of it, what "vig model" are you basing this off of? how are you pricing your kits? what are your costs - $3000 and a cheap na doesn't sound very accurate. how about production? do you have a supplier? a producer? an actual kit? have you written a business plan? not a 1 page draft, i mean a real b plan. how long till you hit a positive npv? what is your cost of capital and how did you determine it? do you plan to patent this? do you have an ip lawyer? ...im not trying to discourage you, but business is ruthless. without a solid plan, you wont make a cent.. or if you do it wont be sustainable.

[AchilleZ32]

Alright vig, lets go with what you are saying here.

Let's take 1 Rx7.


And this was turned into this by Veilside.


This car has got nationwide attention due to the F@F movies. It actually looks good and is well designed. It is made by Veilside whom is a very well known brand. And the price tag is only 9k. And guess what? I'd say there's only about 10 rx7s with that kit outside the movie cars. How do you expect a z with this wierd kit that makes your car look like a Cougar, actually sell?

Edit: Z31Z32 +1.

[VigorousZX]

...however, is your entire is target market "i think they would love it." have you done any real, actual market research to determine that yes, you have a target market, and yes, they want to buy, and yes, they have money?
Can you deny that this Ferrari is a piece of art? Almost a master piece?

If Im able to come 1/10 close to the curves and sleekness of the Ferrari Scaglietti, I think people will be willing to pay 1/10 its price for the Vigor.

if you do have this info, or some of it, what "vig model" are you basing this off of? how are you pricing your kits? what are your costs - $3000 and a cheap na doesn't sound very accurate. how about production? do you have a supplier? a producer? an actual kit?
I will be fine tuning this design and see the smaller corner picture with the metal on it, that is basically the area size of where I'll be putting the fiberglass. The cost, if I lay the glass myself, should be under ~$1000. Lets take into consideration that the same headlights are used and that the clients would be buying their own choice of vinyl colour or paint, after a little wrench work and some cutting, the kit will be an easy bolt on application.

If demand picks up for the Vigor, Id like to up the quality and have the option to buy it in plastic and eventually other materials.

have you written a business plan? not a 1 page draft, i mean a real b plan. how long till you hit a positive npv? what is your cost of capital and how did you determine it? do you plan to patent this? do you have an ip lawyer? ...im not trying to discourage you, but business is ruthless. without a solid plan, you wont make a cent.. or if you do it wont be sustainable.

Basically I plan on making as many kits as there is a demand for. Once money is pay pal'ed then I'd ship one out and make another. If I have lots of orders I'll probably contract some of the work out.
Im thinking of making a Vigor registry of sorts and if someone is cloning my design then Im sure word of mouth will get passes around by other Zed-ers or the general public... not that I can really do anything about it... "Imitation Is The Best Form Of Flattery"
I hope to have a kit ready for sale by the end of the month

[VigorousZX]

This car has got nationwide attention due to the F@F movies. It actually looks good and is well designed. It is made by Veilside whom is a very well known brand. And the price tag is only 9k. And guess what? I'd say there's only about 10 rx7s with that kit outside the movie cars. How do you expect a z with this wierd kit that makes your car look like a Cougar, actually sell?

Edit: Z31Z32 +1.

I rarely see the RX7 anymore, in fact I havent seen one for years let alone one with this kit but there are a good number of these on Youtube, different ones.

Did you know there are imitation kits out now that cost under $7000, but I still dont think its feasible.
If one wants the original $9000 kit, add shipping from Japan to that, tax, add all the body work to get it on since its 19 pieces, and it has to be fit right... new wheels too? Your looking at $25,000 + starting just to get the car running on the road.

Also I dont find that it looks that good anyway, I feel the front bumper should cut off at the end of the headlights... the front dimensions are too curvy or just not ideal.

Now this is a good RX-7 concept kit!

http://www.zerotohundred.com/newforums/ ... sible.html

I have high hopes for my car because I think it will look attractive, be relatively affordable, and that it could sell it self just by parking it on the street with a for sale sign on it.
One could buy a 3k NA Zed, rebuilt the engine for 3k?, finish off the kit for ~4k and your left with a solid 10k car that looks good. 10k for a Vigor or 30k for a 2010 econo slug box Civic... I would get the Vigor in a heart beat.

[AchilleZ32]

Where's your profit margin in that 10k? People are really willing to spend 5k over blue book for an old N/A sports car with a fiberglass kit? You're not being realistic.

[TellarHK]

I can't say I'm a fan of that look at all, it makes the proportions of the Z look far too nose-heavy like some kind of mutant Charger Superbird. Good luck at trying to make a design you like, but don't be surprised if few people agree with this particular look.

Nissan designed the Z to be a 'wide' style of car, with every line and curve intended to make the car look wide, stable, and low. What you're doing to it is not only giving it a stretch job - which might be okay - but you're introducing a dissonant element into the design, "pointiness". The Z simply doesn't have any complementary lines that match up with a pointy nose. For your kit to work, you'll need to remodel the entire rear end of the car to match what you're doing on the nose. And even then, the design you seem to be aiming for just won't look like a "Z with a kit", it'll look like a "kit with a Z under it."

[VigorousZX]

Where's your profit margin in that 10k? People are really willing to spend 5k over blue book for an old N/A sports car with a fiberglass kit? You're not being realistic.

Well if I lived in LA, home of the cheapest Zeds around next to Florida, I could get a decent running NA for 3k. Say I bought my own kit for another 3k, added vinyl (paint) just to the kit alone for around $200-300... my cost would be under $6500.
I can possibly still sell it for 10k because its such an original and cool? car and profit handsomely.

I can't say I'm a fan of that look at all, it makes the proportions of the Z look far too nose-heavy like some kind of mutant Charger Superbird. Good luck at trying to make a design you like, but don't be surprised if few people agree with this particular look.

Nissan designed the Z to be a 'wide' style of car, with every line and curve intended to make the car look wide, stable, and low. What you're doing to it is not only giving it a stretch job - which might be okay - but you're introducing a dissonant element into the design, "pointiness". The Z simply doesn't have any complementary lines that match up with a pointy nose. For your kit to work, you'll need to remodel the entire rear end of the car to match what you're doing on the nose. And even then, the design you seem to be aiming for just won't look like a "Z with a kit", it'll look like a "kit with a Z under it."

I wasnt sure about the black design, I will look into that in the future.. but I think the white design is still an all around proportionate body which is even more aerodynamic... from the looks of it.

If you compare these photos, the nose is about the same, length wise.


The main thing I dont like about the Zeds body is how the front bumper narrows out, like in this angle

[nuttin but Z32]

if you make a wide bodi kit for ther back to match the front fenders i'd buy it,not as wide as Z1 vert but slightly as wide as the front fenders is what i want....
good luck with you z and your kit transplant lol

[sweetdreams6t9]

I think this would look good with the abflug beet widebody kit... Maybe. That rx7 looks good, almost makes me want one. but either way, good luck if all goes well I may give this some thought.
However, I'm not a fan of exotics, they're too expensive and while they perform you could get a Z to outperform it for a fraction of the cost. They look good but are more of a " I get cause I can" car.

[xclusivez32]

how does the hood open? can you take the fenders off without taking the bumper off? these cars need work no matter how good condition they are in and if the kit makes it harder to get in there it will turn people away

[fairladyzz]

My first car was a cougar, and I'll tell you what I will never downgrade to that look. You really think your gonna sell that kit, just look at how many people are disagreeing with your kit. And if your aiming for people who like exotics well thy usually have money to buy one and those who don't love Z's so don't bother making that aweful kit.

[es.biggs]

This thread makes me want to.....



Vig it's not looking promising bud.

[VigorousZX]

No one likes change, in fact tomorrow I should post the car video on a Cavalier or Civic forum and see what they think

if you make a wide bodi kit for ther back to match the front fenders i'd buy it,not as wide as Z1 vert but slightly as wide as the front fenders is what i want....
good luck with you z and your kit transplant lol

Thanks, I will most likely be modifying the rear but Im not sure if I'll be making it wider... although I would like to.

The bumpers seen here are the designs Im looking to choose from.

I think this would look good with the abflug beet widebody kit... Maybe. That rx7 looks good, almost makes me want one. but either way, good luck if all goes well I may give this some thought.
However, I'm not a fan of exotics, they're too expensive and while they perform you could get a Z to outperform it for a fraction of the cost. They look good but are more of a " I get cause I can" car.

On a another forum I was reading a thread about a U.K. guy considering to buy a Ferrari but he wasnt so sure because after taking a test drive in his friends 360 Modena, he felt people were giving them dirty looks and he felt lots of resentment from other drivers and pedestrians. Forum members told him to get 355 model as it wont look so pretentious.
I wonder what average insurance rates and the cost of replacing parts for an exotic would be... probably really ridiculous.

how does the hood open? can you take the fenders off without taking the bumper off? these cars need work no matter how good condition they are in and if the kit makes it harder to get in there it will turn people away

Just like how the stock hood opens so will the kit, the difference will be that panels will stick out from the sides of the hood when its up. I currently have the fender tips cut and bolts going through it to hold up the bumper... So im not sure as to how the finished product will be mounted. The only difficult part of taking parts apart will be the headlight bolts.
http://i49.tinypic.com/2u5dwli.jpg

My first car was a cougar, and I'll tell you what I will never downgrade to that look. You really think your gonna sell that kit, just look at how many people are disagreeing with your kit. And if your aiming for people who like exotics well thy usually have money to buy one and those who don't love Z's so don't bother making that aweful kit.

Surely there must be people in-between sport car owners and exotic car owners.
Also the Gallardo looks closer to this then a Cougar

[dharr67]

I like what you're doing with the car, it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's different and not in a bad way. Like you've stated you're doing this for you first which i admire. If you sell some you sell some, if not oh well. I'll wait for the finished product until I pass judgement on whether or not I'd buy it, but it seems a lot of the people on here have this nay-sayer attitude so don't let that get you down on YOUR project.

[sweetdreams6t9]

I think Im gonna like reserve my final judgement until its done, I do like it, Im not so sure of the back end but ill wait and see. The third concept of the front looks good. I like custom work, and you should look into incorporating the beet widebody would really make it look more exotic. Ill be keeping my eye on your progress though