The sun was shining and I took some pics... and the rebadging debate...

[G_whizz]

Nice job Beaner! I'll be de-b adging mine soon.Was there a colour difference or outline when you removed the old gadges?

I'm nervous to do mine because I read a couple threads here where the paint was bublled and it didn't go as smoothly as one would think.

Still... nice job brother!

[oldandslow]

I like it Beaner! Gives Your car an exclusive look.

[Beancooker]

Nice job Beaner! I'll be de-b adging mine soon.Was there a colour difference or outline when you removed the old gadges?

I'm nervous to do mine because I read a couple threads here where the paint was bublled and it didn't go as smoothly as one would think.

Still... nice job brother!

There was a slight color difference, but I cut the clear coat on the trunk lid, and polished most of it away. If you are standing within 3 inches, and looking really hard trying to find it, you can see it. Unless you really know what you are looking for, you would never notice it.My paint is in great shape, no bubbles or anything negative to say about it, aside of the front bumper being full of rock chips...

I like it Beaner! Gives Your car an exclusive look.

Thanks!

[Andy_V35Sky_350GT]

Well, I have to give you credit for your tenacity. Not only have you debadged, you’ve under-badged, trying to make your G35 a Nissan. It won’t work for anyone who knows cars and knows that the Skyline 350GT is not sold in this country (We covered this with our friend in the G37 forum who did the same thing).

However, if you really wanted to do a complete job, you must also move the driving position and gauges over to the right, and replace everything that says Infiniti or has the logo like the steering wheel, clock, carpets, seat backs, rim hubs, engine cover, trunk mat, rocker panels, keys, fob, and of course, the owner’s manuals. That should cost you around $8,000, but you would then have a real Skyline.

Dude, I own a real Skyline and I can tell you that they are pretty much so practically one and the same, they come from the same freaking factory. I agree that if your going to rebadge you have to do everything, but c'mon, RHD conversion is just a waste of money and stupid.

I like it Beancooker, don't listen to stupid.

[Magellan]

Dude, I own a real Skyline and I can tell you that they are pretty much so practically one and the same, they come from the same freaking factory. I agree that if your going to rebadge you have to do everything, but c'mon, RHD conversion is just a waste of money and stupid.

I like it Beancooker, don't listen to stupid.

Are you calling me stupid or just the idea of converting to RHD?

[SVTCOBRA]

He was calling the idea not you stupid. JUST AN OPINION.

DON"T TAKE OFF! ALL OPINIONS HERE ARE VALUED.

People do read them and take note.

[Cali 2 Balti G]

Well, I have to give you credit for your tenacity. Not only have you debadged, you’ve under-badged, trying to make your G35 a Nissan. It won’t work for anyone who knows cars and knows that the Skyline 350GT is not sold in this country (We covered this with our friend in the G37 forum who did the same thing).

Your statement above sounds like you are telling the OP that he should have known better to as you say do an incomplete conversion.

Most folks don't know a skyline from an airline. For the folks that do know - they know it is an Infiniti with Nissan badges - big deal. That said - I don't think it is so much or TRYING to pass it off as something it is not. The people who truly know - know it is the same car - just finished for different countries. This is why YOUR car comes with Nissan brand parts from the factory and this is why I can take advantage of cheaper labor rates at the Nissan dealer.

Quote »However, if you really wanted to do a complete job, you must also move the driving position and gauges over to the right, and replace everything that says Infiniti or has the logo like the steering wheel, clock, carpets, seat backs, rim hubs, engine cover, trunk mat, rocker panels, keys, fob, and of course, the owner’s manuals. That should cost you around $8,000, but you would then have a real Skyline. [/quote]I dont think anyone wants to do a complete conversion - doesn't make sense. Folks are just acknowledging the parts underneath the paint.

For myself - I don't ever see me replacing the Infiniti Mount logo with the Nissan Burger. But I have contemplated just switching out infiniti lettering for Skyline. Infiniti Skyline

[Andy_V35Sky_350GT]

The RHD idea is what i called stupid. It makes no logical sense.

If I imported a Corvette from the US and had it converted to RHD, would it be any less a Corvette? No.


Modified by Andy_V35Sky_350GT at 8:20 PM 5/17/2008

[Beancooker]

Thanks for the compliments guys.

[Magellan]

The RHD idea is what i called stupid. It makes no logical sense.

If I imported a Corvette from the US and had it converted to RHD, would it be any less a Corvette? No.

Well, you may be surprised to know that I agree with you; it is a stupid idea.

But that’s not the same as taking a car that’s delivered to the U.S. market as an Infiniti G37 and re-badging it to make appear to be a Skyline 370GT (other than your Australian car which may be a real Skyline). It’s a replica, IMHO, down to the sheet metal and drive train, but there are too many items, as I mentioned before, that would have to be changed to make it an authentic 370GT. In addition to all the other items previously listed, the nav button lettering on real 370GT’s is in Japanese, and the VIN would need to be changed. Put your VIN in a decoder like I did with mine and it will come back as an Infiniti G37! And of course it's illegal to tamper with a car's VIN. So the whole thing appears to be a bit misguided to me.

But what I really want to know, and this is a sincere question, is why do some of you do it? Why under-badge at all? To me, it’s tantamount to re-badging a Lexus ES into a Toyota Camry, or a Mercury Sable into a Ford Taurus. I’m sure there are other cars for which this could be done. But forgetting the snob appeal argument for a second, why would anybody want to do this? Enlighten this old man with something he finds quite odd.

[Andy_V35Sky_350GT]

Putting aside your question about rebadging other makes of vehicles to their cheaper brand counterparts (this has been discussed over and over again). The main reason why hardcore motoring enthuis would change a G35/37 to a Skyline is because of the racing pedigree the Skyline name depicts. Its the history, it goes back almost 50 years.

The Nissan Skyline is to the Japanese automotive/racing/modding scene what a Ferrari Enzo or Lamborghini Diablo is to the Italian exotic supercar scene. They are THE car.

And yes, mine is real, it was imported from Japan, not like it matters anyway.

[Cali 2 Balti G]

Well, you may be surprised to know that I agree with you; it is a stupid idea.

But that’s not the same as taking a car that’s delivered to the U.S. market as an Infiniti G37 and re-badging it to make appear to be a Skyline 370GT (other than your Australian car which may be a real Skyline). It’s a replica, IMHO, down to the sheet metal and drive train, but there are too many items, as I mentioned before, that would have to be changed to make it an authentic 370GT. In addition to all the other items previously listed, the nav button lettering on real 370GT’s is in Japanese, and the VIN would need to be changed. Put your VIN in a decoder like I did with mine and it will come back as an Infiniti G37! And of course it's illegal to tamper with a car's VIN. So the whole thing appears to be a bit misguided to me.

But what I really want to know, and this is a sincere question, is why do some of you do it? Why under-badge at all? To me, it’s tantamount to re-badging a Lexus ES into a Toyota Camry, or a Mercury Sable into a Ford Taurus. I’m sure there are other cars for which this could be done. But forgetting the snob appeal argument for a second, why would anybody want to do this? Enlighten this old man with something he finds quite odd.

As you have stated yourself - this subject has been covered before many times - so if you still haven't been enlightened you likely never will.

You just disagree - which is fine - but understand there is no rule about rebadging. For you it seems like you define rebadging as a full conversion - you are the minority on that one. You keep referencing complete and authentic conversions - none of which the OP is attempting to do.

The Toyota/Camry and Ford/Mercury examples you use are not the same thing. These cars have different body styles than their platform mate. The Nissan Infiniti Skyline G35 is the same exact car, same body. The main difference is the RHD.

Good Luck.

[Beancooker]

But what I really want to know, and this is a sincere question, is why do some of you do it? Why under-badge at all? To me, it’s tantamount to re-badging a Lexus ES into a Toyota Camry, or a Mercury Sable into a Ford Taurus. I’m sure there are other cars for which this could be done. But forgetting the snob appeal argument for a second, why would anybody want to do this? Enlighten this old man with something he finds quite odd.

First, rebadging a Lexus to a Camry is WAY different. A Lexus GS in the JDM is a Toyota Aristo, a Lexus SC is a Toyota Soarer, and a Lexis IS is a Toyota Altezza.

Reasons why I rebadged;

The Skyline heritage, just as Andy-V35 stated.

My dream car is a Nissan Skyline GTR. This may not be a Skyline GTR, but it still is a Skyline, just USDM, not JDM. When I bought this car, *to me* I wasn't buying an Infiniti G35, but I was buying the USDM Nissan Skyline.

You probably are wondering, why didn't I put the GTR badge on my "Skyline"?Simple, it is a Skyline in many other countries, but it isn't a Skyline GTR. I would not take away from the GTR name buy falsely applying it to this car. Now if I dropped an RB26DETT into this car, then I *might* consider adding the GTR badge, but not even sure about that.

Another reason, and you'll like this one:I have had more people look at my car in the last two weeks since I rebadged it, than in the ten months prior that I have owned it. It is a great feeling when someone pulls up from behind you, just to give you a thumbs up. I like the feeling I get when I walk out of the store and someone is looking at my car, and says "nice car". That never happened when I had the Infiniti emblems.

When asked "How did you legalize your Skyline?", I replied, "Easy, anyone can do it. Go to the Infiniti dealership in Fife, they have them on the lot". I won't lie like the kid in the beautiful car thread, and say that I imported it myself.

Now it is an import. My car was manufactured and assembled in Tochigi Japan. 0% US parts. I didn't import it, but it sure wasn't made in the US, and that means it had to have been imported. For that matter, it is assembled in the same factory, and starts on the same assembly line as the Skyline.

Aside of some trim pieces, and drive side, it is a Skyline. The body, power train, and most all the rest of the car is exactly the same. The chassis code (V-35), engine code (VQ35DE) and transmission code (RE5R05A RC33) are the same. Even the paint code (WV2) is the same. The 11th generation (V35) Nissan Skyline, introduced in June 2001, is based on Nissan's FM (front midship) platform, which is shared with the 350Z. The Nissan Skyline uses a front-midship engine (VQ35DE), rear-wheel drive layout (all-wheel drive is available for the sedan) to achieve a 52%/48% weight distribution. The V35 also marks the first generation of Skyline made for export to the United States. There it is sold under the company's luxury brand, Infiniti, as the Infiniti G35.Bold was quoted from an archived page from Nissan's global website.

Also, I don't feel that I have "under-badged" it at all. (please stop saying "under-badging", it has been re-badged, which I'll explain)First, to "under-badge" as I interpret the sense you are using the word, would be if I had slapped a Sentra badge on the car. I didn't do that. I have badged it the same way that the car is sold in more countries then as an Infiniti. The only countries that the Infiniti brand is sold are: U.S., Canada, Russia, the Middle East and Korea. If the car wasn't sold as a Skyline in all other countries, I would almost feel as if I had "over-badged" it. If you really are into Nissans, and know about the Skyline heritage, and what an outstanding car it is it would probably help to understand the reasons why people do this, aside of the attention factor that I stated earlier.

Look at it like this. In the United States, we have an apple. The exact same fruit in Mexico is called manzana, in Korea it is sa gua (사과). Whatever you want to call it, it's still a Malus.

Hopefully this helps answer your question, and gives you some understanding behind the reasons why we do what we do.

[rn79870]

"There are no laws or rules when it comes to building a hot rod or personalizing your car." -Chip Foose. 2006

[G_whizz]

First, rebadging a Lexus to a Camry is WAY different. A Lexus GS in the JDM is a Toyota Aristo, a Lexus SC is a Toyota Soarer, and a Lexis IS is a Toyota Altezza.

Reasons why I rebadged;

The Skyline heritage, just as Andy-V35 stated.

My dream car is a Nissan Skyline GTR. This may not be a Skyline GTR, but it still is a Skyline, just USDM, not JDM. When I bought this car, *to me* I wasn't buying an Infiniti G35, but I was buying the USDM Nissan Skyline.

You probably are wondering why then, why did I not put the GTR badge on my "Skyline"?Simple, it is a Skyline in many other countries, but it isn't a Skyline GTR. I would not take away from the GTR name buy falsely applying it to this car. Now if I dropped an RB26DETT into this car, then I *might* consider adding the GTR badge, but not even sure about that.

Another reason, and you'll like this one:I have had more people look at my car in the last two weeks since I rebadged it, than in the ten months prior that I have owned it. It is a great feeling when someone pulls up from behind you, just to give you a thumbs up. I like the feeling I get when I walk out of the store and someone is looking at my car, and says "nice car". That never happened when I had the Infiniti emblems.

When asked "How did you legalize your Skyline?", I replied, "Easy, anyone can do it. Go to the Infiniti dealership in Fife, they have them on the lot". I won't lie like the kid in the beautiful car thread, and say that I imported it myself.

Now it is an import. My car was manufactured and assembled in Tochigi Japan. 0% US parts. I didn't import it, but it sure wasn't made in the US, and that means it had to have been imported. For that matter, it is assembled in the same factory, and starts on the same assembly line as the Skyline.

Aside of some trim pieces, and drive side, it is a Skyline. The body, power train, and most all the rest of the car is exactly the same. The chassis code (V-35), engine code (VQ35DE) and transmission code (RE5R05A RC33) are the same. Even the paint code (WV2) is the same. The 11th generation (V35) Nissan Skyline, introduced in June 2001, is based on Nissan's FM (front midship) platform, which is shared with the 350Z. The Nissan Skyline uses a front-midship engine (VQ35DE), rear-wheel drive layout (all-wheel drive is available for the sedan) to achieve a 52%/48% weight distribution. The V35 also marks the first generation of Skyline made for export to the United States. There it is sold under the company's luxury brand, Infiniti, as the Infiniti G35.Bold was quoted from an archived page from Nissan's global website.

Also, I don't feel that I have "under-badged" it at all. (please stop saying "under-badging", it has been re-badged, which I'll explain)First, to "under-badge" as I interpret the sense you are using the word, would be if I had slapped a Sentra badge on the car. I didn't do that. I have badged it the same way that the car is sold in more countries then as an Infiniti. The only countries that the Infiniti brand is sold are: U.S., Canada, Russia, the Middle East and Korea. If the car wasn't sold as a Skyline in all other countries, I would almost feel as if I had "over-badged" it. If you really are into Nissans, and know about the Skyline heritage, and what an outstanding car it is it would probably help to understand the reasons why people do this, aside of the attention factor that I stated earlier.

Look at it like this. In the United States, we have an apple. The exact same fruit in Mexico is called manzana, in Korea it is sa gua (사과). Whatever you want to call it, it's still a Malus.

Hopefully this helps answer your question, and gives you some understanding behind the reasons why we do what we do.

And with that... school's out!!

Nice job Bean!

[Magellan]

Putting aside your question about rebadging other makes of vehicles to their cheaper brand counterparts (this has been discussed over and over again). The main reason why hardcore motoring enthuis would change a G35/37 to a Skyline is because of the racing pedigree the Skyline name depicts. Its the history, it goes back almost 50 years.

The Nissan Skyline is to the Japanese automotive/racing/modding scene what a Ferrari Enzo or Lamborghini Diablo is to the Italian exotic supercar scene. They are THE car.

And yes, mine is real, it was imported from Japan, not like it matters anyway.

Well, that’s an answer that I can appreciate, and sheds some light on why it’s done. Apparently you and Beancooker are quite adamant about this. Of course, you’re certainly entitled to do what ever you want with your cars, even though the concept is strange to me. Frankly, I glad it’s not one of those “I want people to notice me” low self-esteem things that is unflattering to any G37 (oops, 370GT) owner.

[WDRacing]

Love that shot man. Car looks beautiful and the backdrop is excellent.

Personally I like the re badged look. Personality is everything in people, but it also plays a huge role in your car. If you have a whole group of guys that have the same job, drink the same beer, wear the same clothes and have the same opinion on everything, what you end up with is boring. The same applies to your car...if you can't grasp that simple concept then just get in line with the rest of the sheeple and wait for your turn to die. While the rest of us stroll through life with a smile because we're making ourselves and the ones around us happy. What I ask could possibly be bad about that? The differences that set us apart are what make us a profoundly interesting group.

Good job Beans

WD

[BigWill]

275/40/18 and 245/45/18 is the exact same height. All that changes is the width.

Sidewall: 4.3 inRadius: 13.3 inDiameter: 26.7 inCircumference: 83.3 inRevs/mile: 756.0

Tire size calculator

Discount tire confirmed these statistics.

Where the hell did Magellan go? I was enjoying our little debate.

You are correct sir. I didn't realize that you were running 45 series in the front. I had 275/30/19 and 245/35/19 on mine.

[CYO44Baseball32]

Very nice! wonderful job on the re-badging. Big fan of the 350GT look on the G35's, originally wanted to do it to my G37 but decided I didn't like it. Overall very sweet man keep up the good work!

[TeflonG35]

I like how this post went from a proud car owner sharing pics of his car onto a debate over badging a car. There have been many pages about badging or de-badging and in the end it just comes down to the taste of the owner of the car. Just enjoy the pretty pictures.

[Slider4105]

+1 for the NICO stickers and the re-badging looking good. AANNNND let the debate continue
Modified by Slider4105 at 6:39 PM 5/18/2008

[Magellan]

+1 for the NICO stickers and the re-badging looking good. AANNNND let the debate continue

Well, it’s not much of a debate when I seem to be the only one taking my position. But that’s OK, I’m used to it. I’ve got more topics for which I may stand alone again. They include:

• Illegal mods• Over modding (i.e., tastelessness)• No front license plate in states that require them• Lying to insurance companies and/or a judge• Aftermarket rims (often a wasteful, expensive endeavor)• Nav hacking• Disconnecting any safety device (e.g., TPMS)• Cop haters• Bad English (Doesn’t anyone know how to spell the word definitely?)

Take your pick; they’re bound to come up, and I’ll be ready like a spider waiting, just waiting.

[Slider4105]

Debate - A discussion involving opposing points; an argument.

Knowing how to spell is nice. I'm more partial to knowing what a word means though, since you can generally guess what someone is saying if they spell it close enough. Even if everyone else has a different point of view you can still debate your side.

Plus I would vote that this statement

Take your pick; they’re bound to come up, and I’ll be ready like a spider waiting, just waiting.

means you're just trolling around looking for something to flame on. Like Beancooker said, if you don't like it fine but you don't need to rain on his parade.

[jdshift]

^ Could have not said it better myself...........my thought's exactly

[brizanden]

• Aftermarket rims (often a wasteful, expensive endeavor)• Nav hacking

ok first, the wheel thing. Aftermarket wheels are not a waste. they allow you to significantly change the look of your car from everyone elses. Also they are not wasteful if they are lighter then the set youhad on before. Its something like every ounce you shave from unsprung weight(wheels are included in this category), you save 11lbs comparatively to other lighting of the chasis. So if you race in anyway i dont see how it is wasteful.

Also nav hacking? dude if i own the car you better be damn sure im gonna mess with the electronics its just my nature. That is way i am studying computer science.

[CYO44Baseball32]

Take your pick; they’re bound to come up, and I’ll be ready like a spider waiting, just waiting.

Plus I would vote that this statement means you're just trolling around looking for something to flame on. Like Beancooker said, if you don't like it fine but you don't need to rain on his parade.

+1 +1 +1 def (btw i can spell definitely, just quicker. I knew that was directed at me) means hes just looking to hate and bash everyone.

By starting this you turned a nice de-badge job by bean into a whole fiasco. I hope this thread doesn't get locked because of flaming like mine did when I post my pics at the beach.

Still love the de-badging bean!

[Magellan]

Plus I would vote that this statement means you're just trolling around looking for something to flame on. Like Beancooker said, if you don't like it fine but you don't need to rain on his parade.

I don’t need to be here at all. I’m really tired of being called names, in this case a troll. The fact is you cannot stand opinions that don’t fit into the general mod-happy mold so you attack by calling names. I don’t belong here. I guess I’m just too old and conservative for you kids, and I certainly don’t need to take any more of your crap. I quit.

Moderators: Please remove me from membership, or what ever you need to do to delete my ID.

[brizanden]

^yes.... +1 for the "kids". LIke how u ignored my reasoning for your list of "uncalled" for mods.

[SVTCOBRA]

I don’t need to be here at all. I’m really tired of being called names, in this case a troll. The fact is you cannot stand opinions that don’t fit into the general mod-happy mold so you attack by calling names. I don’t belong here. I guess I’m just too old and conservative for you kids, and I certainly don’t need to take any more of your crap. I quit.

Moderators: Please remove me from membership, or what ever you need to do to delete my ID.

Well, you did mention hanging out on the wall like an angry spider waiting to pounce......not sure if that's the definition of a troll, but might be close.

Hate to see you go, but sounds like you don't appreciate the other views here either.

[G_whizz]

Well, you did mention hanging out on the wall like an angry spider waiting to pounce......not sure if that's the definition of a troll, but might be close.

Hate to see you go, but sounds like you don't appreciate the other views here either.

That is 150% true Rich... you summed it up perfectly.

Magellan... you can't make a statement like you did and not possibly expect people to react the way they did??!

I won't delete your account, it will remain active in case you need a few days to cool off and return.