Champ's semi-progress thread
12-02-2011, 09:39 PM
#1
Champ's semi-progress thread
I have been a member for three years or so and I haven't posted a thread about my car or anything. So I guess it is time since I'm about to spend over 5k aesthetic mods very soon. Unfortunately, I don't have pics of my car when I bought it, but I'm sure you all know how a NBP looks like stock.
I installed Type-S tails, installed the A SPEC kit (from Tim!), and bought some Gunmetal A SPEC wheels. I also gave JNC my headlights to do the V2 blackout with ZKW-r lens -- I later installed authentic ZKW lens.
I then bought some clear tails from USR, a vendor on AZ. Simon was a great help!
After countless washes from cheap public car washes and from the dealer I realized something wasn't right after every wash because I see more and more swirls on my car. I spent long hours reading through several detailing sites along with our very own Wash & Wax here on Acurazine. I finally got the balls and bought the PC 7424XP buffer and other items. At the same time, I purchased some G37 wheels. I plasti-dipped them recently. Also purchased some SP3 and Eibach springs from gerzand.
For the detailing people, I used: (detailersdomain.com)
M105
Prima Cut, Amigo, and Epic
2 Yellow Uber Pads
2 White Uber Pads
2 Black Uber Pads
Tons of Uber Microfiber Pads (Uber aka all from Detailing Domain, a vendor)
Cleaned wheels with Sonax Wheel Cleaner (best stuff ever made)
Clay with Uber Clay and used Adam's Detailing Spray for Lube.
Prima Nero for tire shine (best overall tire shine I have ever used)
Tons of Adam's APC (all purpose cleaner) for engine bay, fender wall, and tires.
Before:
After:
Some shots of the G37 wheels (before drop)
Sold my previous pair of headlights to Ralph and bought a pair of Type-S headlights and sent them to Bruce (AckTL05) to pimp them up.
So far that is about it. I'm planning to paint my car Jet Black in Jan. along with getting the new XXR 530 wheels. Also planning on doing the Navi conversion and installing switchbacks + Osram CBI bulbs.
I installed Type-S tails, installed the A SPEC kit (from Tim!), and bought some Gunmetal A SPEC wheels. I also gave JNC my headlights to do the V2 blackout with ZKW-r lens -- I later installed authentic ZKW lens.
I then bought some clear tails from USR, a vendor on AZ. Simon was a great help!
After countless washes from cheap public car washes and from the dealer I realized something wasn't right after every wash because I see more and more swirls on my car. I spent long hours reading through several detailing sites along with our very own Wash & Wax here on Acurazine. I finally got the balls and bought the PC 7424XP buffer and other items. At the same time, I purchased some G37 wheels. I plasti-dipped them recently. Also purchased some SP3 and Eibach springs from gerzand.
For the detailing people, I used: (detailersdomain.com)
M105
Prima Cut, Amigo, and Epic
2 Yellow Uber Pads
2 White Uber Pads
2 Black Uber Pads
Tons of Uber Microfiber Pads (Uber aka all from Detailing Domain, a vendor)
Cleaned wheels with Sonax Wheel Cleaner (best stuff ever made)
Clay with Uber Clay and used Adam's Detailing Spray for Lube.
Prima Nero for tire shine (best overall tire shine I have ever used)
Tons of Adam's APC (all purpose cleaner) for engine bay, fender wall, and tires.
Before:
After:
Some shots of the G37 wheels (before drop)
Sold my previous pair of headlights to Ralph and bought a pair of Type-S headlights and sent them to Bruce (AckTL05) to pimp them up.
So far that is about it. I'm planning to paint my car Jet Black in Jan. along with getting the new XXR 530 wheels. Also planning on doing the Navi conversion and installing switchbacks + Osram CBI bulbs.
12-02-2011, 09:43 PM
#2
The plasti-dip wheels look ugly in that pic, but looks a lot better in person. Also they have been on the car for months so the plasti-dip is wearing off in color from all the brake dust and other things so hopefully that doesn't sway anyone from trying to plasti-dip there rims if they want.
12-03-2011, 07:50 AM
#5
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Looks great dude! The G37 wheels look great but I'm excited to see the new shoes on 
12-03-2011, 08:31 AM
#6
Race Director
iTrader: (8)
Sweet progress Champ =)
About time you posted your car LOL
About time you posted your car LOL
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12-03-2011, 09:52 AM
#8
Registered 3.5L Member
12-03-2011, 03:09 PM
#13
Nice!
Those headlights are fckin sickk..
^^And yeah, whats wrong with varrstoens?
I just don't think it's common sense to spend over $4,000 for some wheels. I rather spend around $1,000 on wheels and keep the $3,000 for anything. Heck, you could get a set of coilovers, a-spec lip kit, exhaust system AND have leftover cash for whatever the heck you want.
Those headlights are fckin sickk..
^^And yeah, whats wrong with varrstoens?
I just don't think it's common sense to spend over $4,000 for some wheels. I rather spend around $1,000 on wheels and keep the $3,000 for anything. Heck, you could get a set of coilovers, a-spec lip kit, exhaust system AND have leftover cash for whatever the heck you want.
Last edited by Steven Bell; 12-04-2011 at 03:09 PM. Reason: Merged Posts.
12-03-2011, 05:17 PM
#14
N0w $hiftinG N/A
^^And yeah, whats wrong with varrstoens?
I just don't think it's common sense to spend over $4,000 for some wheels. I rather spend around $1,000 on wheels and keep the $3,000 for anything. Heck, you could get a set of coilovers, a-spec lip kit, exhaust system AND have leftover cash for whatever the heck you want.
I just don't think it's common sense to spend over $4,000 for some wheels. I rather spend around $1,000 on wheels and keep the $3,000 for anything. Heck, you could get a set of coilovers, a-spec lip kit, exhaust system AND have leftover cash for whatever the heck you want.
agreed get some xxrs staggerd niceley and call it a day and the rest of that 3k goes into some performance like rv6 dual exhaust n etc lol but keep up the good work keep it clean for us fellow NBP tls .
12-03-2011, 05:28 PM
#15
Thanks!
Well I'm spending the other money on painting my car a different black. I think I want Jet Black, but I'm not sure. Anyone know of a better black?
I was also thinking just not going with the Navigation system and just get a full RV6 exhaust system, but I'm going to delay that to another time.
Well I'm spending the other money on painting my car a different black. I think I want Jet Black, but I'm not sure. Anyone know of a better black?
I was also thinking just not going with the Navigation system and just get a full RV6 exhaust system, but I'm going to delay that to another time.
12-03-2011, 05:47 PM
#16
Racer
I've always wondered what your car looked like Champ, now I've seen it and it looks sick so far. never been a fan of modded tails, but I will say those clear ones definitely look better than the TypeS.
can't wait to see it with the XXR's on, it's gonna be tight!
as far as the black, I'd just look around at any color black that auto manufacturers offer. I will say, I once had a 00 Civic Si in Flamenco Black Pearl and I liked that color a lot! or you could pick a black, then add some blue/gold/dk cherry to it and make a completely custom color. that would be sick IMO
can't wait to see it with the XXR's on, it's gonna be tight!
as far as the black, I'd just look around at any color black that auto manufacturers offer. I will say, I once had a 00 Civic Si in Flamenco Black Pearl and I liked that color a lot! or you could pick a black, then add some blue/gold/dk cherry to it and make a completely custom color. that would be sick IMO
12-04-2011, 11:27 AM
#17
Haha thanks.
I'm still in debate on what color, let alone even painting it. I know I am going to get the CBI bulbs, switchbacks, and wheels/tires. But I'm not sure if the Navigation is worth forking out 2k for it instead of installing a full RV6 system or even using the extra money to save for a turbo. Still undecided, but I was hoping I'd lean toward aesthetics than go straight for performance after.
I'm still in debate on what color, let alone even painting it. I know I am going to get the CBI bulbs, switchbacks, and wheels/tires. But I'm not sure if the Navigation is worth forking out 2k for it instead of installing a full RV6 system or even using the extra money to save for a turbo. Still undecided, but I was hoping I'd lean toward aesthetics than go straight for performance after.
12-04-2011, 01:38 PM
#19
And since I have a feeing Ur going to ask me "what makes them generic?'
95% of the wheels these cheaper brands offer are replicas of quality wheels. On top of that. The reason for such a low price is because they're poured into a mold rather than cutting it out of a solid block of alum. Hence the word forged, making it a lot lighter and stronger.
I know I'd get a lot of hate from saying this but, why would you put generic rims on a quality car? It's like wearing brand name jeans, brand name shirt, brand name watch, brand name hat but having shoes from payless hahaha. Put it this way. Ur down grading from stock rims "Enkei" to XXR.
One thing I try to follow is, take the plunge on an authentic rim you love and you'll never regret it.
BUUUUUUT. its your car and you can do what you want with it
Last edited by Steven Bell; 12-04-2011 at 03:10 PM. Reason: Merged Posts.
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12-04-2011, 03:12 PM
#20
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Nice job Champ-love the headlights.
12-04-2011, 03:44 PM
#23
My first choice of wheels were the Volks TE37, but I'm not sure. We'll see how it goes. I was a never fan of "fancy" wheels till now. I'm usually very cheap when it comes to wheels. I think it is just because everyone in Texas loves getting 24" spinners. lawl
i feel bad for you LOL. Volk TE37 always a classic
12-04-2011, 05:05 PM
#25
One thing I always did was constantly search online forums (club lex, acurazine, g35driver, myg37, zilvia etc) for a really good deal on some hammered up rims and refinish them myself to MY liking. I end up saving up to a G when I did that....but thats because I do all the work myself. The lowest ive ever seen some TE's go for was 1200-1500, granted they werent in great condition, they were workable. and a lot of the times they came with tires. so if you really think about it. XXR rims would go around that price WITH tires. Im assuming tho because ive NEVER priced, ROTA, XXR, etc etc.
The funny thing is, heres my little secret that im now exposing. I started out with these WEAK 5zigen rims, got them for 200, refinished them, sold them for 600, bought another set of rims for around that price, refinished them, sold them for 1200, found another set of rims for around that price, refinished them and so on and so forth until I had 2500 19" Work S1's. Started to work on those refinishing the face in BRUSHED ALUM (ONE OF A KIND) I bet people wanna see what brushed alum S1's look like now O_O << this is how/why I became wheel whore LOL, But I had some financial issues that needed taking care of so I ended up selling the S1's without finishing the project.
Like Jay said, you can get some used quality wheels for a good price.
The funny thing is, heres my little secret that im now exposing. I started out with these WEAK 5zigen rims, got them for 200, refinished them, sold them for 600, bought another set of rims for around that price, refinished them, sold them for 1200, found another set of rims for around that price, refinished them and so on and so forth until I had 2500 19" Work S1's. Started to work on those refinishing the face in BRUSHED ALUM (ONE OF A KIND) I bet people wanna see what brushed alum S1's look like now O_O << this is how/why I became wheel whore LOL, But I had some financial issues that needed taking care of so I ended up selling the S1's without finishing the project.
Like Jay said, you can get some used quality wheels for a good price.
12-04-2011, 05:29 PM
#26
One thing I always did was constantly search online forums (club lex, acurazine, g35driver, myg37, zilvia etc) for a really good deal on some hammered up rims and refinish them myself to MY liking. I end up saving up to a G when I did that....but thats because I do all the work myself. The lowest ive ever seen some TE's go for was 1200-1500, granted they werent in great condition, they were workable. and a lot of the times they came with tires. so if you really think about it. XXR rims would go around that price WITH tires. Im assuming tho because ive NEVER priced, ROTA, XXR, etc etc.
The funny thing is, heres my little secret that im now exposing. I started out with these WEAK 5zigen rims, got them for 200, refinished them, sold them for 600, bought another set of rims for around that price, refinished them, sold them for 1200, found another set of rims for around that price, refinished them and so on and so forth until I had 2500 19" Work S1's. Started to work on those refinishing the face in BRUSHED ALUM (ONE OF A KIND) I bet people wanna see what brushed alum S1's look like now O_O << this is how/why I became wheel whore LOL, But I had some financial issues that needed taking care of so I ended up selling the S1's without finishing the project.
Like Jay said, you can get some used quality wheels for a good price.
The funny thing is, heres my little secret that im now exposing. I started out with these WEAK 5zigen rims, got them for 200, refinished them, sold them for 600, bought another set of rims for around that price, refinished them, sold them for 1200, found another set of rims for around that price, refinished them and so on and so forth until I had 2500 19" Work S1's. Started to work on those refinishing the face in BRUSHED ALUM (ONE OF A KIND) I bet people wanna see what brushed alum S1's look like now O_O << this is how/why I became wheel whore LOL, But I had some financial issues that needed taking care of so I ended up selling the S1's without finishing the project.
Like Jay said, you can get some used quality wheels for a good price.
$1400 for some Bronze TE-37 (Almost no curb/no tires 18x8.5 +30). Yay or Nay? (mmmm More expensive/nicer wheels or cheaper wheels + paint job-- interesting)
Last edited by Steven Bell; 12-05-2011 at 09:36 PM. Reason: Merged Posts.
12-05-2011, 08:31 PM
#34
a 9.5 or 10 inch wide wheel would require you to pull and roll your fenders... I believe 8.5 wouldn't be a problem but what do I know.
I just love the way the te-37 looks. Especially in bronze on a black car.
UA9 - TL SH-AWD
UA8 - 09-12 TL
UA7 - 07-08 TL Type-S
UA6 - 04-08 TL
UA5 - 02-03 TL Type-S
12-05-2011, 08:45 PM
#35
Pro
^+1
I have CCWs
^+2 Those are dope.
Simply put, they're generic.
And since I have a feeing Ur going to ask me "what makes them generic?'
95% of the wheels these cheaper brands offer are replicas of quality wheels. On top of that. The reason for such a low price is because they're poured into a mold rather than cutting it out of a solid block of alum. Hence the word forged, making it a lot lighter and stronger.
I know I'd get a lot of hate from saying this but, why would you put generic rims on a quality car? It's like wearing brand name jeans, brand name shirt, brand name watch, brand name hat but having shoes from payless hahaha. Put it this way. Ur down grading from stock rims "Enkei" to XXR.
One thing I try to follow is, take the plunge on an authentic rim you love and you'll never regret it.
BUUUUUUT. its your car and you can do what you want with it
And since I have a feeing Ur going to ask me "what makes them generic?'
95% of the wheels these cheaper brands offer are replicas of quality wheels. On top of that. The reason for such a low price is because they're poured into a mold rather than cutting it out of a solid block of alum. Hence the word forged, making it a lot lighter and stronger.
I know I'd get a lot of hate from saying this but, why would you put generic rims on a quality car? It's like wearing brand name jeans, brand name shirt, brand name watch, brand name hat but having shoes from payless hahaha. Put it this way. Ur down grading from stock rims "Enkei" to XXR.
One thing I try to follow is, take the plunge on an authentic rim you love and you'll never regret it.
BUUUUUUT. its your car and you can do what you want with it
I have CCWs^+2 Those are dope.
12-05-2011, 09:17 PM
#36
The problem is that "weak" is relative...+30 is NOT weak and allows you to roll fender and run near 0 camber. I personally like the look of a flush but straight wheel rather than a 12" wheel and pulled fenders and negative 9 camber. But that's MY opinion. 
Great progress thread, man...great looking car. Personally, I'd keep on rockin those G37 wheels...although I'd remove the plastidip...they have such a gorgeous finish, are light, are 19's and are a quality rim.
PS...I half expected to see a documentation of you getting a boner. You know... "the champs semi: progress thread" LOL.
Great progress thread, man...great looking car. Personally, I'd keep on rockin those G37 wheels...although I'd remove the plastidip...they have such a gorgeous finish, are light, are 19's and are a quality rim.
PS...I half expected to see a documentation of you getting a boner. You know... "the champs semi: progress thread" LOL.
12-05-2011, 09:23 PM
#37
^lol meet me at my place
I was thinking that also. I was thinking about keeping my wheels and just powdercoating them to a different color. I just hate going near a G37 on the street because I hope they don't realize I jacked there wheel LOL
We'll just see-- I'm so confused on what I'm going to do.
I was thinking that also. I was thinking about keeping my wheels and just powdercoating them to a different color. I just hate going near a G37 on the street because I hope they don't realize I jacked there wheel LOL
We'll just see-- I'm so confused on what I'm going to do.
12-05-2011, 11:14 PM
#38
$1400 for some Bronze TE-37 (Almost no curb/no tires 18x8.5 +30). Yay or Nay? (mmmm More expensive/nicer wheels or cheaper wheels + paint job-- interesting)
ehhhhh i woud not buy em but what do i know, even with meaty tires and stock camber that would look hella sunk might i recommend searching Club Lexus, Zilvia, or g35 driver for wheels. all them cars run 5x114.3
12-06-2011, 07:03 AM
#39
I get you...but at the end of they day...they are some badazz, lightweight, enkeis that HAPPEN to be a factory option for the G37. If you remove the idea of them being associated with another car...they are GORGEOUS wheels and happen to fit the styling of the 3G PERFECTLY! Had I found a great deal on em, I probably would have jumped on that rather than my work wheels.
what time should I get there? I'll have the HD vid ready.
what time should I get there? I'll have the HD vid ready.