| ImPrEzZzZZA | 11-19-2004 12:18 PM |
Gruppe-S WRC wing review.
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I was in search for a wing that would compliment my car's current theme (wrc) and naturally I opted for the WRC wing. I didn't feel like spending the extra 14,500$ to buy the real deal so I decided to get a replica.
There are three vendors that I know of that carry this wing. One being Gimmiegears, Gruppe-S, and NeoDesigns. A friend of mine from the boards purchased the Gimmiegears wing and it looked great. I was considering the Neodesigns wing as I read a great review of it but it was a tad more expensive than the Gruppe-S wing. I've done tons of business with Gruppe-S in the past from purchasing large items to small items. They always seemed courteous and I've never had a problem with them in the past.
I ended up purchasing the wing for a price of 395$ shipped to my door. I was pretty excited as the wing was slated to arrive within 3 business days. The wing arrived in a big box and I eagerly sliced it open. To my surprise, the only thing that was protecting the wing was a couple of styrofoam corners that held the wing in place. I shrugged it off and pulled the wing out of it's box. There was dust everywhere from the fiberglass I'm guessing. The construction of the wing was very poor as there was still bondo, sealer, and fiberglass everywhere. There was also a crack in the middle of the wing that was poorly sealed up as well. I'm aware that there's a disclaimer on the web site but for 400$ I expected more. The 2 holes on the side of the wing were filled up with sealer as well. I'm still unclear as to why they did that.
I am now getting the wing painted from a body shop which is charging me a little extra for all the prep work that needs to be done to the wing. For that money I was better off buying the Neodesigns wing.
Here's a picture of the wing, you can see the crack on the bottom and the holes that were filled. The edges and top of the wing are also very rough.
[IMG]http://members.cox.net/imprezahks/shoes.jpg[/IMG]
In short, if you're considering a WRC wing replica I'd suggest a different place to buy it from as this one needs too much work for something that cost so much.
-Anthony
There are three vendors that I know of that carry this wing. One being Gimmiegears, Gruppe-S, and NeoDesigns. A friend of mine from the boards purchased the Gimmiegears wing and it looked great. I was considering the Neodesigns wing as I read a great review of it but it was a tad more expensive than the Gruppe-S wing. I've done tons of business with Gruppe-S in the past from purchasing large items to small items. They always seemed courteous and I've never had a problem with them in the past.
I ended up purchasing the wing for a price of 395$ shipped to my door. I was pretty excited as the wing was slated to arrive within 3 business days. The wing arrived in a big box and I eagerly sliced it open. To my surprise, the only thing that was protecting the wing was a couple of styrofoam corners that held the wing in place. I shrugged it off and pulled the wing out of it's box. There was dust everywhere from the fiberglass I'm guessing. The construction of the wing was very poor as there was still bondo, sealer, and fiberglass everywhere. There was also a crack in the middle of the wing that was poorly sealed up as well. I'm aware that there's a disclaimer on the web site but for 400$ I expected more. The 2 holes on the side of the wing were filled up with sealer as well. I'm still unclear as to why they did that.
I am now getting the wing painted from a body shop which is charging me a little extra for all the prep work that needs to be done to the wing. For that money I was better off buying the Neodesigns wing.
Here's a picture of the wing, you can see the crack on the bottom and the holes that were filled. The edges and top of the wing are also very rough.
[IMG]http://members.cox.net/imprezahks/shoes.jpg[/IMG]
In short, if you're considering a WRC wing replica I'd suggest a different place to buy it from as this one needs too much work for something that cost so much.
-Anthony
| White 2.5rs | 11-19-2004 12:22 PM |
call gruppe s, theyre really nice guys
| migs76 | 11-19-2004 12:40 PM |
there is a disclaimer on the gruppe-s website. i'm sure you read it and knew what you were getting in to. i'm sure after all the prep work is done, it will look nice. honestly, how can you expect more for $400? if you ordered the real deal and got crappy craftsmanship, then i could understand. $400+prep work is still < $14,500.
| ImPrEzZzZZA | 11-19-2004 01:40 PM |
[QUOTE=migs76]there is a disclaimer on the gruppe-s website. i'm sure you read it and knew what you were getting in to. i'm sure after all the prep work is done, it will look nice. honestly, how can you expect more for $400? if you ordered the real deal and got crappy craftsmanship, then i could understand. $400+prep work is still < $14,500.[/QUOTE]
I read the disclaimer, if you read my post you would have read it. I'm sure you would like to fork over 400$ for a wing as well and get that. How can I expect more for 400$? You talk as though 400$ is a walk in the park for most people. From where I come from 400$ is hard work. The Neodesigns wing is not much more and it comes prepped with the correct holes on the side that are not filled. Thank you for your contemptuous input :)
I read the disclaimer, if you read my post you would have read it. I'm sure you would like to fork over 400$ for a wing as well and get that. How can I expect more for 400$? You talk as though 400$ is a walk in the park for most people. From where I come from 400$ is hard work. The Neodesigns wing is not much more and it comes prepped with the correct holes on the side that are not filled. Thank you for your contemptuous input :)
| migs76 | 11-19-2004 02:07 PM |
i was in no means trying to be contemptuous or start an argument. just trying to see it on both ends. they wrote it, you read it. you took a chance. and that's that. and is $400 a walk in the park for me?...that question is irrelevant. but $400+prep is still better than paying $14,000+. i guess all i'm trying to say is caveat emptor. if you're really that unhappy, return it, pay the restocking and shipping fees and get the neodesigns. as i said before, once it's all finished and prepped, i'm sure it will great.
| ImPrEzZzZZA | 11-19-2004 02:56 PM |
I was merely posting a review. I've done business with Gruppe-S many times, they have great service and the products that I've recieved are top notch with the exception of this one. If I were to pay the restocking fee then that would cost me more money in the long run, and of course we all know money grows on trees :rolleyes:. I never said 400$ was a walk in the park for you, I merely stated that 400$ is hard to come by. Yes, 14,500$ is harder to come by but money is money and should not be wasted. Like I said, I'm just posting a review of the product for any potential buyers.
Oh and I hate to be the grammar police but it wouldn't hurt to make a little more sense out of your future posts.. ;)
Thanks for your input,
-Anthony
Oh and I hate to be the grammar police but it wouldn't hurt to make a little more sense out of your future posts.. ;)
Thanks for your input,
-Anthony
| yertle | 11-19-2004 02:59 PM |
All he's saying is if you want a replica WRC wing, buy it from Neodesigns... because even if it's more expensive, you'll get more for your money and pay less in the end. It was a simple review of this single Gruppe-S's product, a just because it's a negative review doens't mean it's bad.
| ImPrEzZzZZA | 11-19-2004 03:10 PM |
[QUOTE=yertle]All he's saying is if you want a replica WRC wing, buy it from Neodesigns... because even if it's more expensive, you'll get more for your money and pay less in the end. It was a simple review of this single Gruppe-S's product, a just because it's a negative review doens't mean it's bad.[/QUOTE]
Thank you :)
Thank you :)
| migs76 | 11-19-2004 03:35 PM |
i also see that you corrected your spelling. i wasn't going to go there. ;) again, irrelevant. i understand it was review and took it only as that. i'm sorry you didn't get what you paid for. sucks you didn't get your $400 worth.
| 02R6 | 11-19-2004 03:46 PM |
[QUOTE=ImPrEzZzZZA]Oh and I hate to be the grammar police but it wouldn't hurt to make a little more sense out of your future posts.. ;)[/QUOTE]
I'll refrain from pointing out the grammatical errors in your posts, Tony. ;)
I'll refrain from pointing out the grammatical errors in your posts, Tony. ;)
| BurtonCR | 11-19-2004 04:05 PM |
Guess what? The REAL deal WRC wing does not have the best contruction either. A friend and member of the board actually picked one up from a wrecked wrc car. Its all carbon and there are pin holes everywhere. It definitely would not impress me if I didnt know its background story.
Racing component do not always equal pretty components.
- chris
Racing component do not always equal pretty components.
- chris
| bahboy20 | 11-19-2004 05:34 PM |
well
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sucks that the wing wasnt what you are expecting. $400 or not, I would be unhappy as well getting a product (new) that was cracked, and rough, and messed up.
However, I am too lazy to go find the disclaimer, any one care to share what it says?
dan
However, I am too lazy to go find the disclaimer, any one care to share what it says?
dan
| yertle | 11-19-2004 05:36 PM |
The majority of our body kits and components are manufactured from hand-laid fiberglass. What this means that in order to create a uniform thickness in fiberglass components (versus sprayed, etc.) the fiberglass is hand-laid.
Things to know:
Fiberglass and carbon fiber is used extensively in high performance aftermarket applications because the material is strong and durable, yet the fixed costs of production are far less than ABS plastic or Aluminum molds -- which can easily cost upwards of $150,000 USD. However, the drawbacks and what most buyers are not aware of, is that because of the innate characteristics of hand-laid fiberglass and carbon fiber there are often cosmetic blemishes on these products. This includes spider-cracks which are the direct result of having to remove or "pop" the finished product from the mold, as well as bubbling which is the result of the natural curing of the resin. This is COMPLETELY NORMAL and will occur on all aftermarket fiberglass components including those from "name-brand" manufacturers (personally witnessed) such as Nismo, Mugen, TRD, RalliArt, Mazdaspeed, etc. Furthermore, due to the tolerances of hand-laid components and the wear on the molds, fiberglass and carbon fiber components generally do not fit as well as the original ABS or sheet-metal components that they are intended to replace. Therefore, IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BODY SHOP to properly prep and pre-fit the body components BEFORE PAINTING. Most body-shops experienced with fiberglass work will include the cost of prepping in their installation quote (after all, proper prepping is required for a properly finished product). Although most of our components come pre-primered it is STILL NECESSARY for the body shop to properly prep, pre-fit, and primer the product. Please remind your body shop that these are not ABS plastic or sheet metal components, they CANNOT JUST SPRAY AND PRAY!
Gruppe-S Policies:
Unlike many of the other importers and retailers that purchase their fiberglass products by the truckload and rush products to market without testing, we extensively test all the products we sell. Every new product that is considered by our buyers is tested thoroughly on the respective vehicles and checked for durability and fitment. We have also established long term relationships with many suppliers and manufacturers that we know to produce high quality products and to enact high standards in quality control. This ensures that we offer the best possible product to our customers.
1. Therefore, Gruppe-S will not accept responsibility for any improper painting, pre-fitment, or prepping of any fiberglass or carbon fiber body component. There are absolutely no refunds on pre-prepped or pre-painted body components. All issues and complaints of finished products must be directed to the particular body shop since it is their responsibility for such work.
2. Any body component that is damaged during shipping must be documented, and a claim must be filed with the respective carrier. Because we fully inspect each individual item before shipping, Gruppe-S accepts no responsibility for items that are damaged in transit. We will however, do our best to assist you with processing your claim.
3. Returns of UNPAINTED, UNUSED fiberglass and carbon fiber body components are accepted with a 25% restocking fee + shipping and transportation costs both ways to be paid by the customer.
4. Gruppe-S assumes that you have done your homework regarding our fiberglass and carbon fiber body components. If you have questions regarding either build quality for fitment PLEASE ASK! This will save everyone a lot of time in the long run!!
Things to know:
Fiberglass and carbon fiber is used extensively in high performance aftermarket applications because the material is strong and durable, yet the fixed costs of production are far less than ABS plastic or Aluminum molds -- which can easily cost upwards of $150,000 USD. However, the drawbacks and what most buyers are not aware of, is that because of the innate characteristics of hand-laid fiberglass and carbon fiber there are often cosmetic blemishes on these products. This includes spider-cracks which are the direct result of having to remove or "pop" the finished product from the mold, as well as bubbling which is the result of the natural curing of the resin. This is COMPLETELY NORMAL and will occur on all aftermarket fiberglass components including those from "name-brand" manufacturers (personally witnessed) such as Nismo, Mugen, TRD, RalliArt, Mazdaspeed, etc. Furthermore, due to the tolerances of hand-laid components and the wear on the molds, fiberglass and carbon fiber components generally do not fit as well as the original ABS or sheet-metal components that they are intended to replace. Therefore, IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BODY SHOP to properly prep and pre-fit the body components BEFORE PAINTING. Most body-shops experienced with fiberglass work will include the cost of prepping in their installation quote (after all, proper prepping is required for a properly finished product). Although most of our components come pre-primered it is STILL NECESSARY for the body shop to properly prep, pre-fit, and primer the product. Please remind your body shop that these are not ABS plastic or sheet metal components, they CANNOT JUST SPRAY AND PRAY!
Gruppe-S Policies:
Unlike many of the other importers and retailers that purchase their fiberglass products by the truckload and rush products to market without testing, we extensively test all the products we sell. Every new product that is considered by our buyers is tested thoroughly on the respective vehicles and checked for durability and fitment. We have also established long term relationships with many suppliers and manufacturers that we know to produce high quality products and to enact high standards in quality control. This ensures that we offer the best possible product to our customers.
1. Therefore, Gruppe-S will not accept responsibility for any improper painting, pre-fitment, or prepping of any fiberglass or carbon fiber body component. There are absolutely no refunds on pre-prepped or pre-painted body components. All issues and complaints of finished products must be directed to the particular body shop since it is their responsibility for such work.
2. Any body component that is damaged during shipping must be documented, and a claim must be filed with the respective carrier. Because we fully inspect each individual item before shipping, Gruppe-S accepts no responsibility for items that are damaged in transit. We will however, do our best to assist you with processing your claim.
3. Returns of UNPAINTED, UNUSED fiberglass and carbon fiber body components are accepted with a 25% restocking fee + shipping and transportation costs both ways to be paid by the customer.
4. Gruppe-S assumes that you have done your homework regarding our fiberglass and carbon fiber body components. If you have questions regarding either build quality for fitment PLEASE ASK! This will save everyone a lot of time in the long run!!
| yertle | 11-19-2004 05:38 PM |
Their disclaimer says nothing regarding bad packing. If you think they packed it badly and it was damaged as a result of that, I would get ahold of them.
| ImPrEzZzZZA | 11-19-2004 09:38 PM |
[QUOTE=02R6]I'll refrain from pointing out the grammatical errors in your posts, Tony. ;)[/QUOTE]
Crap, I haven't spoken to you in ages Jordan. I'm pretty sure you'll find a bunch of errors in my post as I just got done pulling an all nighter for my ZO exam. I just got done working 9 hours as well.. Man, work sucks :o. I noticed you got a few toys and a new motor for your car as well? How's all of that going for ya?
Crap, I haven't spoken to you in ages Jordan. I'm pretty sure you'll find a bunch of errors in my post as I just got done pulling an all nighter for my ZO exam. I just got done working 9 hours as well.. Man, work sucks :o. I noticed you got a few toys and a new motor for your car as well? How's all of that going for ya?
| ImPrEzZzZZA | 11-19-2004 09:43 PM |
I just visited the body shop earlier today before I went to work and apparently the top wing visor was held together by just some sealant and it cracked after the base coat was put on.. They were nice enough not to charge me extra to fix it up and spray another coat on.. I'll post pics up tomorrow of the finished product.
| wrxsubaruwrx | 11-19-2004 09:57 PM |
I would contact them for sure ! See if they WILL do anything . I personally wouldnt buy anything fiberglass . I had bad experiences with that crap before .
| David Medina | 11-19-2004 10:06 PM |
good review
| EJ22Boom | 11-20-2004 05:11 AM |
i had the same thing happen to me with gruppe-s except it was a zerosport replica. it came and went back 3 diffrent times before i just said forget it.
| Fijimunkii | 11-20-2004 12:00 PM |
Eh, it's replica. You get what you pay for.
| 02R6 | 11-20-2004 04:28 PM |
[QUOTE=ImPrEzZzZZA]Crap, I haven't spoken to you in ages Jordan. I'm pretty sure you'll find a bunch of errors in my post as I just got done pulling an all nighter for my ZO exam. I just got done working 9 hours as well.. Man, work sucks :o. I noticed you got a few toys and a new motor for your car as well? How's all of that going for ya?[/QUOTE]
I know, man, what's going on? I was just having some fun with you about the grammar. Yeah, the new toys are alright. The motor is broken in well now, too, and I'm having fun with it. Once I get a proper turbo and a [I]good[/I] tune things will really start to take shape. Did I see you picked up a AE86 or something like that? If so, that's awesome.
I know, man, what's going on? I was just having some fun with you about the grammar. Yeah, the new toys are alright. The motor is broken in well now, too, and I'm having fun with it. Once I get a proper turbo and a [I]good[/I] tune things will really start to take shape. Did I see you picked up a AE86 or something like that? If so, that's awesome.
| Gruppe-S | 11-20-2004 05:28 PM |
If you are unhappy and not satisfied with your purchase, please give us a call and we'll take care of it.
Regards,
Preston
Gruppe-S
Regards,
Preston
Gruppe-S
| ImPrEzZzZZA | 11-20-2004 07:20 PM |
[QUOTE=02R6]I know, man, what's going on? I was just having some fun with you about the grammar. Yeah, the new toys are alright. The motor is broken in well now, too, and I'm having fun with it. Once I get a proper turbo and a [I]good[/I] tune things will really start to take shape. Did I see you picked up a AE86 or something like that? If so, that's awesome.[/QUOTE]
That sounds great, your car is looking spectacular as well. I wanted the STI v1 lip but everyone seemed to be out of stock so I settled for the Prodrive :D. Yeah I picked up an AE86, it's getting some paint done right now and awaiting a silvertop swap :)
That sounds great, your car is looking spectacular as well. I wanted the STI v1 lip but everyone seemed to be out of stock so I settled for the Prodrive :D. Yeah I picked up an AE86, it's getting some paint done right now and awaiting a silvertop swap :)
| ImPrEzZzZZA | 11-20-2004 07:20 PM |
[QUOTE=Gruppe-S]If you are unhappy and not satisfied with your purchase, please give us a call and we'll take care of it.
Regards,
Preston
Gruppe-S[/QUOTE]
I'll do that Monday morning, thanks :)
Regards,
Preston
Gruppe-S[/QUOTE]
I'll do that Monday morning, thanks :)
| soundwave | 11-21-2004 04:07 AM |
[QUOTE=ImPrEzZzZZA]I just visited the body shop earlier today before I went to work and apparently the top wing visor was held together by just some sealant and it cracked after the base coat was put on.. They were nice enough not to charge me extra to fix it up and spray another coat on.. I'll post pics up tomorrow of the finished product.[/QUOTE]
fyi
if you already had the body shop work on the wing, i don't think gruppe-s will take the wing back.
fyi
if you already had the body shop work on the wing, i don't think gruppe-s will take the wing back.
| ImPrEzZzZZA | 11-22-2004 01:03 AM |
[QUOTE=soundwave]fyi
if you already had the body shop work on the wing, i don't think gruppe-s will take the wing back.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the obvious, I'm sure they already read through the post before they replied :)
if you already had the body shop work on the wing, i don't think gruppe-s will take the wing back.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the obvious, I'm sure they already read through the post before they replied :)
| 02R6 | 11-22-2004 10:28 AM |
[QUOTE=ImPrEzZzZZA]That sounds great, your car is looking spectacular as well. I wanted the STI v1 lip but everyone seemed to be out of stock so I settled for the Prodrive :D. Yeah I picked up an AE86, it's getting some paint done right now and awaiting a silvertop swap :)[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the compliment. "Settled for the prodrive" :lol: That's a nice lip, man, I don't think you settled. You're not messing around with that AE86, are you? Sounds like it's going to be very nice, what color did you go with? Little drifting in the future? You should post some pictures of both your cars.
Thanks for the compliment. "Settled for the prodrive" :lol: That's a nice lip, man, I don't think you settled. You're not messing around with that AE86, are you? Sounds like it's going to be very nice, what color did you go with? Little drifting in the future? You should post some pictures of both your cars.
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