My First Molding Hood/ICB Motorsports experience

[HondaHoon]

I was genuinely excited to have found one remaining new First Molding hood for my FL5 with a full carbon top and FRP bottom with the rain guard and mesh included in stock and ready to ship from the USA. From my understanding, ICB is the only authorized dealer in the USA for First Molding. I found this hood at ICB Motorsports. I asked people that I sourced, that had experience with ICB and First Molding products what they thought of their products after use, and what experiences they had with ICB. Most were positive. I paid over $2900 shipped to my door for the hood. Shipping went well minor two minor mishaps that luckily did not damage the hood. I know the hood only comes in gel coat. I know that gel coat can be flawed. However, in my opinion, this authentic Japanese made hood that is produced by a company that competes against Varis, Spoon and Mugen is unacceptable for the $2900+ that I paid. Not only are there very evident defects in the gel coat, but clearly, there are many defects in the carbon material itself. Many finger impressions along areas of the hood that had to be manipulated in place. Creating a wavy pattern throughout. Please keep in mind that the defects I photographed are not on both sides. Just what you see. The two milky dots at the peak of the raised edges of the hood cannot be sanded down to correct, as that may create pin holes in the base layer. My intent with any carbon fiber hood I bought, was to have it professionally prepared and clear coated and then mounted on the car for the community to see. However, now I am stuck painting the entire hood body color. I cant even leave the vented areas carbon because of the defects in the gel coat.

To make matters worse, is that I reached out to ICB to simply ask if these imperfections were normal. Did they inspect the hood prior to shipping it to me? What my options were. Etc. I sent them the included photographs. They advised that they could not see the images clearly. They provided me a detailed explanation that it is only gel coat. However, they did not say anything about the obvious to me imperfections in the carbon fiber material beneath the gel coat that looks like ASS. Honestly, I have seen Chinese carbon fiber products purchased off Ebay that looked better than this. I have not even checked fitment on the car yet because I am trying to figure out my options. It has been over 48 hours, and they have since ghosted me.

At this time, I would highly recommend NOT to do business with ICB Motorsports and if you decide to buy any large Japanese made product that will have to ship via freight, demand the company you are buying it from to send details photos of it prior to shipment.

I know this hood is salvagable by me just having it painted body color and I know I am still saving a little weight and will get better ventilation. However, wouldn't this make you upset? I am not a JDM purist by any stretch, but that one time I literally "buy in" to the hype of Japanese made, oh so good, I get burnt.

Let me know your thoughts.

 

[CG13]

I would not be pleased with much of what you’re showing in the photos.

Not wanting to hijack your thread, but it’s very much related: What does everyone think of the ethics of companies selling copies of others’ IP and capitalizing on their R&D and engineering costs?

It seems really common in the car parts space, especially with carbon products that can be used to make a copy mold. I see it with other types of parts as well. A company does R&D, aero testing, etc and then along come a bunch of copies. To me that’s theft and I don’t support it. Often, perhaps similar to ICB/FM, people will claim “it’s the same factory” as if that justifies it. Others will say the original parts are overpriced so they think it’s fair to take from the companies setting the price higher than they like.

I purchased the J’s Racing Phantom Dry hood for my FL5. I’m hoping the quality is far better than what you received.

 

[HondaHoon]

I would not be pleased with much of what you’re showing in the photos.

Not wanting to hijack your thread, but it’s very much related: What does everyone think of the ethics of companies selling copies of others’ IP and capitalizing on their R&D and engineering costs?

It seems really common in the car parts space, especially with carbon products that can be used to make a copy mold. I see it with other types of parts as well. A company does R&D, aero testing, etc and then along come a bunch of copies. To me that’s theft and I don’t support it. Often, perhaps similar to ICB/FM, people will claim “it’s the same factory” as if that justifies it. Others will say the original parts are overpriced so they think it’s fair to take from the companies setting the price higher than they like.

I purchased the J’s Racing Phantom Dry hood for my FL5. I’m hoping the quality is far better than what you received.

Well, I may be wrong but I think your hood is made by an entirely different process then 99% of the other hoods you are speaking of in your comment. But yes, I would hope for the $8k+ you are paying for a hood, and the insane wait time, you 1. Receive no defects & 2. It arrives undamaged. But there is always that fork lift fork waiting.

Sponsored