S15 Garage Defend

Just got this from HLJ today, I think somebody was looking for info on it, so here are some pics of the box and bits!

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/690474Img_0164.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/810866Img_0165.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/518511Img_0166.jpg

The kit is plastic, with the areo bits in resin (good quality, poor fit, lots of flash) and a white metal wing at the back. It's going to take a lot of work, and a lot of fetalling to get it right... I'll keep you all informed!

pics don't work :(

:rolleyes: fix those pics, i just ordered that kit from HLJ and im dieing to see what it really looks like:rolleyes:

Sorry about the images, I've got them on my normal server now, so they should be visible below.

http://freespace.virgin.net/johnc.freeride/images/Img_0614.jpg

http://freespace.virgin.net/johnc.freeride/images/Img_0615.jpg

http://freespace.virgin.net/johnc.freeride/images/Img_0616.jpg

I've had a better look now, initial thoughts below-

The front aero part is not bad, lots of flash but cleans up OK. gap betwean the hood and the airdam is too big, an the fit round the lights is a bit off. Will use thin styrene sheet and putty to fix it.

Rear end is fine, but the license plate recess is way off on one side. Should be able to sort this with a bit a file work.

The big problem is the side skirts. They are way to short, and the fit is trash. I need to cust them in half and stretch them to length, the fettle the fit so they line up with the door opening. I'm not looking forward to this bit!

All in all it's would be OK for a garage kit, but from a main stream manufacturer I expected better especially given what companies like Studio27 and PM are turning out.

More pics as I progress:D

Cool! Is this a new kit, i've not come across it before? I want one!

actually i believe it's been out for quite some time. i looked into it for a while myself, but turned away once i saw that it contained resin bits, as i knew problems such as the ones you mentioned would arise. i might get it as my skills progress some more. another thing that turned me away was the price...saw it at the local hobby shop for $60 CDN.:eek: :eek:

To me, the only reason to get this kit (the Esprit with its wonderful looking bodykit and TE37 rims looks better but it's out of production :cry:) is the rear wing. $30+ for a rear wing, naah... Might as well spend $16 to get SAS wings

The best compromise for an aero kit S15 is the Veilside one. Yes the fit of the sideskirts is bad too, but at least it's too long (meaning it just need sanding) and it's plastic. Yes the new front spoiler is but ugly (and too short), but the kit still includes the stock one which can be modded easily.

and of course you get the Andrew Racing F too, the biggest Fujimi 18" i've seen so far. All for $25 and much easier to find :D