Platform, does it really matter?

why? becuase JP Prez said so?
i think the platform category is so played, and in japan not even followed really.

its not like platform cars cost alot anymore, except newer F50s and UCFs....so whats the point? the US doesnt have platform cars like japan does, so why try and play that game....


just wondering.

Great point.


but you know..it boils down to those who seek "acceptance".

by who. a majority of people that dont do anything to their cars? theres like 30% of people that are actually building cars on the forum....

by every and anyone i guess.

This should turn out to be a good discussion once people start chiming in. I know there for the longest time I wanted an LS400. Kinda still do, but not so much anymore. Right now I have a 2002 Chrysler 300M. I bought it off my Mom as I needed a bigger car. I figured I would add some VIP styling cues to it, etc... Quite frankly I don't really care if the car is considered platform or not, were so limited here in the US, Plus you've got to love the Japanese unlike most americans they'll VIP pretty much anything. :biggthumpup: 
 
Just my .02 for what it's worth:shrug:

Because this is america.  If you don't set guidelines then everyone will think they can play.  What is VIP style? Does it even exist? It is all just cars with rims and drop? It's not fusa's and tables.  It's making japanese luxury sedans outclass their european counterparts with better fit, lower car, and more luxurious accessories isn't it? If there's no guidelines or parameters then there is nothing to define.  It's all just cars with rims.

The US has around 15 different body styles that all fall into the platform category with the prices ranging from $100 to $40,000 so there is a car for everybody.

Platforms still out number everything else at least 95% - 5% at the shows and meets.  Even then, that 5% is a luxury car at the very least.  You dont see vip styled camry's or civics or anything like that.  They know their place.  It's not like that over here.  
 
Although VIP doesnt mean very important person, it still has some ties to it otherwise big body luxury sedans would not have been used in the first place.  As long as the car is a luxury mid sized sedan or bigger, I personally have no issues with what kind of car it is.  Exceptions could be made to many other cars but we dont build cars here the way they do over there so not as many exceptions will be made.

I don't care about platform. Except when it comes to what gets the title of "Vip car", but I don't care about titles either.

That's why I have an LS400 winter beater and a Protege summer car. They're all just cars.

I'm not big on "platform" play

I didn't think we were still arguing over that. That's such a 2008 Debate.

I dont think people care as much as you think.  Have you seen any of the latest threads on here?   Most of the hardcore elitist asses kind of left the game as they were simply fad followers.   That was like a year ago.  I think the majority of people here are accepting now.  It is not unheard of for a noob to get flamed for being dumb about stuff, but I think most people can appreciate no matter what platform it is .  I mean look at how many wagons, xBs, Acuras/Hondas, are going crazy on here.  Hell theres some real legit 300Cs getting props here and more.  2 years ago I was saying the same thing as you, but now most people dont seem to give a damn about it.

I think w/ the right luxury car, anything could be done right. I personally would love to see a Crown Victoria or Town Car done "VIP", US Style.  I think a Crown Vic could be sick, for real.

x2 @ the town car/crown vic.  I wouldnt have the balls to try it though since people would think I am a cab driver or a cop

i would like to know y cars like the Ka9 or the newer body toyota avalon get hardly any play, i think they would look just as good as any "platform" car if done right

My boy Max's Mode Parfume KA9 Acura RL can outshine like 8 or 9 out of 10 platform cars IMO.  This is how I view it- If you can place the non platform car in a group of VIP cars and it doesn't look out of place, it has to be given the same amount of respect.  I dont think anyone would argue that.

[QUOTE=widebody_Q;272307]My boy Max's Mode Parfume KA9 Acura RL can outshine like 8 or 9 out of 10 platform cars IMO. This is how I view it- If you can place the non platform car in a group of VIP cars and it doesn't look out of place, it has to be given the same amount of respect. I dont think anyone would argue that.[/QUOTE]
 
i agree 100% sir

Well isn't that the reason people have dubbed the "VIP-Style"?
 
IMO, I think Bippu's roots with the yakuza and often more wealthier folks in Japan has molded a car culture exactly as Green mentioned, which was to make cars more elegant and luxurious.
 
I could care less about the platform personally, although VIP does seem to look better on the "approved" platoforms.
 
I would also say flat out...  The civic and accord generation just grew up.  I figure most of us are in our late 20's/early 30's, and quite frankly, fixing up honda's just aint our thing anymore.  We can afford nicer cars, with more elegant designs, and want to spend a little more money when modding them, hence the VIP-Style.

I think my stance on this is pretty obvious..haha.

[QUOTE=Green Grundel;272260]  It's making japanese luxury sedans outclass their european counterparts with better fit, lower car, and more luxurious accessories isn't it?.[/QUOTE]
who says its japanese cars?
Its increasingly american cars, european cars being built in the exact same way and shown at shows around japan, and accepted.

[QUOTE=ScottyTuned;272284]I dont think people care as much as you think.  Have you seen any of the latest threads on here?   Most of the hardcore elitist asses kind of left the game as they were simply fad followers.   That was like a year ago.  I think the majority of people here are accepting now.  It is not unheard of for a noob to get flamed for being dumb about stuff, but I think most people can appreciate no matter what platform it is .  I mean look at how many wagons, xBs, Acuras/Hondas, are going crazy on here.  Hell theres some real legit 300Cs getting props here and more.  2 years ago I was saying the same thing as you, but now most people dont seem to give a damn about it.[/QUOTE]
man, i started this thread because i was reading, and in the span of like 8 threads, 5 of them had a comment similar to, "it wont be VIP becuase its not a platform".  i dont just randomly start threads like this. there is actually a reason. 
i just wanted to see everyones opinion on it. 
Obviously i dont agree on the platform thing. i could care less if you have a damn (insert random car here). VIP has always been about fitment and stance to me. As long as its done right, with the right outlook (no primer bodykits or whatever and shit) it CAN fall into the realm of VIP.  This isnt the 1980s where all that is around are 3 or 4 cars that can do it. nowadays you have TONS of cars that can be built all the same path, and look awesome in the process. from almost EVERY car maker. just look at that new VW thing. shits awesome!

[QUOTE=Avantgarde;272282]I'm not big on "platform" play

I didn't think we were still arguing over that. That's such a 2008 Debate.[/QUOTE]

havent been reading the forum much?

[QUOTE=F.L.S.;272299]I think w/ the right luxury car, anything could be done right. I personally would love to see a Crown Victoria or Town Car done "VIP", US Style. I think a Crown Vic could be sick, for real.[/QUOTE]
ive seen it. there is a shop down the road that had one on auto cotures. shit was hot.

[QUOTE=dirtyldirty;272305]i would like to know y cars like the Ka9 or the newer body toyota avalon get hardly any play, i think they would look just as good as any "platform" car if done right[/QUOTE]
becuase people are, for the most part, shunned when they dont have a platform car, saying it can be "VIP style" but not VIP.  i mean, who is anyone to make the distinction between the two. there is no written rule book. its not even so much a implied rulebook anymore.  agi says 5% of the cars at shows are not platform, id venture to say maybe 15-20% based on the groups i see hanging out randomly around tokyo.  Wheni see more than 2 or 3 Vip cars, there is always one random car that looks just as good with them that isnt considered a platform car. Ill be able to speak more hopefully when i trek to some car shows this year after i finish the cima, but i think the show shit, noone sees it becuase people dont think others wana see it, so the pass up awesome cars, for mediocre cars just cause its a platform car...feel me?

Says who though?  I never have felt shunned for a non-traditional platform.  Who are "for the most part"?  The only ones Ive seen flamed or attacked are the ones that go far away from the style (or do it with knockoffs).  It is pretty well assumed now that when we talk about VIP cars, we are talking about the style.   To argue the two seems to be negligent, because if you do it right you dont get knocked.   Simple as that.  

With that being said, contribute to those threads and point out to those members that say "You dont have a VIP car" and correct them.   I have been reading more than normal lately, and I am not seeing this trend at all.  It was prominent 2 years ago, but not even close to that now.   That is my .02 at least.

[QUOTE=ScottyTuned;272357]Says who though?  I never have felt shunned for a non-traditional platform.  Who are "for the most part"?  The only ones Ive seen flamed or attacked are the ones that go far away from the style (or do it with knockoffs).  It is pretty well assumed now that when we talk about VIP cars, we are talking about the style.   To argue the two seems to be negligent, because if you do it right you dont get knocked.   Simple as that.  

With that being said, contribute to those threads and point out to those members that say "You dont have a VIP car" and correct them.   I have been reading more than normal lately, and I am not seeing this trend at all.  It was prominent 2 years ago, but not even close to that now.   That is my .02 at least.[/QUOTE]
when i get off today ill throw in quotes of everyone, so you can see it. i gotta run to work in a few, so i dont really have time.
i really hate that its just moderators and OGs throwing in. id like to see some other peoples opinions on this..

[QUOTE=Yokotas13;272359]when i get off today ill throw in quotes of everyone, so you can see it. i gotta run to work in a few, so i dont really have time.
i really hate that its just moderators and OGs throwing in. id like to see some other peoples opinions on this..[/QUOTE]

Please do.   I dont know if it will necessary change my opinion on the issue though, as I do remember when it was dividing the forum and it was polarized more.   Im sure more will chime in later, but the Mods and the OGs are probably more versed to talk about it and how it has been a fading trend.

well, if you want to get into the price vs ex thing...i posted a coplete how to...
cost?
coils-600 for used ones/1k for new
tophats-200.00
S14 front hubs-150ish on ebay
s14 LCA, knuckles, tie rod ends, rear tophats....what maybe 100 bucks from a junkyard?

that comes out to......cheaper than y33 suspension....and its all bolt on if you get all the same parts.
when there are only what, 200? active users, 5-7 of the however many nissan owners, of hte how many y33 owners is alot. gotta look at the big picture.

[QUOTE=ScottyTuned;272367]Please do.   I dont know if it will necessary change my opinion on the issue though, as I do remember when it was dividing the forum and it was polarized more.   Im sure more will chime in later, but the Mods and the OGs are probably more versed to talk about it and how it has been a fading trend.[/QUOTE]
oh, no doubt its been a leading indicator on how its dropped off. but this was mainly for hte few that still do it (mainly not OGs, which i guess im not an OG anymore, since i dont have that forum anymore....but thats another story) to voice their opinions. there has been much less of hte platform talk going, but i still see it constantly mentioned in little parts, so i was wondering if it was still that divided. thats all

[QUOTE=firelizard;272276]I don't care about platform. Except when it comes to what gets the title of "Vip car", but I don't care about titles either.
.[/QUOTE]
 
 
i agree...^^
 
 
I really dont care what anyone drives....what I care about is fitment and stance

because everyone wants approval from a "forum". HAHAHAHA 

honestly i think if you can build a car thats clean and simple without over doing it your golden, why do you need to seek approval from people behind a computer that you probably wont meet. basically all you hear is "man your cars clean" build a car for yourself thats how i feel about it. if it follows the line of being VIP then i guess your good.

[QUOTE=Avantgarde;272282]I'm not big on "platform" play

I didn't think we were still arguing over that. That's such a 2008 Debate.[/QUOTE]

you sure not 2004?

[QUOTE=Yokotas13;272351]becuase people are, for the most part, shunned when they dont have a platform car, saying it can be "VIP style" but not VIP. i mean, who is anyone to make the distinction between the two. there is no written rule book. its not even so much a implied rulebook anymore. agi says 5% of the cars at shows are not platform, id venture to say maybe 15-20% based on the groups i see hanging out randomly around tokyo. Wheni see more than 2 or 3 Vip cars, there is always one random car that looks just as good with them that isnt considered a platform car. Ill be able to speak more hopefully when i trek to some car shows this year after i finish the cima, but i think the show shit, noone sees it becuase people dont think others wana see it, so the pass up awesome cars, for mediocre cars just cause its a platform car...feel me?[/QUOTE]
 
Ok since i am one of the ONLY ones that has actually BEEN to a vip car show i can tell you its actually MUCH LESS than 5% [i]at the shows[/i]
I'm talking about 2-3 non-platform cars, out of 500-600 platform cars.
 
The thing is, the [b]mindset[/b] in Japan is different. They conform to social standards without needing hard-set rules like the western world does. Its just a state of mind and it explains why alot of westerners think Japanese cops are weak/not scary. They dont need to be, because so much of Japan just follows the rules without needing enforcement.
 
Same thing goes at car shows, sure, they could turn up with a US car or an Altezza; but even though they all try to be individual in the mods; the main thing (platform), follows the 'accepted standards'
 
 
As for US/Western world... If people have so much trouble getting offsets/fitment/kits for PLATFORM cars, how do you think they will go with a non-platform car where [i]everything[/i] needs to be custom or worked out for themselves. At least if they get a known platform car there will be support/info available for them

[QUOTE=PROJECTGS3;272384]because everyone wants approval from a "forum". HAHAHAHA 
 
honestly i think if you can build a car thats clean and simple without over doing it your golden, why do you need to seek approval from people behind a computer that you probably wont meet. basically all you hear is "man your cars clean" build a car for yourself thats how i feel about it. if it follows the line of being VIP then i guess your good.[/QUOTE]
 
Seriously, I think thats the ticket... clean and simple.
 
Yeah, a certain aspect of VIP is based on the platform, but IMO that doesn't make the car "Bippu"... The manner you do it, offsets, wheels, brands, lowering, etc. is what I think makes a car VIP. 
 
Here's food for thought:
 
Why in our photo gallery, there is a clear forum distinction between VIP cars and VIP-Styled cars?

*eatin popcorn...

[QUOTE=Dominik;272414]Ok since i am one of the ONLY ones that has actually BEEN to a vip car show i can tell you its actually MUCH LESS than 5% [I]at the shows[/I]
I'm talking about 2-3 non-platform cars, out of 500-600 platform cars.
 
The thing is, the [B]mindset[/B] in Japan is different. They conform to social standards without needing hard-set rules like the western world does. Its just a state of mind and it explains why alot of westerners think Japanese cops are weak/not scary. They dont need to be, because so much of Japan just follows the rules without needing enforcement.
 
Same thing goes at car shows, sure, they could turn up with a US car or an Altezza; but even though they all try to be individual in the mods; the main thing (platform), follows the 'accepted standards'
 
 
As for US/Western world... If people have so much trouble getting offsets/fitment/kits for PLATFORM cars, how do you think they will go with a non-platform car where [I]everything[/I] needs to be custom or worked out for themselves. At least if they get a known platform car there will be support/info available for them[/QUOTE]
 yeah
im just basing my shit off what i see on the actual road. like diakoku or something

[QUOTE=Green Grundel;272260]Because this is america.  If you don't set guidelines then everyone will think they can play.  What is VIP style? Does it even exist? It is all just cars with rims and drop? It's not fusa's and tables.  It's making japanese luxury sedans outclass their european counterparts with better fit, lower car, and more luxurious accessories isn't it? If there's no guidelines or parameters then there is nothing to define.  It's all just cars with rims.

The US has around 15 different body styles that all fall into the platform category with the prices ranging from $100 to $40,000 so there is a car for everybody.[/QUOTE]
I have to agree with Grundel..if u don't set  parameters, then it's open season for every Tom,Dick and Harry to just say I have a VIP car.If you look back,everything and anything that has to do with  cars has rules and guidelines to set them apart from others and to have respectable cars that represent them.

[QUOTE=Yokotas13;272417]yeah
im just basing my shit off what i see on the actual road. like diakoku or something[/QUOTE]

yes I know what ur getting at. on the streets of japan you see all sorts of cars getting done with vipstyle. if you talk to the owners they will tell you they are going for the 'vip look', but they won't call their car 'vip'.

At the car shows they have trophy categories for hall the vip platforms (Celsior/cima/ced etc) but maybe only one category for 'other' (if that- otherwise they have to try for 'best in show')

The ones that do turn up with their non-platform cars are usually only turning up to hang out with mates that have platform cars.

Can you imagine turning up to a Lexus meet with a Honda? That's what it would feel like to them. Who do you talk to and what do you talk about etc...

[QUOTE=MR.J;272416]*eatin popcorn...[/QUOTE]

Hahaha!!!

thread of the week!

[QUOTE=Dominik;272438]Can you imagine turning up to a Lexus meet with a Honda? That's what it would feel like to them. Who do you talk to and what do you talk about etc...[/QUOTE]
 
 
AKWARD!!! :ffsack:
 
 
They seriously need to design a font that has sarcasm...

[QUOTE=Dominik;272438]
Can you imagine turning up to a Lexus meet with a Honda? That's what it would feel like to them. Who do you talk to and what do you talk about etc...[/QUOTE]

:innoutrofl2:

dont matter what platform u have..as long as u mod it to YOUR liking then thats all the matters....f what others think or say.

[QUOTE=LiCelsior;272452]dont matter what platform u have..as long as u mod it to YOUR liking then thats all the matters....f what others think or say.[/QUOTE]


agreed, like i said why do you need approval from people you never met. just do it right the first time and make your car clean and simple.

I like to have the car classified in the section , 

others can style all day , why would this thread need to be pointed out , 

if you go back in the days it mattered alot , doesn't really now but its still the platform.

[QUOTE=Dominik;272414]
 
 
As for US/Western world... If people have so much trouble getting offsets/fitment/kits for PLATFORM cars, how do you think they will go with a non-platform car where [I]everything[/I] needs to be custom or worked out for themselves. At least if they get a known platform car there will be support/info available for them[/QUOTE]
 
 
I agree 100%

Btw, incase anyone is wondering, I am probably what you call a 'platform purists'. But not because i think i am better than those without a platform or because i think you cant build a vip car with anything else; just because I call it as i see it.
 
Thats how the scene is defined in Japan. VIP cars are a class of car, kind of like compact cars are a class of cars. In Japan there are a bunch of cars that fall into that category and thats the standard list of platforms that gets thrown about.
 
But thats Japan. The class that defines vip could be used in other countries, resulting in a different selection of cars. (Impala's/Crown Vics etc in US, Fairlanes/Caprices in Australia). So if you are gonna go all out on one of those cars i would call that a <country> vip platform (i.e. US VIP, Aussie VIP, Euro VIP).
 
BUT, that also means that if you are going to come around with an SUV/Hatchback/Sports car and try and call it vip, i have to disagree. Those cars just cant capture the presence that a vip car demands. Its painfully obvious when you sit the two next to each other.

 
 
Now, thats not to say you CANT build those cars with vip influences... You can put vip style on just about ANYTHING, but just realise its always going to be a sports car with vip styling or a hatchback with vip styling etc...

And, also realise that by going down a non-platform path, you WILL be in for a hard road. You will be doing everything on your own, without much help on offsets, kits, coilovers etc. Alot of the people that come to the scene thinking "i'll just vip out my mum's camry", end up giving up when they realise its too difficult.
 
But if you stick with it, and pull it off, i will give credit where credit is due. There are some insanely hot non-platform cars being built and i know some of them make my 'platform' build look very boring. I give extra props to those people just because i know how hard it must be to do it on their own like that.
 
Anyway, thats how I see it. Call me a snob, i dont care.

[QUOTE=Dominik;272468]Btw, incase anyone is wondering, I am probably what you call a 'platform purists'. But not because i think i am better than those without a platform or because i think you cant build a vip car with anything else; just because I call it as i see it.
 
Thats how the scene is defined in Japan. VIP cars are a class of car, kind of like compact cars are a class of cars. In Japan there are a bunch of cars that fall into that category and thats the standard list of platforms that gets thrown about.
 
But thats Japan. The class that defines vip could be used in other countries, resulting in a different selection of cars. (Impala's/Crown Vics etc in US, Fairlanes/Caprices in Australia). So if you are gonna go all out on one of those cars i would call that a <country> vip platform (i.e. US VIP, Aussie VIP, Euro VIP).
 
BUT, that also means that if you are going to come around with an SUV/Hatchback/Sports car and try and call it vip, i have to disagree. Those cars just cant capture the presence that a vip car demands. Its painfully obvious when you sit the two next to each other.
 
 
 
Now, thats not to say you CANT build those cars with vip influences... You can put vip style on just about ANYTHING, but just realise its always going to be a sports car with vip styling or a hatchback with vip styling etc...
 
And, also realise that by going down a non-platform path, you WILL be in for a hard road. You will be doing everything on your own, without much help on offsets, kits, coilovers etc. Alot of the people that come to the scene thinking "i'll just vip out my mum's camry", end up giving up when they realise its too difficult.
 
But if you stick with it, and pull it off, i will give credit where credit is due. There are some insanely hot non-platform cars being built and i know some of them make my 'platform' build look very boring. I give extra props to those people just because i know how hard it must be to do it on their own like that.
 
Anyway, thats how I see it. Call me a snob, i dont care.[/QUOTE]
 
 
Dom, u bring a good point. You call yourelf a purist (per say) and that's great.Some peeps take there hobby more serious than others.I also take building cars very serious too and I have been building them for many yrs. I chose an Odyssey,not because I couldn't afford a "platform car",but I wanted to be diffrent.I have had Lexuses,Infiniti and BMW's @ one time. What I'm tryin to say is..I see what you are saying and RESPECT that.. I think what u just wrote here shows your not an a**hole...just on a diffrent level. I'm happy with being classed as VIP STYLIN!!!

I followed a couple builds in the last few months and both were non platform , One was a Acura TL , and the other was a G35 sedan ........ need I say more :shrug:

[QUOTE=J954sho;272473]Dom, u bring a good point. You call yourelf a purist (per say) and that's great.Some peeps take there hobby more serious than others.I also take building cars very serious too and I have been building them for many yrs. I chose an Odyssey,not because I couldn't afford a "platform car",but I wanted to be diffrent.I have had Lexuses,Infiniti and BMW's @ one time. What I'm tryin to say is..I see what you are saying and RESPECT that.. I think what u just wrote here shows your not an a**hole...just on a diffrent level. I'm happy with being classed as VIP STYLIN!!![/QUOTE]
 
I agree on the wanting to be different part - there are only so many Y33s and 2GS you can look at before it all gets to be a bit repetitive. Especially since hardly anyone is doing serious fender/body work.
 
Also, my comments on the vip label are not a be-all and end-all. I am just one person, who you are likely never to meet. Its not important what you build and what you call it; but you will KNOW when you get there, because of the presence that your car will have and the number of positive comments you get from those that see it.

damn sooo many essays being written right now i dont even feel like ready all this

It's no secret where I stand on the whole platform hustle Taketomi has going...which even then I do respect, but to think or say that it's the end all be all because one man says so is ridiculous. I respect the tradition as many others do here and we adhere to the principals of the culture. Yet, we do understand that the community, as well as the style, are evolving and we can either sit back and get "stuck" in the nineties...or evolve as well.
 
Grant, I get your question and I agree completely in the fact that there have been some small quips here and there on the forum about it. I do agree with the others though that as a whole the community has become more "accepting" and "mature" on the subject. Yet we still have a lot of these comments here and there, and those are due to the "reciters" as I call them. The "reciters" are those newbs that love to recite the word for word comments of Taketomi or even the "old" comments from John. We all know they would love only to assimilate in order to be accepted, and that's fine and all, but they do it by becoming "overnight experts". All they do is read Taketomi's words and John's, then learn them by heart so they can seem knowledgeable... the sense of community and the sense of style is then lost on them. 
 
Sorry for the rant guys but you guys asked... hahahahahaha :smiley-rofl:

Best post in the thread

I don't really care. We all know the non platformed cars that are well executed are the ones that get a lot of attention here. I can't wait for a dope new body lexus ES to b done up. It'll fit nice wheels and the rear end looks very aggresive.  There are so many non platform cars here in the US that could benefit from VIP styling. 

As far as calling it VIP? Doesn't matter. If done correctly, the platform car owners will give their props.

[QUOTE=Dominik;272468].... The class that defines vip could be used in other countries, resulting in a different selection of cars. (Impala's/Crown Vics etc in US, Fairlanes/Caprices in Australia). So if you are gonna go all out on one of those cars i would call that a <country> vip platform (i.e. US VIP, Aussie VIP, Euro VIP).....[/QUOTE]
 
I think this sums it up very well.

i dont think its so much that people have a problem with non-platforms, but rather that as the "vip" trend is starting to really catch on with the fad followers, people are starting to think you can vip ANY car.  Some non platforms work, as witnessed on these forums, such as acura TLs, RLs, g35's etc. etc.  However, some cars will never be anywhere close such as evos, stis, civics, etc.

I only hinted to how I felt, but didn't make it clear.  I have an interesting stance on this subject.  I actually am a vip purist...but not a platform purist.  There are points made by several people that I agree with, and several I don't (including from the same people).  

My interpretation is unique I suppose.  I look at it from a classification stand point not based on what Taketomi says is the standard platform.  To me it's more about a cars' class, than just pick from the the few cars on this list here.  The thing that's funny about Taketomi is that he makes aero for these so called "non-platform" cars..biggest example:

[IMG]http://www.nightgarage.cc/Troy/HDRshot2.jpg[/IMG]
Night Garage S55 

High end luxury 4 door sedans are what I consider vip cars.  To me it's more about class.  Some of the cars considered vip cars are sub par to me, but still considered "luxury" cars, so they still fit the bill per say.  

Cars that are still 4 door sedans can be vip styled, but not being luxury cars is what takes them outside the realm of an actual vip car.  

See where I'm going with this?

[QUOTE=elpresidente;272622]High end luxury 4 door sedans are what I consider vip cars.  To me it's more about class.  Some of the cars considered vip cars are sub par to me, but still considered "luxury" cars, so they still fit the bill per say.  

Cars that are still 4 door sedans can be vip styled, but not being luxury cars is what takes them outside the realm of an actual vip car.  [/QUOTE]

ding ding ding -- i think elpresidente hits it on the head here; these are my sentiments exactly.

[QUOTE=elpresidente;272622]I only hinted to how I felt, but didn't make it clear.  I have an interesting stance on this subject.  I actually am a vip purist...but not a platform purist.  There are points made by several people that I agree with, and several I don't (including from the same people).  

My interpretation is unique I suppose.  I look at it from a classification stand point not based on what Taketomi says is the standard platform.  To me it's more about a cars' class, than just pick from the the few cars on this list here.  The thing that's funny about Taketomi is that he makes aero for these so called "non-platform" cars..biggest example:

High end luxury 4 door sedans are what I consider vip cars.  To me it's more about class.  Some of the cars considered vip cars are sub par to me, but still considered "luxury" cars, so they still fit the bill per say.  

Cars that are still 4 door sedans can be vip styled, but not being luxury cars is what takes them outside the realm of an actual vip car.  

See where I'm going with this?[/QUOTE]

I completely understand what you are saying.  From your perspective, how do you feel about Estimas/bBs/etc though?    Ill be the first to say they arent luxury, and are almost purely econo. 

I fall into the ranks of "if you do it right, I dont care what you have".  Hell DX_JP was building Kias for Saudis right?   If you can do it something like that, more props to ya.    It all comes down to execution for me.

To add in on some of this and to follow on what i said abit more clearly, I agree that the "platform" should be luxury sedans and that all others are epic fails unl;ess the execution is done correctly. in my mind's eye all the boxes, wagons, and vans fall into a different side of VIP where execution is crucial, so I give all those owners that pull off the look a lot of credit.

I'm very new to this style of modding car, I'm learning everyday about it. I don't have a "platform car", yet I wanted to build it in the VIP "way". Many have stated that you definitely need to be focused when attempting it and I can tell you that it was fustrating. I have a 3rd Gen Acura TL and there is absolutely no support for this car (in terms of parts). Then there are "people" that have gotten really nice fitment and stance achieved, but would NOT [B][U]share[/U][/B] that information to help someone else trying to achieve something similar (I wasn't going to just copy). Most of the work done to my car was thoroughly researched and then executed to my liking being influenced by this style. I just wanted my car to be different and this style mad me FOCUS my build to a certian type of look. 
 
It's obvious that I'm not a "platform" purist. I'm not concerned about how others label my car as, or how they feel about it. At the end of the day... As long as I like it and I can stand driving it everyday, is what's important. Being Unique is my ultimate goal. 
 
Great Discussion.

^^^unfortunately you'll get alot of that :(

When it comes to the wagonist side of things, it's a completely different ballgame all together.  As stated, proper execution is key.  The wagonist approach was never meant to be "vip", but to emulate the style and to bring on a similar feel on a more specialized but unique canvas. 

I love those cars all the same..hell, there's several in our crew.  So I'm certainly not against them..we just make sure they are done right.  To me there is most definitely a right way and a wrong way to do things.  Some of it may be opinionated, but I'm certain the majority would agree with the builds that I've completed or had my hand in.  The gray area in all of this is bigger than most might think...but that's what keeps things evolving and moving forward.  As you become more deeply involved and do more research you'll start to see exactly what some of us are hinting into.

This is how I see it, there are:

1. People who respect and understand VIP style and build a VIP platform car.

2. People who respect and understand VIP style, build a non platform car in the style, keep it true to VIP style, and nail it. [rodneyc77, that JP S55, ect..]

3. People who want to jump on the bandwagon and try to VIP out the car they already have whether its platform or not.  Curtains and tables, fusa's and crystals.

4. People who take cues from the style but don't get caught up in labels [scion Xbs, ect]

 
So I see the platform issue as [b]awareness[/b].  If people are [b]aware[/b] that in japan they follow guidelines yadda yadda then they will [i]understand[/i] the options that they can consciously decide which category they want to fall into.

If you want to see VIP explode, become mainstream, be bastardized, and ruined... then say everyone can play.  240SX with good stance? That's so VIP.  Low Kia rio with rims, SO VIP. 

In drifting, you can not drift a FWD car.  If you try and make a drift corolla, you will get laughed at.

There are parameters, without them, VIP becomes a definitionless trendy namedrop.

It doesn't help that most of the information on VIP out there is misleading or incorrect and that the good information that is available is only really available to those who already have a understanding of what its about.

[QUOTE=Green Grundel;272658]
If you try and make a drift corolla, you will get laughed at.
[/QUOTE]

[IMG]http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1017/549252687_7cc3b05572.jpg[/IMG]
Make sure you say which Corolla..haha.

Ok, on with the chlorophyll...

:pat:

I should have stuck with gut instinct and gone with drift avalon.  Curse you AE86!


My previous comments in summation:

Platform, does it really matter? No.

It's the [b]awareness and understanding that matters.[/b]

[QUOTE=Green Grundel;272658]In drifting, you can not drift a FWD car. [/QUOTE]
 
Had to poke some fun:yahoo_6:
 
 
[IMG]http://images.hondatuningmagazine.com/features/0504ht_15z+Honda_Civic+Front_Passenger_View.jpg[/IMG]

All I can say is you have to admire the Japanese, they will VIPstyle anything. The bottom line; cats can talk all they want about this being VIP and not, but most are afraid to even attempt the ish there doing over their platform or not.

I'm new can't really comment, but I've got 3 strikes against me with the whole car modding thing...

1) I drive a 2009 Mercedes C Class...doesn't fit really any of the "qualifications" of a VIP style car. But, it's a nice ride, I love it, as do others.

2) I'm not from California, Texas, Florida or New York (where there's good support for VIP culture). I live in a poor, piece of shit city.

3) I'm not Asian...I've been told I can't do the VIP style thing because I'm white:shrug:

Not only does my car not fit the "VIP rulebook", but neither does my city or apparently to some people, my race.

Call what I've done to my car "bastardized" if you want...but yes, I have curtains in my black Mercedes, I've got a Fusa knot, lots of woodgrain, and soon it'll be dropped on Mandrus wheels. I don't label it VIP or VIP Style...it's just a nice luxury sedan with accessories from Junction Produce/Bellezza that amplify the luxuriousness of [I]my[/I] ride...despite what anyone else thinks.

 Besides that, I've talked to some awesome people on this forum (looking at the Euro guys mainly)...totally worth it to be part of this community, even if my biggest influences are hundreds or even thousands of miles away. [B]To me it's all about nice cars, a sense of community and an extended family.[/B]

Just my little addition to the thread.

^ you sir have a nice car ! enjoy styling it and see the comments of how nice it looks ,

[QUOTE=Lux;272917]I'm new can't really comment, but I've got 3 strikes against me with the whole car modding thing...

1) I drive a 2009 Mercedes C Class...doesn't fit really any of the "qualifications" of a VIP style car. But, it's a nice ride, I love it, as do others.

2) I'm not from California, Texas, Florida or New York (where there's good support for VIP culture). I live in a poor, piece of shit city.

3) I'm not Asian...I've been told I can't do the VIP style thing because I'm white:shrug:

Not only does my car not fit the "VIP rulebook", but neither does my city or apparently to some people, my race.
[/QUOTE]
I'm Sicilian, drive a Jag and Benz, and live in the STL.  So really I don't see the issue you have stuck in your head (or others stuck it there for you).

Awesome, NY was considered a "VIP city."  LOL
 
I'm white too BTW.  Full blooded Albanian

[QUOTE=Lux;272917]I'm new can't really comment, but I've got 3 strikes against me with the whole car modding thing...

1) I drive a 2009 Mercedes C Class...doesn't fit really any of the "qualifications" of a VIP style car. But, it's a nice ride, I love it, as do others.

2) I'm not from California, Texas, Florida or New York (where there's good support for VIP culture). I live in a poor, piece of shit city.

3) I'm not Asian...I've been told I can't do the VIP style thing because I'm white:shrug:

Not only does my car not fit the "VIP rulebook", but neither does my city or apparently to some people, my race.

Call what I've done to my car "bastardized" if you want...but yes, I have curtains in my black Mercedes, I've got a Fusa knot, lots of woodgrain, and soon it'll be dropped on Mandrus wheels. I don't label it VIP or VIP Style...it's just a nice luxury sedan with accessories from Junction Produce/Bellezza that amplify the luxuriousness of [I]my[/I] ride...despite what anyone else thinks.

 Besides that, I've talked to some awesome people on this forum (looking at the Euro guys mainly)...totally worth it to be part of this community, even if my biggest influences are hundreds or even thousands of miles away. [B]To me it's all about nice cars, a sense of community and an extended family.[/B]

Just my little addition to the thread.[/QUOTE]

your number 3 must have come from the stupidest red neck around....actually even a stupid asian would say something like that too.    

I'm more of a traditionalist however I can appreciate people VIP styling their cars.   Obviously has to be done right.   Like people said before for a civic sti or whatever you will need alot more work to get that VIP look than a more luxury full size sedan.

I believe the JP guys comment was an opinion from an old school perspective.   He probably was around when it was all happening and he's sticking to it.   However like everything else things change and now it is widely spread into other things.   It just evolved and there are a few that still think traditionally and some that think more modernly?  Well yeah....   whatever....I still like the traditional platform cars the best so whatever.

BTW I'm drunk...piss off

Grant where the hells my scooter crap...taking forever.

I'm white also , I'm not a true platform :smiley-rofl:

haha

[QUOTE=phillygs3;272977]I'm white also , I'm not a true platform :smiley-rofl:[/QUOTE]
Hahaha...that was a good one.

<---White guy from Cleveland...nothing VIP about me......:smiley-rofl:

I'm a white guy from Knoxville,TN... How un VIP is that? And trust me... I have had some hateful emails from some Asian guys telling me that a white boy can't do VIP... But whatever! F Them! I'm here to stay

[QUOTE=20sburning;273038]I'm a white guy from Knoxville,TN... How un VIP is that? And trust me... I have had some hateful emails from some Asian guys telling me that a white boy can't do VIP... But whatever! F Them! I'm here to stay[/QUOTE]
 
Are you serious? Thats messed up right there...
 
I like the fact that i can go to a vip event in Japan and stand out like crazy. Thats how i get the magazine interviews lol

[QUOTE=20sburning;273038]I'm a white guy from Knoxville,TN... How un VIP is that? And trust me... I have had some hateful emails from some Asian guys telling me that a white boy can't do VIP... But whatever! F Them! I'm here to stay[/QUOTE]

Sucks, I get that about Dating an asian girl:smiley-rofl:but I just laugh at them when they act like that....

this thread makes me giggle. lol 
 
 
does it really matter on the platform im with some people on this thats its more about style .
 
and im also with el prez on his comment vip= big luxury 4door car . 
 
 
so let me ask you guys this would a bentley continental flyin spur be considered "vip"?
or the rolls royce phantom ?? I mean its a big 4door car? I think it is ...

[QUOTE=MR.J;273062]this thread makes me giggle. lol 
 
 
does it really matter on the platform im with some people on this thats its more about style .
 
and im also with el prez on his comment vip= big luxury 4door car . 
 
 
so let me ask you guys this would a bentley continental flyin spur be considered "vip"?
or the rolls royce phantom ?? I mean its a big 4door car? I think it is ...[/QUOTE]

I feel if you do anything to those cars you're just cheapening it.    It shouldn't be touched....  thats just me.

I used to think that it was a platform only thing.  But when i started to get into this vip scene, i learned its all about originality and being classy with it.  But that doesnt mean black car slammed alloy wheels etc.  I hardly ever take many styling ideas from the US.  Because for the most part alot of guys are just copy cats in the US.  I learned that from the tuner crowd, and its no diferent in the vip crowd, just older with more money...lol.  But I just hate the idea of sitting on your hands waiting to see what japan does all the time.  What mkes japan so appealing to us, is because they do as they please, while we try to figure it all out, and when we do..they switch it up.    But by being a mazda loyalist till death...i chose my canvas, and was pleased to learn how accepted the 929 is as a vip platform car.    I am also one to believe in keeping it true to the certain style of vip, which is why i love it soo much.    i feel liek im rambling on and losing my point..so im done..


and im black..and not a true vip platform...lol

But i will add, my thinking of the origins of the TRUE! vip is from the euros..

[QUOTE=urmyhero4now;272797]Had to poke some fun:yahoo_6:
 
 
[IMG]http://images.hondatuningmagazine.com/features/0504ht_15z+Honda_Civic+Front_Passenger_View.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]

i thought this thing was dope back in the day... to me it still is.. people can do whatever they want.. as long as it looks good and if it is "inspired" so what.. it still nice.

@ JITb....I know how you feel about being loyal to a brand. I love Mercedes, have since I popped out the womb! (even through the dark period of the Chrysler/Daimler part sharing :pat:).

Nothing in this world could make me pass up a brand new Mercedes for a 10 year old Lexus. Who cares about platform in a case like that? Real life does play a factor and if the opportunity presents itself, I'd much rather have a new(er) car than something that's taken 10 or 15 years worth of abuse.

And a side note...what happens when in 10 or 20 years there are few platform cars out there (with less than 200k on the odo) and people want to do the VIP thing? Won't the VIP ILLUMINATI (jury is still out on whether or not they exist=)) have to start including new platforms like the Hyundai Genesis sedan, new Lexus GS/LS, Infiniti G sedan, etc.? Something to think about...

Also by limiting the numbers of cars eligible for the VIP treatment you force new ideas to come to light.  When there are only so many times you can apply an idea to a car before its been done before then it forces new ideas due to the limitations.

Maybe we just need a US takatomi or group of people to set the US guidelines.  But that debate would probably only be settled in a thunderdome environment.

[img]http://silverjacket.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/10/09/thunderdome.jpg[/img]

Before the  main thing for Vip style, is to be a sedan.  but the Sc430..kind of steps over that line.  and one could say RWD is a must, but the Ka9 crosses that boundary aswell.  

American Vip should be MVP...lol

[QUOTE=elpresidente;272664]Ok, on with the chlorophyll...[/QUOTE]
 
ladys love the chlorophyll :biggthumpup:
 
[QUOTE=Blitz;273081]I feel if you do anything to those cars you're just cheapening it. It shouldn't be touched.... thats just me.[/QUOTE]
 
true but how is that any different from a $90k ls460? or and older LS or GS ect. 
 
What makes its different?   the price tag?

[QUOTE=JITb;273278]Before the main thing for Vip style, is to be a sedan. but the Sc430..kind of steps over that line. and one could say RWD is a must, but the Ka9 crosses that boundary aswell. 
 
American Vip should be MVP...lol[/QUOTE]
 
I've yet to see an SC430 that makes me think "yep, he nailed it" in terms of VIP. 
 
KA9s yes, even a few of the Cefiros.
 
 
 
I think the original point of this thread was good though. Stop worrying about whether or not your car is a 'vip platform', and just [b]do it.[/b]
If you get there, you will know. It will be undeniable...
 
And if you dont... Well you know what they say about shooting for the moon, even if you miss you will land amongst the stars... May not have built an undeniably vip car, but it will still look better than if you had gone for dub/donk or whatever...

[QUOTE=burgy;273050]Sucks, I get that about Dating an asian girl:smiley-rofl:but I just laugh at them when they act like that....[/QUOTE]
I'm Asian and am dating a Jamaican girl.  Go figure.

I suppose I can agree on "VIP" platforms are big bodys.  I'm content with my GS so whatevs.  I'm not really concerned with classification.

[QUOTE=Blitz;273081]I feel if you do anything to those cars you're just cheapening it. It shouldn't be touched.... thats just me.[/QUOTE]
 I see where you are coming from, but then again, to me it's like dating your dream girl, I mean incredibly goregeous, volumtious woman who sets you off but choosing to stay celibate...all that potential, gone to waste, just another stock vehicle in my book, don't get me wrong, an incredibly goregeous, volumtious, sexy stock vehicle, but AT LEAST rim it up.
...sorry for the off topic, as for the whole "platform" issue, I really can't speak on it, not my gig, but it's been interesting following this. Some very,very good points have been brought to light and thanks to everyone for sharing thier views.

[QUOTE=NELSON09;273411]I see where you are coming from, but then again, to me it's like dating your dream girl, I mean incredibly goregeous, volumtious woman who sets you off but choosing to stay celibate...all that potential, gone to waste, just another stock vehicle in my book, don't get me wrong, an incredibly goregeous, volumtious, sexy stock vehicle, but AT LEAST rim it up.
...sorry for the off topic, as for the whole "platform" issue, I really can't speak on it, not my gig, but it's been interesting following this. Some very,very good points have been brought to light and thanks to everyone for sharing thier views.[/QUOTE]
 
I think it all depends on how you build it and style .
 
I have seen some nice 4door bentleys with mansorys kits and semi deep dish wheels like ashantis and dropd lookd good to me.
 
But I also have seen some ugly bentleys .. 
 
Im with elpresident on this ..

my opinion on it is that the label doesn't matter.  If it's a luxurious sedan midsize to fullsize it qualifies.  This thread might take a whole new direction if people put up lists of cars that they think should be considered a platform based off of what is available in their respective country.  Cadillacs, Lincolns, BMW, Mercedes, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Jaguar, Lexus, Infiniti, Acura, VW, Toyota, Nissan, Honda and now Hyundai.  They all make a decent sized car that may or may not be RWD but it's still luxury based on options available.  I'd love for a purist in a UCF 10 to pull up next to a 2009 Genesis sedan and say some shit like well my car is more VIP then yours.  That would be frickin hilarious.  I speak for my self and many others, I AM DIEHARD TOYOTA, I would take a new Genesis over a beat to death UCF10 or G50 any day of the week.  That's saying alot considering I am working on an oldschool camry which I will never consider VIP.  Will it have all or most of the cues nailed.  You bet your ass it will but it still will never be VIP.  also people keep saying Japanese VIP anything but that isn't the case.  South-East Asia will VIP anything.  I seen a VIP styled Hyundai Elantra that made me look like I'm not even trying.  A frickin Elantra for christ sakes.  Those guys seem to care less about the label and more about making stuff look pretty.  That's the focus I have with my car.  Screw what anyone else thinks, I like it and if you do thanks, but I'm building it for me.

IMHO, VIP style is not even narrowed down to it has to be a sedan or some specific model... i have seen featured coupes, euros and american cars as such. I think it is also about the orientation of the car and how it is styled. TO ME,  VIP is more to please the owner with the overal look (usually classy-exotic-elegant) and it is more of a toy/play/pleasure car than a show car if anything else.

^^^
 
Thats why i love the new sporty look that vipstyle is heading in. Put that on a civic/coupe/ford truck and it definitely wont look 'classy' or elegant
 
Vipstyle in the US is fixated on a particular period of vip tuning (circa-2003), which, when applied to any car, can make it look classy and 'vip'. But the current trend is about making the cars look more sporty than they are, and this does NOT translate well to non-platform cars. Put Work Meisters, de-chromed exterior, brembos and recaros on a non-platform car and you have a sports car that doesnt have an ounce of 'vip feel'. Yet on a vip car it looks tough as nails.