who else has a saggy stillen front lip?

edub370 · 09-21-2012, 08:43 AM

i believe u ran into the problem that most people did. inadequate hardware. the tape might as well not even exist, as it doesn't touch in about 50% of the places. and the screws are a complete JOKE. so if u install with their mounting hardware (as i did initially) then they will tell u its not properly mounted. which i found ironic

coals · 09-21-2012, 12:09 PM

Yeah it was rough but luckily my neighbor stopped over and I had someone to hold the lip while I drilled/screwed it down.

Also i had a piece of aluminum glued to the middle but it fell out during installation. I was getting frustrated so I didn't bother with it again as getting the actual lip on was harder than I anticipated.

edub not to get off thread topic but I see you're in KCMO. Im up in Iowa and come down there quite often. Do you guys have meets or anything?

edub370 · 09-21-2012, 12:34 PM

Yea we do. we have a bi weekly car meet that we typically go to and some other various events. pretty good group down here. let us know next time u come down and we can meet up. check out the midewst section "kansas city" thread

gaveup · 10-02-2012, 04:42 PM

Currently talking to stillen about this, if anyone cares.

Quote:

Originally Posted by email

Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2012 8:54 AM
To: sales@stillen.com
Subject: Stillen 370Z front lip sagging issue

Hello,

I’ve currently been having an issue with a front lip I ordered from Stillen a while ago (I am going to say 6 months ago, maybe more). Currently, it seems the middle section of the lip is deformed and sagging quite a bit.

Upon initial installation, I noticed the provided hardware wasn’t going to be enough to properly secure this lip, so I installed it with the bumper off and used rivets. I had some issues with fitment (more specifically, getting the fang portion to line up properly). I did speak with someone at stillen who advised me a tech would be calling me back shortly to discuss. I believe I got a call back a couple weeks later and just decided to live with it as I really love the way this lip looks on my car and well, rivets are annoying to drill out

Since the middle has been sagging so much I just decided to pull the lip off and since then (about 2 months) it has been sitting in my garage. I thought it was just a freak incident and since I live in a hot area it was just the heat+downforce causing said deformation. I then came across a thread on the370z.com with a group of people experiencing the same issue:

who else has a saggy stillen front lip?

Now, I know that I probably had the lip long enough so any warranty on the part has been expired and whatnot, but since the lip is no longer on the car, I was wondering if you guys would want it back to review it and see what the cause was (I can also take pictures for you, but they are pretty similar to the pictures found on the link provided). I’m not asking for a brand new lip or anything, but I hate to see such a nice part having an issue like this.

If you need any information please feel free to contact me at XXXXXXXXX
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jason,

Please send pictures if possible. Do you have photos with the lip on the car with the section that is sagging? The 3M tape provided holds securly as long as the surface of the bumper is cleaned and prepped correctly as followed in the instructions.

The reason we do not add extra screws for installation is that it creates more tension especially during driving. Adding rivets or screws gives create more tension around the area where those rivets or screws were applied. This is just me assuming, I cant see whats going on, so photos will be a big help. Details on where is was mounted, surface of the bumper where the lip was installed. More pictures the better. Or is the link to the forum photos of your car?

Kevin Romero
Internet Sales
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Those photos are not mine (But very close, dare I say mine was even more pronounced), but when I get home tonight I will take as many pictures as I can for you (keep in mind the lip is off of the car).

The part that is sagging is in the middle where it looks like it isn’t reinforced. If you look at the lip from the bottom, you see there is a fold under (sorry for the lack of proper definition). Its sagging in the part where it isn’t reinforced, which is directly in the middle.

The surface was properly prepped (was clay bared and then wiped with alcohol as per the instructions). The fitment was incredibly tight when initially installed and the reason the rivets were added was because the self-tapping screws wouldn’t hold the lip in place and after looking at how thin the bumper was and the screws themselves, I couldn’t imagine it holding perfectly. Also, when I purchased it, I had a few friends with them who had issues with the screws backing out and they needed to screw them in further every month or so (this was more than 1 person). Not wanting to deal with all that, I just added the rivets. It was the only way to get the fang portion to line up correctly.

I understand how some people could improperly install this lip, but I assure you, this is not the first lip I have installed. I just try to get everything done right the first time so it doesn’t fly off on the freeway at 80mph (I’ve read about that happening as well, but I am certain that is installer error).

Unfortunately, I do not have any pics of the lip on the car with the sag. When taking any pics of the car it was always at an angle so it wasn’t noticeable. It was sort of embarrassing to see it on the car.

When installing, I also noticed the 3M tape did not stick to all portions it was applied to. There were definitely some gaps. No matter how it was lined up this was the case when test fitting it.

The only thing that really urks me about this conversation, is it almost seems like he is implying it was incorrectly installed from the get-go. If that were the case, I don't see this thread having a need to exist. I don't see how adding rivets or even new 3m tape would be an issue when it is the actual flat portion that is sagging and the portion that mounts isn't sagging at all.

gaveup · 10-03-2012, 07:39 PM

Finally got some pics of mine off the car....

delusional · 10-03-2012, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gaveup

Currently talking to stillen about this, if anyone cares.

The only thing that really urks me about this conversation, is it almost seems like he is implying it was incorrectly installed from the get-go. If that were the case, I don't see this thread having a need to exist. I don't see how adding rivets or even new 3m tape would be an issue when it is the actual flat portion that is sagging and the portion that mounts isn't sagging at all.

did he really say that it's because of the rivets causing tension?

the screws they supplied wouldn't even work

the lip would fly off if people used the supplied screws like many have already

leeyeegue · 10-03-2012, 09:43 PM

Stupidest comment I have ever heard... It's quiet obvious in the picture that the lip was properly installed and that the front part is sagging...

Only reason stillen sales person said that is because they don't want to admit it. And I seriously think that Internet Sales person is just trying to bs his way out...

I have a saggy lip too, going to use aluminum and braces to hold it up only because it looks good.

Stillen makes very good parts, they dropped their balls on this one, whether or not they admit it, they still make awesome stuff.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717

gaveup · 10-04-2012, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leeyeegue

Stupidest comment I have ever heard... It's quiet obvious in the picture that the lip was properly installed and that the front part is sagging...

Only reason stillen sales person said that is because they don't want to admit it. And I seriously think that Internet Sales person is just trying to bs his way out...

I have a saggy lip too, going to use aluminum and braces to hold it up only because it looks good.

Stillen makes very good parts, they dropped their balls on this one, whether or not they admit it, they still make awesome stuff.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717

Honestly, even though I know the lip was relatively cheap, I am a bit upset over this. I don't see the huge deal with either a.) them paying to ship it back to them to look it over or b.) them sending me a new one to make sure it just wasn't bad luck on my part.

I didn't write them with any intentions of getting a new lip. Honestly, I think installing another one would be a pita. I'd almost rather just order a shine or evo-r lip at this point. I loved the way it looked on my car for the couple of months I had it on.

Once it started to sag though, I couldn't get it off fast enough as every single damn friend of mine would make fun of it. Even my girlfriend joined in on it. Got annoying as hell and I just decided to throw it in the garage under some boxes. Pretty much never going to put it back on, but I thought I would try and help them given this is a topic of interest.

Joepro · 10-03-2012, 09:50 PM

I ordered the lip yesterday, but glad I found this thread, Ill do a support like the others mentioned, I debated for some time an this is still the best looking IMO, at least we have each other to find a prevention method!

edub370 · 10-04-2012, 11:28 AM

almost the exact same response i got. he said, "it appears as if the lip isn't properly installed"

so let me get this straight... adding extra hardware would cause "more tension" during driving. BUT, if i install it with the hardware thats provided in the kit it's improperly installed?!?!

dafuq????

how are people supposed to mount this then stillen????

also, how does adding more hardware cause more tension. thats saying that "if this lip is securly fastened then it will create unwanted stress on your bumper." i love that stillen supports the z's, but i wish they would SLIGHTLY listen to the customers who buy their products. i was less irritated with my sagging lip before i even talked to stillen,.

how many more times must they get linked to this thread before they do something? i know i sent them this link in my correspondence with them

gaveup · 10-04-2012, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edub370

almost the exact same response i got. he said, "it appears as if the lip isn't properly installed"

so let me get this straight... adding extra hardware would cause "more tension" during driving. BUT, if i install it with the hardware thats provided in the kit it's improperly installed?!?!

dafuq????

how are people supposed to mount this then stillen????

also, how does adding more hardware cause more tension. thats saying that "if this lip is securly fastened then it will create unwanted stress on your bumper." i love that stillen supports the z's, but i wish they would SLIGHTLY listen to the customers who buy their products. i was less irritated with my sagging lip before i even talked to stillen,.

how many more times must they get linked to this thread before they do something? i know i sent them this link in my correspondence with them

The thing that bothers me the most is, let's say for a brief moment, it was incorrectly installed. How is that possible? When I was test fitting it (and I did the test fit about 4 times to make sure it was right) there doesn't seem like there are many ways to screw it up.

Seriously, the way those 2 tabs slide into the wheel well gives you almost 0 slack to line it up any differently than how they intended. When I first did it the first test fit, I noticed the fang portion didn't line up 100%. There was absolutely no way it was going to line up either (measured the distance about 3 times, mathematically it wouldn't work). You would either have 1 side off by about 5-10mm or both sides slightly off. But really, once those tabs were behind the wheel well section it didn't matter. The lip was going to line up however the hell they wanted it. There was virtually no way to fix it.

Of course, it was something so minor no one else would notice so I still installed it.

The sagging lip however....not so minor.

We will see what they say about the pictures. Although, I am definitely expecting the response to go like this:

"After reviewing these pictures, we are not able to fully see where the lip is "sagging". We think it is due to you not using the 6 screws and tape to hold the lip on as we directed. Sorry."

But, I don't see how PROPERLY securing the lip to the bumper would cause a flaw. I mean, as everyone else has noticed, the tape doesn't line up 100% and there are some gaps where it doesn't make contact. I even resorted to trying a thicker industrial tape to see if it would line up, and it didn't.

Never heard of any other lips having this problem and never experienced this installing many of the other front lips I have on many other cars.

robones · 10-04-2012, 12:27 PM

"After reviewing these pictures, we are not able to fully see where the lip is "sagging". We think it is due to you not using the 6 screws and tape to hold the lip on as we directed. Sorry, go to hell"

I can imagine this response.

gaveup · 10-04-2012, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robones

"After reviewing these pictures, we are not able to fully see where the lip is "sagging". We think it is due to you not using the 6 screws and tape to hold the lip on as we directed. Sorry, go to hell"

I can imagine this response.

Yeah. It's a catch 22, because let's say I did use just those tiny screws (which really don't catch as well as a bigger self tapping screw would) and trusted in the tape (which didn't make 100% contact) to hold the lip on. I could easily just rip the lip off, and I did. So I can only imagine what kind of downforce would be needed to do this, and over time it is very possible the tape would lose grip and the screws would back out.

When I uninstalled it, I got under the car and drilled out the 3-4 rivets I added. Once those were out I was able to pull lightly on it and the tape popped off and a little downward pressure and the screws came out. It didn't take hulk force rage to do this. And yes, the surface was more than properly prepped for the tape (as I said, it was claybarred and then wiped down with alcohol).

I can only image if I installed this with just those screws and tape and it flew off at 120mph (which sad to say, I have hit on a few occasions...on a closed..course...). What would the reply be then?

So is it safe to assume that everyone here that has had this center (non reinforced) section sagging installed this incorrectly? I find that really hard to believe.

leeyeegue · 10-04-2012, 02:14 PM

yeah stillen's sales person is really STUPID now for saying that..... its not up to them to decide if a product works or not, whether if its good or not. They forgot one thing: its the customer who decides....

shame shame shame on Stillen

leeyeegue · 10-04-2012, 02:18 PM

btw im gonna try to fix it, i already got the braces, i will go look for some aluminum pieces. I will post pictures of the entire process. Any ideas where i can find aluminum, and get them cut and stuff?

09-21-2012, 08:43 AM	#1 (permalink)
edub370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2011 Location: KCMO Posts: 3,458 Drives: 09 370z S/T 6MT Rep Power: 21	i believe u ran into the problem that most people did. inadequate hardware. the tape might as well not even exist, as it doesn't touch in about 50% of the places. and the screws are a complete JOKE. so if u install with their mounting hardware (as i did initially) then they will tell u its not properly mounted. which i found ironic __________________ 09 370Z ST 6MT//Injen CAI//Greddy CBE//TP//TSW's//Swifts//Stillen lip//Whiteline sways 326whp/268tq

09-21-2012, 12:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
edub370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2011 Location: KCMO Posts: 3,458 Drives: 09 370z S/T 6MT Rep Power: 21	Yea we do. we have a bi weekly car meet that we typically go to and some other various events. pretty good group down here. let us know next time u come down and we can meet up. check out the midewst section "kansas city" thread __________________ 09 370Z ST 6MT//Injen CAI//Greddy CBE//TP//TSW's//Swifts//Stillen lip//Whiteline sways 326whp/268tq

10-03-2012, 09:50 PM	#9 (permalink)
Joepro A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Athens ohio Posts: 1,213 Drives: Company car Rep Power: 35	I ordered the lip yesterday, but glad I found this thread, Ill do a support like the others mentioned, I debated for some time an this is still the best looking IMO, at least we have each other to find a prevention method! __________________ Swift\|Koni\|SPC\| FI CBE\|Z1\|Stillen\|Sbend\|Zspeed\|R/T Tuned\|523 whp\|458 tq\|10.5 psi\|SOLD Joepro's Journal\|Joepro's Boosted Performance Build \|Pittsburgh-Western-Pa-Ohio-Wv-Group

10-04-2012, 11:28 AM	#10 (permalink)
edub370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2011 Location: KCMO Posts: 3,458 Drives: 09 370z S/T 6MT Rep Power: 21	almost the exact same response i got. he said, "it appears as if the lip isn't properly installed" so let me get this straight... adding extra hardware would cause "more tension" during driving. BUT, if i install it with the hardware thats provided in the kit it's improperly installed?!?! dafuq???? how are people supposed to mount this then stillen???? also, how does adding more hardware cause more tension. thats saying that "if this lip is securly fastened then it will create unwanted stress on your bumper." i love that stillen supports the z's, but i wish they would SLIGHTLY listen to the customers who buy their products. i was less irritated with my sagging lip before i even talked to stillen,. how many more times must they get linked to this thread before they do something? i know i sent them this link in my correspondence with them __________________ 09 370Z ST 6MT//Injen CAI//Greddy CBE//TP//TSW's//Swifts//Stillen lip//Whiteline sways 326whp/268tq Last edited by edub370; 10-04-2012 at 11:30 AM.

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09-21-2012, 12:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
coals Base Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Midwest Posts: 14 Drives: 09 Nissan 370z MB M6 Rep Power: 16	Yeah it was rough but luckily my neighbor stopped over and I had someone to hold the lip while I drilled/screwed it down. Also i had a piece of aluminum glued to the middle but it fell out during installation. I was getting frustrated so I didn't bother with it again as getting the actual lip on was harder than I anticipated. edub not to get off thread topic but I see you're in KCMO. Im up in Iowa and come down there quite often. Do you guys have meets or anything?

10-03-2012, 09:43 PM	#7 (permalink)
leeyeegue Base Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 230 Drives: 370Z Rep Power: 15	Stupidest comment I have ever heard... It's quiet obvious in the picture that the lip was properly installed and that the front part is sagging... Only reason stillen sales person said that is because they don't want to admit it. And I seriously think that Internet Sales person is just trying to bs his way out... I have a saggy lip too, going to use aluminum and braces to hold it up only because it looks good. Stillen makes very good parts, they dropped their balls on this one, whether or not they admit it, they still make awesome stuff. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717

10-04-2012, 12:27 PM	#12 (permalink)
robones Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Miami Posts: 357 Drives: 2011 - Nissan 370 M6 Rep Power: 15	"After reviewing these pictures, we are not able to fully see where the lip is "sagging". We think it is due to you not using the 6 screws and tape to hold the lip on as we directed. Sorry, go to hell" I can imagine this response.

10-04-2012, 02:14 PM	#14 (permalink)
leeyeegue Base Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 230 Drives: 370Z Rep Power: 15	yeah stillen's sales person is really STUPID now for saying that..... its not up to them to decide if a product works or not, whether if its good or not. They forgot one thing: its the customer who decides.... shame shame shame on Stillen

10-04-2012, 02:18 PM	#15 (permalink)
leeyeegue Base Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 230 Drives: 370Z Rep Power: 15	btw im gonna try to fix it, i already got the braces, i will go look for some aluminum pieces. I will post pictures of the entire process. Any ideas where i can find aluminum, and get them cut and stuff?