I have been getting a lot of PM’s and calls regarding the quality of my products and how competitors are claiming that we are using “low grade materials” to produce our tops resulting in our less expensive pricing. However, that statement is 100% misleading and false. It is being used as a product basher. I have realized that either our competitor(s) are being lied to by their manufacture OR they are lying to their clients about the ‘materials’ they use which is claimed to be much more efficient than ours.

The reason behind our low pricing and quality maintenance is the main fact that we OWN the manufacture. Rather than us having to pay a 3rd party and have them make a profit from us, we are able to cut the middle man and provide those savings to our customers.

Due to legal reasons, I cannot name my competitors manufacturing source nor can I name the trade name. However, I can inform you that we all buy composite supplies from the same companies. Luckily, we happen to have a better relationship with our composite supplier whom which can provide verification that we do not cheap out on our material while others do so for money issues.

In California, most automobile manufactures know each other and buy composites from the same place(s). We buy the same materials such as, the same resin, same cop mat, same cloth, and same infusion material. Why may you ask? For the simple fact that it works. The only difference between all of us is the manufacturing process.

The most important detail about manufacturing is finding a resin which will infuse properly and have the least amount of shrinkage. Reichhold Polylite-33234 is what we use and have been using for the past 3 years.

Below is a list of products we use on each and every hardtop we sell to our customers.
- RAM UV Marine Clear/ Black Gel coat made by Lilly-RAM Chemical Company (Made in the US)
-Toray Carbon Fiber weaved in the US by Textile Products, Inc.
- Owens Corning fiberglass (Made in the US)
-7500 BGF Cloth (use for reinforcing fiberglass)
-7500 Volano BGF Cloth (use for reinforcing carbon)

In the past 3 years of manufacturing, the only item that we have changed has been the gel-coat. Reason being, Valspar left the gel-coat industry February of 2013.

You might be asking, “Why are they giving us their trade secrets and the materials they use on their products?” There is no secret. If you call any composite store in SoCal and ask for the best, it is what they will recommend. My main composite supplier is Composites Plus in Temple City. Composite Plus supplies composite supplies for many automobile carbon manufactures such as Vorsteiner, Arkym, Tecnocraft etc. (including to our competitors manufactures). We also have Composite One, Surf Supply, Coastal Composite, and Crystal Liners which is backup sources if you owe your main composite provider money. *WINK*WINK*

Competitors also claim they use a better hardware system and that we cheap out on hardware. Again, false. As of right now, we have an excellent hardware kit available and now that we provide 2-piece OEM style brackets, it has put us on top. If I could provide a better hardware system, I would. The key to a good fitting top is installation and always has been.

Let's say out of 100 tops we manufacturer, 1 top comes out defected from a manufacturing process error. We ship out the product and the customer complains about the issue online and forgets to ask us for advice first. Our competitors wants you to look at that one bad review but forget about the other 99 who experienced no problems. Every case we deal with is different. In 2013, we averaged about 40 tops per month equaling about 480 a year. Out of all those tops, 1 was a return, 3 were exchanged for cosmetic issues and 3 were exchanged for damaged shipment issues. Our competitors don't own a composite manufacturer nor do they run one to be saying what we use and how we process things.

When you call us at Forbidden to compare our products to others, we simply say “Go with company that will provide you the best customer service”. You will never hear us degrade other companies just to make a sale. We have been selling on s2ki market for 3 years with a very good track record. Yes, we have made mistakes and yes we have had customers we couldn’t solve issues for. Who hasn’t? Saying you have the best top on the market is like going to your local hamburger joint that has a slogan that reads, “Best in Town”. It is all about personal opinions. Always remember, its a sales pitch so do your own research.

Here at Forbidden, we do not just manufacture only for ourselves but manufacture for many private label companies. Also, if you didn’t know already, we own another company by the name of Slek Designs which is focus on the BMW crowd. Check us out on Facebook : ] https://www.facebook.com/slekdesigns


Lastly, this thread is not to compare apples to oranges. This thread to make it clear to our exciting and new customers that we are not cutting corners to cut cost. If you guys feel the need to verify this information, please contact Brett at Composite Plus in Temple City. Since there is only three (us being one and Brett knowing the other two) manufactures of hardtops in SoCal, he can easily say who buys the good stuff.

If anyone has anymore questions or concerns regarding the quality of material and making of the product, even want to start manufacturing a product line, please send me an email at sales@forbidden-usa.com and I will answer each and every one of you.


Added 1/09/2015 FAQ's

Q. Do you guys guarantee fitment?
A. Of course, if installed correctly, you will not have any issues. All hardtops are test fitted before leaving our manufacture.

Q. What if I do have an issue regarding your hardtops?
A. Email us at sales@forbidden-usa.com with pictures explaining whats going on. If we can't help you fix your issue, we will replace your hardtop.

Q. Competitor claims he’s the ONLY one that uses an authentic mugen top to make molds, is this true?
A. No, since we started 4 years ago, we have used an authentic mugen top to make all of our molds.

Q. Do I have to clear coat your carbon tops so they won't yellow.
A. No, we use a marine base gel coat that will last around 4-5 years without having to clear coat your part.

Q. Competitor claims he uses better quality materials, what do you use?
A. We only use the best here. If we could buy better, we would. Our materials are listed on this page because we have nothing to hide regarding our process. If they use the best, than they are using the same.

Q. Competitors claim they have superior hardware than you
A. False. Seals wise, we buy seals from the same manufacture. Brackets wise, we have the best in the market since we introduced our 2-piece OEM style brackets.

Q. How long have you guys been on the market for?
A. Going on 4 years now, we have sold over 2000 tops worldwide.

Q. How many molds do you guys have for your hardtops?
A. Currently 6 mugen 5 oem. We make new molds every 4-5 months


Thanks for all your support,

Alberto Torres
Forbidden-USA

 

 

I purchased my Mugen replica top from Forebidden USA about 3 years ago when there company was relatively new. Even then, Alberto was quick to answer my messages and provide great customer service. Unlike many hard top owners, I remove my hardtop all the time to enjoy the awesome SoCal weather. Over the years I've neglected to be careful when bolting down the top. Sometimes I wouldn't have someone help push the top down when installing which would put lots of stress on the infused nuts in the fiberglass. I used to torque the bolts down a lot which is definitely a no no. Over time, one of the nuts pulled out of the fiberglass.
I did not contact Alberto about this because it was a problem that I had caused. I made a thread on S2KI looking for advice on how to fix this. Alberto saw my thread AND CONTACTED ME. Luckily I'm local so getting to his shop is a breeze. He fixed my top FOR FREE. At the same time, he replaced my seals FOR FREE.
My top has always fit great and continues to sit perfectly with the new seals. The paint is great after 3 years and the top get looks everywhere I go. I would never hesitate to deal with Alberto. He will always help his customers out. This is why I chose Forebidden over the competitors.
I will definitely do business with Forbidden again. Got my eyes set on their 2 piece OEM hardware.

 

I bought my Mugen style top and OEM style hardware from Forbidden. The top fits perfect. Alberto said it best, "It is all about the installation." Their customer service was fantastic and I will continue to buy products from them. Thanks for the hook up Forbidden. I love how my car looks now Here is a pic of my car and this pic quality does not give the hardtop justice.

 

+1 for great service at forbidden, ordered oem hardware from them and braulio always kept me updated thru the long process and even took time aside to send me pictures. That alone is more than enough to show a company who cares about their business relationship. Keep up the goodwork forbidden!

 

I've posted this in my build thread and on their thread in the Feedback Forum.
It's my honest opinion both good points and "bad" (if you wan to call them bad).

The reason I've written this in multiple locations is:
1. Someone asked me about it in my build thread.
2. I thought they were being unnecessarily bashed in the Feedback Forum.
3. Alberto asked me to write something here (not to praise Forbidden), because he's seen my other posts and they were honest.

Originally Posted: November 5th, 2013
My experience so far:

Customer Service - 11++/10. Both people I've dealt with there have gone out of their way to help me. Both with pricing, and a small error with a Broadway mirror I ordered was fixed promptly, no questions asked. Another employee also gave me his personal cellphone number and helped me out with the installation of the diffuser on the weekend when they were closed.

Hardtop Quality - 8.5/10. Visually (in my opinion) it couldn't really be any better. Exterior is smooth and glossy with no irregularities in the weave that stand out like a sore thumb. Same goes for the inside.
I got it with the tinted window pre-installed. No leaks there etc.
The 8.5 is for a few small reasons.
1. A small defect behind the passenger window which has made a pretty large gap that will have to be filled with a seal to avoid leaks. You might not even notice it from the exterior unless it was pointed out, but it's noticeable from the interior because you can see daylight and stick your finger through.
2. In my opinion, the mounting areas should be reinforced a bit more.
3. The door seals are good, but i think I will take the top off and use something else to seal the base. I've had to press down quite hard to get all the gaps out and that has lead to it being a bit noisy. Not sure if a thicker seal material will help this or not (I still have to talk to them and get some adjusting advice). I wish I was closer to them so they could adjust it for me, as they have done boat loads of installs.

Diffuser Quality - 9.5+/10. Visually the piece was perfect and came with everything needed to install. Only reason for the 9.5+ here isn't anything to do with the part quality, it's just the inherent fitment "issues" that come with the J's Diffuser. I've never seen one look how I would want it to look, not even the authentic ones.

Would I buy from them again? - Absolutely! I plan on buying the side diffusers.

Originally Posted: March 11th, 2014
Bee has messaged me back with answers to questions pre-purchase and post-purchase. Even when I had a problem, he didn't avoid me. He fixed it ASAP.
Responses from him have been the day of or they day after I've emailed them (except weekends which I agree with, I like my weekends off too), and Bay has answered me and had full conversations with me via text (reminder, I'm in Canada and they are State side) weekdays, after hours, and weekends.
I'd say their customer service has been pretty damn good.

Another thing I feel like I should mention is that I went in to this purchase of these 3 items knowing a few things (and something people should consider).
1. The are reselling me a Broadway mirror, there will be no problem with this portion of the purchase. Wrong. I received the wrong one. They replaced it with the right one and it didn't cost me a thing.
2. My car is pretty low. The diffuser is going to be hanging under my car and WILL get ruined. If it shows up in 1 piece, with all the mounting hardware, and the visible section isn't f*cked up... It's good.
3. The hardtop is a replica. If I want perfection, I should pay for it and buy the real deal. So, if it comes with everything needed to mount it, it has no crazy leaks etc, and the visible section isn't f*cked up (shitty weave, scratches, cracks, etc.)... It's good.

Once again, my honest opinion...
Could certain things be better? Sure, you can always improve.
Would I have got an OEM top instead if they could be had for $2000? Yes.
Was it good enough for me to feel good about saving the $1000 to get a used OEM or even more $ for a real Mugen top? Absolutely.
All-in-all I like my parts, I like how I've been treated, and I'd buy from them again.

Update: April 8th, 2014
Nothing really new to update. Top is still visually in good shape.
I no longer have a garage so it lives outside and has seen sun, rain, hail, and snow in the 5 1/2 months I've had it.
- My soft top latches rattle now with the movement over bumps etc so I'm going to switch to a solid mounting option.
- I'm going to make my own 2-piece rear brackets. The 1-piece brackets provided are good but i want to go with a tightness-adjustable 2-piece latch (that doesn't cost $300 from another retailer). I'd buy Forbidden's OEM style locks since I'm sure they are/will be good quality but I personally don't like the twist style OEM latches.

Again I'll say:
Would I buy from Alberto and the boys at Forbidden again? Yes. I would have no problem spending money with them again

Recent shots of the car with Forbidden-USA Double-sided 2x2 carbon fibre Mugen-rep Hardtop and J's-rep Rear Diffuser:

 

Forbidden FTW. I live 2 hours from their shop. I bought a Js diffuser where the center brackets did not line up. It was due to my exhaust. I drove off and the wind grabbed the center and dragged it at 75+MPH. Caused scrapes and a hole where it was not visible. I called him and he handled it. Seriously, they drove down to me with a replacement and installed it with proper brackets at no cost to me. You can't beat that.

You should throw a g2g Alberto. I would love to see that z4 in person.

 

I've had my Forbidden OEM replica top for more than a year now and its still as good as new. Fitment is excellent, the paint is excellent, and overall very happy with it.

I had one issue with the top which Forbidden remedied, and its been great since.

The customer service is truly excellent!

 

Forbidden customer service is top notch. My hardtop was damaged in transit and Alberto took care of it without argument. In a business where reputation can make or break you, Forbidden will sacrifice profit to make sure you are satisfied with your purchase. That is a company loyal to their customers. This year will be my third running their Mugen style hardtop. It has never come off since install. Also running their carbon side diffusers. Thank you Alberto for great products.

 

Bought my CF 1x1 3 years ago and still kicking... Its beatin to hell and back and still looks amazing on my baby, the diffuser is built tough!