We'll say it up front: our forged carbon parts aren't perfect, and neither is anyone else's.
Forged carbon fiber is made by compressing chopped carbon fiber and resin in a mold, instead of laying down a neat woven sheet. That's what gives it the marbled, random look people love. It's also why you'll sometimes see tiny imperfections: a small pinhole, a slight variation in pattern, a spot where the strands cluster a little differently.
What's normal
- Small variations in the marbled pattern from part to part
- Tiny surface marks you can only see up close
- Slight differences in how the pattern looks under sunlight versus in the shade
What isn't normal
- Cracks, delamination, or loose fibers
- Large voids or soft spots
- A finish that peels or flakes
If you ever get something in that second list, email us at Info@initiatemotorsport.com and we'll look at it.
Why we tell you this
Because we'd rather you know before you order. Our clock bezels and cruise control brackets are made to order, and our clock bezels carry a no-returns policy. We never want someone to feel surprised. No two parts match, and that's part of what you're paying for. If you want a perfectly uniform look, a traditional woven carbon weave or a vinyl wrap is a better fit.
How to spot fake "forged carbon"
The market is full of printed films and hydro-dipped parts sold as forged carbon. A few signs:
- The pattern repeats. Real forged carbon doesn't repeat, since it's random. If you see the same swirl twice, it's a print.
- It has no depth. Real carbon fiber looks like it has layers under the clear coat. A printed pattern looks flat.
- The price is too good. Real forged carbon takes real materials and real labor.
Our bezels and brackets are real forged carbon, not wraps or overlays. https://initiatemotorsport.com/products/forged-carbon-fiber-center-clock-bezel-for-2003-2004-infiniti-g35