This RWB Porsche Situation is INSANE

[@AlexMartini.]

Is the RWB hate justified? Lmk (& subscribe!!) ⬇️‼️ Personally, I had an opinion BEFORE seeing the RWB build at SEMA 2024. While I was “pro” RWB, I thought that it wasn’t improbable that a temporary Thing. It was only after NIT PICKING the hell out of some RWB’s at SEMA, plus being 2ft away from one being built that I realized that he’s better than the internet cares to admit. Is it perfect? No, the man has a crazy skill to eyeball just about all of it. But his “eye balling” is better than almost anything I’ve seen with the tools he had. Parts would come off 9-10-11 times just to make sure both sides were right. And the team, the team was incredible. Being able to meet RWB owners who were able to share their personal story, as well as what they saw during their own builds told me there was so much more than the ominous TikTok edits. I can’t express how thankful I am to have the experience and friends that could share more about this story than just what was found online. From TRA Kyoto visits, to taking a flashlight under Joe’s 993 to inspect cuts myself, the folks behind this story are some of the most incredible people. So I hope you enjoy this one, and you let me know if I should’ve put my own tin hat on 😅

[@KSwapTheWorld69]

No dood you speak the truth, there is no tin foil hat required, I'm sure anyone would want to flip a car for 10x as much.

[@RwbDave]

👏👏 well said Alex! Great vid too!

[@_Ezio__Auditore_]

Unhappy people will always find something to hate. Obviously, what he does is a bit extreme (as is quite a lot of Japanese car culture) AND he has become VERY popular (he's backed up like multiple years on projects). Both are things that unhappy people love to hate. Personally, a RWB Porsche is one of my most desired cars/projects. I fully agree with all that you said. But if you care what a few internet haters think about something subjective like this, you are wasting your time and energy, imo. Don't give them attention and the haters/purists can just preach amongst themselves.

[@everydaydose7779]

This guy kzbin.infoaFAck_usceo

[@titox2310]

I saw your girls tits on google images

[@deadpool3302]

ever since people online claimed that 500hp is slow, i don't listen to shit the online car community says

[@dominikj.h.4590]

on point! :)

[@JoeBleaux69]

Horsepower alone doesn’t equal fast or slow, so you’re as clueless as them

[@dominikj.h.4590]

​@@JoeBleaux69 ok, a 500hp in a regular car of the enthusiast, will not make it fast...of course even 1000hp engine alone without a transmission, chassis, body, wheels, etc will not be fast and not move anywhere at all. You're wise as them ;)

[@JoeBleaux69]

@@dominikj.h.4590 my comment wasn’t a catch-22. It has nothing to do with not having critics parts and everything to dow its power to weight ratio. Power alone tells you nothing. 500hp is a lot in a BAC mono or similar lightweight and it’s not so much in a multiple ton battery electric suv

[@minustaco42zero24]

Ok I'm sorry but 500 horsepower can absolutely be insane depending on the setup of the car and weight of the car and if it's some big heavy ass boat then it can be standard feeling. Setup is important. I had a classic VW with 85 horses and in the bends I could keep up with lots of cars but as soon as the straight hits I know they will be gone. But I had a good suspension setup and grippy tires and that meant a world of difference. I personally think the horsepower war of today is just insane but that's the flavor of today. It's just what people want right now. Things always change.

[@Turtlesauruss]

Broccoli heads with their clapped out G37s criticizing RWBs on social media is crazzyy

[@zeroswings2]

Broccoli heads? sorry... elaborate plz 😂

[@frostedtimes3914]

@@zeroswings2 curly haired (tight small curls) dipshits essentially a

[@kingmaybus8409]

What is a broccoli head?? 🤔😅

[@michael-michaelmotorcycle]

@@zeroswings2haircuts like Patrick Majomes or mixican kids named Edgar.

[@michael-michaelmotorcycle]

@@kingmaybus8409 haircuts like Patrick Majomes or mixican kids named Edgar.

[@GearSeekers]

Tiktok has ruined so many things for people

[@novai6554]

I wish it stayed as Musical.ly😔

[@nix294]

Bring back Vine ✊

[@cafuune]

tiktok has ruined people's brain*

[@sinkin1221]

relationship, society problems, "crowds" ...etc. everything Tiktok touches, they all get twisted and degenerated

[@YPP22010]

Tiktok has ruined the people!

[@ifixtruckz]

bro is always dressed like its christmas morning and hes putting a new lego set together in his pajamas

[@johndeerman2105]

✌️😂

[@LOWBIMMER323i]

That is passion!

[@hirevhoon7474]

I’m sorry, but the American car culture is not about individualism. It is purely about clout whatever everyone else is doing at the time or regarding at the time whatever gets you likes and subscribe to your social media. Your opinion changes when the trend changes.

[@realitykicksin8755]

America and culture does not fit in one sentence unless it says there is none

[@MaddoxxFD]

most of car culture is BS...the more expensive the better it is..

[@bogeyt15games55]

This is why I don’t trend chase. People just copying each other rather than just doing what they like. I don’t care that people call my car 2019 or “fast and furious” cause I like underglow, big wings, and widebodys 🤷‍♂️ it’s what I grew up liking and it’s what I want my car to look like cause I think it’s cool

[@MaddoxxFD]

@bogeyt15games55 that's the point of modification..trying to be different...dont give a fck to be rice or not...as long you're happy

[@woccaflocka4147]

Nah chasing clout and doing what everyone else is doing is the fake enthusiasts who wanna be cool. Those same people that go to takeovers and ruin the streets bc they think it's cool. Real enthusiasts, the people who build a car from the ground up or upgrade their first car to make it something unique for themselves, that's the American car culture.

[@SpeedRacerJoe]

Maybe I’m being biased since I’m an RWB owner and that’s my purple RWB in the video haha….but the biggest misconception is that people think he builds these cars as a boutique item in your garage. Like a Singer for instance. It’s the complete opposite! We like that he doesn’t give a f**k and was never the purist’s pick anyways. Like going against the grain. He has been chopping up these cars for multiple decades before ppl even cared about these cars and they were super cheap and affordable. Now that 911s are the most desired cars recently, ppl are up in arms about it now. Nakai developed this kit and installation method as a means for quick replacement during racing etc. Like if you damage body panels making contact with other cars, etc. Quick replacement and you’re back on the track the next day. Also, the technology and methods was different 20-30 years ago. Nakai is about 60 years now lol. The thing is, most of us owners don’t track but we’re still fans of this old school method because we love the racing and long history behind the RWB brand. Nakai has been building RWB cars for 30 years. That’s why there’s so many undocumented RWB race cars in Japan. Nakai himself and quite a few others have Tsukuba lap records and records at other major race tracks in Japan. P.S. Thank you so much for this video Alex! It’s hard to express how awesome it is owning an RWB and I think you’ve captured the essence of that in this video.

[@jparkhurst456]

Funny thing is the people talking crap don't know how custom body kits go on cars. Their fitment is terrible out the box they all suck. Watch the tavaish video of his custom 100k carbon body kit. It had to be taken to a carbon guy to get it to fit the car even. Most of the fiberglass body kits use expanded metal (it's not chicken wire) or nothing and they fit like crap. The silicone is to fill the gaps and make it look flush. It's way better than when they tried to bondo or glass them on like in the eighties. It would just crack. And don't get me started of what the original fenders look like under a wide body kit. It's horrifying and every one I've seen make me shiver but it's what you have to do to fit the tires. Watch any video online.

[@ho_vre]

can you sell it to me i have 5 dollars and 79 cents

[@cliftonsargent1572]

Your cars dope!!

[@lambolim2178]

Are the kits aerodynamic tested?

[@macbook802]

Youre not racing, or atleast being competitive in a structurally compromised vehicle. They do look cool but that's all it does.

[@FrancisWilly96]

The internet made people forget how to disagree amicably. If RWB isn’t for you, that’s fine engage with the content and community that reflects you. If RWB is for you, continue enjoying Nakai-san’s work while he’s still here.

[@xredhorsex]

nail on the head right here. everyone believes that just because they have an opinion its valuable. we are all just meatbags trying to do our best. folks can chill.

[@gordythecreator]

Good Man! I bet you can't go anywhere without someone talking to you.

[@3sgtepwnzr]

I criticized very amicably, I even said Nakai wasn't an engineer and that he is an artist, an amazing one at that. And I got flammed to oblivion by Nakai fans. The toxic fans make everything hard to get on board with.

[@SpeedRacerJoe]

Best comment hands down 💯

[@ricardofrancisco7684]

Yeah, nowadays you're either pro or against, there's no in between.

[@TheBitcoinLambo]

Small correction, Japanese culture is all about (really appreciating) your hobby. Like REALLY appreciating it. This is why such niche niche (and sometimes weird to westerners) communities are so deep and connected in Japanese culture. Only in Japan will you find a taxi-driver who is also a car guy. His taxi will be the cleanest taxi you'll ever seen. Spit-shined and perfect inside and out. The Japanese deeply value their personal expression and care very little for outside westerner biases and perceptions of acceptability. Nikai San is a perfect example of how Japanese culture supports and promotes individual style. Western consumerism adds the drama.

[@AlexMartini.]

Great point! Thanks for your comment senor!

[@TheBitcoinLambo]

@@AlexMartini. I lived there for years and born in Korea. All good! We should really appreciate the varieties of styles!

[@Ltbookum]

Exactly as I would have said it. Its a concept most westerns can't grasp. And maybe that's good thing, it needs to stay just that. Cultural differences like this are something to cherish in our ever increasing global economy. Commercialising artistic expressions of a man like this will always lead to clashes; trying to force something through a certain point of view is fault a lot of westerners have made over many years. I''m as western as they come BTW; just one with a bit broader view of the world.

[@TheBitcoinLambo]

@@Ltbookum Travel. And then the worldview opens! :)

[@FrankW1029]

This is very true. It's most evident when you buy used hobby stuff, parts, etc.

[@naroromero8028]

Isn’t the hate over the overall craftsmanship? Not cutting up a car and putting on a kit, more so gluing on what would appear as functional parts. Mismatching screws and overspray paint on the tires. I’m not hating however those were the aspects that made me cringe. I would expect better quality work for a body kit of that price point.

[@vera9230]

yeah this video and especially the comments basically just misrepresented the criticism, barely discussed the actual discussion and chocked any negativity up to jealous haters who couldn't afford a Porsche anyways like that was the point

[@kingsamson9146]

It's that in combination of costing A SHIT LOAD of money. We are talking 25k at times. I would expect the parts to be properly installed, not sawzalled and just plopped on with Würth body glue.

[@OpenBarn]

If he didn't use wood screws, home depot mesh, etc. He wouldn't get so much hate. But he does and charges a lot.

[@ianbato1255]

Yes RWB is an art for those who loves RWB.

[@naroromero8028]

@@ianbato1255 The kit itself I can understand as art.... The way it's executed is mediocre at best.

[@PatrickLee716]

A major part of the RWB is hanging out with him and watching him build your car, working with basic tools, and just experiencing him and his craft. It's not about the value of the car. Any car we chop or customize is worth less than before because others don't want the same thing each of us wants in our builds.

[@papimasfuerte4671]

It's just art. Taste is subjective. That's why some people look at abstract art and think it's junk, while others love it.

[@craigbonner6858]

Exactly this. I love the look. Love his vision. Would I do it to my GT3RS? Fk No. My opinion only. I'd prefer the kits to be proper injection moulded FRP or carbon (owners would certainly pay a premium) however fk yo fibreglass. I get the time constraints on videos etc. However? Chopping the guards etc and no rustproofing or prevention carried out. The ol tin worm is coming just things of this nature. I would never do this on any of my overpriced VW Beetles 😂. Which admittedly were all clunkers in one way or another when I got them. But being intelligent. Knowing the manager of our local Porka Dealer, Doin things in stages and as time and finances allow. Allows me to get them to a point where I enjoy them and increase their overall price to pass it on to the next custodian and go in search of the next rung on the ladder in that world.

[@lazarosengo8342]

And the dumbest arts are the most expensive

[@nicholasfink8159]

arts and crafts on a Porsche.... STRAIGHT TO JAIL

[@Seyosi.]

“Nothing in terms of modifying a car will be financially worth it!” 13:12 Truer words have never been spoken.

[@TheSchnitzelable]

So... Me driving that bus at work so much like I can't tell how many overtime hours I've got and then spending all that money on aftermarket parts for my e36 compact is... waste of money or life??? oke... I'll keep doing that

[@Ayaan_Misbah]

100%

[@thatboyking8006]

I don’t understand this hate train for rwb it’s weird and it needs to stop and the tow hook was glued on due the owners request so ppl need to stfu

[@JJJJ-q2b]

Fr

[@RwbDave]

Im pretty sure its mostly trolls looking to get a reaction and toxic people who are envious.

[@sierratango6574]

​@@RwbDave But I definitely agree that people have to STFU.... RWB is unique. If people want to claim to be better, than they have to prove it and show that they can do better and I seriously doubt many people could best Akira Nakai.

[@evocracked8206]

The ROTANA was the thing that caught my eye when i was young it was on the cover of a magazine i saw in a mechanic shop and i fell in love

[@TheJB84]

Thats because you clearly have never turned a wrench. Or body work. Or fixed a f##### lawn mower.

[@098Xzibit]

Feel like this was barely skimmed over in the video, but imo one major reason is exactly the quality of work and some misconceptions floating around. And mostly by quality I mean RUST PROTECTION. What he does doesn’t seem to be properly protected afterwards and I wouldn’t be surprised if the fenders started rusting after a few years. That’s what I think from watching these builds, and other people too, is it true? I don’t know. So the misconceptions, one example, the meme used in the video where the tow hook was glued. Things like that is why people think RWB is trash. BUT the actual story (if I’m correct that is) is that the tow hook couldn’t be properly attached because of some mods the owner had/did. Something was in the way basically, and he asked Nakai to glue it temporarily cause it would get sorted at a later date.

[@jonathanb1987]

Exactly my issue with these cars. There is absolutely zero care into the preservation of the car itself. Yeah it looks cool but in 20-40 years those fenders are going to be looking like Swiss cheese. Yeah I get that by that time it won't be the current owner's problem, but I bet most people will be avoiding these cars due to the amount of time and money it will cost to fix the fenders enough to re-attach the RWB body kit.

[@bogeyt15games55]

He has been building these things for 35 years. If the fenders were gonna rust out they would have on dozens of cars by now but you literally never hear about that happening.

[@WashingtonExotics]

I like RWB. I also think a lot of the blow back stems from people blaming the price increase in classics, in part, on RWB. 911s are a classic and precious gems and RWB is not solely to blame for the price increase. Others such as SINGER and GUNTHER WERKS have also caused 911 prices to skyrocket but the main culprit is Deutsche bank when in 2018 they told their richest clients to diversify their portfolios from mainly equities and allocate a small portion of the wealth into classic German cars. Hence the 911 price appreciation began.

[@Metal_Siren]

if you work your ass off to pay off a car......then why not do what the hell you want with it? If you put the work into the car....then why not make it your own? what is the point otherwise? If we are bound by the rules of the popular, then we are doomed to be boring.

[@nicolasgamer14yt74]

Facts

[@AlexMartini.]

Love this :) Great way of putting it!

[@iTotallyJuust]

You can do whatever you want. Total your car for all I care. I'm also allowed to point out when the work is sloppy or just totally wrong. To each their own.

[@TimeForCrusades]

Sounds pretty based to me

[@clicheguevara5282]

@@iTotallyJuust That's how I feel. I personally like RWBs but I'm so sick and tired of BOTH sides of the argument. People are entitled to mod their cars and people are entitled to have opinions. The problem is when people take those opinions way too seriously and start acting as if they're facts.

[@Drewkombel]

I work for the Porsche Dealer that built the Englewood RWB seen in the video. We work with many purists that believe RWB is the worst thing that you can do to a Porsche. Once they sat and watched him build the car they understood that as Alex says, he’s a car guy but at the end of the day he’s just putting on the body kit for the customer. Everyone complains that they’re cutting up a perfectly good Porsche doesn’t know that it takes a long time on the wait list to get the body kit put on personally by Nakai. Most of the people who get them done have been waiting 2-5 years to have him install the kit when the owner has been restoring the car to their preference. That’s why most of the newer builds look like they had a pristine shell when you look at the video of the car being built. You don’t see the time and effort the owner has made to get that car ready for the body kit to be put on. What people see on KZbin is a skewed version of what the build is based on what was recorded. Most owners keep that car for the rest of their life. Most of them are never truly done like most car builds. Every person who modifies a car knows the build is never done. Just because the body kit was done and the engine is a bone stock 3.6 doesn’t mean eventually it’ll be changed. Personally I’ve followed RWB way before our dealer decided to do this. I love the builds, I respect it being apart of the build now too.

[@W4RY3NTRY]

It would be easier if I could put the kit on myself. Only wait list you’ll see me on is a singer

[@namvo6913]

@@W4RY3NTRYI wanna see you put a body kit on by yourself now 😂

[@HocusBerlin]

​@@W4RY3NTRY I mean, if you have a choice between RWB, RUF, or Singer, then surely RWB is third on that list.

[@zaizainjamal]

You're absolutely right brother. From my understanding from one of his build videos I believe there's a long waiting list for him to fly out to you, And before he lands he sends the bodykit to you well in advance and when he arrives the bodykit must be already paint sprayed and prepared and ready for him to work. Alongside other things that must be already prepared. Otherwise he can't work on it. I for one Love RWB. And people have the right to do what they want with their car. That's all that matters.

[@jeroenverzijl8596]

but swapping the engine for a Ls?

[@mtnman1984]

I think the RWB cars have been put on this pedestal that even Nakai probably would disagree with and this is just some rebound amplified by social media. Some of it could also be that body modifications have become quite advanced and this stuff seems pretty pedestrian by comparison, but these were never supposed to be Ruf or Gemballa. They were race car adjacent. I actually love that he hasn't really changed. There's purity in that.

[@reasonsunknown6707]

That’s actually Facts. The Masonry and RWB hate came at the same time in my opinion. Panel bond catching strays is hilarious seeing how MOST cars are simply spot welded and put together completely with 🤬 panel bond 😂😂

[@pffyespff]

Well, this race car adjacence is the problem here I guess. Wide tyres and rims are good for racing, but in RWB's case these just mostly destroy the usability and handling characteristics of cars which are NOT race cars. It's all just for the looks, a fake racecar look which is exciting for for some, but seems kinda hollow and artificial to others.

[@sauravshete6088]

@mtnman amen my guy

[@ForzaMonkey]

@@reasonsunknown6707I personally don’t like Mansory kits, but that’s just because I don’t like their aesthetic. They are still a GOOD kit company, as far as their build quality goes.

[@SpeedRacerJoe]

@@pffyespffthe race car adjacent isn’t the problem. It’s just the targeted dislike or hate towards RWB for that reason as if all modified cars aren’t to an extent “race car adjacent”. Ppl are up in arms that RWB cars were initial race cars but us owners don’t race them. That’s literally 90% of car culture now but no one is pointing fingers at themselves for being just as guilty. Once you do something as small as an exhaust to coilovers on a street car, that’s “race car adjacent”.

[@garyw4211]

Akira Nakai is an absolute artist. Sometimes the most raw builds are the best builds because they are deeply personal. No two RWBs will ever be the same. Anyone who doesnt get it probably isnt really a car person.

[@mrmillan26]

Absolutely, people that hate or trash RWB don’t understand what RWB really is or what it stands for.

[@groovymane]

if it had a b58 with a downpipe tune everyone would love it. People love to hate something they cant have

[@AnandSoman]

Ah, the elusive email tune.

[@yinyangsaladgang8789]

Cope. "They're just being mean because they're jealous" is a lie your mom told you to make you feel better. Sometimes when people hate on something it's because they legitimately dislike it and wouldn't choose it for themselves, not because it's just so unbelievably awesome it forces people into fits of insecure rage.

[@faez6148]

if im not mistaken, the reason why the tow hook was glued was because the owner wanted it to be added for photo purposes and once done, theyll put it in properly

[@TheNewestVersionOfTheOldMe]

That’s the truth, finally someone comments about what really happened, but people love twisting stories and taking a 20 second clip and making their own story without them being there, having no context or clue about what happened before the video or behind the camera

[@Ramblingsoftheclinicallyinsane]

It's funny how in many videos on RWB the comments seem to know that gluing on was a temporary one off request by the customer, yet most of the videos I see say he glues the hooks on

[@stanceworks]

Nakai is cool, as are his cars. The concept of what an RWB was meant to be? Awesome. American RWB culture where everyone makes a documentary about their car, how it's "[LOCATION]'s first RWB," and how most of these cars stateside are gutless show-ponies instead of these track rats they were initially conceptualized as? Well... it's not for me. I think that's the disconnect, at least for some of us. There's no denying, the original Stella car is one of the coolest cars ever put together - it stopped the internet in its track with its outright character and style. But I'm tired of skittle-colored RWB cars that go to cars and coffee and exist to be some sort of automotive merit badge. That's my take at least. But that's the beauty of the world of cars - we all get to do our own thing, and it doesn't matter what others think. As long as people are having fun, I support them doing anything they want, even if I don't like it.

[@Awpshark0]

Exactly where I am, i think there cool but I have no interest. The look is awesome but unless if there built somewhat I could care less.

[@Awpshark0]

@@b3vo i friggin love when people beat these things and built crazy motors in them! I love time attack cars and the one wide body c4. The rwb cars look very cool but I feel performance has to match. (I’m 18 I’m a idiot with that)

[@Awpshark0]

Also I have had e46s and I have a built manual c5 so I definitely put my money where my mouth is :)

[@zephyr.r]

you’ll live

[@PowerheadProductions]

So somebody builds one to take to cars and coffee, and that's a less noble undertaking than... What exactly? Another stock Porsche at cars and coffee? Enthusiasm is enthusiasm. We can bitch and moan about how the scene is dying, or stop being so judgy and support each other. 🤷

[@nicolasenriquegarciacastil974]

The internet has just become so toxic. Ricer vs tuner, american vs jdm or europe. People just pile shit on others for being different. The hate is unwarranted

[@doubble80]

i like RWB but i know why people dont like it. its when he uses hot glue to put pieces on. he cuts fenders and leaves bare metal. its not hard to figure out why. read the comments

[@Owensti]

I think what people like about Akira is that he simply doesn’t give a fuck what you think or your opinion. He doesn’t do this for the money he does it because he loves the work, it’s more of a passion he’s an artist. There’s people who don’t like the art and there’s people who admire it. But then there is also people who own that art and can do whatever the fuck they want with it. There’s always someone who’s gonna talk shit about your build. But at the end of the day it’s your build, dream & life.

[@Shawn-Leider]

Well he sure makes a hell of a lot of money to. if I could have a Porsche I’d want his kit installed and the name.

[@mort7987]

Do you now what building a RWB actually costs? Saying he doesn’t do it for the money is definitely absurd, he charges a lot. But even if so, if people are willing to pay the price he asks and they like what he builds for them, both sides leave the deal happy.

[@Owensti]

@mort7987 50k+ that’s true but you know the value the car will hold when Akira passes? People will wish they spent that money when they could. But hey to each there own. No hate but it’s exactly what the other dude said, if I’m paying that much money I sure as well want my car built the same

[@Projectsoul477]

Yea exactly

[@user-yt2005]

Those Gen z destroying his rep

[@johnnysin-mk4zx]

That true dude even not they car still hated it?

[@m-J_C]

​@@johnnysin-mk4zx welcome to the internet

[@leakybandz1208]

Gen alpha not gen z

[@SpellOfSin]

@@leakybandz1208 Don't kid yourself it's gen Z.

[@Albrto2077]

You sound like a boomer​@@SpellOfSin

[@DriftingTeamAR]

Literally the best way to say it, especially with group #3😭😭 people forget that you’re allowed to be yourself and express yourself, some people express themselves with their cars and their passions. I’ll never understand how someone’s joy terrifies others into trying to hide them completely

[@TheJB84]

OR... You could be a true craftsmen and not rape every fucking thing you touch

[@XARIER39]

Right. Some people just project onto others their own fear of standing out. They're in denial.

[@saakey]

Bottom line is, that Akira is not buying up old Porsche's and hacking them up and trying to make a profit from selling them... he's doing these for customers that want it done to THEIR car... get it, theirs car!... and as an owner you can do what ever the hell you like to your car. It's not just TikTok's fault... it's the internet in general--where people like to just spout off their opinions. I guarantee that most of the people who criticize the RWB is one who couldn't even own a Porsche. Akira is bad ass... an amazing artist...and different art is not for everyone.

[@nyftn]

hate it or like it , it's the person that buys the car that gets to choose what he/she does with it .

[@minishadow5]

RWB is not Mansory or Brabus. It's a different style, it's a different ethos. RWB was always about turning ordinary cars into "race" cars. Maybe people don't know what real racing looks like. Yes F1 is designed within a mm of perfection but Rally and Touring car isn't as perfect. There is duct tape, there is WD40, there are loose bolts - it's do whatever needs to be done to make the car fast and finish. That's what RWB is. It's normal people doing and using whatever they can to make things either look like or feel like a true racecar.

[@hugo-pg5tv]

Mansory actually ruin every car they modify imo.the forged carbon parts looks like bird shit and they style them so bad it's laughable. They could put carbon parts all over the car then leave the hood painted with a different color.

[@JSmith19858]

Mansory glue bits on to cars with mastic. Watch Mat Armstrong’s video where he takes his Mansory Roller to the factory

[@bentucker2301]

Porsche isn't an ordinary car

[@qwerty975]

​@@bentucker2301it is

[@bentucker2301]

@@qwerty975 Okey dokey pal....

[@virtuousheathen981]

I blame Drew Peacock for making everyone hate show cars and thinking that if you are going to touch a car, it better be in the name of performance lol

[@baoquoc3710]

woah careful his mob is gonna cook you for saying the most right in the heart truth you've ever spoken, it seems the hysterical attitude is gonna get worse from here

[@ytslimeball7455]

Drew keep that shit 1hunnid.

[@Katkiller5.2]

He encourages people not to build garbage and that’s a problem because why? this whole respect all builds thing is bullshit

[@crimzen147]

bet ur a respect all builds kinda guy

[@MrSeanman30]

Yup. Kind of dude that thinks whatever cars they own are the only ones that matter.

[@kevingrierson2331]

It didn't start with he towhook. That just added to what people already believed.

[@LumosGFX]

also all the owners interviewed said a whole bunch of nothing, with no comments on the real life durability of his work. they just sounded like fruit cakes which kinda makes sense lol.

[@Davidjames313]

and even that issue still didn't get explained! No reason to glue on a tow hook.

[@vinny3410]

The owner just wanted it for a photoshoot before it was properly installed​@@Davidjames313

[@Glenny1289]

A lot of people are hating him about the tow hook, some hate that he only works with fiberglass and not metal, some hate that he uses silicon but that seals out moisture and dirt and what he uses for fasteners

[@therionkp36]

It didn't start recently... I noticed their poor craftsmanship years ago when I saw an exhaust welded by them.

[@literallyhuman5990]

Everyone suddenly a Porsche purist nowadays, but doesn't know what name is supposed to be the highest Porsche 911 outside of racing car for the street GT1 (it ruined GT1 class)

[@thedogbarber]

Build your car for you. Full stop. Its your car, time, and money.

[@ickyconcrete5370]

The technical name is Mansory glue and Mansory mesh :)

[@Archydos]

A man of culture!

[@YudiMuchanis]

As a purist, I don't hate the RWB. It's their car anyway. I just fed up with the overhyping.

[@AbnormalAspirations]

A 20 minute video, with lots of words. Without addressing the most common criticism of RWB which is the lack of rust protection.

[@NellysaintsSROP]

If haters say it’s easy to build an RWB, where’s their rwb? You have the tools to do it, but do you have the expertise to craft an RWB? I don’t think so. That’s the art of an RWB.

[@Awpshark0]

Dude if they hate it why would they build it?

[@IamTeknik]

Doesnt excuse the fact that its cheaply put together. Chicken coop wire from home depot, sikaflexed on, is not an appropriate method to do something when youre paying this much. I designed a mesh in CAD, sent it for laser cutting, polished it and attached it with screws onto my kit car. I dont have an issue with ripping up a new Porsche or putting a widebody kit on it, to each their own, but ive never seen people simp over such lackluster quality work when there’s incredible professionals on KZbin who do the same thing.

[@ValidPointsMade]

Gawd people like you suck so much! You don't have to own or build one to have an opinion.

[@itzerisadomeeiot4980]

because the car is perfect and mr.nakai likes to butcher this kind of cars 😂

[@Nanohoon]

I don’t think the people replying to you watched the video at all lmao

[@ahrkricardo7013]

Love RWB, I don't agree with cutting up a pristine air-cooled Porsche without rustproofing. But heck, I drove beside and behind a gray one once, I think that was Kirsten, and it was magnificently jaw dropping!

[@theta6719]

The owners take it to be treated and coated

[@ahrkricardo7013]

@@theta6719 That's a comfort to know. 🙏 Thank you

[@Jjaxenn]

Calling RWB for what it is is an "An Emperor with no clothes" event.

[@calalbert9619]

RWB used to be "punk rock" and against the grain, only to be gentrified by elitists that have him cut up pristine cars that will never be thrashed on track. Another wealthy fashion statement.

[@hodaniel402]

if im the owner i would straight up tell them "It's my money, my car, my decision.

[@KosmicHRTRacingTeam]

But don't ask people what they think about it, if you don't want honest answers. Pretty simple.

[@tf-drift]

People don’t like RWB’s because it’s not special. Bolt on kits are everywhere. If it was a full metal body it’d be amazing

[@King-Kazma]

Bolt on kits are thrown onto beater Japanese cars by people who are going all in out of passion, even if they lack budget. Bringing that attitude and style to Porsche took balls. If he wants to cash in, and people want to pay, there is no shame in that.

[@tf-drift]

@ I agree to an extent, but it’s not exactly “an art”. People who shape metal and fabricate custom bodied cars on a level that exceeds OEM are honestly the ones who deserve respect. I see people in my community chopping up fenders and actually learning how to operate an English-Wheel and shaping metal from scratch and their builds don’t get the same kind of respect as this

[@admj2609]

Why is everybody here acting like the main point critics of his work are criticizing, is that he modifies porsches. The problem is that he does it with poor preparation and quality. Under the body kit, there is the cut he made with a sabre saw.... either the owners take it apart after he 'finished", and fix it up, finishing the job properly, or it looks like trash underneath the body kit. Not to mention, a cut like that is not really rust proof either. These cars look good, the concept is cool, love the fact its still made by the same guy, the whole "he comes here to build it" concept is cool to, but my god, by the evidence from the videos these cars are butchered.

[@Kappo288]

This comment!

[@matthewirizarry8467]

Online car culture is dominated by people who have never gotten their hands dirty.

[@kirillkreminskiy1500]

I’m a not big fan of RWB but you can’t not appreciate the craft and work Nakai San put in them. Kids on TikTok are tripping these days

[@ScottysShineShop]

Ive had an RWB in my shop and to be honest I was extremely underwhelmed at the workmanship. I don't think for the people that love his work that's the point though.

[@alexcheetah79]

I like the look of the end result but anyone who's done bodywork will know that the body has not been prepped or sealed correctly before applying the over fenders. Honestly I would rather buy the kit separately and have a professional shop do the work.

[@13illyxmaze]

He wouldn’t be getting the hate if not for people in the comments talking about how precise he is under videos of him doing work at a standard you would expect a teenager would on his first car

[@TexasRiverRat31254]

I'm a 987.1 Cayman owner so I really don't care about a car that still has the engine in the wrong place. If people want to have him modify their cars that's their business. Their car, their money leave the man alone.

[@VF1Skullangel]

The people who hate on RWB are the same people who struggle to put IKEA Furniture together. They have ZERO knowledge of the construction process. IF you do any wide body kit its going to get messy. It's standard procedure doing a widebody kit of cutting up the fenders, bending metal, ext there's no such thing of a "Bolt on wide body" . Yet the nay sayers are coming at him with their Temu built junk cars and not even his level of craftsmanship with their little stick on 3M fender flares they bought for $45 bucks and rattle can paint job and try to call it a build. I've seen many of his cars in person when I living in California and they look amazing in motion or parked. I've called out many haters of him and not a single one has yet to produce a build on his level. I understand his product is not for everyone but it's not hackjob quality.

[@L0000NEY]

I must be a trend setter. I've called RWB trash since the beginning. Also it's funny that you consider the Hoonigan RWB to be the point at which it took off LOL. A Very US centric perspective right there.

[@aidanlearmonth4816]

G'day, I'm fortunate enough to get to work with RWB, RWB Australia specifically. I've seen several builds now and I can confirm that he DOES NOT cut corners, he's very professional and its very impressive to watch. You wouldn't catch me dead saying that one of these builds is poorly put together because, to put it simply, they're not put together poorly. All of them are top quality builds and worthy of the spotlight that they're given.

[@RealElwood1]

I like the style and all, but how is the metal that get cuts processed? The clips you see it's looks like it's done in a day or two. Being in the Nordics there's always the threat of untreated metal that will rust AF after a while.

[@idknils2920]

People really just want something to hate. I wish RWB never went mainstream. These kinds of things are so nice if they stay niché. Let´s hope these people never discvover RUF.

[@supersportjames9452]

The 22 year olds on TikTok who are clout chasers and not born and raised car enthusiasts try to ruin everything.

[@baronvonslambert]

The hate for RWB has existed as long as RWB Porsches have existed, much like how the hate for Baja/Rally Porsches has existed as long as they've existed. The Hyper Beetle community absolutely hate anything other than a factory stock Hyper Beetle.

[@Shifty_Malone]

I hate that bolt on style that they all do. I don't care what or how much the car is, it's just not what I like. It's not that I don't think that expensive should be chopped up either. I appreciate proper coach building skills like Crucible Coachworks.

[@Mirage8v]

I like the results (though there are too many now). The problem I have is HOW he does it. Cutting it up is fine, just do it properly (rust protection, no sharp edges, etc.)

[@Coconut7403]

Agreed, when I see his work I always want a german to remove everything and rebuild it correctly while keeping the look.

[@AngieMeadKing]

Hi Alex Thank you for this video! Rwb is about family and Nakai is amazing to work with. RWB was made for racing and that’s people don’t understand. Here in RWB Philippines we love working with Nakai San.🎉

[@AutobahnVault]

You hit the nail on the head! Nakai remains true to himself and his art since day one. And that, is what makes these cars so special.

[@Spoodmonstr]

I really don't understand the hate for RWB or any kind of modifications for any car for that matter. For many a car is just a canvas for creativity and I think we need to do a better job of encouraging that in the car community and society as a whole.

[@gary4864]

The “glued tow hook” is temporary, in the comments of the video where he glued the tow hook on Instagram, the owner of the car commented that he told Akira to glue the tow hook on so he knew where to cut the bumper and get the support for the toe hook made.

[@Malibus_Most_Wanted]

Yeah only thing I don’t like is how he finishes the cut body but also Ik how to weld n would like to make it clean that being said he doesn’t do it wrong aswell it’s sealed n its not going to rust n at the end of the day that’s what matters but i love his body kits n if i ever had a Porsche n decided to do that id just tell him hey i would like to do x n y just cuz im a little more off about it

[@dubzillaaaa]

Not a soul on this planet that will make me hate RWB.

[@Kodaoda]

I work in a 911 restoration shop, he’s an overhyped hack. Point blank period, ask any bodyman to watch his process.

[@Buffy_Miyagi]

You work in a shop, he travels the world. No one has ever seen a video about you or cares what you think.

[@Emilthehun]

Where is your wide body kit that you installed? CLling someone a hack implies that you are better at it then he is.

[@rudimerm7686]

@@Buffy_Miyagi Wrong. So because he is famous, it does not matter what a 911 body expert thinks?

[@BigDavoNorriwong]

He never even attempted to be a professional or someone doing amazing, perfect work. He's a car guy that puts kits on cars that people love

[@Kodaoda]

All y’all are real cute with your opinions and gaslighting 😂 trolls

[@literallyshaking8019]

None of this was a problem until the price of air-cooled Porsches went thru the roof. Me and my friends played Magic the Gathering back in the 90s, and we played with first and second edition cards. We dropped them, lost them, spilled drinks on them etc, and now some of those cards (in mint condition) are worth thousands of dollars. So when you tell people now that you played with them, they look at you like you’re crazy, but they weren’t this unobtainable thing to be put in a pedestal then. It’s the equivalent of a kid in the 1950s putting a Mickey Mantle rookie card in the spokes of his bike so it sounds like a motorcycle (as I’m sure someone did). It was just a piece of cardboard then, and now it’s worth millions of dollars today.

[@W4RY3NTRY]

People don’t like the kits because you can’t do the work yourself, and every car has looks exactly the same but different color. People say he butchers them because every RWB that gets made just makes every other air cooled 911 more valuable and more unattainable.

[@properteaproperty]

I remember the good old days.. when you could spend your own money on whatever you decided.. without having to answer to the internet. Personally I love that you still have to get the man himself to install the kit. I love the RWB look

[@jamesbizs]

LOL those are still the days. No one is forcing you to put your car on the internet. I know, shocker right? Who would ever think such a thing is possible. Don’t want other peoples opinions??? Then don’t seek them!!! And even more? Don’t look at those opinions! Those opinions only matter; because YOU chose to make them matter. If an opinion is made in the forest, and no one is around to read it, does it exist?

[@Nanohoon]

⁠@@jamesbizsI also miss when manners existed, like when parents would be able to teach you how you should act everywhere, in the real world and the internet. I mean look at your reply, you just had to throw in some stupid “sarcasm” to make a point All that actually “being nice” stuff doesn’t exist much, most ESPECIALLY today

[@NicholasPutz]

It definitely didn’t start with him simply caulking a tow hook, this has been going on for much longer than that. Any pics of the untreated fender cuts?

[@TheDjcobra2001]

That slightly uneven right headlight on the purple Porsche bugged me the whole video.

[@ethanbrunott7223]

RWB gets exactly the hate it deserves. The work is shoddy, it doesn’t look good. If you want something like RWB but not garbage, Go for Guntherworks, Singer, or Tuthill 👍🏼

[@Jiekexun]

Another great insight into the community. So incredible to see Akira Nakai in person, doing his thing! Hope to run into you next year!

[@RattlesnakeTequila]

A Mexican youtuber called JUCA got his car done by him a few months ago his porche has more than 1000 HP. the car is totally insane check his videos.

[@kiwee4577]

If those ppl think that RWBs are shit then let's take them to the bosozoku drivers and see if they'll have a meltdown😂

[@max_coast]

100%, seeing an actual Kaido Racer or Bosozoku motorcyle in person really lets you know that each one is as hand made and home brew as they come. Most kids have no clue about or concept of fabricating their own fairings, their own fenders, their own hood, etc. Shit, you go to a time attack day and you'll see wild homebrew stuff that utilized a sawzall somewhere. The detached enthusiasts have weird expectations of things and the hobby in general.

[@LayerZeroDesign]

What you're seeing is a clash of communities. 1 side is interested in motorsport, engineering, modifying with intent to improve. To go faster, handle better.. to make actual measurable improvements to their cars... And the other side just wants an idol to their ego. These sides are never going to agree.

[@michaelescalera9909]

Idk why we care about the opinions of people who can’t afford a boxster or a cayman let alone an RWB. The problem is that the “purest” community is growing strong with the new GT3RS now everyone seeing RWB wants to judge “ craftsmanship “ and never even did an oil change. RWB (Rauh-welt begriff) literally translates to ROUGH WORLD CONCEPTS! It’s literally in the name!!!!!!! Akira paved the way for all of these other wide body companies today! Anyone whose ever looked at there car and imagine something greater needs to pay respect to Akira because he was one of the first people to make it happen. Not coming from money, not having help, not having anyone to go off of. Just pure passion and imagination! He’s treated like a god because he’s one of us! Anyone can look at a car and want to put a body kit on it, but to go out and design your own? In a time where no one has done wide body kits mainstream??? THIS WORLD IS FULL OF HATE AND NO RESPECT !

[@Ching91919]

Absolute FACTS !! Seen one in real life, they are awesome, and evry single car has its own unique look and expression. Expressionism at its finest ! Akira Nakai absolute legend.

[@Squidhead]

I used to really love RWBs (still kinda like em) but with how stupid the Porsche market is, it feels like it’s become more of the status symbol it once mocked (Porsche snobs).

[@kondemnert]

Well said! "'You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain"

[@FlinkFilms]

Once something becomes popular, there will always be people who make a point to discredit it. Contrarians or "free-thinkers" who think disagreeing with people makes them special. I'm all for the RWB craze. To me they're pretty special cars, even if they have been cut up. Also, thanks for the plug 🤘

[@sonicallstarify]

You hit the nail, tbf though I don't want "contrarians" disappearing forever, we need to have opposition to grow stronger and to force a look at bigger picture

[@FlinkFilms]

@ very good point

[@sonicallstarify]

@@FlinkFilms also I took a peek at your channel, subbed I don't think it'll help me find money cheat but I can continue to live vicariously through y'all lol

[@diveshwarsaravanan1355]

This pretty much happened when kits became super popular, Rocket Bunny and Liberty Walk went through it, and now people want to critique RWB even though the way these bodykits have been on display since they've become popular. Its a really stupid phenomenon that I really hate, the public knew how these kits were when they were popular, and they loved it, but now because they're "oversaturated", they want it hate it because they're bored, despite the kits still looking and being great. They want to seem like purists now, which is dumb, if car culture was only filled with purists, this passion would be nowhere near as big and fun as it is now.

[@ValidPointsMade]

This is hands down the best explanation 👏

[@Joshua_N-A]

This

[@joshmerrick4716]

I usually agree with you on most things but I still feel the same way about RWB as I always have. I like the way they look. I couldn’t care less that he’s cutting up Porsche’s. I just feel like the body kit is hiding the hack job underneath. It’s one thing to cut up a car that’s a bit beat up and turning it into something cool. It’s another thing to cut up any clean car like this and charge someone for the privilege. I know people who have done a better job of fitting a wide kit to their car on their drive. Just my 2 cents

[@SPEAKTRULY]

Sure, Cutting up and gluing parts on cars is not ideal and the build quality is not perfect, it never was but that’s his style and there will be haters but there is def more to love here. If you want perfection, try building one yourself, then come talk.

[@GrantRussell-k1p]

I personally don't see the appeal to RWB at all. He's just a travelling body-kit installer. Why do people talk about these cars as "RWB cars" just because they put some body panels on their car? And it's not like he has any notable amount of experience with racing Porsches either, or being involved with 911s in a motorsports capacity. He was an amateur drifter, that's it. To me, it's weird to see RWB owners and fans treating these cars like they have a huge amount of prestige, like RUF or something like that.

[@vera9230]

it's because he's a quirky japanese man and a lot of westerners still have silly perception that any japanese person is a perfect artisan craftsman with skills and expertise far above anything anyone else could hope to achieve, let alone critique. I have a lot of respect for him and his work, and especially his impact but the worshipping of him as some genius figure to the point that rich people pay him out the ass to come and install their body kit while they watch him like a monkey in a zoo is embarrassing. It was an interesting process back in the day when he was a somewhat reclusive figure with little access or knowledge about the company or his process in the west, but as times gone on its become far more of a hype based trend (the same kind of trend following clout chasing that a lot of comments attribute any negativity to)

[@FieldTestedSemenKun]

@@GrantRussell-k1p Tbf on the racing front, he does a bit more than drift lol. He races time attack and the Idlers Games 12hrs in Japan with his personal cars

[@edwardoshoemaker7712]

Correct Correct Correct

[@edwardoshoemaker7712]

Correct Correct Correct

[@edwardoshoemaker7712]

Correct Correct Correct@@vera9230

[@Uchia18]

People hate what they don't understand, and the internet wants conformity. So if you don't follow the set recipe for your build you must be shunned

[@Redrash12]

RWB is shit. You ship in the homeless dude from Japan, feed him, put him in your bed and give him a goodnight kiss just so he can ruin your $100k beetle the next morning He cuts up your precious fenders and rivet guns some fiberglass garbage back that he probably gets made in china for $60 a set but still takes the credit for making them. And guess what now you have to pay him $28k or he will live in your house forever. So now that you're $150k in debt and he's gone you look around your garage In misery. Six racks of empty coca cola bottles. The smell of cigarettes and piss floats around for weeks. All this for some instagram likes, since your goofy bumpercar still only makes 180whp

[@shuddafukkup]

Low IQ comment

[@ralphace3071]

We do not care leftist tik tok user 😂😂😂

[@robert23497]

As the saying goes...... "If you don't have any haters, you aren't doing it right". I would like to congratulate this RWB fella for doing it right!

[@leonv1553]

Hello RWB artists! Having watched the transformation of a few Porsches into RWB stallions, your results are more than fine. What is always surprising is that in this comprehensive talk for example, you never brought up the IROC Porsche racers. There were 25 ish of those built. Some are still around, in huge dollar collections. RWB’s changes look pretty much like the far more simple looking IROC hot rodding. No one can drive an IROC Porsche around. You can go anywhere in your RWB LeMans escapee. Half the Porsche owners on earth have lusted after just that. A couple of RWB cars come to our meets in Vancouver, held in the sunshine at a stunning shoreline park. Delighted to see them, a privilege most definitely. They have little trouble blending in, except for the original air in the tires crowd. What puts a few people off is seeing the process. Repairing or modifying machines is not pretty. The result is. Some guys won’t modify their cars at all. Those love an amazing finish on everything. They really do not want to watch the process. I have to admit, my Porsche is OE to the hilt. Numbered limited edition, can’t change anything. Fine, it’s crazy fast and look great as is. Nice work guys!

[@josephsanders8921]

I remember, in the early 2000's, stumbling upon RWB on an obscure japanese web site before the porsche became the center of attention. His style has always been kind of a "I'm gonna do what I want". In the age of flashy, colorful styling of the early 2000's, he was rocking Flat black and rough around the edges, whether it was his Ae86, S15, or eventually the Stella Artois Porsche. They were never meant to be "Concourse" level builds like Singer and the like. The way I look at it is he's taking a car that is, more often than not, associated with business suits, fine wine, and classical music and making it ripped jeans, rock and roll and beer and cigarettes. If fashion brands can sell pre-ripped and torn jeans to idiots for a premium, no reason Nakai can't do the same. If I had a beat up Porsche I'd do it, but not a pristine one.

[@LOWF_Media]

I was at that build and that RWB in the video will never see the light of day again. It will be locked in a collectors garage forever so the tow eye is irrelevant

[@rickmortyson4861]

Well that's everything what RWB DOESN'T stand for. If you're rich enough to put in a garage to rot.... Why not drive it? I'll never understand that and I'm from Germany. We have some of the biggest and most boring car collections of the world. Look at gercolletor. He owns like a 100 mio in cars and the majority is stock. Wow bro. Boring as fuck. But most people in Germany are like that. Boring.

[@averyc7492]

That makes it twice as lame

[@mort7987]

@@rickmortyson4861you can thank tüv for that ^^

[@gabillionaire]

It's not about Nakai, it's not about his art, it's about people who did the RWB mod and suddenly acting like he's the coolest lad ever and everyone has to give them their utmost respect

[@Outter_Heaven]

Poorly modded Japanese car = ricer Poorly modded German car = RWB

[@VelocityProjectB]

As one that has built many RWB cars. THANK YOU for making this video. I always tell guys "do what you want with your money but don't criticize what somebody wants because you'll find someone that doesn't like your idea." You simply tell me another business owner like Nakai that builds your car?

[@zethjugos1250]

RWB was the first to do extreme widebody Porsches. He originally just wanted to improve the handling as older Porsches were known as widowmakers bcoz of their handling. He pioneered this style and technique which is why he is respected...he has perfected this over the years which is why people are perplexed on why he looks like he is just eyeballing everything...its simply his experience building these cars that allow him to work so carefree

[@aidangale5521]

His style is a 70s RSR Turbo

[@Brisk999]

i think you missed the biggest point. there was a video that went viral of him glueing on a tow hook so people said that it was “rice” but the misconception is that the owner of the car actually requested that because it was temporary and he wanted it to look finished. he ended up bolting the tow hook in afterwards. it was that video that really started the recent hate. and of course trend hoppers jumped onto it and started hating as well

[@McDingus409]

RWB makes art, not race cars, they’re not functional, they just look really fucking cool… and people don’t seem to understand that, and it’s always been like that, he’s never made race cars

[@1079Supu]

I met Nakai san at a meet last week and he was chill. RWB had a bunch of their cars displayed and many were dusty because they had just gone off roading with them. These cars are way more functional than all the clapped nissans

[@the.cayman]

Widebodying my Porsche, and your viewpoint resonates with what I've experienced over the months when my work in progress hits the road. I've heard from all sorts of types of people, directly or indirectly... "That's cool!" and equally "Should be done properly, with clay..." And, what I find is, talking the ones that have done it, to the ones that learn about the process and see the work that happens,. From backyard builders to professional shop owners, "I love that, keep going" "It's tough work." "It takes so much time." "It's obsessive getting it right." I bought the car and the moment I told my first friend about what I had purchased... I showed him wide-body kits and what I'd do different. I created this image in my head of what it was going to be, the final result. I loved that concept, but I found myself much like the others, and spending months working a car, and still am... Obsessive is an understatement, if you want perfection out of an install done in a day you don't understand what it takes to achieve perfect gaps across the board, you don't understand what you purchased. 16:05 I bought the car and every person who said the not cut it... "Why not?" I liked the idea... so I'm going for it, and if it takes time to achieve what I consider acceptable to me, than that's the time I'm willing to wait. It's worth it, to me. Not having the tools to do it "the right way" isn't going to be the end all, workarounds and cutting corners are not the same thing. If you need to start with foam to get a kit going, do it, you know the final result will take more work to get right but if it gets your concept going, if it can handle what it's use case is for you, that's all that matters. It's your kit. Do you, do it.