ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: prairie_dog on July 03, 2005, 05:25:45 PM
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So I finally started making the mold for the cover, like I said I was about six months ago ::) (need an 8 day week not 7). I was going to do one for the sami first but there seems to be more demand for the Track/kick, around my area anyways
It should still take me a couple of weeks to finish but when I'm done the mold they'll be coming out like MacDonalds(1million served) :D :D I'm not trying to get rich quick or anything, buddy of mine challenged my custom skills and in my circle you can't just turn the other cheak. If I get the fire wire thing ??? I need for the camera I'll post pics ( computer caveman)
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Computer Caveman LOL
You got a Mac ?
Wild
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No, It's made by LG, I got a canon digital cam cord but it didn't come with the hook up thingy and my computer guy says I gotta buy this board or something so I have somewhere to plug the fire wire whatever into.
All I know is the camera brought me up but
this compter thing is bringing me down ??? ???
Steve
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LG ?? does it run Windows ?
if so I woould hope it has a
USB port, someplace, and you
could plug in
How old of a Computer is it ??
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It runs windows XP, the computer guy says it's standard to use the fire wire because the USB port is way to slow ( brand new cam, 3 yr old computer)
I guess it's like trying to use a remote control on and old black and white TV ( doesn't sound that bad until you see someone actually trying it) :D ;D
Why can't computer stuff be like tools, metric or standard and no grey area (new stuff/old stuff) ::)
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Well I don't know much about PC and such.
But to make it eas to download pics into the PC I bought a fancy printer that has memory card slots.
Take pics with camera, take out pic card and plug into Printer.
Well, really it's a HP 2410 all in one combo.
printer,fax,scanner.and copier.
(http://www.omghi2.us/april05/printer.jpg)
This way,even I couldn't goof it up.
Plug and play ;D
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USB isn't that slow, FireWire might be twice
the speed, but USB is fine for pics, Hell I still
use a Parallel port to upload Pics to my computer
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So I finally started making the mold for the cover, like I said I was about six months ago ::) (need an 8 day week not 7).
Wouldn't the seatbelt posts get in the way? or do you remove them? Sound really cool though, I'd really like to see some pics.... hehe Why firewire? what's wrong with USB?
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Need Input
Are we talking a rear tonneau for the Kick? I was thinkin of something like that for project Rally Kick...cough mit der details!
Zag
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Firewire is indeed much faster than USB 1.0, but it's pretty close to the same speed as USB 2.0, which came out a year or so ago (pretty much commonplace now in new computers).
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It's similar to the ones for the sami's (with the little trunkand back window)
As for the pic topic, the cam is digital video with still picture as an option. This is why they tell me to go fire wire (something about alot of info for video on the USB)
Steve
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they sell really cheap digi cams now, thats how i got mine and i think it works fine. after you first get it going its real easy, its just getting started thats the hard part.
stu
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USB isn't that slow, FireWire might be twice
the speed, but USB is fine for pics, Hell I still
use a Parallel port to upload Pics to my computer
USB 1.1 is 12Mbps
Firewire is 400Mbps
USB 2.0 is actually 480Mbps
so makes USB2.0 faster than Firewire, but there is now
Firewire II that is 800Mbps, but I haven't seen it on a PC yet.
For all purposes I like Firewire for most things, just because drives easily power themselves on the bus without an external power supply, but for pictures USB 1.1 is the norm and works perfectly fine, I have a 512mb card and no hangups downloading over USB1.1 at all. In fact I still have an old camera that is serial...
Ok, more than anyone wanted to know.....sorry...
;D
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Just in case anyone was wondering working with fiberglass really sucks :'( :'(
I got the mold for the back part almost finished and dreading doing the roof part ( more fiberglass :'()
I was thinking of offering these in primer only (ready for prep and paint) should they be offered in black or white like the current tops are? Didn't want to offer painted, to much of a pain if I deliver and it's a shade off.
Opinions?
Steve
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Get a USB cable for your digicam and you won't have to buy a new motherboard with Firewire.
Good luck.
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Opinions?
Well, I would offer Arctic White, Black-Hole Black, and Primer for u-paint.
I am dieing to see pics here!
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Are we talking Tonneau cover or Hardtop/
camper shell ??
I thought a Tonneau cover was flat, like to
cover the back of a Pickup Truck
Wild
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I don't know what you call them exacty? it follows the shape of the trackicks with no top on (window right behind your head)
Been looking at about a million hinges and latches( gotta be good ones like stainless or zinc plated)
Anybody got a good offcial name for these tops???
Steve
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OK, I know what you mean now.
Uhh, I don't know what exactly you
would call that, it sort of makes the
Track/Kick into an El Camino or Ranchero
with the bed covered. I was thinking it
was like a duster cover, just in fiberglass,
but this is going to make the Track/Kicks
more like an X-90 in overall shape (sort of)
from the cabin back
:)
Wild
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I would call it a fastback top and I would think that black, white and primer finishes would be cool(I personally would like the black finish). I can't wait to see what it looks like and how much $$$ it will cost...
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Closer to a notch back, fast back
would slope down to the rear
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OK i am a "computer guy" the camcorder should have a USB plug as well as the Firewire,and an S-Video plug "Most camcorders do" how many USB ports do you have, if it is 3 years old"the pc", you should have usb 2.0 compatible ports, most of the time if you have 4 ports on the back, 2 will be 1.0 and 2 will be 2.0, but you can also get a firewire adapter card, and plug it into your computer, - http://www.newegg.com/OldVersion/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=15-126-003&depa=0
there is the link and a verry reasonable price,
the install it extreemly easy with xp,
1. un plug all the cabels to the computer, "most only will plug back in one spot on most computers"
2. remove one side panel from the computer, "NOTE , look for a warrenty void if removed sticker, if it is there chech to see if yer warrenty is over, if it is proceed, if not call the manufacturer of the computer,"
3 find an open slot on the computer main board, the car will only fit into one type of slot, and only fit in one way, you will have to remove the dust shield for the slot the card is going to sit in, ------- WHILE THE COVER OF THE COMPUTER IS OFF, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ONE HAND IN CONTACT WITH A METAL PART OF THE CASE AT ALL TIMES , ALL TIMES, STATIC ELECTRICTY CAN AND WILL DESTROY EVERY ELECTRAL DEVICE IN YOUR COMPUTER INSTANTLY!!!!-------------
now if you open it up and get scared call yer computer guy and watch him. but there is a good link to a good price on the card.
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I got it hooked up ( thanks explosivo) posted pics in the members rides at the top of the first page (gotta learn to clean up my pics better) just a test run .
I'll be taking pics of the "fastback/cover" this weekend will post for style ideas. the shape and strengh are there just have to add some style to it now
Steve
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Ahhh...digital cam "corder", thought we were talking about a normal digital since it was pics.
Glad to hear you got it hooked up and working, I am curious to what this top looks like also. ;D
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I finally got pics, its shaped now and I just finished priming it. It's gotta be painted still (so the thing will come out of the fiberglass easier)
Let me know what ya think good or bad + input, I'm still at the stage to change it without to much trouble
(http://www.omghi2.us/april05/tops1 001.jpg)
(http://www.omghi2.us/april05/tops1 002.jpg)
(http://www.omghi2.us/april05/tops1 004.jpg)
This is only what you call the plug (template for making the mold, not the actual finished product)
Steve :)
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I like it
what do you think it will weigh and cost???? Any Idea yet?
Zag
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looks like the X-90 conversion :)
I like it ...
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thats does look cool, one question: i have not read all the thread and know its only for the mold but it will have a back window right?
stu
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Looks good, I like to have a rear window
to see what I'm backing over, of coarse I
never back up on the trails ;)
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Dunno if this would work or not ... but jcwhitney had a "universal" sunroof that is narrow enuf to possibly work as the "back glass" ...
Nice thing is it's removable, but also can "tilt out" for ventilation.
Can't find the one I got to add to my trac hardtop ... used to be about $100 tho.
Anyway, you'll need to source a cheap "rear window" option ...
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A sliding rear window out of /for a p/u might work.
It's looking good. I like it.
I've been think of taking out my rear shoulder belts anyways cause I aint got a back seat.
Finnally Kicks will have a cool top like all those sammie guys. ;) ;D
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Very cool! Are you going to make a filler strip for the top of the tailgate as well?
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Looks sweet... are you making a portion to go over the roof, too?
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P-Dog did you see you have a PM ???
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Now the fun begins sanding, sanding and more sanding ;D ;D ;D
To anwser a few questions
1. the weight is going to be 20-25 pounds finished?
2. the cost I don't know til it's done (so far it's cheap, bit of materials & lots of time)
3. the window will be in the finished piece (easier to mold then cut out the window)
4. the tail gate gap is kinda stumping me still. to small and tight fitting for me to mold one ( I was thinking of a rubber gasket with a curved edge ( would fill the gap & you could open the gate without opening the trunk)
5. the extra lights could go on top as the strip across the top is 2.5" and the fiberglass is going to be 1/4" or thicker
For window options all I got so far is flat glass(black rubber gasket), sun roof ( open at the bottom in this case) or a sliding window ( aluminum frame)
Thanks for the ideas/input keep'm coming & the question ( keeps me thinking)
Steve
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I forgot , I'll be making the piece for the roof after I'm done the back. It's gonna be flat and smooth not like the current plastic ones ( I owned a 91 tracker, jacked & mudders with the 2 piece top and didn't like the look or fit of the roof piece)
Steve
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I forgot , I'll be making the piece for the roof after I'm done the back. It's gonna be flat and smooth not like the current plastic ones ( I owned a 91 tracker, jacked & mudders with the 2 piece top and didn't like the look or fit of the roof piece)
Steve
I never liked the fit either...I'm looking forward to seeing your piece...I have the BesTop Sunport so the front half of the softop is separate from the rear, your halfback will work just fine on my beast ;)
Oh....the nice thing about the sunroof idea for the rear window is that most of those pop-up sunroofs have the ability to pop-out as well and be stored in the back....hmmm, would it fit under the access panel? If so could there be a slot molded in to hold the popped out window?
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Looks great! I wish that I could have found someone to make one for the 99+ Track/vit
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Another thing about the pop-up/pop-out sunroofs ... typically they are 15x31 but need around 17x33 flat space to mount (frame and such).
Install isn't a big deal, so perhaps you could make a solid rear, but give folks a source to DIY the window install (if they want it). Should keep the price down for those that don't mind the DIY ...
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I got looking at the 2 pc tops from other companies and they range from $800 to $1300 plus shpping, does this seem a little outragous or what
Are people actually paying to get them, only ask because I've been trying to figure out what mine is gonna cost and so far it not even close?
The original with the lift gate back window is made from plastic, injection molds would be expense to make but once done you could make a top like every 20 min + the plastic would be cheaper than fiberglass.
I was thinking of making other models later if this on works (99+ style & sami's)
Some of this doesn't add up to me? (I'm not a business guy though ???)
Steve
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Unfortunately, I'm not sure that will fit with my Calmini Sport Cage installed. But I'm not sure.
Darn it! It would ALMOST work!
(http://img351.imageshack.us/img351/5042/rollbar7so.jpg)
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I got looking at the 2 pc tops from other companies and they range from $800 to $1300 plus shpping, does this seem a little outragous or what
Are people actually paying to get them, only ask because I've been trying to figure out what mine is gonna cost and so far it not even close?
The original with the lift gate back window is made from plastic, injection molds would be expense to make but once done you could make a top like every 20 min + the plastic would be cheaper than fiberglass.
I was thinking of making other models later if this on works (99+ style & sami's)
Some of this doesn't add up to me? (I'm not a business guy though ???)
Steve
Yes it does seem outrageous!!
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I got looking at the 2 pc tops from other companies and they range from $800 to $1300 plus shpping, does this seem a little outragous or what
Yup outrageous to me ... I didn't pay that much for the rig!!!
I got a used hardtop for $400 and only just cuz I needed it.
I'd guess if your rear and front combo came in around $400 (+shipping), you'd have happy customers. This without the "window" ... add $200 for that as an option (or the DIY source info).
Are you going to "finish the interior" with carpet? To me that's another DIY that can be done by those that care.
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I got looking at the 2 pc tops from other companies and they range from $800 to $1300 plus shpping, does this seem a little outragous or what
Are people actually paying to get them, only ask because I've been trying to figure out what mine is gonna cost and so far it not even close? Some of this doesn't add up to me? (I'm not a business guy though ???)
Steve
I don't know how outrageous that is. How much time are you going to spend on developing yours and how much time are you going to spend making each one and testing. What would the labour cost be if you were charging it. Then spread that across how many units you reckon you can sell. Factor in all your overheads, factory rent, cleaners. accountants, allow for time spent doing paperwork etc.. Then add on a decent profit cos the whole reason for a business is to make money. Usually the raw materials are a very small part of the whole cost, the development costs are the main part unless you're going to sell them by the thousand.
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I completely agree with Rhinoman
You have to account for your R&D time and costs, all your
overheads...then the fudge factor, cause some will screw up.
Some will get returned because of niggly customers, some you
will need to warranty.
AND....everyone that makes a product deserves to make a
buck.
The cost of a Calmini Hardtop the last time I checked was
1600.00 US, thats about 2000.00 Cdn. So give the guys a deal!
But as a business owner I understand WHY stuff costs what it does
and you need to take everything into account.
Zag
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I was picturing the halfback on mine while I was giving it a bath today (first time in months...then it rained <shrug>) I'm very interested in the top :)
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I love the design.
Is the lid large enough to flip the rear seat up to use it as a rumble seat? Has anybody seen a rumble seat? Does anybody know what a rumble seat is?
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Yep I know what a rumble seat is...no I don't think the lid opening looks wide enough to have the seat fit though...but I could be wrong there...having said that even if the seat fits you still wont have the seat belt towers with the back piece on.
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I'm watching the glass dry right now, for the trunk lid. Man this is going to be a slow process, I'm doing it by hand no fancy chop gun (spray fiberglass). I'm gonna have to do each piece twice to get it thick enough to use as a mold ::) ::)
 The back seat still fits in the upright position don't think it will fold down thou (can' tell until I put the finished piece on)
 I know what you mean by rumble seat, can't explain it either (must be the glass fumes ;D)
Anybody close by I can call for a test fit and run when it's finished ( the track in the pics is a loaner and going bye bye soon) don't want to buy a junker just yet for guinie pig purposes.
I guess that's what zaggy was talking about the R&D and development cost?
Steve
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Prarie-dog
   You're getting the picture.......
   Started my own business back March 1.........you would be amazed how fast thousands of dollars disappear. Office equipment, Shop equipment, tools, computers, inventory, delivery vehicle.
And thats just open, then you ahve to pay for the premises, staff and all the other bills while you're trying to get some revenue in.....with a little luck I hope to be break even in a month or two from now......till then we are going to have fun.
Oh yeah forgot to mention........As the owner you don't get a paycheck till you make money.
Zag
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Zag
The office equip is a milk crate, shop equip is my floor, tools are paid for, computers I don't even want to go there ;D ;D ;D
I have the best delivery vehicle there is SAMI'S RULE
At this rate I hope to be just like some of the sami suppliers OVER PROMISE & UNDER DELIVER
Just kidding around, PS my garage really stinks now!!
Steve
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Hey Steve,
You're in Sylvan Lake? I work in Lacombe! That being the case I can tet run the Zag Air Cleaner down to your place and test fit the halfback ;D
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Hey Steve,
You're in Sylvan Lake? I work in Lacombe! That being the case I can tet run the Zag Air Cleaner down to your place and test fit the halfback ;D
Edmonton to Lacombe for work every day seems like a hell of a comute :o
At the rate I just found out I'll be going this thing is gonna take like 2-3 more weeks >:( >:(. you'll probably have changed the element in zag's filter twice before I'm done.
I'll keep ya posted on my progess as I don't know anybody local with a soft top
Steve
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Hey Prd
At the rate you're test'n and fittn stuff you're gonna have the trickest Kick on the board
..........For Free!
Zag
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P-Dog,
I'll be commuting to Lacombe until the end of September...although I am taking vacation the first two weeks of August...Anywho, just fire me off a PM or even give me a shout...I'll PM you my contact info.
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Hey Prd
At the rate you're test'n and fittn stuff you're gonna have the trickest Kick on the board
..........For Free!
Zag
LOL...I'm certainly not expecting to keep any of the prototype stuff sans $$...I'm just helping out the best way that I can ;)
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Nah
You get to keep the aircleaner for doing the testing
Zag
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Nah
You get to keep the aircleaner for doing the testing
Zag
Sweeeet ;D
BTW...PM coming your way...
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Unfortunately, I'm not sure that will fit with my Calmini Sport Cage installed. But I'm not sure.
Darn it! It would ALMOST work!
([url]http://img351.imageshack.us/img351/5042/rollbar7so.jpg[/url])
"O" DUH. I never thought of that. dang it.
It looked so cool tho :'(
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Did I mention this is a slow process, I'm still on the mold for the trunk lid ( glass sets up fast when its hot out :()
Hotrod, if you measure from the little lip to the cage one from the tailgate and one from the roof(same angle as the body) let me know. I'll bet it's pretty close, I'm interested to see what this thing will or will not fit in combo with other aftermarket parts.
Steve (the itchy glass guy :'()
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I am impressed! :o
Someone should have made one of those a long time ago, and I really like the fact there is the trunk on it. I am sure you will have plenty of people interested once you get the final mold done and can make them. I am with other people, might save yourself some time and others money if you offer the DIY models for windows an carpet and such, then have "upgrade" options for the rest. As long as you told the people that wanted one it would be awhile for you to hand make each one, I am sure noone would care.
Great work, keep us updated! ;D
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Hey Praire did ya get my PM's
Zag
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Did I mention this is a slow process, I'm still on the mold for the trunk lid ( glass sets up fast when its hot out :()
Hotrod, if you measure from the little lip to the cage one from the tailgate and one from the roof(same angle as the body) let me know. I'll bet it's pretty close, I'm interested to see what this thing will or will not fit in combo with other aftermarket parts.
Steve (the itchy glass guy :'()
Never mind again. I forgot I didn't do it the normal way everybody else did. Without instructions, I mounted the rear downtubes to the floor next to the wheelwells instead on top of them.
So I have plenty of room for a fast back. ;D
Keep me posted.
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I always pick the hot days to do this kinda work >:(
Anyways the molds are both made now just have to clean them up and paint the insides( didn't paint the mock up, had to use big hammer to remove).
The piece in the pics is fire wood now, sensless voilence can be good therapy ;D ;D
Steve
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We're all looking for an update! Keep up the great work! Thanks!! George;
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Woa!!!! That looks good, hadn't seen this untill now. If you are going to make it with the front piece too, I want one ;D R U able to ship it to europe too?
BTW 1 more Question, I suppose I can put a sun roof in the front section too Strenghtwise? So you don't have to get the complete piece off if you want just a little bit of fresh air ;)
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Hey, if you ship to Europe/Germany i´ll take one , too. What does it cost ? Inclusive Shipping, etc....
Greets from Germany
Rolf
www.flammensuzi.de
(http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/1774/banner1jw.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
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And one to the UK too ;D
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Just to keep every one i the loop the 2 pcs for the back are ready to pop out an actual piece now, and the front piece is still in the works.
The sami is getting a 1.6 swap a.s.a.p. cus the 1.3 is getting pretty weak (barely use 5th again) This is why the major delay on the tops.
On the plus side I found a store with the perfect latches yesterday, same as the ones the current tops (looks like the end of a dog bone) but these ones are about half the size and chrome 8)
At this rate they'll be ready for christmas, if your good ;D ;D ;D
As for the questions about shipping etc... I'm going to make a couple and see how it goes, this all started from " I bet you couldn't build one yourself " It hasn't gott'n to pricey yet just alot of time. If there is real interest in the tops I'll box them up and send pretty much any where.
I'll have pics of the first real peices posted soon hopefully
Steve :)
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This idea is great! I love it! Keep up the good work and keep us updated! I cant wait to see some new pics! ;D
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getter dun!
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I would absolutely love one of them when they are done!
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hey p-dawg.. like a lot of ideas i've seen on this board, awesome! its like everything i've seen people make and stuff, is something that i want on mine... this is the hard top version of that top i've seen on the boards from k2 or something like that... but the softtop kept the seatbelt towers in place... maybe i missed something somewhere... but if its made out of fiberglass, won't it be real brittle and break easily? i glanced at something about using ABS plastic or something like that... that would be cool IMO... either way you go, its awesome that you took an idea like this and actually made it into something... most of the time, people say "i got an idea for the greatest item ever" or "we're in the process of making something that will rock the competition", and you never see anything about it... no pics, no more info, etc... (cough, rockfather, cough) (cough, bolt on SAS, cough)..... ya know what i mean? keep up the awesome work
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Just to keep everyone in the loop, I haven't made much progress with the tops lately as I just finished getting the bugs out of the 1.6 swap my ride so desparetly needed but I'm up and running again with all my other projects all caught up ( first time in a long time 8))
If your all good girls and boys maybe SANTA will have some cool presents for ya ;D lol.
Steve :)
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If your all good girls and boys maybe SANTA will have some cool presents for ya ;D lol.
Steve :)
I hope so, I really love the way it looks. Congrat's with your 1.6 swap that turned out good 8)
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Mine is going in for paint soon...if you have a top ready I can get it sprayed at the same time :)
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Any news on this?
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The covers are on hold due to me selling my house, I'm waiting for my new house to be built (contractor is 2 months behind, have to live with the OUTLAWS for awile :'( :'()
I have not givin up on them just a serious delay of game ( no garage for 4-5 months ) I got a few to many hours and a couple of bucks into them to just throw them out..
It's like star wars if you wait 20 years you'll see the sequile (spelling?) just kidding, the molds are ready to go just have to make an actual part from them, test fit etc...
I'll keep ya informed ;D
Steve. :)
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Sweet nice to know you still wanna continue them ;D.
Good luck on your new house and keep us updated ;)
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Cool. 2358 reads, I guess there must be some interest in this project ;D ;D
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anyone know if this ever took off?
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I cant even see the pictures.......
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Well he was on yesterday so hopefully he will see the thread and respond.
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I'd like to get one of these.(bump)
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I would be real interested in one
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Looks like the original pics are long gone.... Was it anything like this one?
(http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc127/Alhora/fastback.jpg)
That one belongs to a guy named Klej over on Zuwharrie -- He and a buddy one-offed it. He's way overseas, or I'd have bugged him to make me one too. :P
I'd love to get one of those if they ever get made.
-Al.