Date:         Thu, 22 Mar 2007 22:14:30 -0600
Reply-To:     Jeffrey Olson <jjolson@GWTC.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeffrey Olson <jjolson@GWTC.NET>
Subject:      Re: Projekzwo Lower Grille Fog Lights - Kit Update
In-Reply-To:  <4602CF64.4060105@charter.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

I'm wondering what you're talking about looks like?  I googled the name
and got a post by you oct 10, 06.  Any pictures?

Thanks...

Jeff Olson
Martin, SD
85 GL

John Rodgers wrote:
> Last year I undertook the task of trying to get replacements for these
> grilles since they went out of production. I was over taken by a bunch
> of health issues and the project  got put on the back burner. Initially
> the plan was that I would build molds and run these on my vacuum forming
> machine. I cannot do that now because of the effects of eye surgery on
> my retinas. Simply can't see well enough to do that kind of work.
>
> SO!  I took the two pieces I have been loaned to a company who does such
> things and they had a look. After a bit of study, they came up with an
> R&D cost of about $2000 to build the mold. After that front end cost,
> the grille pieces - 1 right and 1 left - could be produced for between
> $30 and $50 a pair, depending on how many pieces were made in a
> production run. No hardware cost - ie, lights, bulbs, screws, brackets,
> wire, connectors, etc - are included in those figures. From my own mold
> making experience, the mold cost is pretty much right on, as half of
> that cost is the mold-making material itself - a huge block of
> polyurethane rubber, and a big wad of epoxy. There is roughly $500 in a
> special jig for CNC trimming after each piece is made, and there is
> approximately $500 in labor.
>
> We would need a bunch of folks that wanted these in order to get the
> per-unit cost down. If we have enough, we can get the lower price of $30
> per pair, and we can spread the cost of the mold over how many pairs are
> bought. Like if 40 people bought in, that would be $50 per person for
> mold cost, plus $30 for the Grille pair - total $80 for the bare set.
> Hardware would have to be a separate issue. I don't know what these
> things cost initially from factory but it may be possible to get them
> way below that factory price, including hardware. Finding the right
> hardware source will take the effort of everyone.
>
> Please thrash this out, and speak your mind on this thread. It will come
> to a vote of yea or nay in the near future.
>
> BTW, there is nothing in this for me. I'm just doing it for funzzies!!
>
> Thanks,
>
> Regards,
>
> John Rodgers
> 88 GL Driver
>
>