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Posted by: Vacca Rabite Feb 27 2009, 08:04 AM

Last week I approached Mikey914 about making a flexible front spoiler similar to the NLA Flexdam. He went to Camp see what I was on about, and noted that it was fiberglass and rubber and asked Morph about making the glass part.

Verdict: it can be done. But, is there interest?
This is what we are talking about:


So. Are we interested in such an item? Cost would likely be in the $110 to $120 range, depending.

You would get all the benefits of a really low spoiler, without the worry of killing it on the street every time you approached a speed bump or random twig or driveway.

As a car moves swiftly down the road, air does under the body of the car as well as over the top, which produces lift. A low air dam blocks that airflow, and helps keep the car attached to the road at speed.

Plus, they look cool.

So. Who wants one?

Posted by: Gint Feb 27 2009, 08:12 AM

I like 'em. Looks really cool.

But wouldn't removing a lot of air flow under the car would decrease the draw from under the engine compartment and possibly compromise cooling at least a little bit?

Posted by: blitZ Feb 27 2009, 08:14 AM

I am interested. I have a LE dam, which I've managed to crack on some parking curbs. This looks like a good solution.

Posted by: MDG Feb 27 2009, 08:24 AM

I'm not looking for one but a friend has been searching in vain to find a replacement for his Flexdam. I'm sure there are plenty of others in the same boat.

Of all the aftermarket spoilers I've always liked the looks of these best. A lot of guys take the lower rubber skirt off and just run the upper FG section. In that configuration, IMHO, they look nicer than the factory LE spoiler as they follow the lines of the bumper better. The LE spoiler always looks kind of bucktoothed to me.

a member here - Kargeek's - superb white car has this.

they'd sell

m.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Feb 27 2009, 08:26 AM

Actually, it should draw more. The area under the car would be a big low pressure zone, drawing heated air from the cooling tin and puling it away from the engine. Its the same premise as the flaps directly in front of the engine bay on the 75-76 cars.

That said, I'm not an engineer. I did not even sleep in a Holiday Inn last night.

Zach

Posted by: Mikey914 Feb 27 2009, 10:15 AM

We are currently looking at building these, I like the idea of the rubber taking alot of the abuse that would normally damage the lower section, allowing for a closer ground clearance. Again, I think there is some room for improvements on this that will make it stronger, and perhaps we can even get it slightly lower. The key is the demand. Before we spend thousands in tooling we really need to see how many people have an interest. I know this market is more limited to the preformance side, but there may be enough interest to do these.

Any feedback helps.

Thanks,
Mark

Posted by: ConeDodger Feb 27 2009, 10:40 AM

A buddy of mine could make that with stuff from Home Depot!

Posted by: Bruce Hinds Feb 27 2009, 10:40 AM

Hey Mark,
Great idea, I'll get one for sure. I've run one on my V8 for the past 20+ years. The upper part(fiberglass) needs to be made just a little stronger. They have a tendency to break around the mounting points, and the top edge on the sides just ahead of the wheel well.

I can send you some pics if you want to see one that's well worn. Mine's also been modified for the radiator intake, that might be an option for for the GT guys too.

Posted by: andys Feb 27 2009, 10:48 AM

Would it be lower than say the deep valence with brake ducts; this one:

This one already snags and scrapes on most everything. The rubber part would see quite a bit of abuse if it were lower, me thinks. Also, would it be intended to fit a flared car?

Thanks,

Andys

Posted by: Mikey914 Feb 27 2009, 02:14 PM

The re-inforcement at the mounting points was one of the items we had discussed. It should sit lower than the GT style, and yes the bottom lip will take alot of abuse. The idea is that the rubber section could be replaced without having to buy a whole new one. I think I have an example from which we can evaluate the failures of the original to make some improvements.

Keep the input comming, there's always room for improvement.

Posted by: Mikey914 Feb 27 2009, 02:17 PM

"Yeah, but my dad is a TV repair man and he has an awesome set of tools"

Posted by: jfort Feb 27 2009, 02:24 PM

I am interested in this, too. Would like it to match with GT flares if possible.

Posted by: Phoenix 914-6GT Feb 27 2009, 02:25 PM

I would be intersted I guess. If the cost is that low why not. Gives me a few different options. My really low airdam is cracked at the moment and I am going to fix it and put a splitter on it. I will use it mostly for track stuff. This would be good for the rest of the time.

Posted by: dkjens Feb 27 2009, 02:44 PM

I had one of those on my '74 914 some 15 years ago. The fiberglass part does have to be made very strong, especially where it attached to the bottom of the front fenders. This point is where the fiberglass part is being ripped out, when attempting to back away from a situation where the lip has gotten a little hung up (parking blocks, drive ways, curbs etc.).

Posted by: jhadler Feb 27 2009, 03:41 PM

Interested.

But I'd be looking for brake ducts and an oil cooler opening as well.

-Josh2

Posted by: Al Meredith Feb 27 2009, 05:48 PM

We had one on an EP racer years ago. I think I still have the rubber part. As I remember, The rubber had an extruded square slot along the top and you threaded that over round head bolts heads inserted from the rear. Then tightened the nuts and secured the rubber with no visable mounting hardware . I think I still have the rubber if a piece of it would help you to fabricate a new one. Maybe even a picture.....I'll look in the shed tomorrow and post a pic. Al

Posted by: roadster fan Feb 27 2009, 06:04 PM

I like it. I am in. Perfect for everyday driving.

Jim

Posted by: ellisor3 Feb 27 2009, 07:11 PM

I would be in as well. I have been looking for this dam and it is not currently available anywhere I can find.

Will it work with front flares????

Posted by: arvcube Feb 28 2009, 01:47 AM

i'd be interested for that price. I'd be interested in fiberglass bumpertops too..

Posted by: Mikey914 Feb 28 2009, 03:03 AM

I'm working with James to produce this product (morph), we have discussed the flare issue, so far there are many different variations on the fiberglass flares, the steel are more consistent, we are going to set these up so that they can be used on both, and could be modified by the end user to accomidate whatever flairs you may have. This would mean they could be cut and spliced with additional fiberglass by the end user, to accomidate flaring it out more.

So, yes it will work with flares, but you may want to modify it for a more streamlined look.

Brake cooling we have yet to discuss.

Keep the imput rolling in.

Posted by: ellisor3 Feb 28 2009, 05:32 AM

Here is one with the rolled panels. You can see the edges do take some rubbing.


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Posted by: MDG Feb 28 2009, 07:05 AM

This one has it with flares; the lower rubber skirt has been removed. Looks good to me even if the spoiler and the flare joint is not perfect. Close, but not perfect.

I love the way this one follows the lines of the bumper. And as stated earlier, the weak link is the attachment points in the FG.

mike

Posted by: Zimms Feb 28 2009, 09:11 AM

I am in for one if you go forward. Narrow body.

Posted by: Mikey914 Feb 28 2009, 11:33 AM

The good news is the rubber is going to be the same profile as the old part, so replacement rubber will be available that can be used for the old spoiler if you have one.

Posted by: jsayre914 Feb 28 2009, 07:30 PM

im one of those guys that has been searching in vein...

i had one on my last 914, it was about 1 inch off the ground, really cool, and every time i scraped it up, took a little armorall and wiped it brand new again. I loved it. i will try to post a pic tommorow.

id like another

Posted by: veltror Feb 28 2009, 08:04 PM

I 'd like one of these..

Posted by: MDG Feb 28 2009, 08:12 PM

at least one up here too, Mark.

Posted by: mikez Feb 28 2009, 08:29 PM

I had one for years.....loved it. Would consider one for my 911. My splitter didn't last more than a week in this town.

Posted by: SirAndy Feb 28 2009, 08:31 PM

That, and you'd want to route some cooling air to your front brakes ...

Posted by: Mikey914 Mar 6 2009, 01:01 AM

Looks like I'll have my hands on one real soon. I'll be working on the details this upcoming week.

Posted by: dw914er Mar 6 2009, 01:04 AM

I had one on my car for years (before I started driving the car though).... The only problem was that a piece of tire shred on the freeway would always sneak up and WHAM!!! crack the corner. My dad probably fixed it 3 times and eventually when we towed the car it tore off from the trailer. Our lesson, the fiberglass needs to be pretty tough. It sits that low you need to make sure it can take the stress given to it.


I loved the look, and would get another probably, but it does sit really really low

Only reason why I don't have one anymore is the last one was trashed, and my stock valence was in the shed.. Cheap and Easy solution

Posted by: dw914er Mar 6 2009, 01:06 AM

that offset in the rear looks amazing on that car

Posted by: RoadGlue Mar 6 2009, 01:14 AM

I'd be down for one, preferably with brake ducts, but I can always add those myself.

Posted by: geniusanthony Mar 6 2009, 06:16 AM

I'd like one of these as well

Posted by: Van914 Mar 6 2009, 06:33 AM

Yes, I'm in for one too.
Thanks
van914

Posted by: Bruce Hinds Mar 6 2009, 10:34 AM

Do you need one to pull a mold from? Mine has been modified for an oil cooler or in my case a radiator, al GT style.

B

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Mar 6 2009, 10:41 AM

Awesome.

I'm really excited about this product.

Zach

Posted by: Richard Casto Mar 6 2009, 11:04 AM

I think the problem you are already seeing is that you have interest in different versions. Flare, no flare, brake cooling, no brake cooling, oil cooler cutout, no oil cooler cutout.

I for one am looking for GT flare, brake cooling and NO oil cooler cutout. If you can give me that combo, I will buy one.

You mentioned earlier that those who want GT flare will need to modify it on their own. To be frank, I probably wouldn't buy this if I am going to have to modify it. Or at least, I may be just as likely to pick a different spoiler as the starting point. Hope this helps you decide on what products you will make!

Posted by: Demick Mar 6 2009, 11:19 AM

I had the flexdam on my car for years. I got it because I also thought it was the best looking spoiler.

However, if you run it with the rubber, IT WILL HINDER THE ENGINE COOLING in a significant way. The lower rubber section will raise your oil temperatures by 25 degrees. I assume it also affects the head temps. Hard to believe, but it's true and I experienced it first-hand.

Nothing wrong with just the fiberglass portion though.

Of course, this was for a type4 motor. May not have the same effect on a six, and obviously isn't a concern on a watercooled conversion.

Demick

Posted by: cobra94563 Mar 6 2009, 01:20 PM

I would be interested, especially if it could fit over my tow bar and be removable for towing. (I'd be willing to modify it, if needed, to do that.)

Posted by: johnnie5 Mar 6 2009, 01:41 PM

It does look very trick, but I was concerned with cooling as well (type 4). I recently changed out my factory valance for a LE copy from Appearance & Performance. Great fit and very sharp (and still somewhat of the original look). Thanks again James!

Sorry for the hi-jack!

Posted by: Mikey914 Mar 7 2009, 03:10 AM

So far, the brake cooling could be added as an option. The cooling may be addressed most effectively by splitting the rubber in the center allowing the air to flow better, this is similar to the split you see in the 916 lower section. As far as flaring the edges there is so much variation between steel and fiberglass that we will leave the modification for flares up to the owner.

Thants where it stands right now.

Posted by: ssstikircr Mar 7 2009, 03:38 PM

I would probably like one.

Posted by: Mikey914 Mar 17 2009, 11:37 PM

Looks like these will be going into production. I'm going to work with James (morph) to produce an improved version of these. It will have an option to add in brake ducting for cooling. I'll get more information and post pictures after we get the fiberglass work done.

Posted by: Phoenix 914-6GT Mar 17 2009, 11:42 PM

Posted by: dw914er Mar 17 2009, 11:47 PM

sweet... looking forward to it

Posted by: geniusanthony Apr 2 2009, 12:14 AM

Posted by: Mikey914 Apr 2 2009, 12:29 AM

Thanks for the bump. Molds are being right now should have fist parts in 7-12 days. mark your calender. I will post pictures as soon as these are out.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Apr 16 2009, 03:52 PM

How did I miss this post?

I want one of these BAD!

Zach

Posted by: arvcube Apr 16 2009, 04:53 PM

How did you miss that post...? you started the thread!!

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Apr 16 2009, 05:00 PM

^^^^^^
There are occasional moments when I am not on the board. Hard to believe, but it does happen.

Zach

Posted by: arvcube Apr 16 2009, 05:14 PM

I'm just messing with ya...I want one too. Maybe it'll be the trigger for me to start working on my bumper backdate..

Posted by: pete-stevers Apr 16 2009, 05:37 PM

I would be intersted in one of these as well!

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Apr 16 2009, 05:37 PM

I'm just being terse as I am posting from class.
I really should be paying attention....

Posted by: SGB Apr 16 2009, 10:31 PM

I'm going to have to get one of these too, Mark.

I've been too busy to see much 914world too. And will also be away some more...

Posted by: Mikey914 Apr 16 2009, 10:47 PM

Update on these - The first prototype will be out early this next week.

Posted by: xperu Apr 17 2009, 05:18 AM

I actually have one that came off of a 76 parts car, but it's cracked (could be beefed up). I did, however mount it on my 74 to see what it looked like and it looked very retro. Thanks for the effort and looking foreword to having one on my car. Mike

Posted by: lotus_65 Apr 17 2009, 05:25 AM

i wonder if this is why the LE dam has the notch cut in it?

Posted by: Mikey914 Apr 17 2009, 09:13 AM

It's exactly why the LE has the notch. Also look at the 916 front. there's a break at the bottom that is used to allow the air to flow into the low pressure area created by the shape of that design. The idea here is to accomplish this by notching the rubber to do the same thing. Closer to the with of the 916 gap. The great thing is that the rubber can be modified to achieve the level of airflow you desire. If you cut too much, not a problem, just replace the rubber. I would be very interested in having one of the A/X guys do some testing for me. Start out with the full skirt, cut a 2" gap. cut a 6" gap, cut a 12" gap, as watch how the temps change. My thought is that the 12" gap is what will be required as that's closer to the distance the on the 916. I thing the sweet spot may be just slightly less.

Posted by: hot_shoe914 Apr 17 2009, 11:36 PM

I have been looking for one of these as well. I most likely will be in for 2 of them. I want one on all of my cars but can't change my Bee.

Posted by: westgl Apr 18 2009, 09:15 AM

I need two of them,

are they ready yet? lol

Thanks

Gary

Posted by: jfort Apr 20 2009, 07:20 AM

I can barely get in and out of my garage without scraping. I hope you come up with one with a rubber bottom.

Posted by: geniusanthony Apr 24 2009, 05:08 AM

Posted by: Derek Seymour May 2 2009, 09:10 PM

I need one for my Dad's car, if I like the look I will grab one for myself as well.

Thanks guys!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: J P Stein May 2 2009, 09:37 PM

It'll keep air from gettin' under my car, eh?


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Posted by: Mikey914 May 2 2009, 10:41 PM

You are correct it does keep air from getting under the car. The lower pressure should also apply some downforce, like a wing only upside down. The drawback is the greater the low pressure, the more warm air that gets trapped, increasing running temps. So there will be some trial and error as to the temps your running. As there are different size motors and some cooling systems (read oil coolers) are in better shape there is no set opening size that can be cut into the rubber. It's a matter of checking your temps as you run and openig up as you need to.

The fiberglass portion will be out on Monday, the rubber is about 4 weeks out still. I'll be posting on Monday.

Posted by: Mikey914 May 6 2009, 09:08 PM

Well, as you may have gathered Monday didn't go quite as planned. The mold that was made from an original part picked up all the pinholes from the original. Here's a few pictures. Right now the mold is being redone. It will look the same as the one in the pictures, but without the pinholes.


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Posted by: TC 914-8 May 6 2009, 11:23 PM

I'm In for one, the low pressure behind the dam will Increase the air flow and cooling effect thru my radiator. plus the low pressure will increase handling as you mentioned before. What color will they come? black looks good for me. also what about brake ducts?

Great job !!!!

PM me with the info when you need the dough.

Thanks, Tony

Posted by: Mikey914 May 7 2009, 12:25 AM

Black is standard, they can be painted. The brake cooling will be accomplised via cut-outs that can added in. Should have a set next week. I will nit sell any until I'm happy with them. But this should ready next week.

Posted by: ellisor3 May 7 2009, 04:37 AM

The finish on those has more of a gloss than the original sample, it looks great. This will not look like an aftermarket spapped-on front dam, it will match the rocker panels, kick ass. Great Job again.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jun 3 2009, 12:47 PM

Bump?

Mike, any word or pics of the prototype?

Zach

Posted by: siverson Jun 3 2009, 05:21 PM

Neat! How about a version for flared cars?

Posted by: Mikey914 Jun 4 2009, 12:01 AM

I'm supposed to meet with James tomorrow to get my first few in hand. I'll post pictures tomorrow.

Thanks,
Mark

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jun 4 2009, 08:14 AM

Woohoo!

Zach

Posted by: RobW Jun 4 2009, 08:22 AM

Awesome! Thanks. I'll take one too!

I need to cut out an oil cooler and also fit it with dzus fasters for a race car. A rough prototype would work too!

Thanks, Rob

Posted by: jim_hoyland Jun 4 2009, 09:50 PM

These were really big sellers back in the '80s; had one and when I went to replace, they were NLA[ I'm in for one

Posted by: Mikey914 Jun 5 2009, 01:44 AM

An update. I spoke with James today. He has had family in town and has been unable to get all of the re-tooling on the mold done to date. He has been very busy with his other product lines and has not been able to get these done. He has promised me that in 3 weeks these will be available. So, that's where te project stands right now. James is a good guy, and will do a first rate job, sometimes it just take longer to get things done when life happens. I appreciate you patience, I will start taking the orders once I have a few in hand.

Thanks,

Mark

Posted by: nolift914 Jun 5 2009, 07:34 AM

I'am in for one

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jun 5 2009, 07:58 AM

Mike is spot on about James.

He can be slow to get stuff made, but once it is, the quality is top rate. If he does not think that the current prototype is up to snuff, I'll be happy to wait for the excellent product that he will provide.

Zach

Posted by: kfish914 Jun 11 2009, 04:19 PM

I'm in for one.

Based on the looks of the prototype it will be a great looking spoiler at a good price.

Posted by: Porcharu Jun 12 2009, 12:20 PM

I'm in for one to. Great job.

Posted by: jfort Jul 20 2009, 06:46 PM

Any word on the status? I hope to get it mounted this summer if possible.

Posted by: Mikey914 Jul 21 2009, 10:25 AM

The project is not dead, I spoke with James last week, and we are meeting on friday to work out the final details. It apears that this will be coming together in the next few weeks. The fiberglass is almost done. I should have the parts is the next few weeks. Now I have to get the rubber pushed out. I put the extrusion run on hold while the fiberglass stuff was in limbo. Last thing I needed was $2500 worth of rubber that I couldn't use.
So, I'll keep everyone posted. Should have news on Friday evening.

Thanks all.

Posted by: Mikey914 Jul 21 2009, 10:37 AM

Another thing I'll be discussing is providing pre-modifed variants. The brake ducts, and cooler cut out. I'm going to see if we could have those done as kind of a group buy. If James could do a min of 10 pcs, or whatever number he feels is workable, I'ld like to offer an option or two. But the demand would drive the availability.
More on Friday.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jul 22 2009, 11:05 AM

As always, I wait patiently.

Zach

Posted by: Mikey914 Jul 28 2009, 10:30 PM

Well I met with James this weeekend and got the first 2 of these to check fit I have 3 more comming. After a little discussion we have finalized some details and will be "evolving" the design slightly.

I have 3 more that James is going to produce like this one, we plan to add in the air cooling vents on the following units. James is currently working on making a carbon fiber brake cooling vent that will connect via hose to provide additional brake cooling.

The rubber will available in about 4-6 weeks. Hopefully about the time these are available.


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Posted by: Mikey914 Jul 28 2009, 10:32 PM

These pictures show the fiberglass portion mounted, I will be able to fit a rubber skirt in the next few weeks with the first article.


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Posted by: Mikey914 Jul 28 2009, 10:33 PM

One more. The rubber will put these within 2" of the ground.


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Posted by: RoadGlue Jul 28 2009, 10:37 PM

*drools* Looks awesome! Can't wait for the finished product. Thanks for keeping us up to date.

Posted by: rktmn247 Jul 28 2009, 11:00 PM

Looks great! Will there be flared versions?

Posted by: TC 914-8 Jul 28 2009, 11:14 PM

Hi Mark,
looks good. Keep me on the list.

Tony

Posted by: Mikey914 Jul 28 2009, 11:22 PM

"Looks great! Will there be flared versions?"

These will be available like the original except we have elected to produce these with the brake ducting holes.

There is a picture of these with flares earlier in the thread, we have elected to keep these like the original in that aspect. They could be modiifed by the end user. There is some variation on flares and without the car, there's a posibility it wouldn't line up perfectly.

We feel that the best all around product at the best price to hit the masses is the best way to go. Instead of producing the non brake duct and brake duct model the benifit of a little air flow into the area of negitive pressure wouldn't hurt, and you would have the option of adding the actual brake cooling at a later point.

Posted by: ottox914 Jul 28 2009, 11:39 PM

Rubber 2" off the ground? Is that car lowered at all from stock? This could be really cool on my auto-x turbo 914... run the glass on the road, and with the car lowered, add the rubber at the events and be, well, closer than 2" off the road... How easily/quickly can the rubber section be installed/removed. What is involved to detach/install it.

Posted by: Mikey914 Jul 29 2009, 01:03 AM

As far as removal and installation, I had not actually planned on settingit up that way, but it could be set up with pins and cotter keys so it could be removed and installed quickly. I could offer that option for a few dollars more, just a mater of including the hardware.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Jul 29 2009, 07:19 AM

That looks fantastic!
I can't wait.

Zach

Posted by: jhadler Jul 29 2009, 01:10 PM

Ooooh, now you're talking!!! More! I want to know more!!!

How about Dzus fasteners instead of pins?

-Josh2

Posted by: Mikey914 Jul 29 2009, 02:31 PM

Zus fasteners are a posibility, I will need to work out the depth and reinforce the actual airdam in those spots, so I'll play areond and see what I can to that's the best bang for the buck.

Posted by: Van914 Jul 29 2009, 05:38 PM

Ii can't wait. Make mine with the Zus fasteners. How about a cutout for a front mounted oilcooler? Like the 914GT valance?
Thanks
Van

Posted by: jhadler Jul 29 2009, 06:00 PM

That's exactly what I'm looking for too...

-Josh2

Posted by: lotus_65 Jul 29 2009, 07:53 PM

are the original ones worth much? i can get the fiberglass part with fasteners for maybe $25-30., but it doesn't include the bottom rubber part (i could get something from the garage door place, right?). should i get it??

Posted by: Mikey914 Jul 30 2009, 12:24 AM

I don't know about the old ones. The idea we have is for the new ones to have an option to upgrade the brake cooling at a later point.

The mounting for the rubber, was typically done via a nut and bolt, If I can fabricate Zus backing plates that wouldn't be required to be part of the fiberglass, That could be an option. The idea was that I would provide the rubber, but your looking at about $38 for the rubber alone. A good part is the tooling and how many pieces I can sell. I would certianally be willing to sell the rubber alone. I have heard stories about guys using plastic edging from Home depot, it may physically occupy the same space, but will not absorb impact as well as rubber.

The new rubber will be able to be mounted in the old units as the dimmensions will be almost identical.

Posted by: ottox914 Jul 30 2009, 12:40 AM

I'd be TOTALLY in for one with dzus attachments for the rubber- perfect for the weekend autocrosser, and an easy swap for fresh rubber should you mangle up the piece that is on the car. I think I'd like to see one with the oil cooler cut out as well before I make up my mind. My car, with a rear monunted oil cooler and fan, would not NEED a front cut out, and the idea of keeping all that air out from under the car at an auto cross is appealing to me...

Keep us posted on progress, options, and prototypes!

-ottox914

Posted by: RobW Jul 30 2009, 12:57 PM

This is what I am looking for too...

My old AX car had the same airdam Dzus fastened to the bumper 3x across the front, and two on the body from the sides. It was great.

My new AX car has a FG bumper though, so Dzus fastening it may not work or be a good idea....

Posted by: blitZ Jul 30 2009, 01:08 PM

Can you post the height of the air dam? This might relieve concerns for owners of lowered cars.

Posted by: Elliot Cannon Jul 30 2009, 03:39 PM

I added this to my car a few years ago and noticed a slight increase in oil temps. It is about 5 inches high in the middle where the notch is and about 4 1/2 on the sides. It scrapes a LOT. Most driveways are taken at an angle. If you go any lower, it would be a good idea to have the lower part easily removable. You would also need to keep a watch on oil and ch temps. It's great to have people making new products for these old cars. I painted mine with truck bed liner but I think a lttle helicopter tape would have protected it and looked better.
Cheers, Elliot


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Posted by: jhadler Jul 30 2009, 05:05 PM

Yeah, it's true, a lower spoiler can impact temps. The lower spoiler will prevent air from getting under the car. This is good for handling. But less air under the car means less turbulence under the motor to draw away heated air. I think oil temps would suffer more than CHT would (if at all). Either way, that's why I'm looking for an oil cooler port in this spoiler to get air to a front mounted cooler.

-Josh2

Posted by: Mikey914 Aug 5 2009, 01:30 AM

Ok, I finnaly got the tally and it looks like there are about 20 of you that are interested in these. The problem I have been battling is that there is allot of variation.

Where I'm at on this right now, is that the tooling for the fiberglass and rubber will exceed any potential profits from the units until we're looking at about 4x what we are looking at making.

At this point I'm afraid that I can not fund the additional tooling that would be required to produce these. I have several other projects that are in the developement cycle that will require some of the cash necessary to make these.

At this time I will not be proceeding with the tooling for the rubber.

I can make it if we could come up with about 50 people that need it (which is where I though we would wind up).

If anyone else wants one of these as shown, I can add you in. PM me and let me know, as he can easily add in while in production.

I really had to look at this throughly and as much as I would like to bankroll these, there just isn't enough demand to make these work out for a long time.

I apoligize for getting everyone's hopes up on these, it has been a hard decision to pull the plug, especially after paying for some of the tooling already, but I will have to cut my losses now on these.

I want to thank James for the many hours he has spent on these too.

Sincerely,

Mark

Posted by: RoadGlue Aug 5 2009, 01:37 AM

Makes sense Mark! It seems like there's often a lot of excitement about these types of products and in the end it just wastes your time and money (in this case) when people don't step up to the plate and commit.

I committed and now I'm bummed that we can't get enough members to come forward.

I'd be willing to pay up to $200 for the basic unit with the dam and rubber. Maybe you could come up with a smaller batch if you raise the price. Maybe not.

I really appreciate the time and energy you've put into this.

You're awesome,

Posted by: RoadGlue Aug 5 2009, 01:38 AM

One more thought - you could try selling people an extra rubber piece right from the get go as it's one of those items that will most certainly wear out.

Posted by: Mikey914 Aug 5 2009, 01:49 AM

You hit the nail on the head. There were a few of you that are commited to these, and really want them. But when it came down to it, we really missed the mark on our guestimation of the demand. We tried looking at more options witht he idea that it would lead to more demand to cover the tooling for the rubber, but it would require more fiberglass tooling, which made it less than a wash at this level.
Thanks again,

Mark

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Aug 5 2009, 07:13 AM

I guess I could take one of the prototype spoilers and use garage weather striping. But, yeah, I'm a little bummed.

Zach

Posted by: Richard Casto Aug 5 2009, 07:33 AM

Sorry it didn't work out. If you start this up again just PM me and I will commit the second time as well.

Posted by: arvcube Aug 5 2009, 10:08 AM

bummed as well. was really looking forward to putting it on.. I'd be up for payin' a little more too..
i guess i could do the same as zach...

Posted by: jsayre914 Aug 5 2009, 11:25 AM

so lets reason with the idea,

if the goal is 50 at about 145 each. The target price is $7250.00

if everyone was willing to pay 200$ ea, we have 20 commited = 4000.00

does that mean if we find 16 more people to commit, and we up the price to 200$ We get it???


it never hurts to ask. Lets start the 200.00 thread and find minimum 36 people

Posted by: jhadler Aug 5 2009, 11:37 AM

I'm sorry the project was tabled. I know I'm one those picky "want all the options" people. But without actually seeing what it'll be like, it's hard to buy it sight-unseen.

Brake ducts, oil cooler, and (hopefully) Dzus fasteners. That's a product I'd happily buy.

-Josh2

Posted by: Mikey914 Aug 5 2009, 03:43 PM

Right now. I do have another option I'm playing with, but there is some change to the design that some may like better, and some will not like.

I need to make it and test it, if it works I'll offer it up. But, I need to work out some details. I'll post more when I can.
-Mark

As far as pricing, I appreciate those that are willing to pony up some more $.
I'm still trying to keep this as clsoe to budget as possible.

Posted by: Mikey914 Aug 5 2009, 04:23 PM

The problem is the 50 just starts to pay back tooling and min runs on materials. I'm looking at trying to reduce the cost so that we don't need as many at a lower price. I do appreciate all the support, I'm still trying to see what i can do.

Posted by: Mikey914 Nov 18 2009, 06:35 PM

I do have 3 of these that are sitting on my shelf and a comitment for another 7. I'll make these available for the world members at $110 each + shipping. Let me know if you you want one. Thses are the fiberglass only. I do have some 1/4" rubber strips that could be cut down to mount at a height you determine, they're 6" by a little over the width of the dam. $25 each. Just let me know.

Thanks

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Nov 18 2009, 06:39 PM

I want one, but you already knew that.

Posted by: MDG Nov 18 2009, 06:42 PM

I'll take one please.

Posted by: arvcube Nov 19 2009, 01:43 AM

shipping to 92064 please. thanks. curious as to what the other option is...

Posted by: ellisor3 Nov 19 2009, 05:17 AM

Count me in for one as well.

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Mar 3 2010, 06:13 PM

I got mine installed tonight. Even with my big black bumpers, it looks great.
I have not added the rubber part yet. After looking at it, I may not do that right away. I test fit my tow bar with the spoiler installed, and it will work like a champ if I don't use the rubber. I don't need to remove anything.

Now, I could attach the rubber with bolts instead of the pop-rivets I was planning on using, and I would just have to take off the rubber part to use my tow bar if I needed it.

Right now I am just happy to have it on. It has been a long road to get this, but I am glad that we traveled it.

Zach

Posted by: jhadler Mar 3 2010, 06:21 PM

Would love to see a picture of one installed!

-Josh2

Posted by: Vacca Rabite Mar 3 2010, 06:52 PM

Pics will come, but not till I have a chance to wash some of the work and storage grime from my car.

Zach