GI: RBK LB BODYKITS

[tk-421]

Still trying to figure out how to make these affordable enough for mass consumption. The molds are just too expensive to warrant a short production run...

On the flipside, I'm currently looking into making these in urethane.

[JumpmanYaris]

is that better then Fiberglass?
or the same ?

[Cosmonaut]

im sure urethane is better as it would allow it to flex and not break/crack like FB parts.

[tk-421]

Originally Posted by JumpmanYaris

is that better then Fiberglass?
or the same ?

FIBERGLASS

• Pros:
  • Easy to repair (most of the time)
  • Less expensive to fabricate in the short run
• Cons:
  • The material is constantly expanding (therefore it may need to be reconditioned after a few years, or even replaced in extreme cases)
  • Tends to splinter/break upon impact; usually loses to urethane as far as how much of an impact it can withstand
  • Molds need to be remade after a while (~1000 pieces)
  • Usually weighs more than comparable urethane pieces (depending on how much material is used)

URETHANE

• Pros:
  • Flexes upon impact (more crash-resistant)
  • Usually weighs less than comparable fiberglass pieces
  • More cost-effective in the long run

• Cons:
  • Much more expensive in the short run (molds are made from SS and cost a pretty penny)
  • If the piece breaks upon impact it is almost impossible to repair successfully (without it looking like ass anyway); usually needs to be replaced if/when that happens (as opposed to fiberglass, which is quite inexpensive to repair 9 out of 10 times)

[cali yaris]

that's nicely done, a simple to read comparison.Thanks.

might want to delete this one though, under fiberglass:

Usually weighs less than comparable fiberglass pieces

So, do fiberglass, do the smaller pieces first, and get Group Buy payments up front. Right? You know we want to support your venture!

[tk-421]

Originally Posted by cali yaris

might want to delete this one though, under fiberglass:

Fixed.

So, do fiberglass, do the smaller pieces first, and get Group Buy payments up front. Right? You know we want to support your venture!

Which pieces do you think I should do first? I'm willing to fabricate pretty much anything as long as it sells well enough for the bigger projects to take off.

[cali yaris]

whatever had the highest numbers on your poll?

[tk-421]

Well, the thing is, none of those pieces are truly "small". The smallest pieces are the eyelids and RBK spoilers (already in production), and maybe the sideskirts...

[tk-421]

I have decided to open this thread back up in order to give you guys an update on how this project is progressing.

I know it's been a couple of months since this poll closed, and I do apologize for not sending out updates. But that doesn't mean that I haven't been working on this.

I have been talking to lots of fabricators, potential investors, etc etc... But this is taking way too long for me.

With that in mind, I would like to see how many people are willing to pay up front in order to get this project going as quickly as possible. Of course, people who are willing to do this will get a good discount (on top of the existing discount if you are already on the list at the top of this thread).

Please post up if you're interested! I will be posting how much money has been added to the pot, as well as how much money is actually needed to get the project started.

Thanks again everybody! Hopefully we can get this going within the next couple of months.

P.S. I will post an update with the part numbers and minimum qty's tonight, so please keep an eye on this thread!

[lowsushi]

I dont know what they are really called, but are there alot of lip spoilers/di-fusers available? (they go on the front bumper) I think that might be good to go with side skirts and the RBK spoiler.

[cali yaris]

yeah lip pieces front or back would be nice. Ones that we know fit our USDM cars FTW.

[nerd_vitZ]

Originally Posted by cali yaris

yeah lip pieces front or back would be nice. Ones that we know fit our USDM cars FTW.

yeah, im definitely interested more in Lip's for the LB's that we know can fit. theyre cheaper all around and (IMO) better looking.

[thewifesyaris]

No duckbill!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!

[tk-421]

I wish I could say yes to that, but there doesn't seem to be enough demand for them for the time being.

[frownonfun]

this would no longer include the hood then correct?

[tk-421]

Correct. The hood is being fabricated by MicroImage.

[advocate]

TK I really appreciate what you're doing here but I think it's going to be hard to get people to pay up front. Perhaps judging from the success of the Micro Image hood, you could get in touch with Garm to finish the body kit?

[Jochen]

I'm still interested in the rear bumper (modified INGS+1).

But...
Then I need to know what the final design will be. Without a hole for the exhaust? (I still think this is the best solution)
Will it fit a EU Yaris without modifications (because a JDM bumper also doesn't fit a US Yaris without extra modifications)
And I also think shipping will be a problem for me.

But...
If I get positive answer to these questions, then count me in.