body kit survey/attachment methods

[autobodydesign]

We're dealing with plastic and urethane parts. Things you might find in a mfr catalog, or you might see as some sort of special edition on a newer car.

Here is part of a ground effects package we manufacture. It is a left
front fascia extension, and fits below the bumper. Nice looking partif I say so myself...

 

[autobodydesign]

There are two attachment methods usedone is a push pin, the other is a spring clip.
The clips spring action pulls the part tight against the body, and requires that a slot be cut into the body of the vehicle to fit.

 

[skilletrx]

pics on an actual car pls?

 

[jsahyoun]

What do you have specifically for proteges?

Joe

 

[autobodydesign]

Now to the instructions: the first thing you see when you open them is this warning, which explains the templates are undersize, and only rough guidelines. The slots must be hand fitted freehandbut dont go too far or the part wont fit tightly. We dont want things to move around.

As you can see, the installer is expected to position the template, drill the slot wherever possible, then cut through the remaining material by hand.

Ever tried to cut through a plastic body part with a knife? How many blades did you break? Did you lose any fingers? And were you able to make an accurate cut, with your hands wrapped in band aids? LOL....to me, this deal sends up a red flag.

Other instructions state to drill the edges of each slot, and then connect the holes with a round file, by hand. Some kits have 50 or
more slots total. Would you mind doing that much hand filing? (I would)

 

[autobodydesign]

Attached is a pic of the template itself.

As you can see, it is just an ordinary piece of paper.
It is shipped loose in the package to the customer. Instructions state to position it, and then attach the template with masking tape before making the required holes.

Personally, I wonder what an installer would do if the template got wet, or if it tore while opening the box. But that is just me.

 

[autobodydesign]

Here is a template from another kit, for a front spoiler/airdam (also known as a fascia extension).

It is made from adhesive backed vinyl. The slots on this template are exactly the size neededthere is no freehand cutting by eye, there is no test fitting needed; the template is exactly the size the slots need to be. Peel off the backing, stick the template to the vehicle, and make your holes exactly the same size.

 

[autobodydesign]

And finally..........

Here are my questions to you as potential installers:

Paper or vinyl template
Which would you prefer and why?
Any ideas for improved template material?

What potential issues would you have with the type of work needed, that both template types dictate?

Would you rather
1. cut slots with a knife
2. file slots by hand with a round file
3. do you have a better idea?

Any suggestions as to what would be a better procedure to cut the slots?

When answering the questions, Do not worry if what you want to suggest seems obvious, or if it has been said by someone else. If enough people share the same opinions they turn into facts--and I can pass suggestions along to my boss. Hopefully in the end we will end up with a product that is easier to install.

To quote Robocop--thank you for your cooperation

 

[enigM@]

i'm very confused (uhm)

 

[Equinox]

And finally..........

Here are my questions to you as potential installers:

Paper or vinyl template
Which would you prefer and why?
Any ideas for improved template material?

What potential issues would you have with the type of work needed, that both template types dictate?

Would you rather
1. cut slots with a knife
2. file slots by hand with a round file
3. do you have a better idea?

Any suggestions as to what would be a better procedure to cut the slots?

When answering the questions, Do not worry if what you want to suggest seems obvious, or if it has been said by someone else. If enough people share the same opinions they turn into facts--and I can pass suggestions along to my boss. Hopefully in the end we will end up with a product that is easier to install.

To quote Robocop--thank you for your cooperation

Slots would better be cut with a dremel, or round file.

As for templates, high quality would be vinyl, but most people end up expecting to have to cut out wax paper or something along those lines. Most brake templares are just a print out you transfer to cardboard, but they don't have to contour to a car body.

Can't go wrong with alectronic format tho, as people can transfer this to what they want, and they wont be screwed if their cut out template is rained on.

 

[melicha8]

That's a PT cruizer in the picture you must work for Plymouth

 

[autobodydesign]

That's a PT cruizer in the picture you must work for Plymouth

Actually we sell products to just about every auto manufacturer there is. Not many manufacturers design or make their own parts anymore.
That is a very good guess though.

I would love to reveal the name of the company and give the website, but unfortunately to do that I would have to go through upper management since it might be viewed as pr related. That's too much red tape for a simple internet survey, so it is simpler and faster to not reveal the company and just ask folks what they think directly.

No sense in making a political campaign out of it!

Keep the thoughts coming.

 

[SpicyMSP]

What company and where are you located?

 

[Red Devil P5]

i guess i am extremely confused as to what this is/ looks like. i understand that it is a body part but i would have now idea what you are talking about with out seeing it on a car or held up to a car.

What company and where are you located?

 

[mspeedpro]

i personally like the spicey orange the best but im still a little unsure about just *how* safe it would be to raise the boost to certain points so i have chosen to run a joep mbc at around 8 psi... does this answer any questions?

 

[tttP5]

could you make something like that for the rear bumper corners? some kind of extension like at the back of the corolla S?

 

[autobodydesign]

Survey is completed. Several message boards, dealerships and independant body shops participated and I got great feedback. Thanks for allowing me to post here.

 

[bazooka joe]

well that was a quick survey! i guess he got all the feedback he needed for the helpful protege community! weird?