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Index > @ the Pickup Bed (General Topics) > Thread: Potential Fiberglass Fenders Group Buy???
Thread: Potential Fiberglass Fenders Group Buy??? [' This thread is 2 pages long: (1) 2 ']
vincenzol


Revvin Up
Posts: 76
posted July 28, 2008 03:30 PM

Potential Fiberglass Fenders Group Buy???

Hi everyone. I'm trying to resurrect the interest we had going in a front fender group buy about 2 or so years ago. I'll try to dig up the old thread and post a link later. Rob was going to make them but it pretty much slipped through the cracks so here we go.

Anyhow, I know it may not be the best timing so that's why I want to see if there is any REAL interest before I fork out the cash to get these made. I'll be getting the REPU painted in the next 6 months and I have a great extra set of front fenders plus the contacts to get these made so I figured I'd through it out there. Anybody willing to go in on these?

I was about to have the same shop do my RX2 hood in carbon, make a mold, etc but I really felt that there is more of a need for REPU front fenders in fiberglass. If we can sell enough sets to cover the cost then I can tackle other REPU parts getting done in fiberglass like the hoods and tailgate.

-Vince
____________
I'd buy that for a dollar!

       
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vincenzol


Revvin Up
Posts: 76
posted July 28, 2008 03:33 PM

Here is the original thread that picked up some momentum and then hit a brick wall.

http://www.mazdarepu.com/board/viewthread.php3?FID=3&TID=1689
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Brad


Rotorhead
Posts: 1672
posted July 28, 2008 04:03 PM

yeah, I'd be in for a set

How much?

If they're ready for sevenstock that would be an easy way to distribute them to locals and won't have to ship some out.
____________
-brad-
74 REPU Lawn Green
81 Rx-7 racecar. 12a J-
Bridge

       
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micah


Hauling
Posts: 167
posted July 28, 2008 09:03 PM

Yes, I would be interested too,,,,,brad has a good idea, pass them out at sevenstock for us cali peeps.

       
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repuzentn


Redlining
Posts: 225
posted July 28, 2008 09:09 PM

Count me in too, for a set. Check to see on getting the front lower valance made as well. Thanks.
____________
-'74 Phoenix Blue
-Daily driver ;-)
-Stock GSL-SE engine
-Stock Nikki carb.
-4-spd tranny (time for a
TII one, synchro's are
grinding)
-Racing Beat road-race
headers
-RB 20" pre-silencer
-REV25 Rotor muffler
-Gilmer drive pulleys(fun
while it lasted!)



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Draggin_2600i


Redlining
Posts: 235
posted July 28, 2008 09:30 PM

i'd like to get a idea on how much? sevenstock as a distribution point is a great idea, and this would give me the perfect excuse to make sure i am in town for the event. i'm actually in dire need of a bed, or fiberglass bedsides at least since mine has some horrible damage under all that bondo. any chance of gettin something like that?

       
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VincenzoL


Revvin Up
Posts: 76
posted July 28, 2008 11:19 PM
Edited By: VincenzoL on 28 Jul 2008 23:27

That is a great idea about having them at SevenStock, Brad. It might be a difficult time crunch but right now I wouldn't rule it out.

Here is a quote from Rob in the previous thread regarding pricing of these:

***********************************************
I just got the pricing on fenders. The cost of each fender based on 20 total fenders(10pairs) would be $281.29 per fender. I will take a pair for myself. I am estimating on certain things like: cost of having 2 fenders "dressed up" so the mold generates the nicest finish. The smoother the finish on the sample the smoother the finish on the glass part.
***********************************************

^I'm sticking with this or around $500 for the pair as my initial rough estimate. Rob's quote was fairly accurate after speaking to a molder. I won't be able to get my clean fenders to a molder in SoCal until August and I still want to prep them before I hand them over.

I will not, I repeat I WILL NOT HAVE AN ACCURATE PRICE UNTIL THE FENDERS ARE AT THE MOLDERS. For now, hopefully at most they would be around Rob's original figure of $280 per fender. Of course I'm hoping for less. I am going to do whatever I can to bring the cost down but before I do I'll run things by you guys so hopefully we can all agree on the price VS. design, quality, fit, etc. So far the shop I have lined up to do these already makes fiberglass and carbon fiber parts for RX3's and RX4's (all with great quality) so this should be a natural fit.

-Vince

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Klaus45


Redlining
On two wheels
Posts: 218
posted July 29, 2008 03:31 PM

Well...

...that cost estimate sure puts the value of clean, straight stock steel fenders right into perspective, doesn't it!

       
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Brad


Rotorhead
Posts: 1672
posted July 29, 2008 03:39 PM

quote:
...that cost estimate sure puts the value of clean, straight stock steel fenders right into perspective, doesn't it!


VERY hard to come by since MAZDA never used a clear coat over REPU paint, they're so prone to pitting, chipping, and rusting. Especially the forward edge of the flare which gets rock pitted all the time.

       
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Rotary_Pickup


Hauling
Posts: 117
posted July 29, 2008 06:06 PM

I had started this idea some time back but the road block was getting a set of good fenders to make the mold. If you can pull it off then I'd be in.

Eric
____________
KansasCityREPU on RX-7Club.com
85 GSL
77 REPU (1/1/2004)
75 REPU (7/10/2004)

       
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Klaus45


Redlining
On two wheels
Posts: 218
posted July 29, 2008 07:45 PM

I hear ya...

quote:
quote:
...that cost estimate sure puts the value of clean, straight stock steel fenders right into perspective, doesn't it!


VERY hard to come by since MAZDA never used a clear coat over REPU paint, they're so prone to pitting, chipping, and rusting. Especially the forward edge of the flare which gets rock pitted all the time.


On the other hand, fiberglass reproductions won't come with any paint, either... and will be prone to pitting and chipping in the same areas, no matter how well made.

Stands to reason anyone in the market for stock fenders would want or need to prep and paint them to match, anyways...


       
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VincenzoL


Revvin Up
Posts: 76
posted July 29, 2008 09:05 PM

quote:
I had started this idea some time back but the road block was getting a set of good fenders to make the mold. If you can pull it off then I'd be in.

Eric


^Thanks for the vote of confidence, Eric. My extra set is not 100% perfect but pretty darn good. With the help of a fellow old school rotor guy (who also happens to be a body man)I'll be prepping them before I take them to the molder next month.

Klaus, I also understand what you are saying about the value of a clean set of OEM metal fenders being worth something. They sure are worth a lot to me considering almost every time I find an old Mazda RX car or REPU the fenders are rusting at the bottom, have several dents, or both rust and dents.

A few months ago when I got this extra pair of clean fenders I immediately wanted to strip and prep them for my REPU. Then I thought about the fact that the truck will see a lot of time by the ocean (Santa Cruz) and why not put these to a better use.
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VincenzoL


Revvin Up
Posts: 76
posted July 29, 2008 09:18 PM

quote:
Count me in too, for a set. Check to see on getting the front lower valance made as well. Thanks.


AL, good running into you here man. I'm on that "other forum" too and we met at JCCS. I was the guy practically drooling over your clean original orange RX-2 coupe... and yep, I am still undecided on a color for the REPU. Decisions decisions!

I'd love to get the lower valance made as well but there are two problems. #1, I don't have a front valance worth a damn. It would need way to much prep. #2, Rob at Pineapple was producing these a while back and I don't want to step on any toes. I might have a local guy or two that would let me borrow his valance but I don't know either of them that well.

-Vince
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I'd buy that for a dollar!

       
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VincenzoL


Revvin Up
Posts: 76
posted July 29, 2008 09:26 PM
Edited By: VincenzoL on 29 Jul 2008 21:37

quote:
i'd like to get a idea on how much? sevenstock as a distribution point is a great idea, and this would give me the perfect excuse to make sure i am in town for the event. i'm actually in dire need of a bed, or fiberglass bedsides at least since mine has some horrible damage under all that bondo. any chance of gettin something like that?


^I like the way you think! I've actually had the whole fiberglass bed idea floating around in my head for quite a while now. With the way the REPU bed is made it wouldn't be that hard. Just very time consuming and a lot of money to fork out since I'm guessing not too many would sell, if at all. I'd love to tackle that project in the future though, even if was a total loss. Just to do it would be amazing. Think of how much weight we could take off the rear! Here is my fantasy REPU. Composite front fenders, hood, rear fenders/bedsides, and a painted carbon rear tailgate. Hey, we all have dreams right?!!

-Vince
____________
I'd buy that for a dollar!

       
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repuzentn


Redlining
Posts: 225
posted July 29, 2008 10:37 PM

quote:
quote:
Count me in too, for a set. Check to see on getting the front lower valance made as well. Thanks.


AL, good running into you here man. I'm on that "other forum" too and we met at JCCS. I was the guy practically drooling over your clean original orange RX-2 coupe... and yep, I am still undecided on a color for the REPU. Decisions decisions!

I'd love to get the lower valance made as well but there are two problems. #1, I don't have a front valance worth a damn. It would need way to much prep. #2, Rob at Pineapple was producing these a while back and I don't want to step on any toes. I might have a local guy or two that would let me borrow his valance but I don't know either of them that well.

-Vince


What's-up Vince/fchoncho?! I thought that was you. How've you been? Are you ready for SSXI and/or JCCS? I hope so and I'll see you there again.

The original color on your REPU looks tight as it is imo... I think it'll pair-up nice with my RX-2 lol...

Yeah, I hear you on the front valance ordeal. Actually, I've e-mailed Pineapple Racing about the front valance awhile ago, its probably been about a year or so now. So, the last they said was that they required a minimum of five orders of valances to be made to able to reproduce them again. I've tried posting on here to see who was interested, but nothing ever came of it- bummer 8-(. I missed-out on a f/g valance that was on sale in this forum not too long ago either, but I snoozed on it. I'm wallbashing myself for that one.
Anyways, on these f/g parts, who are you gonna have make them in SoCal? Is it JRX?

Alright, take it easy Vince.
See you soon.
Al.



____________
-'74 Phoenix Blue
-Daily driver ;-)
-Stock GSL-SE engine
-Stock Nikki carb.
-4-spd tranny (time for a
TII one, synchro's are
grinding)
-Racing Beat road-race
headers
-RB 20" pre-silencer
-REV25 Rotor muffler
-Gilmer drive pulleys(fun
while it lasted!)



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repu74


1st Gear
Posts: 42
posted July 30, 2008 08:43 AM

You should also look into . . . . . .

Putting some type of metal strip or a way to fasten it into mold as well. If all fiberglass the fender can be subject to damage or not have great integrity to where you mount it the the jamb or under the hood. That lip on the fender where it wraps up and around to under the hood can be a tricky install and be subject to breakage if no support is there. Just a thought, can see a potential problem there.

       
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Klaus45


Redlining
On two wheels
Posts: 218
posted July 30, 2008 10:14 AM
Edited By: Klaus45 on 30 Jul 2008 10:16

quote:

Klaus, I also understand what you are saying about the value of a clean set of OEM metal fenders being worth something. They sure are worth a lot to me considering almost every time I find an old Mazda RX car or REPU the fenders are rusting at the bottom, have several dents, or both rust and dents.

A few months ago when I got this extra pair of clean fenders I immediately wanted to strip and prep them for my REPU. Then I thought about the fact that the truck will see a lot of time by the ocean (Santa Cruz) and why not put these to a better use.


I like the way you think, Vince! Didn't mean to imply that this whole 'glass fender project isn't most excellent and worthwhile... just couldn't resist commenting, given the lack of value assigned to parts/entire 'project' grade REPU's by all too many in the past... to say nothing of the opposite extreme!

(I used to live in S.C. myself, back in the mid-eighties... so I know what you mean about the coast!)

I can easily see how and why your hoped-for price point is about as inexpensive as quality work could reasonably be. It's the thought of shipping costs --let alone my lack of budget-- that give me pause.

As to losing weight off the rear: With the exception of the bumper, (or anything that hangs out past the rearend), the REPU is already too light in back when not at least partly loaded.

If you need a bed, I do still have a spare, restorable early '74 bed, separate and ready to go to it's new forever home. Make me an offer, and come get it! I'm in Eugene, OR. ...

RE: Valance -- I'm pretty sure Dryenko just posted a list of parts for sale in another section of this forum... including a clean steel valance...

(I'm almost poor enough right now that I'd consider parting with one of the 'NOS', never mounted original Pineapple 'glass ones in my collection.)




       
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VincenzoL


Revvin Up
Posts: 76
posted July 30, 2008 06:51 PM

quote:


The original color on your REPU looks tight as it is imo... I think it'll pair-up nice with my RX-2 lol...

Yeah, I hear you on the front valance ordeal. Actually, I've e-mailed Pineapple Racing about the front valance awhile ago, its probably been about a year or so now. So, the last they said was that they required a minimum of five orders of valances to be made to able to reproduce them again. I've tried posting on here to see who was interested, but nothing ever came of it- bummer 8-(. I missed-out on a f/g valance that was on sale in this forum not too long ago either, but I snoozed on it. I'm wallbashing myself for that one.
Anyways, on these f/g parts, who are you gonna have make them in SoCal? Is it JRX?

Alright, take it easy Vince.
See you soon.
Al.





Al, I'll try to come up with a way we can get those valances made again. Let me try to get hold of Rob tomorrow and if that doesn't work out Ill move on to plan "B" or "C".

JRX??? Of course! Well, technically JRX doesn't make any composite parts in house. But I have met the molder they use and since they already produce good quality products in limited numbers for the old school RX's it seems like a good match.
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I'd buy that for a dollar!

       
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VincenzoL


Revvin Up
Posts: 76
posted July 30, 2008 06:56 PM
Edited By: VincenzoL on 30 Jul 2008 18:57

quote:
Putting some type of metal strip or a way to fasten it into mold as well. If all fiberglass the fender can be subject to damage or not have great integrity to where you mount it the the jamb or under the hood. That lip on the fender where it wraps up and around to under the hood can be a tricky install and be subject to breakage if no support is there. Just a thought, can see a potential problem there.


Yes, I've thought of this as well. But if I make it too complex I can over complicate the part for the molder. Also, if I incorporate too much metal then weight savings and rust prevention is compromised.

I'll be trying to come up something that is still affordable but of a good quality. I'm open to ideas though. Any links to something someone's seen on the net about reinforced fiberglass fenders?
____________
I'd buy that for a dollar!

       
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ovquick


Redlining
Posts: 253
posted July 30, 2008 09:12 PM

FRP Fenders

Since I was down for one pair (maybe two) two years ago I'll still support the effort by commiting to one pair (maybe two) at or less than the 281.29 plus shipping price for 6 mo. I would still like to know what cloth and what resin will be used and how they will be fabricated. i.e. wet lay-up, vacuum bagged, resin infused? The materials used and the fabrication technique makes a difference on the strength of the final product.

Usually FRP parts are stiffened at the edges by inserting an aluminum strip with the mounting holes in it, or you can insert a thin layer of honeycomb material for added strength and stiffness of the entire part.
____________
Manteca Mazda Asylum
where a boy and his cat live, without adult supervision

       
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