Restoration design sheetmetal feedback

RDInorm · 07-02-2013, 09:55 AM

Hey all,

A few years ago I posted a similar thread in regards to our parts. Since then we have honed our quality control through precision machines, technical knowledge and feedback from the most important people, you guys. The people installing our parts.

We now have a vz 10 mitsubishi laser for consistant trimming of our panels, another cnc mill as well as a cnc lathe. Our qc department checks every part for rips, necking and proper coining.

I am now back asking for more feedback, the good, bad and the ugly. Parts you think we should make, as well as pictures of our parts you have installed.

Here is your chance to give us your two cents. We care about our product as much as you do about your cars!!!!!!

Norm

Elombard · 07-02-2013, 01:02 PM

Turn signal light boxes to convert short hoods to long hoods :-)

Would be awesome!

Also, sunroof delete panels that are flanged for easy install!

ThomO · 07-02-2013, 01:07 PM

both of the above great ideas

pkabush · 07-02-2013, 01:55 PM

It's so great to see this level of concern from a vender.
Everything I've read here has been positive re:
RD parts but after seeing this I will never consider any other co. should the need arise.
Ditto on the early signal and sun roof delete parts. I think there would be a good demand for them. Especially 69-73 fender parts. They're getting pretty tough to find.

scottb · 07-02-2013, 02:35 PM

Norm: I have nothing to offer here other than to say I'm impressed with your efforts to get user feedback. Well done!

Ken911 · 07-02-2013, 03:57 PM

late and early model turbo fender flares.

Fishcop · Fishcop's Garage

Hi Norm

Probably a low volume item (but valuable)... RHD foot-wells! The factory used to cut out the right side floor and weld in a small pressing that accommodated the master cyclinder and pedal box. This panel is NLA and a lot of RHD gust are beginning to need repairs to this area - no-one is making it. Can get you a photo if you're interested?

doswald · doswald's Garage

I've heard good things about your parts, and I appreciate this request for feedback. I would like to see a rear deck lid for a 1971T.

dho

Unobtanium-inc · 07-02-2013, 06:31 PM

We use lots of RD panels. Good thickness, very workable and not flimsy. - Matt

timmy2 · timmy2's Garage

Funny, I was just thinking that if someone made a complete lower front fender for conversion to early car fender they would do well.
Light boxes with the fender section integral to it, to weld onto a later year fender would help with both restoration and backdating.

bobolsn · bobolsn's Garage

Great customer relations. I am about to order a tank support for a 71T, but could use additional metal. In taking apart my 71, I have found all (some may be hidden) the rust. There are rusted areas that do not need a complete part. For example, the flange used to connect the fenders to the body. A complete fender is not required, just the flang, where water was trapped by the "putty" between the body and the fender. Also, just below the batteries, the front 6-9 inches of the lateral tank support was attacked by acid on one side, thus not requiring a complete $400 part that you would have to trash 75% of the part. I know they are not high volume items, but you do make some partial parts, a lower door skin, partial parcel shelf, partial floor pan, etc. I am sure there are other pieces that would benefit the P-Car restorer.

Thanks for the opportunity to provide feed-back.

Bob

Elombard · 07-03-2013, 05:29 AM

Yah that flange at the top of the frunk where the fender bolts is always a mess. A convenient way to fix that would be nice. I have seen it alot even on post 75 cars and heard about it on 964s!

RDInorm · 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elombard

Turn signal light boxes to convert short hoods to long hoods :-)

Would be awesome!

Also, sunroof delete panels that are flanged for easy install!

These are a great idea, and we were considering these as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elombard

Also, sunroof delete panels that are flanged for easy install!

these would probably be hand made, and then made to order if we were to ever do these, but another good idea.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fishcop

Hi Norm

Probably a low volume item (but valuable)... RHD foot-wells! The factory used to cut out the right side floor and weld in a small pressing that accommodated the master cyclinder and pedal box. This panel is NLA and a lot of RHD gust are beginning to need repairs to this area - no-one is making it. Can get you a photo if you're interested?

John, if you have a picture of one I would like to see it. Is it just a mirrored part of the drivers side?

RDInorm · 07-03-2013, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobolsn

Great customer relations. I am about to order a tank support for a 71T, but could use additional metal. In taking apart my 71, I have found all (some may be hidden) the rust. There are rusted areas that do not need a complete part. For example, the flange used to connect the fenders to the body. A complete fender is not required, just the flang, where water was trapped by the "putty" between the body and the fender. Also, just below the batteries, the front 6-9 inches of the lateral tank support was attacked by acid on one side, thus not requiring a complete $400 part that you would have to trash 75% of the part. I know they are not high volume items, but you do make some partial parts, a lower door skin, partial parcel shelf, partial floor pan, etc. I am sure there are other pieces that would benefit the P-Car restorer.

Thanks for the opportunity to provide feed-back.

Bob

Bob,

Those lateral supports are currently Porsche pieces, so when we have them stamped out the price should be reduced.

Also those strips on the fenders should be an easy piece to fabricate.

Elombard · 07-03-2013, 06:04 AM

Norm, there is a guy in england that makes them (by hand I think). Maybe you could just order 10 or so at a time and re-sell? I would order one but I dont want to pay the freight for one from over there.

BK911 · BK911's Garage

The seam that the front suspension pan spot welds to just below the gas tank lateral supports usually gets crusty as the front pan rusts away. Having a stamped piece to fit in would be nice.

E Sully · E Sully's Garage

The lower section of the hinge post would be nice. They tend to rust just below the lower hinge going into the rocker.

roblav · roblav's Garage

Turn signal light boxes to convert short hoods to long hoods :-)

Would be awesome!

Also, sunroof delete panels that are flanged for easy install!

I would buy these today if you had them!

scootermcrad · 07-03-2013, 07:40 AM

I'll be watching this thread for sure! Restoration Design is at the top of my vendor list for sheet metal replacement parts. I have a 1970 911T that needs floor pans, front suspension pan and tank mount, and I'm sure it needs kidney bowls, rockers, all the usual stuff. Possibly foot-wells, but I'll probably make my own. I love that you guys offer "packages" for some of the panels as well. If price and quality is good, you'll get my business. I like what I see!

Maybe I missed it, but do you offer the center floor tunnel? I didn't see it on your website.

Other recommendations... How about a 100L fuel tank that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? The prices on your other tanks seem reasonable. Maybe consider some center-fill kits?

$ Short · $ Short's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by timmy2

funny, i was just thinking that if someone made a complete lower front fender for conversion to early car fender they would do well.
Light boxes with the fender section integral to it, to weld onto a later year fender would help with both restoration and backdating.

+1