Bolt-On Flare Survey

[Brian Mifsud]

Okay this is a marketing survey. I'm telling you right up front. I don't know if I will use this data, or
simply give it to a vendor who specializes in this type of fabrication but its intention is to make a good
product available to 914 owners who wish to flare their cars inexpensively without cracked paint!

Bolt on Fiberglass or Polyurethane flares have been described as the best compromise to the expense of steel, and the
"trouble" with 'glass (paint cracking). The "GT2/3" look of bolted on "consumable" flares seems to have acceptance
as a "cool" variation on the classic look of the 914GT flares. Trouble is, the existing 'glass flares need to be modified to
accept the bolt-on method fairly extensively. This is most likely not an option for many of us who are willing to saw our fenders
and bolt on a flare, but don't have talent with 'glass to make it look very clean.

So the survey:

1) Are you interested in having a GT-Style flared 914?

2) Are exposed Button-Head Socket-Cap Bolts and the corresponding mods to a 'glass fender aesthetically acceptable? (browse various 914 web-pages and you will see some examples,also, so RSR 911's)

3) Do you race open track events with your 914?

4) If yes to #3, how often do you need to repair 'glass flares?

5) Some 914 owners have web access, many many do not. Do you know of owners who have 'glass flared cars and ifso how many?

6) Would you prefer an ABS/Polyurethane flare which might weigh more, but won't crack on impact compared to a 'glass flare?

7) Would you be interested in Carbon Fiber/Kevlar bolt on flares? (more expensive than 'glass or ABS/Poly, cheaper/lighter than steel)

8) Does this marketing survey offend your interpretation of the use and intent of PelicanParts BBS?


Thanks,


Brian Mifsud
Mechanical Engineer/ 914 nut

[S Schroeder]

Brian,
I will start with the last question on your survey. I think the only person that could answer that is Wayne. Pelican has been nothing but good to us, so to take the courtesy to speak with them first I would say is a mandate. On to the others:
1)yep
2)yep
3)yep
4) no flares yet
5)yes - multiple, all with cracks
6)doesn't matter
7)no

Bottom line: great idea. I sent a letter to a flare manufacturer with pictures, etc.You can see my posting on the last "flare" topic.

Scott Schroeder

[Brian Mifsud]

My apologies to Wayne. Anyone who also looks
at Rennlist will recognize the same message that I obviously cut and pasted and didn't
consider that this might be a conflict with
the commercial intent of Pelican Parts. If
that is the case, please forgive and I will
expect to see this posting purged.