Pennock's Fiero Forum
  The Mall
  GT Trunk seals (Page 1)

Post New Topic  Post A Reply
Email This Page to Someone! | Printable Version

This topic is 31 pages long:  1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   15   16   17   18   19   20   21   22   23   24   25   26   27   28   29   30   31 
Previous Page | Next Page
next newest topic | next oldest topic
GT Trunk seals by infinitewill
Started on: 09-04-2009 07:39 PM
Replies: 1200 (47945 views)
Last post by: Skybax on 12-06-2021 04:07 PM
infinitewill
Member
Posts: 2327
From: Overland Park, KS U.S.A.
Registered: Mar 2009


Feedback score:    (55)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 85
Rate this member

Report this Post09-04-2009 07:39 PM Click Here to See the Profile for infinitewillSend a Private Message to infinitewillEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
A few of you know that I have been working on a "confidential project" but it light of the recent posts over in the General chat area I though I would bring it out in the open so as not to duplicate the efforts of others.

This morning I/we have just completed the tooling specs for an exact replacement of now out of production GT trunk seal. I have been working with one of the largest rubber gasket and molding extruders in the US and have done design work for them for years. The tooling itself is very complex and expensive and minimum quantities of the extruded gasket material are quite sizable. There are several issues that need to be addressed in order to move this project forward:

1) The gasket itself is composed of two different compounds of rubber, cellular and solid and is co-extruded along with a rigid metal clip that is embedded to grip the actual steel framework of the trunk surround. This poses a very big hurdle and several "tool dies" must be mated and the extrusion done in one piece.

2) The crush zone of the seal itself was designed to create a crease or grooved seal along the ridge of the underside of the trunk as well as the flat area of the trunk surface. If you look at the top "seam" on the trunk seal, you will notice the centerline was created intentionally to cause a uniform crease in the gasket. The has been duplicated.

3) The most common failure point in the seal is the underside of the crush zone and probably should be reinforced with a heavier gusset internally to prevent future failures. The problem with doing this reinforcement is that it changes the pliability of the gasket material itself. Our initial test have been very promising but until the gasket is tested in a real world application, we won't know if it will actually hold up better than the originals but lets face it, the NOS parts lasted 15+ years how much longer would someone expect?

4) The original was created using an embedded reinforcing thread material in the grip ribs that hold the gasket onto the steel frame. There was only one company in the US that produced such an extrusion and they have gone out business taking their patented system with them. Given the advancements of rubber and other synthetics as well as adhesives we do not feel the threading is actually needed in the replacement part.

5) Given that the only NOS parts that are still on the market are now well over 10 years old, even if in a sealed bag, the rubber will have lost some if not much of it's pliability. All carbon and petroleum based products have a shelf life and will eventually loose their flexibility. Also given that NOS examples are selling for $200+ we feel there could be an opportunity to produce an exact replacement for considerably less. Keep in mind that GM made in excess of 350,000 of these so their amortized cost is considerably lower that what we will be able to produce them for but we should be less than half of the current sell price of $200.

Now for the reality check, this project will take several more months to complete. The remaining who, what, when, where, why and how questions:

When: I am hoping to have a shipping product by the first of the year in time for the first spring shows but if our test extrusions are satisfactory we may be able to ship several weeks earlier. At this point I can't give a ship date until the tooling has been tested and samples have been field tested. I am not about to run several thousand feet of this material until I know for sure it meets or exceeds the factory product specs.

How (much): I am not in a position to give a final selling price at this point and given that we haven't finalized the co-extrusion standard, we don't know the exact cost of production. Using our initial estimates, we are shooting for well under the $100 price point. Back to the reality check now: If you are thinking you will be picking up a factory spec trunk seal for $30 a) you have a completely unrealistic idea of what it costs to produce these, b) you have no idea the R&D to make the tooling and co-extrusion work like the factory and c) you are probably not a candidate for this product. If, on the other hand you are interested in the highest quality part available and understand that the correct seal can save you a ton of money in trunk rust repair and aggravation alone, then your patience will be rewarded with a great solution to your problem.

I am not going to take orders on this product until it has been tested and further I am not taking deposits until we have a set price and firm ship date. I am not asking you to finance my venture. I am however, putting together a list of those interested in replacing their ragged GT trunk seal and for those who have custom trunks, we will be able to accommodate you as well. First on the list will be the first shipped. I also need to gauge interest to see if this is even worth perusing (I think it is, but my investment is sizable). Sooner or later nearly every GT Fiero will need a trunk seal replaced. I would rather make an exceptional product that will last rather than one that is "good enough". Quality is it's own reward. If you want to be put on the list, drop me a PM.

Best regards,

Will

••••• NOW AVAILABLE •••••

My GT Replacement Seals are now shipping and are priced at $95 + $15 shipping to the US (PM me for international shipping rates). Buy two and only pay the single shipping price! PM me your email address and I will send a PayPal invoice immediately.

\/\/




Thanks for the assist on the update
Danyel

[This message has been edited by infinitewill (edited 04-19-2010).]

IP: Logged
PFF
System Bot
hnthomps
Member
Posts: 5728
From: Columbia, SC
Registered: Jul 2003


Feedback score:    (18)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 51
Rate this member

Report this Post09-04-2009 07:43 PM Click Here to See the Profile for hnthompsSend a Private Message to hnthompsEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
If it ever happens, I would be interested in a couple of them.
IP: Logged
Sourmug
Member
Posts: 4538
From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Registered: Sep 2002


Feedback score:    (29)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 144
Rate this member

Report this Post09-04-2009 07:45 PM Click Here to See the Profile for SourmugSend a Private Message to SourmugEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Wow, thanks for doing this Will.
I'm sure that there will be a lot of owners who will be very interested in your product, I know that I will be.

Nolan
IP: Logged
infinitewill
Member
Posts: 2327
From: Overland Park, KS U.S.A.
Registered: Mar 2009


Feedback score:    (55)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 85
Rate this member

Report this Post09-04-2009 07:51 PM Click Here to See the Profile for infinitewillSend a Private Message to infinitewillEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
It happened by chance as I was doing some work for the company and I said to myself "self, if these people can't make it, nobody can". I was looking for a way to use my connections to build stuff that is out of production. I have several other ideas on the table but I want to get this in production and we will look at other products once this project in rolling. I will put both of you on the list if you would like.

\/\/
IP: Logged
currie68
Member
Posts: 335
From: oregon city,oregon,usa
Registered: Jul 2008


Feedback score: (1)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post09-04-2009 08:06 PM Click Here to See the Profile for currie68Send a Private Message to currie68Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
HECK yes put me on the list too.............
IP: Logged
Ratfink
Member
Posts: 1045
From: Opelika,Alabama,USA
Registered: Nov 2008


Feedback score: (5)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post09-04-2009 08:09 PM Click Here to See the Profile for RatfinkSend a Private Message to RatfinkEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
PM sent!
IP: Logged
infinitewill
Member
Posts: 2327
From: Overland Park, KS U.S.A.
Registered: Mar 2009


Feedback score:    (55)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 85
Rate this member

Report this Post09-04-2009 08:14 PM Click Here to See the Profile for infinitewillSend a Private Message to infinitewillEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by currie68:

HECK yes put me on the list too.............


Added
IP: Logged
Sourmug
Member
Posts: 4538
From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Registered: Sep 2002


Feedback score:    (29)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 144
Rate this member

Report this Post09-04-2009 08:19 PM Click Here to See the Profile for SourmugSend a Private Message to SourmugEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Please include me as well

Thanks
Nolan
IP: Logged
infinitewill
Member
Posts: 2327
From: Overland Park, KS U.S.A.
Registered: Mar 2009


Feedback score:    (55)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 85
Rate this member

Report this Post09-04-2009 08:40 PM Click Here to See the Profile for infinitewillSend a Private Message to infinitewillEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by Sourmug:

Please include me as well

Thanks
Nolan


Added
IP: Logged
Indiana_resto_guy
Member
Posts: 7158
From: Shelbyville, IN USA
Registered: Jul 2000


Feedback score:    (15)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 163
Rate this member

Report this Post09-04-2009 09:23 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Indiana_resto_guySend a Private Message to Indiana_resto_guyEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
list me
IP: Logged
02greens10
Member
Posts: 813
From: Ashland, Ohio
Registered: Feb 2008


Feedback score:    (24)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post09-04-2009 09:27 PM Click Here to See the Profile for 02greens10Send a Private Message to 02greens10Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I need 1 definitely ASAP and depending on price 1 or 2 more for other cars.
IP: Logged
PFF
System Bot
daddyengineer
Member
Posts: 39
From: Tomball, TX
Registered: Oct 2007


Feedback score: (1)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post09-04-2009 09:52 PM Click Here to See the Profile for daddyengineerSend a Private Message to daddyengineerEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I will definitely be ready for one and depending on the price may buy more.

------------------
Scott

IP: Logged
Dogcreek
Member
Posts: 478
From: Spokane, WA, USA
Registered: Aug 2006


Feedback score: (4)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post09-04-2009 09:52 PM Click Here to See the Profile for DogcreekSend a Private Message to DogcreekEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Count me in!

Thanks,

Jeff

[This message has been edited by Dogcreek (edited 09-04-2009).]

IP: Logged
infinitewill
Member
Posts: 2327
From: Overland Park, KS U.S.A.
Registered: Mar 2009


Feedback score:    (55)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 85
Rate this member

Report this Post09-04-2009 10:05 PM Click Here to See the Profile for infinitewillSend a Private Message to infinitewillEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by Indiana_resto_guy:

list me


 
quote
Originally posted by 02greens10:

I need 1 definitely ASAP and depending on price 1 or 2 more for other cars.


 
quote
Originally posted by daddyengineer:

I will definitely be ready for one and depending on the price may buy more.



 
quote
Originally posted by Dogcreek:

Count me in!

Thanks,

Jeff



Added
IP: Logged
whodeanie
Member
Posts: 3819
From: woodstock,Ga.,USA
Registered: Jan 2008


Feedback score:    (14)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 120
Rate this member

Report this Post09-04-2009 10:07 PM Click Here to See the Profile for whodeanieClick Here to visit whodeanie's HomePageSend a Private Message to whodeanieEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
LOL! just posted and already all the posts
Will,
you know I am in for 2
D.
IP: Logged
infinitewill
Member
Posts: 2327
From: Overland Park, KS U.S.A.
Registered: Mar 2009


Feedback score:    (55)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 85
Rate this member

Report this Post09-04-2009 10:16 PM Click Here to See the Profile for infinitewillSend a Private Message to infinitewillEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Heck, you were the first person I told Dean! Even on the list before I posted it!
IP: Logged
hnthomps
Member
Posts: 5728
From: Columbia, SC
Registered: Jul 2003


Feedback score:    (18)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 51
Rate this member

Report this Post09-04-2009 10:19 PM Click Here to See the Profile for hnthompsSend a Private Message to hnthompsEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Make certain that I am included for two.
IP: Logged
infinitewill
Member
Posts: 2327
From: Overland Park, KS U.S.A.
Registered: Mar 2009


Feedback score:    (55)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 85
Rate this member

Report this Post09-04-2009 10:35 PM Click Here to See the Profile for infinitewillSend a Private Message to infinitewillEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by hnthomps:

Make certain that I am included for two.


You are second
IP: Logged
tmur115
Member
Posts: 888
From: Battle Ground WA
Registered: Jan 2006


Feedback score:    (17)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post09-04-2009 10:49 PM Click Here to See the Profile for tmur115Send a Private Message to tmur115Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
please put me down for 2

=todd=
IP: Logged
fierocarparts
Member
Posts: 2552
From: Dallas-Fort Worth TEXAS
Registered: Feb 2009


Feedback score:    (66)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post09-04-2009 11:01 PM Click Here to See the Profile for fierocarpartsSend a Private Message to fierocarpartsEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
0 as I have sold all GTs.

[This message has been edited by fierocarparts (edited 04-18-2010).]

IP: Logged
flimbob
Member
Posts: 642
From: Plano, Texas, USA
Registered: May 2008


Feedback score:    (20)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post09-04-2009 11:36 PM Click Here to See the Profile for flimbobSend a Private Message to flimbobEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
in for 2
IP: Logged
PFF
System Bot
87GT2M6
Member
Posts: 1297
From: Miami, Florida The Sunshine State
Registered: Jan 2008


Feedback score: (5)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post09-05-2009 02:39 AM Click Here to See the Profile for 87GT2M6Send a Private Message to 87GT2M6Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
add me to the list
IP: Logged
infinitewill
Member
Posts: 2327
From: Overland Park, KS U.S.A.
Registered: Mar 2009


Feedback score:    (55)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 85
Rate this member

Report this Post09-05-2009 07:10 AM Click Here to See the Profile for infinitewillSend a Private Message to infinitewillEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by tmur115:

please put me down for 2

=todd=


 
quote
Originally posted by fierocarparts:

2


 
quote
Originally posted by flimbob:

in for 2



 
quote
Originally posted by 87GT2M6:

add me to the list


Added

IP: Logged
Maloso
Member
Posts: 515
From: Van Nuys, CA
Registered: Dec 2006


Feedback score: (4)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post09-05-2009 12:18 PM Click Here to See the Profile for MalosoSend a Private Message to MalosoEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Add me for one please.

Tony
IP: Logged
FastFieros
Member
Posts: 2698
From: Dallas Texas USA
Registered: Nov 2000


Feedback score: (2)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 265
Rate this member

Report this Post09-05-2009 12:49 PM Click Here to See the Profile for FastFierosClick Here to visit FastFieros's HomePageSend a Private Message to FastFierosEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I will help in buying 1 or 2....

http://www.fastfieros.com
IP: Logged
infinitewill
Member
Posts: 2327
From: Overland Park, KS U.S.A.
Registered: Mar 2009


Feedback score:    (55)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 85
Rate this member

Report this Post09-05-2009 12:51 PM Click Here to See the Profile for infinitewillSend a Private Message to infinitewillEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by Maloso:

Add me for one please.

Tony


 
quote
Originally posted by FastFieros:

I will help in buying 1 or 2....



Added
IP: Logged
whodeanie
Member
Posts: 3819
From: woodstock,Ga.,USA
Registered: Jan 2008


Feedback score:    (14)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 120
Rate this member

Report this Post09-05-2009 12:57 PM Click Here to See the Profile for whodeanieClick Here to visit whodeanie's HomePageSend a Private Message to whodeanieEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Are they done yet?
JOKE!
IP: Logged
Turbowedge
Member
Posts: 798
From: Ocala, Fl.
Registered: May 2008


Feedback score:    (23)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post09-05-2009 01:00 PM Click Here to See the Profile for TurbowedgeSend a Private Message to TurbowedgeEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
There are almost 18k members on this site alone. Now I realize that there are alot of notchies out there, but alot of us on here have at least two Fieros. I myself have four, and two of those are fastbacks. So I think you have our attention and support. You can mark me down for at least two, and good luck to your R & D. We all will come out ahead with your efforts.
IP: Logged
CowsPatoot
Member
Posts: 2792
From: Skidway Lake, MI
Registered: May 2007


Feedback score:    (29)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 84
Rate this member

Report this Post09-05-2009 01:23 PM Click Here to See the Profile for CowsPatootClick Here to visit CowsPatoot's HomePageSend a Private Message to CowsPatootEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Me too...I'm in for one down the road. About the time you get these ready, I will be ready to buy.
IP: Logged
infinitewill
Member
Posts: 2327
From: Overland Park, KS U.S.A.
Registered: Mar 2009


Feedback score:    (55)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 85
Rate this member

Report this Post09-05-2009 01:38 PM Click Here to See the Profile for infinitewillSend a Private Message to infinitewillEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by whodeanie:

Are they done yet?
JOKE!


Uh, yea I was just about to send yours out, yea that's the ticket. And for FREE, I will pay YOU to take these, yea..... (Jon Lovitz is a master)
IP: Logged
infinitewill
Member
Posts: 2327
From: Overland Park, KS U.S.A.
Registered: Mar 2009


Feedback score:    (55)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 85
Rate this member

Report this Post09-05-2009 01:39 PM Click Here to See the Profile for infinitewillSend a Private Message to infinitewillEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post

infinitewill

2327 posts
Member since Mar 2009
 
quote
Originally posted by Turbowedge:

There are almost 18k members on this site alone. Now I realize that there are alot of notchies out there, but alot of us on here have at least two Fieros. I myself have four, and two of those are fastbacks. So I think you have our attention and support. You can mark me down for at least two, and good luck to your R & D. We all will come out ahead with your efforts.


 
quote
Originally posted by CowsPatoot:

Me too...I'm in for one down the road. About the time you get these ready, I will be ready to buy.


Added

IP: Logged
PFF
System Bot
FieroJonney
Member
Posts: 143
From: Pontiac, Michigan
Registered: Jun 2009


Feedback score: (3)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post09-05-2009 02:11 PM Click Here to See the Profile for FieroJonneySend a Private Message to FieroJonneyEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Put me down for one. I just had to repair the rust in my trunk... :-(
This is a smart investment.
IP: Logged
FIEROFLYER
Member
Posts: 3974
From:
Registered: Oct 2002


Feedback score:    (13)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 180
Rate this member

Report this Post09-05-2009 02:14 PM Click Here to See the Profile for FIEROFLYERSend a Private Message to FIEROFLYEREdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
If the price is reasonable count me in for one. Dan
IP: Logged
infinitewill
Member
Posts: 2327
From: Overland Park, KS U.S.A.
Registered: Mar 2009


Feedback score:    (55)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 85
Rate this member

Report this Post09-05-2009 02:39 PM Click Here to See the Profile for infinitewillSend a Private Message to infinitewillEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by FieroJonney:

Put me down for one. I just had to repair the rust in my trunk... :-(
This is a smart investment.


 
quote
Originally posted by FIEROFLYER:

If the price is reasonable count me in for one. Dan


Added
IP: Logged
DanFiero
Member
Posts: 2815
From: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Registered: Jul 2002


Feedback score: (5)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 96
Rate this member

Report this Post09-05-2009 03:49 PM Click Here to See the Profile for DanFieroSend a Private Message to DanFieroEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I'd be in for one if the price is right!!

Dan
IP: Logged
infinitewill
Member
Posts: 2327
From: Overland Park, KS U.S.A.
Registered: Mar 2009


Feedback score:    (55)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 85
Rate this member

Report this Post09-05-2009 05:08 PM Click Here to See the Profile for infinitewillSend a Private Message to infinitewillEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by DanFiero:

I'd be in for one if the price is right!!

Dan


Added
IP: Logged
Rodrv6
Member
Posts: 1908
From: Ball Ground, Ga.
Registered: Nov 1999


Feedback score: (2)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 76
Rate this member

Report this Post09-05-2009 07:04 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Rodrv6Send a Private Message to Rodrv6Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Add me to the list, too!

------------------
Rod Schneider, Woodstock, Ga.
"You can't have too many toys!"
1988 Fiero GT
1985 Porsche 944
1966 Porsche 911
Van's RV-6 airplane-under construction

IP: Logged
infinitewill
Member
Posts: 2327
From: Overland Park, KS U.S.A.
Registered: Mar 2009


Feedback score:    (55)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 85
Rate this member

Report this Post09-05-2009 07:24 PM Click Here to See the Profile for infinitewillSend a Private Message to infinitewillEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by Rodrv6:

Add me to the list, too!



Added
IP: Logged
mid engine monsters
Member
Posts: 754
From: south alabama
Registered: May 2009


Feedback score:    (13)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post09-05-2009 08:20 PM Click Here to See the Profile for mid engine monstersSend a Private Message to mid engine monstersEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
me too ...of course
IP: Logged
Indiana87GT
Member
Posts: 258
From: Evansville, Indiana, USA
Registered: Feb 2009


Feedback score: (1)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post09-05-2009 08:31 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Indiana87GTSend a Private Message to Indiana87GTEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I will absolutely order one when they are available.
IP: Logged
Previous Page | Next Page

This topic is 31 pages long:  1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   15   16   17   18   19   20   21   22   23   24   25   26   27   28   29   30   31 
next newest topic | next oldest topic

All times are ET (US)

Post New Topic  Post A Reply
Hop to:

Contact Us | Back To Main Page

Advertizing on PFF | Fiero Parts Vendors
PFF Merchandise | Fiero Gallery | Ogre's Cave
Real-Time Chat | Fiero Related Auctions on eBay



Copyright (c) 1999, C. Pennock