Thank you mygear!

I know it's a pretty slow going thread/developpement, but I do not want to compromise quality since its a product that we will use ourselves. I'm really glad that so much forum members tagged along and kept their interest for such a long time! The advantage is that even though the design process is long, when production will be started, things will fit together perfectly every time. Therefore production time and hassles will be reduced.

I've tried to start the steel prototype but unfortunatelly our air compressor died on us in the end of 2012. I can tell you that cutting steel with a jigsaw or sawzall isn't doing the job. Don't worry, a new compressor was ordered about a week ago and the store said it should arrive 2 weeks after the day it's ordered. So I'm waiting on that to make my first steel prototype.

In the meantime, I will make a cartboard mockup of the bracket (it will distort less than the paper one) which will help me correct the angles and shapes. Afterwards, I will only need to verify the proper bend angles and test fit.

Fred

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87 Pontiac Fiero GT

Hi everyone!

I haven't forgotten you. I've made lots of progress on the bracket design, a lot of revisions and even a prototype! :O

I'm now in discussion with the person who will make my brackets, I'm not sure yet on how they will cost/how much more it will add to the sale value, but I will hope for the best if I can have a discount by buying in bulk. I'm sorry as I don't have picture yet of the final bracket design, but without a doubt I will post picture as soon as I receive the production one!

Fred

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87 Pontiac Fiero GT

I figured I should post some pictures of my achievement. Unfortunately I don't have any while it is installed in the car but I will say that once installed it fits perfectly. I'm sure with these brackets, the enclosure won't go anywhere!

Here are a couple of picture of the prototype:













Fred

EDITED:

I might need to explain why the gelcoat seams inconsistent. In fact I work with a semi-transparent gelcoat that doesn't have any dye or colorants added to it­. I've found that when the gelcoat came with colorant (White opaque color), it has a lot of trouble withstanding winter and has a significantly shorter shelf life. This is why I add my colorant when I mix the gelcoat with the hardener but at some places, it is still semi-transparent.

Don't worry as there is absolutely no difference in strength or finish, the only difference is the color (Which isn't really important since it will be painted).

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87 Pontiac Fiero GT

[This message has been edited by Black Pegasus (edited 05-07-2013).]

No problem! You were added!

Fred

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87 Pontiac Fiero GT

Thank you for the awesome compliment!

I am not worried about the bracket's strength. I had one of the previous design up on my car for a while now and it never showed any wear. The problem was the design itself and the fact that I only used metal screws to hold them in place. I've solved the issues by adding a 3rd mounting point and using bolts and nylon lock nuts. The bracket's metal is even a little over-kill since I had trouble bending it bear handed. I will still make a road test with a subwoofer installed so that I make sure every issues I had were solved but at this point, it's only a matter of confirmation. I am really confident in my last design.

Actually, I'll tell you a side story:

I picked up a girl a couple of years ago (At that time we were dating) and when she got in, I told he to be carefull to the subwoofer. (Even if I have a grill - which is almost necessary - I say this to everyone just to make sure they don't kick it.)
She then asked: "Which subwoofer?"
I said: "Do you see the square black duct which is for the ventilation system? Beside that there is an other "similar" box, I've made that. It's a sub enclosure."
She said amazed: "I was sure it was coming with the car like that!"
I've found it very funny, but the funniest was when she added 2 seconds later:
"Now I understand why I have something blowing air on my feet!"

I have a couple more fiberglass project/products I am developing and that I am planning to sell. Most of them are subtle changes that that either accents the Fiero body, or it modifies them in a way that it blends so well with the rest of the body, that it makes it look stock.

An other side story:

I was at a car show with my car, freshly painted. I have a couple of modifications made to it, one of them is a spoiler (Not a wing, an actual spoiler). I heard this older man saying to his wife:
"Hey look at that Fiero! It's different. He made a great job at modifying it!"
The wife then responded to him:
"What are you talking about? Those cars came like that as an option!" (Which clearly doesn't since I made it myself)

And don't worry, I can't wait that other fiero owners has their hands on them.
Fred

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87 Pontiac Fiero GT

Austrian,
Yes, it is close. I'll keep everyone informed as soon as I have developments.

iluvsd619,
I already added you to the list a while back. Don't worry!

Fred

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87 Pontiac Fiero GT