saratoga moon roofs...im thinking about making some
10-19-2010, 09:42 AM
#17
Advanced
Any good pattern maker can make a wood mold for quite cheep. They make wood patterns for foundries before something is made from cast metal. I had one make wood molds I needed for some carbon fiber work I was doing. It didn't cost much at all and they can make it to .05mm from a drawing so if you give them a pannel it would be a snap.
10-19-2010, 11:21 AM
#18
Rennlist Member
Pwnmastap- dude I think you have a great idea in your hands, if you make them i will buy... also i see your in Newport News... if you need any extra hands hit me up.
10-20-2010, 06:43 AM
#20
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I have a custom made moonroof for my 928. The moonroof was made by a aircraft window manufacture, is lexan (I believe), and is fixed (glued) in place.
The cost of this was way beyond what it currently cost to buy a used saratoga moonroof (which, incidentally, I also have for my 944). I therefore recommend not getting the hopes up too much for an inexpensive moonroof.
MN
The cost of this was way beyond what it currently cost to buy a used saratoga moonroof (which, incidentally, I also have for my 944). I therefore recommend not getting the hopes up too much for an inexpensive moonroof.
MN
Last edited by MN; 10-20-2010 at 09:46 AM.
10-20-2010, 11:49 AM
#22
Rennlist Member
About two years ago or so, someone actualy had a few made up. There was some discussion about the various materials (acrylic vs plexiglass vs glass, etc). IIRC, several people actually purchased whatever was made up, but not sure if anyone ever actually got one mounted, as it was just the acrylic (or whatever) piece without any mounting hardware.
from what I remember, glass was actually easy to form but whoever was thinking aboutm making a glas ones had difficulties with finding a way to mount the hardware to the glass piece.
from what I remember, glass was actually easy to form but whoever was thinking aboutm making a glas ones had difficulties with finding a way to mount the hardware to the glass piece.
10-20-2010, 12:31 PM
#23
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so, ive been speaking to my dad and have been contemplating on trying to make my own. he thinks its a good idea. i just need to find some decent pics to use as a template and give me ideas on how to customize my own, and make it fully operational without having to modify the car. simple plug and play.
what are your opinions and how difficult do you think it would be and if i do make a good one. would you guys be willing to buy some since i know they are scarce and pricey. im trying to do the whole afordable yet durable and reliable.
thank you for taking your time to read this and for your opinions. if you are thinking about flamming this plz dont. im not looking for negative feed back. so, thank you again. looking forward to your ideas.
what are your opinions and how difficult do you think it would be and if i do make a good one. would you guys be willing to buy some since i know they are scarce and pricey. im trying to do the whole afordable yet durable and reliable.
thank you for taking your time to read this and for your opinions. if you are thinking about flamming this plz dont. im not looking for negative feed back. so, thank you again. looking forward to your ideas.
10-20-2010, 11:32 PM
#24
Race Director
Xpost from 951, Mike:
Mike,
Kudos for taking on this project They are never easy and you'll get killed by both sides either way, lol. Not that you need them, but here are a few things that may help you in having success in this:
1. Lexan or Acrylic would be a no-no. It would go to **** in 1.5~2years. You would have to use a uvr~sr~polycarbonate at the very least and that would be only to give you a pliable & inexpensive moulding material. I can get you sheets (or pellets if you want to make you own blend) of whatever you like @ below wholesale, just let me know.
2. Making a mould is not that difficult for a part that already exists (OEM sunroof). The tricky part is to ensure STRICT tolerances in fit/finish as cabin pressure will result in one of two things:
~excessive road/wind noise/rattle
~hatch blowout/off
The easiest way to ensure correct fitment is to 3DLS the sunroof and convert to SW or CAD, then manipulate from there. If you prefer, I can scan/convert/CNC program and mill a wood mould (or epoxy, aluminum, steel or channeled moulds) to exact spec for a fee.
3. Do a mock up version, or a 3D/4D imaged version that everyone can see. Then set a price point based on commitment. IMO, the PP would have to be in the $200-$275 range with hardware & seals to be an attractive alternative. With Saratoga's reselling only between $390~$600, a $400 alternative is a bit steep when compared to an orginal.
With a 30 commitment minimum @ $275 =$8250
~mould, tooling & set-up (one time fee)= $3891**
~materials= $1016
~vacuum mould/unit CNC trimmed (all)= $3226
TOTAL: $8,133 (this is my bare cost, no markup will be included)
**One time fee only. After first run, only materials and manufacturing costs apply.
4. Include a highly visible disclaimer for 'Off-Road use only'. It relieves you of liability in case of improper use installation by a customer.
5. Good Luck! Anything I can help you with just let me know.
Mike,
Kudos for taking on this project They are never easy and you'll get killed by both sides either way, lol. Not that you need them, but here are a few things that may help you in having success in this:
1. Lexan or Acrylic would be a no-no. It would go to **** in 1.5~2years. You would have to use a uvr~sr~polycarbonate at the very least and that would be only to give you a pliable & inexpensive moulding material. I can get you sheets (or pellets if you want to make you own blend) of whatever you like @ below wholesale, just let me know.
2. Making a mould is not that difficult for a part that already exists (OEM sunroof). The tricky part is to ensure STRICT tolerances in fit/finish as cabin pressure will result in one of two things:
~excessive road/wind noise/rattle
~hatch blowout/off
The easiest way to ensure correct fitment is to 3DLS the sunroof and convert to SW or CAD, then manipulate from there. If you prefer, I can scan/convert/CNC program and mill a wood mould (or epoxy, aluminum, steel or channeled moulds) to exact spec for a fee.
3. Do a mock up version, or a 3D/4D imaged version that everyone can see. Then set a price point based on commitment. IMO, the PP would have to be in the $200-$275 range with hardware & seals to be an attractive alternative. With Saratoga's reselling only between $390~$600, a $400 alternative is a bit steep when compared to an orginal.
With a 30 commitment minimum @ $275 =$8250
~mould, tooling & set-up (one time fee)= $3891**
~materials= $1016
~vacuum mould/unit CNC trimmed (all)= $3226
TOTAL: $8,133 (this is my bare cost, no markup will be included)
**One time fee only. After first run, only materials and manufacturing costs apply.
4. Include a highly visible disclaimer for 'Off-Road use only'. It relieves you of liability in case of improper use installation by a customer.
5. Good Luck! Anything I can help you with just let me know.
