Targa brace update - no GB YET

[Facime]

Sorry guys, I really hoped to have better information for you today. I wanted to post this because I figured everyone was starting to wonder, and I wanted to assure everyone, we are working very hard to get this product ready to go.


The situation is I went down to my fab guys shop yesterday fully expecting to have a completed bar to bring back. Well, this is the reason you do a test fit after having a laser cut programmed. The front plate did not fit. The window radius was off by about a 1/4'' on the ends, so its going to have to be reprogrammed. Also we have decided to drop the idea of having the supra logo lasered into the plate to save cost. One of the most common comments on the original thread was "keep the cost down" so thats what were trying to do.

The tube bars were sweet however and the new radius on those was perfect. We also solved the rear mount situation, and Im happy to say that the new rear mounts will incorporate a built in bolt so no worry of losing it or remembering where you put it when the brace is not on the car.

Also the way the rear of the bars meet the rear plate is changed and I like it alot. Both the front and rear of the center bars are more low profile as well. We also went with 3/16" plate steel instead of 1/4'' and Im happy to say the bar is a bit lighter now. I suspect the final product to be around 15lbs instead of 18 (a total savings of 11lbs over the stock top).

So the timeline has been pushed back even more. Im hoping to have something this coming weekend to show you.

Please keep this thread free of requests for a brace or shipping quotes. That will all be handled in the upcoming group buy thread. However please feel free to ask any other questions about the brace that havent already been answered here: Past information on WeezLWings

 

[JustAnotherVictim]

I'd prefer you take your time and get it perfect.
Thanks for the update.

 

[SupraOfDoom]

Yep---^

 

[born2drv]

When you're finished with the GB and if you can make another similar design that just looks like a regular T-Top, I'd be willing to pay a $200 premium for that version if you can make it. The curved tubular thing doesn't really appeal to me visually, but I'm really impressed with the fit/finish of it.

 

[Satan]

...I would also like to eventually see other choices/options (even if it costs a bit more).

I am not worried so much about weight savings, but about the rigidity and it holding up... while giving me the open-top feel.

I'd hate to spend ~$100 and get something "okay," when I could've spent just a bit more and gotten something more effective.

What you're doing for us is still awesome!! Much appreciated!!

 

[CPT Furious]

Good work, Weezl, and thanks for keeping us informed! I'm glad you did a test fit and I think you're making the right calls in trying to keep costs down. Is there a way we can Sticky this sucker???

 

[Facime]

no need to sticky it, just letting you all know the status...give me another week to get some bars ready to sell.

 

[Facime]

just a last bump for the night crew...Im pretty sure everyone knows what the deal is on these now...I wish it was Saturday already!

 

[tekdeus]

Good call. Lighter weight, low cost. If people want logos, stickers from Joel are cheeeap!

 

[kysupra]

any photos of the updated version?

 

[Facime]

no sorry not yet...I do expect something very soon. The guys programing the laser cut have been a bit slow in getting things done. My fabricator and I are both pretty unhappy with them. If I dont have something in the next couple of days, Im gonna personally go down there and raise some hell.

 

[CTsupra]

^ Awesome. Thanks for the update!

 

[Reign_Maker]

I was just thinking about this Weez... How's it coming along man? Anything new? Any pics yet?

 

[Facime]

I was just thinking about this Weez... How's it coming along man? Anything new? Any pics yet?

Not good, Im getting kinda pissed off too. My fabricator is now not returning my calls. Im hoping he is just out of town, but its starting to bug me. I was supposed to have the 2nd gen bar in my hands a week ago....

I dont know what to say except...Im pissed, its not my fault...and I will get it done, one way or another!

 

[suprahero]

Main thing is,.........never let 'em see you sweat..

JK, Weezl. Try not to lose any sleep over it. It'll all work out in the end. The third time is the charm. Alls well that ends well. Never get the cart before the horse. It's late and I'm rambling.

Seriously, try not to let it get you upset. If he won't return your calls, go to the place and talk to him mano y mano. I don't really know how to spell mano. I can't wait till these are done...............lol

 

[Facime]

well, the guy lives about 45 minutes away from me. So its not like I can just stop by and chat with him. I want to make sure hes there before I make the trip. Ive left two nice, but definately anxious sounding messages on his phone asking to please give me an update. If I dont have something by next weekend Im pulling the plug on him and going to someone else.

 

[kysupra]

Like the rest of the guys said, dont let this run your life. I know we are bugging you about it, but thats because this is a really hott Targa bar.

Hope everything gets worked out and thanks for the updates.

 

[Facime]

GOOD NEWS! I just got a call from my Fab guy! The laser cut was reprogrammed, and all of the other parts are lined up as well. Im meeting him in the next hour to triple check fitment of the new pieces, and if everything looks good he will be starting a run of 10 tomorrow!

I also found boxes that should fit the bars (unfortunately gonna add 20 bucks to shipping costs, but at least they will fit and be protected during shipping) and its gonna save me from having to hand make boxes for each and every one!

I dont want to jinx anything but sheesh, FINALLY! some good news on the WeezLWing's huh?

 

[Insidious Surmiser]

awesome, just say the word, ad we'll start sendin the $, lol

 

[Facime]

Well I just got back from seeing him and the news is....still GOOD!
The new laser cut is right on the money for the front plate, and everything is finally a go! He said he is building his jig today and should be able to start banging these out this week. I expect things to start off a little slow at first so most likely I will only have 5 ready to go out on the first shipment. But he said once he gets in a groove and knows how they are going together he should be able to pick up the pace.

So it looks like I can finally get this group buy going this coming week.

I also wanted to apologize for this taking so long. There was such an outstanding responce I really wanted to see this thing happen for you guys way before now. But I guess as long as it works out in the end, its ok.


Side note: I had to leave my bar with him for a template for the jig, and I have had the bar in place for over a week now. Driving back I was like "ohh god, this sucks( :aigo: <-- how my targa makes me feel without the bar in place)...give me back my WeezLWings!" :biglaugh: