Rear Window Clip - Proposed Re-engineer & Manufacture

Rear Window Clip - Proposed Re-engineer & Manufacture

Author
Discussion

Sicob

Original Poster:

478 posts

228 months

Friday 29th February 2008
quotequote all
Guys,

I am trying to co-ordinate a gauge of interest and outline requirements on behalf of Leven Technology (http://www.leventechnology.co.uk/index.htm), into the feasibilty of the re-engineering and manufacture of the Tuscan Rear window clips.

This has come about through my own frustration at not being able to obtain the oem clips, and their bad design. I have no personal interest in Leven, just seeking a good solution.

The proposal is for the solution to be designed and engineered sufficiently well to be indefinitely reusable durable item that doesn't break, and functions as intended, to hold the rear window in place, and allow for easy removal, as needs be. Also the manufactured item will also need to be of a good quality and finish. Material not decided as of yet, I guess likely to be alloy though!

Considering how well Leven manufacture other TVR items of a similar nature, I have no doubting there abilities at solving and manufacturing this item.

The outline price of a pair of these clips will be circa £50. Personally I think this is value for money, for a definitive solution to the issue of the flimsy and woeful design of the original clips.

Questions :
1) Are there design differences between S1 and S2 Tuscan clips? I understand there are both plastic and alloys ones out there, but is the principal design the same?
2) Is there a particular interest in colour coding the result?


In order for the proposal to be considered seriously, I need to ascertain interest. As if it isn't financially viable, then it won't go any further. If there is sufficient interest, then the design and manufacture of a prototype will be carried out, utilising my car at first. Obviously at this point there will be something physical to take a picture of to show quality of workmanship. I shall keep you updated of course as to progress.

Could you please email (sicob427@hotmail.com) me your details, name, contact, and any comments append to this mail:
a) Your level interest at the proposed price
b) Any comments you wish to make.

By all means, add any comments here too!

Regards

Simon

PDtvr

259 posts

224 months

Friday 29th February 2008
quotequote all
Simon

£50 sounds a bit steep, frankly, or is that due to the fact that it will be a limited production run? I've got one of the last Mk2 Targas to leave the factory and my clips are made of black plastic and very cheap and nasty.

Alloy clips would be nice and I think any new design should incorporate a little ridge into which the bottom of the screen can be located in order to prevent it slipping down. I'm pretty sure mine foul the front lip of the boot lid which is also annoying because it's going to damage the paintwork before much longer. I can't immediately see a way round that though because the clearance is minimal.

boardinscotland

1,219 posts

196 months

Friday 29th February 2008
quotequote all
I have an early Tuscan Mk1 and have alloy clips which are now gettinga little worn so would be interested. I agree with PDtvr that £50 is a little steep but as long as they are manufactured to a high standard would seriously consider it.

I would like to see some sort of adjustability if possible in them as for example on my window it doesnt sit quite staight and on one side where there it is cut out to fit the clips actually sit over the lip. (it doesnt leak tho)

Regards

Tuscan Tart

2,187 posts

209 months

Friday 29th February 2008
quotequote all
I would be interested,the adjustable version though,rear screen always seems to drop down,would like to keep it a bit tighter.

Whitey

2,508 posts

284 months

Friday 29th February 2008
quotequote all
I would be interested if one of my current ones break. They have lasted almost 8 years now, but I am careful with them as I always thought they were a bit flimsy.

cube

120 posts

206 months

Friday 29th February 2008
quotequote all
I would be interested, as I can see my clips needs some TLC.

The clips would have to be sufficiently strong and tight to ensure the screen/clips do not creak/squeak. My opinion is that many clips break over time, by owners trying to get the screen as tight as possible - the original clips just can't cope with years of this.

Edited by cube on Tuesday 25th March 16:45

Sicob

Original Poster:

478 posts

228 months

Friday 29th February 2008
quotequote all
I appreciate your opinions. I'll take note of your comments also and pass them on.

I think for well engineered items sub £50 is reasonable for a one off spend, that solves the problem. If you can give me expectation of price you are realistically willing to pay, i.e £20-£30, £30-£40, £40-50 this may help. £50 is a ballpark figure. Remember that there has to be a profit margin in this for the manufacturer to make it worthwhile producing. I guess it comes down to how much of an issue this is for you.

The run of these will possibly be just the once for all required, but I guess that really depends on demand.

NCE 61

2,387 posts

281 months

Friday 29th February 2008
quotequote all
I would be intrested in a pair of these, I belive the standard items if you can get them are about £16 each, so £50 for a nice pair of alloy ones would be OK.

davido140

9,614 posts

226 months

Friday 29th February 2008
quotequote all
£50 sounds about right to me,

just the wrong side of a bargain and just the right side of "bugger me thats a bit steep"

especially considering you cant get em for love nor money these days.

S6 ROR

1,583 posts

265 months

Friday 29th February 2008
quotequote all
I think if the quality is right £50 is acceptable. Afterall, hopefully once purchased, they should last for the life of the car.
People quite happily spend that sort of money on leven accessories, and they are really only cosmetic appeal, so as these are also pracitical would be money well spent. IMO

andyoleary

1,713 posts

213 months

Friday 29th February 2008
quotequote all
I think it is a good idea but £50 seems a little too steep. If they were spot on and had a soft face built into the design (not just a piece of soft velcro stuck on) then maybe £40 including either fitting or delivery would be an easy price to pay.

Andy

chris&chris

1,423 posts

222 months

Saturday 1st March 2008
quotequote all
I would be interested in these & being in a "manufacturing" business myself, I think £50 is a fair price & I would be happy to pay that for a well made product.
I have also thought the plastic mounts & little twisty buckle a bit flimsy !! So a stronger replacement would be welcome

Goog luck

Chris

Kerberos

160 posts

202 months

Saturday 1st March 2008
quotequote all
I'd be interested. I'd like to see a lip at the bottom to rest the screen on so that it fit's level and doesn't move.

softtop

3,057 posts

247 months

Saturday 1st March 2008
quotequote all
Put me down for a set. The potential for not getting the worn clips to re fasten means that the rear screen only comes out occasionally when it should come out all of the time. I think £50 is a worthwhile investment for the peace of mind.


saulk

195 posts

222 months

Saturday 1st March 2008
quotequote all
£50 sounds reasonable enough to me. Considering they are unobtainable from dealers and nobody can source them surely demand outweighs supply and makes the price pretty fair. My OEM ones are fine at the minute but if the alloy ones look the part then i'd upgrade anyway.

MCT

29 posts

223 months

Saturday 1st March 2008
quotequote all
Please also put me down for a pair. £50 is Ok if alloy.

Sicob

Original Poster:

478 posts

228 months

Saturday 1st March 2008
quotequote all
All looking positive. Can I ask everyone to e-mail me please on sicob427@hotmail.com with their contact details and comments. I think it's the easiest way for me to keep track of numbers etc.

socks

24 posts

194 months

Sunday 2nd March 2008
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Sounds like a good idea I'd be interested too. I'll e-mail.

Sicob

Original Poster:

478 posts

228 months

Monday 3rd March 2008
quotequote all
Up to 16 people that are definites at the moment. I'll contact the speciaist suppliers next to see whether any interest there also. I think realistically, need to get about 25 units as definites to make this a viable option for Leven to produce something.

Bonedoc

80 posts

217 months

Monday 3rd March 2008
quotequote all
I am interested, my car was at Leven last week and I was discussing this very problem with them at that stage. £50 seems reasonable for a well made alloy replacement. My only concern is the fitting to the body as it seems that the present clip is simply screwed into the fibre glass and if the clip is stronger will the body work then take the strain?
I will email.