Rear Window Clip - Proposed Re-engineer & Manufacture

[Sicob]

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 ([e-mail]) 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

[Sicob]

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.

[Sicob]

All looking positive. Can I ask everyone to e-mail me please on [e-mail] with their contact details and comments. I think it's the easiest way for me to keep track of numbers etc.

[Sicob]

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.

[Sicob]

tcant said:

£50 sounds about right as I paid £50 from a breakers yard for a pair last year.

There are definately 2 sizes for the MK1 not sure about the MK2. The spacing between the screws is slightly bigger between the two but not sure what years the sizing changed. Mine is a 2000 and I was given a spare clip from another MK1 and it didn't fit (the screw spacing was bigger and I didn't want to drill new holes into the bodywork).

If you are manufacturing them you will need to accommodate both sizes in the design.

As you say there are at least the two sizes. If you have the second clip available that doesn't fit yours, and could spare it for reference purposes (Can return it to you once finished of course). I think this would be helpful. My car is also a 2000yr, so the different clip would be useful.

Don't need it just yet, have to gauge interest and viability of design and manufacture first.

[Sicob]

tcant said:

Unfortunately I sent it to a fellow PH'er who had a broken clip and was in desperate need (and it fitted there's np problem). From what I remember, the clip was indentical in size in every way except the bit where the screws go through. If you can build into the desugn the ability to slide the screw sideways a couple of mm on each side then one clip will fit all I think.

Sorry I can't be more help!

Ok no probs. Thanks.

[Sicob]

Up to 20 people contacted me so far with interest in a pair. Some specialist supplier interest also, so hopefully this is viable. Will let you all know progress.

[Sicob]

da_murphster said:

It hasn't happened to me (touch wood) but I have real concerns about the screen coming out of my 2000 Mk1 - sounds dangerous and relatively regular occurance.

Would these do anything to help prevent that?

The aim is to manuafcture a pair that ensure the window remains in place. I think you'll agree that the original pair are very flimsy in both material and fixing.

Please email me on [e-mail], anyone interested. Up to 26 - 31 units required reffering to mails recieved so far, (including a specialist supplier).

[Sicob]

UPDATE : Some 34 individuals emailed me with interest. Design is being looked at by manufacturer.

Will let you know as I hear anything else.

[Sicob]

davido140 said:

Sicob said:

UPDATE : Some 34 individuals emailed me with interest. Design is being looked at by manufacturer.

Will let you know as I hear anything else.

You should try calling some TVR specialists to see if they are interested in buying some for the parts stores.

I have contacted some specialists. I think there is a viable market. It's now up to design and manufacture, as and when Leven have the time to do so, amongst everything else they have on.

Some 40 people have mailed me with interest. So looking good!

[Sicob]

TuscSam said:

Hi, count me in, mine are the plastic ones on a 2002 plate. For Alloy upto 50 quid I would pay.
cheers
Stu

If you could fire me off an emial please! [e-mail]

Thanks

[Sicob]

Clips still being developed as of when I spoke to manufacturer last weekend. They do have other projects on, hence this isn't their priority. I'll notify everyone that has emailed me, (45 people!), and leave a message on here when I have a progress report.

[Sicob]

No word from manufacturer at the moment re prospective re-design completion. They do have other projects on, so guess we will have to be patient. Will keep you updated.

[Sicob]

b2tus said:

Might be worth having a chat with Leven while you are there. Wonder if they have looked into the subject of rear screen clips?

I'll give Simon at Leven another shout. He was quite busy with a couple of other manufactured items at the time, and I didn't want to keep pestering him. I'll get back to you all when I hear. Maybe an idea for others to mention it if they are in there, just to prove the interest. I have sent him the list of 50 + people that are interested in a pair. Mail me on [e-mail] if you havent done already, so I can add all interested parties to the list.

Edited by Sicob on Tuesday 8th July 14:13

[Sicob]

Ok mailed Leven with the updated list of interested people. Will let you know when I have a response.

[Sicob]

I have spoken to a guy that produced some components for my lotus before. I showed him the clip. He says he could reproduce the Plastic part of the clip in aluminium, then use a rubber cushion so as not to scratch the window.

Now obviously this is the cheaper option, that doesn't solve the fundamental issue of the crap design? Can I have your opinions please? To me a complete re-design is the best option at a premium, but the issue of the plastic clips breaking is also a consideration.

I am mindful of actually being able to get this done. I understand Leven are busy, whereas the other guy I know could turn this around pretty quickly. Opinions?

[Sicob]

Have given clip to the fabricator guy, for the short term solution of replacement of the plastic part of clip with an ali type with appropriate padding. Should be a cheap temporary solution, for those of us with broken plastic clips. He's looking at it this week.

Meanwhile I'll try and get the full clip redesign going!

[Sicob]

trackcar said:

I don't know if it's of any interest to you guys but I saw the raceproved development tuscan the other day with nice new aluminium rear screen clips on, so looks like something on the market might already be available. I didn't give it a second thought at the time, but seeing this thread reminded me of it. Shame I didn't pay more attention but they defo don't have the quarter-turn fixing on them so looks like a redsign to me.

Have mailed Clevor Trevor to see.

[Sicob]

UPDATE:

Having heard about the raceproved clip someone had spotted, I emailed David at Clevor Trevor.

It does appear that they have developed an alloy clip, which is being tested at the moment. I have taken the liberty of passing on details of all those that have mailed me and stated the interest in more information, as I feel that the solution he describes is what we are after. The clip is being manufactured in a limited run. Price not available just yet, but he said shortly. So it seems that we may have something sooner than we thought.

David said he'll contact me with details asap he has them, and I've asked him for some photo's too.

Quote from his mail:
"They will hold the old screen firmly in place with no trouble. they will be made from alloy so apart from looking a lot nicer than the original they will last as well. We are aiming to keep the price as reasonable as we can and obviously the more we know we have sold the better the price will be.
I have just come back from a visit to the firm who we are asking to make them and will have a price within the next two days. They are fully geared up for this type of work as they make parts for the Mclaren F1 team and did ask if we wanted them in titanium!
Will let you know as soon as we have more information."

I'm off on holiday, but will update when I get back if you dont hear anything first.

[Sicob]

Update from Clevor Trevor:

"Simon

I thought that it was time to give you an update on this one.

The original manufacture we went to proved to be too expensive for us to be able to offer the clips to owners at a reasonable price so we had to search elsewhere.
We have now found the right person who will make the clips at a sensible price but is also going to produce them to a standard that we are happy with.
The machining of the first batch is being undertaken at the moment and we should soon have them returned for finishing. Once we have the first set completed we will let you have some pictures as I am sure people will want to see what they look like. At that stage we will also be able to confirm the actual price.


Regards


Graham"

I'll post pics and details as soon as I have them.