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Post by commercialair on Jan 23, 2007 17:00:56 GMT -5
I guess I could be a bit more specific. The westy style racks are certainly the most labour intensive. The upper rails will be 1/2" round tube, solid welds at the corners. Square tube bases. The slats will be red oak, prefinished with PPG clear. For all racks, stainless steel screws and clamps. I also forgot to mention that the westy racks will be powdercoated in silver. It just doesn't make sense to assemble them with finished slats and unfinished frames.
Chris
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Post by karmann57 on Jan 23, 2007 20:10:36 GMT -5
Given that I have no experience with other repro racks, I don't know how much weight my opinion will hold. I have no doubt in my mind that they will be extremely well built, but I was a little surprised at the cost. Putting $1000 worth of hardware on a $3000 bus means that I'd better use it alot . It also means I probably won't be able to afford one from the first batch. Let's see how things go, be sure to keep us updated. Shane
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Post by commercialair on Jan 23, 2007 22:29:13 GMT -5
Your opinion is very valid Shane. That is the reason that this thread is still in the questions and advise section. I'm not looking to retire on bus racks. I'm trying to offer a solution to those on the hunt in Canada. I'm really trying to judge the market here and taking the steps to tool up for production. The R&D is the hardest and most expensive part.
As far as repro racks are concerned, you have lots of cheaper alternatives. Westy style racks can be had for $450.00 and will do the job. The problem is that they are 1/3 length racks and not exactly top quality. So, for example, if you wanted a 1/2 or 3/4 rack you'd have to buy 2, fit them together, and make new wood slats. you'd be into it for $1000.00 and still have a poor quality rack.
Please help me price these things so I can get them out there. There are always ways to adjust prices and I'm really working on this. Thanks NUTS!
Chris
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coronabus
NUTTIER than a fruitcake
NUTS Member
What Happens In The Bus...
Posts: 191
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Post by coronabus on Jan 24, 2007 10:51:44 GMT -5
So for example, the EMPI made westy repro available at CIP works out to $464 CAD shipped (to Calgary). So Chris, you're saying your rack will be bigger? I have NO problems paying more for quality as I do with everything. In order for me to pay more than double for an accessory, I would have to see samples (or pics) for sure. At over 150% more money, it would have to be far more superior. I have no idea what your work is worth on these things Chris, so it's difficult to have any input on price. Without seeing them it's difficult to compare to current market products. At first glance I'd be inclined to say it's alittle high for me personally. Given your work, craftmanship, materials etc $1200 might be a bargain.
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Post by commercialair on Jan 24, 2007 12:49:32 GMT -5
This is all great input. Thanks for the response. I guess I'm pushing the "cadillac" of racks too far here. I'm checking out a few options for material etc. The prices will change.
Paul, to answer your question about sizing. The EMPI racks are just under 4' long. The ones that I have designed are based of the OG westy style and are a little over 5'. The difference is in the amout of cross ribs and clamps. The cheaper/smaller version has 2 cross members and the OG's had 4.
Keep the opinions coming. I'll get these things on buses some how.
Chris
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Post by Shan Simpson on Jan 24, 2007 18:20:44 GMT -5
Hey Chris I think your prices sound fair it's true about the quality and yes the prices seem steep to others (my wife )but when you think about it I would have traveled to Texas to pick one up for $500 us which needed welding to repair it and was missing clamps and I feel supporting a local guy is the way to go... and if something goes wrong with them we know where to find you Don't feel discouraged!!! I guess I'll start saving my pennies maybe I'll have a vw garage sale! But I will take a full length rack
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