Ok, I made some finals today. I even got 4 sets out in the mail this afternoon. I know, 4 sets isn't much, but I should have the rest fully completed and shipped by the end of the week. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif


They look like thishttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/ZCC_DCP_0895e.jpg





Notice I went from the 'hat' to a button. The button is there more for looks at this point than anything. I ended up having to groove each Clevis pin. A little more work, but this allows me to place in an E-style retaining ring which will hold extremely well(this was my toughest issue to tackle).


There will be a price adjustment on these for the next run. How much I'm not exactly sure as of yet, but rough numbers will put these right near the $50 mark shipped(maybe a little more, maybe a little less) right now I'm concentrating on finishing these and shipping. My shipping guess was close to on. $3.95 was the cheapest, $5.05 was the most expensive(Canadian customers if I get any may have to be quoted first). Add in a little tape, the envelope and some bubble wrap for the pieces and it all seems good.


I also haven't received checks from 6 people. 1 of which may be a lost one that I've communicated privately with that person. So at this point I'm going to offer up 5 unclaimed sets first come first serve.


PM or e-mail me if still interested.





On edit, I didn't include any installation instructions. I'm not sure if I'm going to(or really need to for that matter). The hardest part is that on the bolt screwed in to the latch there's a 5 prong retaining ring that needs to be removed. Simply unscrew the 13mm screw and once you get a little bit of clearance insert a flat blade screwdriver or needle nose pliers to hold in place and finish removing the bolt.


Edited by: Victory Red

Man they look sweet !!!!!





Mac http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Thumbs Up.gif

They work perfect!

Victory...................youv'e got mail !http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

Hey Stoner,


I e-mailed you back. We can meet up and I can deliver these personally(save you the shipping costs, but it may cost you a beer LOL). You're only an hour or so away from me. I can hand you off a set Wednesday if you want(I'm off all day) if, we can make some other arrangements.Edited by: Victory Red

Actually, I don't think that picture does the finish any real justice, but now that some are getting out, I'll let others comment on it.


The steel you sent me works perfect, I just wish I could find a prettier way to attach it than the two rivets. I guess the wife is right, sometimes there's just no pleasing me(although with some things I wish she'd try a little harder)http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif

Victory Red, I'm going to resend a check today and cancel check # 1544. If it shows up, don't try to cash it. New check # is 1551.

Aketay,


I'm suprised in this day and age a letter can still get lost. Anyhow I reserved your set anyhow so np you'll still get one.


The leftovers I had are now gone. Starting sometime over the weekend or early next week(once I've shipped all the sets I've received payment for) I'll setup a Paypal account(as an option) and start taking pre-orders for a second run. My plan is to leave it open for a 2 week period in hopes that everyone who wants these can get these on this run. Whether or not this becomes a monthly renewal will more than likely be dictated by future demand. I'm not making enough extra on these to stock these(hell I'm may not even break even on these first 25 but that's more my fault with on the fly changes).

Man they look sweet !!!!!





Mac http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Thumbs Up.gif





I got my set today and not only does the picture look "sweet !!!!!" but the actual straps look better than the pic....http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif The workmanship is excellent with a nice finish on the whole assembly, great job Rick.


Rick is looking for some feedback and I REALLY wish I could give more, but since my truck isn't here yet.....http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Disapprove.gif


I'm going to go show them to my dealer and see what he thinks, and rest assured as soon as the new "baby" shows up, that will be one of the first mods.

Hi Victory Red,


I recieved my straps on Wednesday, 12/31/03. Didn't get to install them yet. It looks like a very nice product, well designed and built. Thanks for including me.


Modified

I'm not so much looking for compliments on the finish but waiting for some of the people to install them and get some heavy use into them. I've had my sets(prototype and finals) on for at least six weeks, Hoot has had his for maybe a month or so.


I just need to know this design will hold up, or help me find a way to improve upon them if I can/need to.


Zeeb, gotta admire you though, already buying "accessories" for truck you don't even own yethttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif. I'm also curious as to what your dealer says about them.

Rcvd mine on Wednesday also. Look GREAT! Will install this weekend (I hope). Thanks VR.

VR,


How about a list of those who are getting this first run or an email notification. I know that there was a problem with my PM not working and I want to make sure everything is kopasetic. Thanks.


JP

Ask and ye shall receive


Wanadmxsub shipped 12.29.03


Zeeb shipped 12.29.03


Ragtop shipped 12.29.03


Modified shipped 12.29.03


Due to the recent death in my family these will go out by on or before the 10th(as I can finish them up)


Idle Chatter


Cricket


Torqueaholic


Duallyvette


Firelt


HoustonDMax


A64Pilot


FirstDiesel


The following people I'm not sure of the screen names, but here's your initials and locale





T. D. O. Baytown, TX


J.B. Willow Spring, NC


J.P. Evansville, IN(Heartbeat Hauler I believe)


P.B. Bellvue, IL


W.J.B. Bowling Green, OH


K.J.O. Feura Bush, NY(2 sets)


If you're not on this list, it means I haven't received a check from you yet.


I once again apologize for the delay, but it just isn't possible for me to break away long enough to finish and mail these sets. It wasn't my intention to delay these but it was an unavoidable situation. I hope you're all not getting too anxious or are losing faith in me.


I set up a PayPal account late last night for the next run(as an option). I won't take any additional orders until I get these first ones finished and shipped. There will be a slight price increase for the second run, of which I haven't had the time to do the math yet. A 3% charge will also be added to those who wish to use credit card via PayPal added to the next batch.


Edited by: Victory Red

No problems on this end ... just glad to know they will soon be on their way


Sorry to hear of the death in your family


Jim

Whenever you get to it is great with me. Don't worry about it


Thanks

While these last few days have been a drain on me and my family I give my word that these will be finished and hit the mail either Saturday(10th) or Monday(12th) at the very latest in case I miss the Post Office hours on Saturday.


I appreciate the patience and understanding I've received from you all with my personal life interuptions, but also understand I've made a commitment to you all as well with these that I am doing my best to uphold. It's been a little more difficult than I expected(but still fun) and right now with all that has transpired the last few days I'm quite drained.


I will ship saturday and monday with hopes most of you receive your straps by the end of next week.


Thank You.

Thanks again Rick.

Rick,

I'm Sorry for your loss, I know how it is, I lost my Father a week ago today and still haven't been able to pick myself up. My families thoughts and prayers will be with you as well.



With Deepest Sympathy,

Pepperidge

Thanks all for your kind words, but I try my best to be a respectable and honorable man. I just feel like I've let you down by missing my ship dates because of last minute changes and personal issues.


I promise that everyone that has been notified that I've received payment from will get their sets sent out to them by the 12th at the latest.





Rick

Rick,


Hang on to mine if you haven't shipped them if you would please. I will try to pick them up in person.

a64pilot,


I havent shipped any more as of yet, so I'll hold yours and when you get to the state we can make some plans.


Most of the finish work I have to do on weekends. The robot I'm working on this month is a real(insert your favorite word here). It's an 8 axis, with a on beam degate and a floor mounted milling machine. It also has to insert 6 metal nuts into the mold before it shoots the plastic around it, then communicate with the conveyor after it mills it and drop the part. An interesting job to say the least, but a royal PITA so I've got little free time during work days right now.


Anyhow I will complete these over the weekend and ship either saturday or monday if I don't get to the Post Office in time on saturday.





On a side note, my snowblower blew up monday nighthttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Angry.gif. The connecting rod bearing snapped and sent the rod through the side of the crankcase. If anyone has any connections I need a new 8hp Tecumseh motor(or a deal on a new blower). Figured I just put this one out there since there's such a variety of people here and everyone always seems so willing to lend a hand when they can.

Try here I get there catalogs all the time .....


Northern Tool (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&langId=-1&catalogId=4006970&PHOTOS=on&TEST=Y&productId=392 &categoryId=280781)


Get a Diesel make it fit ..............


Mac http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif

Mackin,


Got one here in Menomonee Falls been there quite often, it's a true mans store(or a woman that likes power tools, go karts and trailer repair parts).http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif

Victory,





Your local Farm & Fleet, or Fleet Farm may have such a motor.............in fact I may be going to one or the other tonight......I'll let ya know if I learn any thing good.

Stoner,


Worth looking into. Anyhow if you're available over the weekend(after noon saturday to Packer game time sunday we can meet and I can get you your set).

Hey Victory.........


Just got back from a "Fleet Farm" run..........got some info...


Beaver Dam store has a Tecumseh 8hp "Snow King", regular price $349........close-out sale $325. 9hp model is $370.


Specs for 9hp are 1" shaft....approx. 3" long....keyed.....drilled and tapped for 3/8" bolt...didn't look if it's coarse or fine. I didn't see any specs for the 8hp, but I looked in the box and it appears to be the same.


I only spent about $180................but at least I was the last guy out of the store.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gifEdited by: Stoner

Thanks Stoner, cheaper than I expected. I've got to get the engine number off of it and see if I can find an exact match. I'd like to keep my electric starter. I just need the motor and to transfer everything else over.


Thanks again for the footwork.

I'll just let the pictures "do the talkin'"


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/VR_Straps_2.jpg

And NO that is not my yard in the back ground.

And NO that is not my yard in the back ground. LOLOLOLOL


Anyhow as per your recommendation on the sets I sent out today I put the 'button' towards the outside rather than in.


So I take this as you like them so far? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clown.gif

Yes,http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gifhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Thumbs Up.gif

I'll just let the pictures "do the talkin'"
D@mn man, your truck is cleaner now then mine was when it was new. Don't you use that thing?? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

I'd be P.B. getting shipped to bellevue.


As long as I get em before my factory cables let go I'm a happy camper. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif

I'd be P.B. getting shipped to bellevue.


As long as I get em before my factory cables let go I'm a happy camper. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif

I recieved mine a couple of days after mine (cables) snapped loading a heavy skid (plow) into my bed.

Well I shipped last Saturday. I would assume that you in IL would've gotten yours today. Everything went Priority Mail so most should see theirs Wednesday, but at the latest on Friday.

Rick ...


Just wanted to let you know the straps arrived today. Really look good. I assume short arm goes up? Plan to install them this weekend. Have reread the instructions given in your first post on this thread, doesn't appear to be too complicated.


Thanks again for taking the time and effort to produce these straps.


Jim

This weekend? It's actually around a 15 min or less job.


I've been meaning to write up some instructions just havent gotten around to that yet. Anyhow for ease of install here's a few items.


First of all only do 1 side at a time or your tailgate may fall on the ground. The bolt on the tailgate is 13mm. It has a five point retaining clip on the inside. Loosen the bolt as much as possible and once it seems like it won't come out any further you'll need to use a flat blade screwdriver to apply pressure to the retainer. The longer piece is the lower half(it has a bend in it). This attaches to the tailgate with the bend 'pointing out'. It's easy to identify which way it attaches by looking at the cable still attached. The button should be facing outwards toward the taillight.


The spring steel retainer at the top should face in towards the bed of the truck. Simply remove the old cable from the top as if you were going to remove your tailgate by applying pressure to the spring to clear the stud. Now place the new strap over the same stud applying slight pressure to bend the steel inwards so that the head of the stud is visible than slide assembly down towards the ground. The spring steel will pop back keeping it from being able to pop off.


Hope that helps


In Order to get the top half on, you'll need to lift the tailgate to maybe 2/3 of the way closed. It's a tight fit at the top and the edges could catch your paint in you're not careful. Just lift up until you can angle the top piece enough to clear the inside of the body. It's really quite an easy install once you visualize what needs to go where.





Edited by: Victory Red

Any reason not to install the top piece first??

FirstDiesel,


None that I can think of. Whichever way is easier for you. My only real recommendation is to only leave one cable on the side you're not working on until the first one is in place.


Other than that I think it to be a pretty straightforward install. Should any questions arrive feel free to contact me with a phone number to call you at and I'll do my best to help you over the phone.

AAA+++ Superior Product !!!

I no where near expected them to look or fit this well!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif

VR, I can reccommend these to any customers I get if you wouldn't mind the business. I'm not sure if you want to go this far with this or not. Let me know by PM or e-mail.

Thanks for a great product,

Pepperidge

Pepperidge,


Thanks for the kudos. As for what the future brings with these, I just don't know. It's already become more than I initially expected(I wonder if Jermck had the same thing with his CB bracket??).





Anyhow word of mouth is always the best advertising.

I received mine today and just installed them. Unfortunately, I have a problem. No, not with VR's straps! The factory cables differ in length (from each other) by about 1/16" so the tailgate has 'taken a set' to match the cables. Consequently, one strap is tight and the other is slightly relaxed with no load. I expect the first time I load it up with sacks of grain and me standing on it, it will reset.


I echo others comments in the craftsmanship and materials. A first rate product.

Well VR


I got my straps in the mail today (Monday) all the way down here in North Carolina. They look great. I know that you put a lot of effort into this and your reward has only been "Thanks" If people are interested in your product, I'm sure they would be willing to pay enough for it that you could make at least $50.00 per hour for your time. As far as liability... I think GM should be concerned. Their cables hide the deterioration of their metal core.


You could have the straps stress tested. I think the tailgate would bend way before the straps could fail.

I'll just let the pictures "do the talkin'"
D@mn man, your truck is cleaner now then mine was when it was new. Don't you use that thing?? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif


Nope.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif


Not yet, anywayhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wink.gif

And NO that is not my yard in the back ground.

We haven't had green grass since November, looks nice. The straps I mean.

Hoot, I already tested mine with the EZ-V skid test. Luckily it didnt fail or the tailgate would have went through the front door of the dealership if they gave me any crap http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Evil Smile.gif


If you do decide to make another run I have a friend that busted his cables on his 01 1/2 ton. I'm sure you could sell em as fast as you could crank em out till GM pulled their head out from thier rears.

Duallyvette,


I'm sure I could 'clean up' on these if I chose to. That just wasn't how I wanted to do this. As of now I've broken even with my R&D and a few dollars extra. Now I'm back in hole with me becoming a business entity. Hopefully I sell enough of these to make up that difference once again.

Hopefully I sell enough of these to make up that difference once again.
Seems like you should have no trouble selling enough of them.