I was just checking on an order I placed with VR for his SS straps.

The e-mail address bounched, no server ?

Any one know what is going on ? ? ?

Thanks.

Idahofox

I think Rick stopped making them. He told me a few weeks ago that he was filling existing orders, but not taking any new ones.

Frankly, I hope I'm mistaken....I wanted a set of VR's for the "new" truck.

I think Rick stopped making them. He told me a few weeks ago that he was filling existing orders, but not taking any new ones.

Frankly, I hope I'm mistaken....I wanted a set of VR's for the "new" truck.

Thanks Tom,

Hope mine made it under the wire.

Brook

All the orders I've received have been refunded and returned to sender over the last few weeks. Demand for these have been slow as of late, and personal life has deemed my attention to other things. However interest still seems high, and I plan to offer another run around Labor Day(maybe a little sooner).

I never made a formal announcement about this since I never felt right about "advertising" here since profits were kept low and I could never officially become a sponsor at this site. I never felt right openly discussing these and not being a paying sponsor. This is the ultimate diesel site on the web and our sponsors deserve the business for supporting it.

I apologize to those who sent in payments and were refunded or incoveinenced.

Rick, you were the first person here to think up something that helped others with a specific problem. I think you and Fingers were kind of "exempt" from the vendor rules because you were both just ordinary folk (well.....EXTRA-ordinary) that wanted to help others, and if you made a small amount at the same time, that was ok. It's not like you were into it to make a huge profit......

When and if you decide to make more, keep IdahoFox and myself in mind. I never should have sold the previous set with B.R.T. (although the new owner thought they were cool!)

I would be all over a set of these like a fat kid on a smartie. Keep us in formed if your to make another run of these.

Rick, you were the first person here to think up something that helped others with a specific problem. I think you and Fingers were kind of "exempt" from the vendor rules because you were both just ordinary folk (well.....EXTRA-ordinary) that wanted to help others, and if you made a small amount at the same time, that was ok. It's not like you were into it to make a huge profit......


FWIW, The first 23 finger sticks were sold under the radar as extras. After everyone kept bugging me to make more, I contacted Nick to work out something reasonable for me to sell just the one item freely on the board. Thus, I paid for and received the "Limited Vendor" title and permission to sell the sticks on the board.

ok, i'm interested in the limited vendor title, i'll have to contact nick to see what can be arranged.

i could also just go back to the good ole days, get 10 or more people together at the same time all wanting a set and i'll give the bottom line pricing again.

My straps still look/work great. I'm very appreciative of your effort! Dont feel bad about pimping your product, I'm sure Nick and you can work out something:)

Im in for a set if its a go................

Count me in for a set.....just let me know when/how much.):h

Rick, I'll put it this way:

Those of us that have/had them, love them.

Those of us that don't have them either don't know about them or don't know any better.

Just let us know. :ro)

Yep, I like mine too (got the last set a few weeks ago :D )

Thanks!

ok, it looks like my retirement may have been a little pre-emptive.

Count me in on a set...Would have done it sooner, but I'm a little lazy....Let me/us know the details ...

Look at that....5 sets sold already. :lol:

Please count me in when you decide to make more available ):h):h

Geez, Rick, seems like you should keep at least a dozen on hand most of the time!

I`ll take a set

wayne

Tom,

I used to order 60 sets at a time, when sales dropped, so did my quantities ordered. Now they were going 'here and there'. When my last batch went away I figured that they were no longer a popular item, but it seems I was mistaken. Guess I just need to advertise more.

I'll see if I can get some more made up by months end.

Just out of curiosity, and don't answer if you don't want to, but how many sets have you sold?

I would like a set too.

Rick...I think you just had to advertise more......did you ever try at FullSize.com and GMTrucks.com?

That's 9 now...

third quarter of last year I was somewhere in the 500 set range.

ok I'm getting ready to place another order for parts. Just to make sure I get enough so that I have some leftover stock, I need to know how many people are truly interested in still getting these. Please PM me with this information and whether or not you want more than one set.

PM sent....

PM sent.

Fox

OK, I'll bite, what the heck are these things y'all are talking about? Tried clicking on the weblink, but it came back as closed or non-existing site.

Towsaboat....they are stainless steel folding tailgate straps similar to the old '70's-early '80s setup GM used to use. They take the place of the chinzy cables GM now uses. Very strong and secure.

pm sent..............

PM also sent . . .

PM sent

PM sent

Pm Sent

I think I've responded to everyone here. The company that does the laser cutting for me said it would be somewhere around the 6th for the finished parts. I'll need at least a week or two to do the pins on top.

Just keeping everyone apprised of the situation

How much are they?

If you want an example of how tough VRStraps are, see this thread:

http://dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42326

:thumb:

Ok someone had to do it

:nopics:

Whew! I really had to search to find this:
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=632&d=1103346754

victory red your web site doesn't work, how much are they?

PM sent. :)

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=632&d=1103346754
That's a good picture. Good find. :ro)

PM Sent! ):h

Check your PM! :banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead:





):h

Craq...calm down. Rick's got other things to do..he'll reply the next time he comes on...

actually I'm having to wait for my status to change to limited vendor before I can continue to discuss the straps. I sent out the paperwork last tuesday, now I'm just waiting for it to be received.

I'm trying to be fair to those full time vendors who help keep this site free for all of us.

Craq...calm down. Rick's got other things to do..he'll reply the next time he comes on...
Hi.....! please see the emoticon at the bottom of my post. ;)

Don't worry about Tom, never had much of a sense of humor. Must be all that a$$ pinching he gets while delivering the UPS goodies. But then looking at that pic of him in uniform:lol:

Don't worry about Tom, never had much of a sense of humor. Must be all that a$$ pinching he gets while delivering the UPS goodies. But then looking at that pic of him in uniform:lol:

:lol: Oh yeah..no sense of humor here.....:rolleyes:

I really didn't break a bone in my wrist....that was just a cover for the sex-change operation. :joke: :lol: That's an "after" pic....

That's an "after" pic....

it's gotta be, I don't remember you being that sexy

I really didn't break a bone in my wrist....that was just a cover for the sex-change operation. :joke: :lol: That's an "after" pic....

Tom- TMI :funnypost

And awayyyyy we go...............:lol:

it's gotta be, I don't remember you being that sexy


Uh.....um........:eek:

it's gotta be, I don't remember you being that sexy
are you kidding? one day he shows up at my door with this package that was sent COD, so I pay him cash and he pulls the change right out of his panties. :eek2:


I get a package every week now. :)

I was about to make a package joke here, but....

Craq...that's just scary. You have that good a relationship with your UPS guy, eh?

Rick..you have paypal.

I was about to make a package joke here, but....

:Moon:

Ok it looks like my status has officially changed so back on target. Tom I received notification of your payment so you finally got the correct address. I've got all the miscellaneous pieces together, but I havent received the cut bars as of yet. I expect to get those this coming week.

I've got around 25 orders on backlog, so I've got a lot of trimming, turning, cutting and assembling to do. I'll make every possible effort to get these out to everyone that has paid so far in a timely manner, but please be patient, I'm a one man operation. I won't cash payments until near shipping, so when you see your check clear you'll know that yours are on the way.

Congrats, Rick!

25 sets? I guess interest was still there after all....

Yeah, we sell ATVs at my business and I need the reassurance that the tailgate isn't going to fall out from under me as I'm riding an 800# quad up.

Ok just a heads up, there's been a delay from the company that cuts the bars for me. They were supposed to be done Tuesday, however when I went to pick them up they still hadn't bent them so I wont be able to get them until at least monday.

As soon as I get the pieces I'll be able to mill the hinge pins and assemble. As I get sets complete I'll package and ship in the order I've received checks. I'll make every effort to get them to everyone in a timely manner, but I've got a substantial backlog so it may be a while before you see yours, although I expect to have all orders completed and at your doorstep before months end.

I apologize for the delay.

To quote Victory Red--"I've got a substantial backlog. . .";

And to think you were saying that sales had dropped way off, but while we will wait patiently for them, but just think if you actually did some advertising. . . :ro) :exactly: :lol:

but just think if you actually did some advertising. . .

yeah one good idea and you're never left alone again ):h . It's not that I didn't want to make them anymore, but I'm traveling a lot more these days for daytime job so it's gotten harder to find free time to continue to offer these. I seriously thought that once the new GM cables came out I'd be done.

Anyhow I think it's time to just mass produce these and have someone such as Kennedy or Dmaxallitech handle the sales/shipping end of these since it doesn't seem that demand will go away anytime soon.

I think you would do well to slightly modify these to a security device for tailgates

VR you have a great product. You might sell twice as many if they kept tailgates from disappearing. Looking at a set, I can think of a small change (as I am sure you have considered).

VR,

You need to change one word, it's not Kennedy OR Dmaxallitech, it needs to be Kennedy AND Dmaxallitech!! Give a call or some samples to some of the other truck customizers and things will take off for you. PerformanceProducts, etc., etc.; they are just a phone call and a sample away.

Ok just a heads up, there's been a delay from the company that cuts the bars for me. They were supposed to be done Tuesday, however when I went to pick them up they still hadn't bent them so I wont be able to get them until at least monday.

As soon as I get the pieces I'll be able to mill the hinge pins and assemble. As I get sets complete I'll package and ship in the order I've received checks. I'll make every effort to get them to everyone in a timely manner, but I've got a substantial backlog so it may be a while before you see yours, although I expect to have all orders completed and at your doorstep before months end.

I apologize for the delay.

Rick, take your time. We'll still be here. No rush!!!!!!!!

yeah one good idea and you're never left alone again ):h . It's not that I didn't want to make them anymore, but I'm traveling a lot more these days for daytime job so it's gotten harder to find free time to continue to offer these. I seriously thought that once the new GM cables came out I'd be done.

Anyhow I think it's time to just mass produce these and have someone such as Kennedy or Dmaxallitech handle the sales/shipping end of these since it doesn't seem that demand will go away anytime soon.

Thats a good idea. I'm sure Eric wouldn't mind doing that at all. John either. And remember, even though the new cables are stainless, they are still CABLES that flex and bend and eventually break. Thats just the nature of the beast. I still maintain that you should sell the idea to GM for a million bucks...

I think you would do well to slightly modify these to a security device for tailgates

VR you have a great product. You might sell twice as many if they kept tailgates from disappearing. Looking at a set, I can think of a small change (as I am sure you have considered).

KB, are you ever satisfied with the design of anything? :lol: Here's a cheap, easy way to secure your tailgate. Take a simple hose clamp and install it around the left side tailgate hinge. Unless the thief brought a nutdriver, he's not getting your tailgate!!!!

Thanks Tom. That is part of the solution. (did it) The thief will disconnect the straps, see he can't take with, and damage it when it drops on the bumper.

Better to get it fixed than have to replace it...

I have a $500 deductible. Wouldn't matter, you would have to convince the ins co it was damaged by a thief. Good luck with that.

Hey, I am not dogging these straps. Not at all. They do what they do better than anything out there.

Just put a small padlock in the "slip joint" part of the tailgate strap. That way you can't slide it up to unhook it from the bed.

Just put a small padlock in the "slip joint" part of the tailgate strap. That way you can't slide it up to unhook it from the bed.


explain yourself !! http://img3.harmony-central.com/acapella/ubb/mad.gif

explain yourself !! http://img3.harmony-central.com/acapella/ubb/mad.gif


Uh...not sure how else to explain it....:(

Ok...do you know the end of the strap that you unhook from the bed of the truck when you remove your tailgate? You know how you have to kinda make it "slide" under that retaining clip so that the large round hole on the end of the strap lines up with the head of the post so that it will come off of the post? Put a lock through the large round hole on the strap so that it can't slide up and be taken off of the post....

I have not ever actually done this on the VR straps (since I just ordered mine) but it works on the factory straps....and the VRs have to be able to slip off too...so I would think you could make it work with them too....

I'm not sure that it will work in the VRstraps, Duckhunter. Since they are solid metal and "scissor" together instead of cables with ends that can rotate when slack, there may not be enough clearance when closed for the padlock hasp and body.

Hey VR...are you still accepting more orders? I just caught up with this thread. I have had the intention for a long time to get a pair of these and have just not ordered. If you are, I will send payment right away!!!

VR..........

Could you PM me your Paypal acct info....


Thanx Tys

ok I've got a few questions here to answer, but I'll start with some good news. Those of you who have been more than patient with me getting the straps will be seeing very shortly. I plan to have most(if not all sets) in the mail tomorrow or saturday barring any other kicks in the pants like I received last night(see attached photo below and my posting in the Ask the Techs section). I appreciate everyone that has been patient, since I know myself when I want something and pay for it I WANT IT NOW and waiting just sucks.


Anyhow I've never really explored making these into a lockup, but first thought about it, it could be quite easy since I know these things quite well.

Pop the rivets out of the retainer clip. You've got around 1/8"+ to install a solid piece of some type of hard material towards the fender side. Cut that piece around 1 3/4" long. The rivet holes are 3.3mm(around 1/4") tap that hole for a 4mm bolt, or 1/4" bolt. Also tap the hard material in the same spots, 7.5mm in than again at 17.5mm from one side. Use either a metric or standard bolt(however you tap on the inside towards the middle of tailgate) but use a button cap allen, torx or some other unusual thread bolt. This won't stop a dedicated thief, but it'll slow most down long enough to say no thanks and they'll move on to another target.

The next question is yes I'm still taking orders since I re ordered and got some 'extras' as well.

Paypal address is vrstrap@wi.rr.com

personal checks are accepted and can be sent as well.

what happened to the Impala???


we expect a full report ! http://img3.harmony-central.com/acapella/ubb/mad.gif

I'm not sure that it will work in the VRstraps, Duckhunter. Since they are solid metal and "scissor" together instead of cables with ends that can rotate when slack, there may not be enough clearance when closed for the padlock hasp and body.


I see what you are saying, and you might very well be correct. I know that the 99-up trucks had a lot less room than the 88-98's did in the first place.

When I get my straps in I will check it out.

I wasn't home when it happened, but here is the lowdown. My daughter got home from school and pulled straight in since she had to run to the store and buy some black pants and shoes for the job she was starting the next night. My 3 yr old son got into the car closed the door and pulled it out of gear and it rolled down the slight incline and over the edge. This leads to the interesting part. The keys were NOT, I REPEAT NOT IN IT!!!!!!!!!

It's currently at the dealer having right rear suspension rebuilt and aligned due to damage(spindle rod and various other parts). I had them check the gear selector and they were able to get it out of gear without the key. So they took apart the column and found the wire(or whatever assembly it is) malfunctioning and not adjusted properly. At this point I'm PO'd. Not only does the car have around $700 in damage, but a vital safety and anti theft device never worked properly. We've had this since last Sunday. My son wasn't injured which is the most important thing, but I'm working with the service writer, service manager, GM Customer care and I'm trying to contact the regional district manager. This was more than likely a defective part or a bad assembly job and I shouldn't have to pay for the damage repair.

It's a 2000 bought new as a dealer demo 8-16-02 that we purchased off my wifes grandmother who can no longer drive, so the 3yr bumper to bumper is 5 weeks out, and the car has just over 26,000 miles.

I couldn't find a TSB or Recall so I have no way of knowing if this was a fluke or a semi common ocurrence.

Yes I know kids shouldn't be allowed to play in cars(I keep my truck and wife's Trailblazer locked at all times), but a teenager in a hurry in and out isn't quite as cautious.

And they are not fixing it for free?????

I would be serving you coffee to keep you off the phone with your attorney.

Rick,

Your family is OK, first priority.

KB's on the mark. They will Fix, for Free, plus.

Get you attorney cut-in, Now.

He can do more with a letter, that "Rita" could with all her Blow.

FWIW. Good luck.

Fox

Whoa....Rick, you just take your ever-lovin sweet time with the straps. None of us are in THAT much of a hurry, esp in light of recent events.

That being said, what KB (MP2) and Idaho said are spot-on. Get your attorney involved RIGHT NOW. If he is up to speed now, it may save you later.....

I'm so darn glad your boy is ok....when you think about it, he running off the driveway saved him from rolling into traffic, which would've been a whole lot worse. BTW, your daughter didn't do anything wrong either. No way could she have known her little bro would do that. It's just that this is going to be one of those "teaching" moments for you and your son....

Also, I think you may have found GM's next safety recall.

well after a hectic weekend I still managed to get the majority of the sets done. I've got 4 orders yet to finish but those are mostly new orders. I'll be hitting the post office after work today to get them out to those of you have waited so patiently.

Thanks Rick. My set showed up today. As usual, they are great quality!!! :thumb:

Rick,

Received mine today, thanks.

Perfect fit all around.

Fox

got mine too.


thanks VR! :)

Me Too....WOW...nice quality stuff...Thanks again...

they installed PERFECTLY. I showed it to a couple of guys at work and they're seriously thinking about a set for themselves. :)

PM and paypal is on it's way

i got mine on teh 28th also thanks rick these straps are the greatest i can't figure why gm went to cables i'll be ordering more for some friends till then they will just have to be jealous lol thanks again for a great product
rob

thanks for all the compliments, I'm glad everyone is liking them. As for those of you who haven't received them yet I've got a second batch that should hit the mail this coming Monday(except for AussieDmax yours were mailed but it's hard to say when they'll arrive).

The stock tailgate cables are a joke. I've seen them wear and just break with the weight of the tailgate.If you want a secure tailgate for loads up to 600 LBS,than the VR Straps are what you need.
You wont have to worry about a untimely break.
Mine are on my second tailgate! Still look brandy new! :)

oh and a quick note about the Impala for those of you following the thread. GM contacted me yesterday saying they will cover all $715 of the repairs to the car no further questions. I did this just by being polite and stating things as they were without threat of lawyer, lawsuit or bad publicity.

Most important, my son received no injuries, but just as nice GM is standing behind their product with a defect that never reared it's head until just now.

I give my local dealer Brookside Chevrolet and GM customer care a hefty double thumbs up for the way this was handled.:rockit:

thanks for all the compliments, I'm glad everyone is liking them. As for those of you who haven't received them yet I've got a second batch that should hit the mail this coming Monday(except for AussieDmax yours were mailed but it's hard to say when they'll arrive).

You sold a set in Australia?!?! :ro)

oh and a quick note about the Impala for those of you following the thread. GM contacted me yesterday saying they will cover all $715 of the repairs to the car no further questions. I did this just by being polite and stating things as they were without threat of lawyer, lawsuit or bad publicity.

Most important, my son received no injuries, but just as nice GM is standing behind their product with a defect that never reared it's head until just now.

I give my local dealer Brookside Chevrolet and GM customer care a hefty double thumbs up for the way this was handled.:rockit:
That's great! Nice to see your dealer and GM stepping up. Lets hope, though, that they don't sweep this safety defect under the rug...

You sold a set in Australia?!?! :ro)
...

actually i've got several sets in Australia, this is Aussie's second set and I've got a few Avalanche's down under wearing the straps. I've gone global LOL.

Thanks Rick; I'm sure they will show up in the next couple of days. I followed your Impala story. Man that is a scare. Glad no one was hurt and good to see your dealer and GM did the right thing!

TheBac: Australia is mostly Toyota and Nissan country but some of us want a real truck!! Not many people here understand Duramaxes so for me it is fantastic to have the DP with all the knowledge and experience of its members. I buy all my stuff from the supporting vendors; thanks Nick, John Kennedy, Eric Merchant and ofcourse Rick!
Another member of the DP is currently poking around our outback with his Dmax; he shipped it over and will be in Australia for about a year. It was good to help him out when he arrived a couple of weeks ago (some last minute adjustments to the truck and he is storing some excess stuff at our place). Good to be able to return a favor to a DP member. :beerchug:

just another quick update, everyone who had placed an order before 9-27 your order has been shipped. The few guys that have ordered since, I should have them in the mail soon as well.

Just a few weeks and I've finally caught up again :muahaha:

Thanks Rick. Set arrived today. Put it on my buddy's truck right away. He was impressed! :bow:
Cheers

Got my recall cables today at the dealer :lol:

For some reason though when they went to install them and saw the 'aftermarkets' on there they just placed them in my cab and said have a nice day.

I've heard the comments about the Made in China tag and didn't realize how big they were. At least you'd think they'd tear them off.

last time i was at the dealer, the parts guy was walking by and did a double take. he'd never seen anything like them before. :)

VR,

Got my straps a few weeks ago and finally got them put on.

They are absolutely awesome!!!

Thanks.

VR...Got the straps on Friday!!! Installed today! All I can say is GREAT JOB!!!!!!!! Thanks so much!!

received mine yesterday and they are nice Thanks

VR, you have mail.:)