Carbon Fiber Radiator Cover Prototype Done!

[FordNut]

Finally!!! Got a message from Jason at DG motorsports, he sent me a pic of the first one. It has to be test-fitted to a car before they will make the rest of them.

Keith, as soon as you get a chance to go by there we'll appreciate it!

http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/500/518radiator_cover_m-med.jpg

[bigslim]

Already got my order in. Looks good. :)

[martyo]

Gimme. Gimme. Gimme!!

[kode3]

Any idea on price?

[merc]

OH YA, Baby. Swwwweeeeeeeetttttt :banana2:

[NAVCHAP]

Folks, will need a few days to get over there, happy to take the trip when it's possible. Thanks, -kjs-

[MENINBLK]

Any idea on price?

We all put in orders already @ $250 each.
We've given a $100 deposit each to get the project rolling.
If you'd like to get in on the order, you need to email Jason@dgmotorsports.com and let him know.

[BK_GrandMarquis]

:woohoo: :2thumbs:

[CRUZTAKER]

We all put in orders already @ $250 each.
We've given a $100 deposit each to get the project rolling.
If you'd like to get in on the order, you need to email Jason@dgmotorsports.com and let him know.
Yes...yes we have.;)

[Joe Walsh]

Yes...yes we have.;)


:drool: :drool: :drool:

Patiently waiting for our final production pieces to arrive on our doorsteps!!

:high5:
:party:

[Black 04]

We all put in orders already @ $250 each.
We've given a $100 deposit each to get the project rolling.
If you'd like to get in on the order, you need to email Jason@dgmotorsports.com and let him know.

Is it to late to get in on this project?

Do I need to send a 100.00 deposit or can I wait for the final product to be available?

[klmore]

I'm having DG produce some made in fiberglass to be painted. The carbon fiber will go great with my Metco air tube, but I wanted to see what they looked like painted the body color. So there will be more than one option with these. I think they will look great painted on a DTR or silver Marauder.

:beer:

[Black 04]

I'm having DG produce some made in fiberglass to be painted. The carbon fiber will go great with my Metco air tube, but I wanted to see what they looked like painted the body color. So there will be more than one option with these. I think they will look great painted on a DTR or silver Marauder.

:beer:

I think painted gloss black will look real cool. Will they come painted or do we have to bring them to a body shop??

[CRUZTAKER]

I'm having DG produce some made in fiberglass to be painted.
That would be cool. I'd rather have MY piece painted rather than CF'd.
Either way, I'll be happy.

[Black 04]

That would be cool. I'd rather have MY piece painted rather than CF'd.

I'm glad you agree Barry...Gloss balck will really make the engine bay look sleek!!

[klmore]

I think painted gloss black will look real cool. Will they come painted or do we have to bring them to a body shop??
DG is shipping them bare to my shop to be painted to match. By the time they are preped and painted they will still be around $250. I'm not looking to make money on the deal. I'm just trying to give other MM owners options and make sure the whole deal was a go.:)

[Black 04]

DG is shipping them bare to my shop to be painted to match. By the time they are preped and painted they will still be around $250. I'm not looking to make money on the deal. I'm just trying to give other MM owners options and make sure the whole deal was a go.:)


Sound great!! Can't wait to see the final product...

[MENINBLK]

If they are going to be painted, then just put a GLOSS coat on mine.
I wanted the CF cover for the CF look.

If I wanted it painted, I could just paint the one I have any color...

[FordNut]

If they are going to be painted, then just put a GLOSS coat on mine.
I wanted the CF cover for the CF look.

If I wanted it painted, I could just paint the one I have any color...
The standard ones are carbon fiber. The painted ones are fiberglass and is something Kelly has worked out. So if you want painted ones, contact him instead of DG.

[Black 04]

Any updates?? :dunno:

[Joe Walsh]

I'm a little confused....why would you spend all that money for a Carbon Fiber cover and then paint over it??? :dunno:

The whole point is to SEE the Carbon Fiber.....


EDIT:
Nevermind.....I just realized that they are available in Fiberglass...

[NAVCHAP]

Folks, work has been hectic, hopefully tomorrow, if we get out early enough, it will be possible to make the trip to O'side. -kjs-

[FordNut]

Folks, work has been hectic, hopefully tomorrow, if we get out early enough, it will be possible to make the trip to O'side. -kjs-
Alright!... fingers crossed...

[NAVCHAP]

Folks, the fit is perfect, you just have to wiggle it in there a little bit. It looks beautiful.

One of the guys at DG took pictures. Jason is supposed to be posting them.

Not sure when they plan to ship them. But it's a really nice shop and the folks are great. If you give them a call or send them an email, they'll definitely let you know the status.

Didn't take mine today. Need to adjust my hood stops first, don't want to chip the carbon fiber.

Sorry about the delay, but the ship schedule is above my paygrade. -kjs-

[CRUZTAKER]

Very cool...I guess it's time to send the rest of the money...

Will someone notify us?

[MENINBLK]

Are these shipping yet ?

[Black 04]

[QUOTE=NAVCHAP
One of the guys at DG took pictures. Jason is supposed to be posting them.
[/QUOTE]

Are they going to post some pictures??

[klmore]

Are these shipping yet ? Jason e-mailed me today and ask me to pass on the update.:)

DG has started making the covers and they will be shipped as soon as the boxes arrive. DG is having special boxes made to fit the large panel with correct packing. It is not a typical off the shelf box size and the boxes should be finished by the 25th. Jason said that if they receive the boxes early on the 25th that they will try to start shipping them out that day.

Any additional questions about carbon fiber radiator covers can be directed to Jason@dgmotorsports.com

I have my order in for three fiberglass covers that will be painted to match. I intend to make one black, one DTR, and one silver. I only ordered these to ensure that the production level was met and I'm not sure if I will do any more. So if you want one let me know so I can make it on this first order. If there is enough interest I will consider doing another run. This is a nonprofit deal and I'm not real sure of the final price, but I think it will be $210-$220 plus shipping.

PM me with any questions about the painted radiator covers.

[Big Joe P]

Bumpity...bump......... any word on these??

[CRUZTAKER]

Very cool...I guess it's time to send the rest of the money...

Will someone notify us?
Ditto....what's the deal?

[NAVCHAP]

When we tested the fit about three weeks ago, they said that they were going to start shipping the covers any day.

Probably wouldn't hurt to call Jason. 760-433-7413.

Ford Nut, has Jason been in touch with you?

If they need to see my car again, will arrange to go back up to Oceanside. -kjs-

[FordNut]

When we tested the fit about three weeks ago, they said that they were going to start shipping the covers any day.

Probably wouldn't hurt to call Jason. 760-433-7413.

Ford Nut, has Jason been in touch with you?

If they need to see my car again, will arrange to go back up to Oceanside. -kjs-
I haven't heard anything. I've been really tied up with work stuff lately so I haven't taken time to contact Jason. I'll try to call later today.

[MENINBLK]

I just shot out an email to Jason asking for a status update.

I'll post whatever answer he replies with.

[MENINBLK]

I got an answer back from Jason.
It seems that the shipping cartons ordered are taking longer to received than expected.
Jason hopes he can begin shipping out the Radiator Covers this Friday or early next week.

[Big Joe P]

Thanks for the update...

[Svashtar]

Found out they shipped mine yesterday only because my CC was hit for $169, which evidently is the outstanding balance. With the $100 deposit, that's not too far off the $250 estimate. I called DG motorsports and they confirmed that the cover shipped on 4/6 and they charged everyone's on-file CC at that time. Frankly I WOULD have appreciated a call and the opportunity to pay in another way, but what the hell, he's doing us a favor anyway. Can't wait to get a look at it!

Thanks,

Norm

[merc]

I just got a e-mail notice with a UPS tracking number. The Carbon Fiber Radiator Cover shipped Friday. :banana2:

[MENINBLK]

They are being shipped out in the order the deposits were received.
So if you gave your deposit early on, you'll get your cover sooner.

[Big Joe P]

where oh where is it.... April 11th and counting........

[bigslim]

Me too......

[Haggis]

where oh where is it.... April 11th and counting........

...patiently

:whistle: ...... :argh: ...... :depress:

[martyo]

Me three. I wanted to show mine off at Fun Ford this weekend and I am getting on a plane in a few hours to head south.

[John F. Russo]

Can somone tell me what are the advantages in one sentence or two?

Is it weight? What is the difference in weight?

[FordNut]

Can somone tell me what are the advantages in one sentence or two?

Is it weight? What is the difference in weight?
No performance gain, only for looks....One sentence!

[John F. Russo]

No performance gain, only for looks....One sentence!


I didn't know that my radiator looked so bad!

I'm doing other performance upgrades before I get into this.

[MENINBLK]

Can somone tell me what are the advantages in one sentence or two?

Is it weight? What is the difference in weight?

2 words...

**BLING**BLING**

[Big Joe P]

Ask and you shall receive..... UPS just dropped mine off today....
I've got a couple secret proj*cts of my own in the works, as soon as I get my car back, I'll post a few pics.....

[BK_GrandMarquis]

Just what I got today??? :dunno:

A big 5 foot plus brown box!!!

What's better???

My radiator cover was in it!!!!!!! :woohoo:

I have to work on mine to fit and secure. The Grand Marquis cover is just a wee bit different.

[Doobie1]

Just what I got today??? :dunno:

A big 5 foot plus brown box!!!

What's better???

My radiator cover was in it!!!!!!! :woohoo:

I have to work on mine to fit and secure. The Grand Marquis cover is just a wee bit different.

Does the new cover come with the 3 plastic screws to hold it down??

[BK_GrandMarquis]

Does the new cover come with the 3 plastic screws to hold it down??
Not that I saw. Unless it was wrapped in the paper cushioning, I didn't see anything.

[Joe Walsh]

Wow! That's what I call BLING SCHWING!!

I can't wait to get mine!! Should be here any day.....

[Black 04]

Just what I got today??? :dunno:

A big 5 foot plus brown box!!!

What's better???

My radiator cover was in it!!!!!!! :woohoo:

I have to work on mine to fit and secure. The Grand Marquis cover is just a wee bit different.

Wow...thats looks sweet. Can't wait to get mine. How about a picture installed on the car? ;)

[Svashtar]

Got mine two days ago. The cover is nice, but the drilled holes are not aligned that well, and the center hole is far too small. I had to drill the side holes out to 9/16ths and they fit OK. I also drilled the center hole out to the same size and please learn from me! that was a mistake. I could have gone probably 7/16 and had it work. It was lined up with the hole but was too small only. It still fits fine, but the oversized center hole gives a bit too much play. Still, it is OK.

Q: Can anyone think of a better replacement for those crappy stock plastic hold downs for the rad. cover?

Thanks,

Norm

[merc]

I got my cover today and found the left and right holes are drilled too small and the right hole will not except the plastic holder (or what ever you call it). I guess a little drilling will fix the problem.

[BK_GrandMarquis]

Wow...thats looks sweet. Can't wait to get mine. How about a picture installed on the car? ;)
Here you go. It was kinda dark when I took the pics though. The cover is so glossy, it makes the rest of my engine bay look real bad. :(

[Black 04]

Here you go. It was kinda dark when I took the pics though. The cover is so glossy, it makes the rest of my engine bay look real bad. :(

Thanks...looks great.

[BK_GrandMarquis]

Well I just found out that the cover does not fit a 2001 Grand Marquis all that well. The square raised section on the passenger side does not allow the hood to close. :argh: There is a small section on the driver side that might have the same effect. I have to work on it some more tomorrow to see what needs to be done. :hmmm:

[CRUZTAKER]

Other than Fordnut, has anyone else that left deposits recieved theirs?:o

[martyo]

Other than Fordnut, has anyone else that left deposits recieved theirs?:o

Toad and I have NOT received ours! :mad:

[FordNut]

Toad and I have NOT received ours! :mad:
I'll call Jason Monday.

[klmore]

I'll call Jason Monday.
I talked to Jason a week ago and he said they were having some production problems and were trying to get them fixed before they make any more covers. I got the impression that it was going to be a while.

I did however receive three fiberglass (the order was for two fiberglass one carbon fiber) covers and they appear to be a nice product. I painted mine gloss black and now I'm having it airbrushed with "Marauder" in the center and some other things on the sides. I should have pics of my cover soon and I will be selling the two I have left over offering air brushing as an option.:)

After dealing with them on this cover deal I am hesitant to order more covers for resale. The lack of communication on their part along with the fact that they didn't get my order right leads me to believe they are a little unreliable on the customer service end. With that said the quality of the product seems to excellent for limited run custom-made item.

The fact that this is a limited run item makes it a low priority on their part and in order to get anything done I think a few phone calls by the people who have not received them are in order.

Just my :twocents:

[Big Joe P]

I received mine on 4/14, here's a shot including my grill from Zack. The radiator cover fit perfectly, without any problem.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=63 71&stc=1

[klmore]

I received mine on 4/14, here's a shot including my grill from Zack. The radiator cover fit perfectly, without any problem.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=63 71&stc=1
That grille is really cool:D

[rocknrod]

Okay.
How do Order one ?

[Svashtar]

As previously mentioned, the CF rad cover holes did not align well, so I drilled all three holes out to 9/16". The center hole was especially small. This worked to get the plastic hold downs in, but there was a bit more movement of the cover than I would have liked, as those plastic anchors are pretty much junk anyway, and the new larger holes didn't help.

I found a good solution though, by inserting 3/8" ID rubber electrical grommets into the 9/16" holes. Their OD is about 5/8", so they fit perfectly and stay snug. Now inserting the plastic hold down plugs is a lot more positive and they lock down very tight, giving zero movement of the radiator cover. The whole unit functions better when it doesn't shift around.

Just thought I would pass on the tip for those of you who might be having similar problems.

Regards,

Norm

[MENINBLK]

I still haven't received mine, and I sent and email to Jason about 2 weeks ago.
Jason stated that they were having problems producing 'A' Quality pieces to ship to us at that time.

[FordNut]

I talked to Jason, they are having a couple of problems. First, they had some attrition with a couple of their best laminators quitting. Then, in trying to recover, some of the covers that have been made were not up to the quality standards that they were comfortable with for a part this expensive. Currently they plan to ship 2 covers either the end of this week or early next week, then 2 more a week later. Assuming they come out of the mold and meet quality standards. Jason says there are 4 more covers to ship. He was very apologetic and said that anybody who needs to talk to him about it to please call.

[klmore]

My fiberglass cover was painted yesterday and went to the airbrush guy this morning. The cover was just as impressive in high gloss black as the carbon fiber.

I have to admit the fiberglass covers are not cost effective. There is a great deal of labor that goes into the prep and painting of these things due to all of the different contours and shapes on the panel. By the time I have it primed, wet sanded, painted, cleared, wet sanded again, air brushed, and cleared again I will have $500 plus dollars into it including the purchase price.

Is it worth it? I let all the members decide when I get mine completed later this week.:) From what I can tell nothing about modding a Marauder is cheap.:bigcry:

[MENINBLK]

My fiberglass cover was painted yesterday and went to the airbrush guy this morning. The cover was just as impressive in high gloss black as the carbon fiber.

I have to admit the fiberglass covers are not cost effective. There is a great deal of labor that goes into the prep and painting of these things due to all of the different contours and shapes on the panel. By the time I have it primed, wet sanded, painted, cleared, wet sanded again, air brushed, and cleared again I will have $500 plus dollars into it including the purchase price.

Is it worth it? I let all the members decide when I get mine completed later this week.:) From what I can tell nothing about modding a Marauder is cheap.:bigcry:

Your last sentence should be...

"From what I can tell nothing about modding is cheap."

The Marauder has nothing to do with it.
The parts we are designing would cost the same for any vehicle...

[CRUZTAKER]

I seemed to have mis-placed Jason's office number.

Would someone please PM me with a contact number please?

;)

[martyo]

I seemed to have mis-placed Jason's office number.

Would someone please PM me with a contact number please?

;)

I can't seem to find it, but when you call him, ask him if he feels like either sending our parts or our money. At this point, I would take either one. :mad:

[CRUZTAKER]

I can't seem to find it, but when you call him, ask him if he feels like either sending our parts or our money. At this point, I would take either one. :mad:
Well....

I actually recieved mine the week before last. That's the problem. Wonderfull piece, just not the one I recieved. Mine is terribly rough, and appears to be a prototype.

[Rider90]

Mine is terribly rough, and appears to be a prototype.

How does one box that up and not notice? :eek:

[martyo]

Well....

I actually recieved mine the week before last. That's the problem. Wonderfull piece, just not the one I received. Mine is terribly rough, and appears to be a prototype.


I saw Brian (FordNut) and he showed me his cover and it looked as smooth as glass. It just seems that this is one of the longest lead items yet. At this point I am fully prepared to take my stock cover (which has been de-stickered) and shoot it with black auto paint (it will look sweet when it is done).

[klmore]

I saw Brian (FordNut) and he showed me his cover and it looked as smooth as glass. It just seems that this is one of the longest lead items yet. At this point I am fully prepared to take my stock cover (which has been de-stickered) and shoot it with black auto paint (it will look sweet when it is done). I have a two DG fiberglass covers for sale. One is silver and one is black. I bought these to make sure the deal went through. PM if anyone is interested. I'm not going to be painting anymore due to the lead time and other issues.

Here is a pic of my painted and airbrushed cover.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=65 99


http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=65 98

[FordNut]

I seemed to have mis-placed Jason's office number.

Would someone please PM me with a contact number please?

;)

I called early this week... It was not pleasant. They said that they were going to call the remaining customers who did not have their cover yet and offer either the "seconds" that have already been culled at a reduced price, or issue a refund. Sounds like that did not happen. I apologize to all the members for getting this started. They appeared to be a reputable company and are quite capable of making high quality products. I do not understand what went wrong with this deal, all I get is the run-around when I call.

Each member that has not received their cover or has received a poor quality one, please call them at 760-433-7413

Again, I am sorry that this has not turned out as planned.

[Rider90]

That is sad.

Even more so that they attempted to send "rough" ones to members and pass it off without a discount or phone call first :nono:

[SergntMac]

I called early this week... It was not pleasant. They said that they were going to call the remaining customers who did not have their cover yet and offer either the "seconds" that have already been culled at a reduced price, or issue a refund. Sounds like that did not happen. I apologize to all the members for getting this started. They appeared to be a reputable company and are quite capable of making high quality products. I do not understand what went wrong with this deal, all I get is the run-around when I call. Each member that has not received their cover or has received a poor quality one, please call them at 760-433-7413. Again, I am sorry that this has not turned out as planned.
Man-oh-man, 'Nut, I feel for you. I have been in this spot myself, and it's not fun, but I don't see how this could turn around to be your fault in any way.

You had an idea, a concept of something neat and you took that for a walk in the custom car community. Bravo! And, shame on the company that got involved and could not see the end benefit of a long term stroll with Marauder owners. So many others who have, have done well.

I'm replying now, only because after this past weekend in Barry's back yard, did I get a solid look at BigJoeP's cover, and it is very, very sweet. I walked away wanting one of my own, and wanting to buy anyone's left over OEM cover as well, for a project I have in mind.

This cover is very impressive when done right, and surely worth the investment. I'm sorry the company involved didn't keep their end of the deal. It's a perfect visual match for a Kenny Brown carbon fiber bellows (if you have a KB Marauder S) and it's a respectable match to the Metco carbon-copy of that. I suppose that many MM owners would have jumped on this after they saw it live, as I did.

I appreciate your discomfort here, and respect your disappointment, but the break-down really isn't your doing, so, don't kneel down over it. I think we're all adult enough to agree that stuff like this has it's risk, and without a pioneer to lead us, we would have none of the crap we gave to choose from today. You did a good job, 'Nut, don't sweat the outcome, K?

I still have a project in mind, so, anyone who wants to unload their investment, or, left over cover, e-me at SergntMac@aol.com, let's talk?

[Joe Walsh]

I FINALLY received mine last week and it looks pretty good from a distance...but when you get up close it has a lot of small 'pin holes' in the clearcoat finish. :depress:

I've sent an Email to DG expressing my displeasure with the quality of the piece that I received. Don't get me wrong...overall it is still a SWEET looking piece.

I just don't think it is fair AT ALL to pay full price for a piece that is not as nice as the first bunch that were produced. :mad:

I want to keep mine, BUT I will be negotiating a partial refund based on the reduced quality of the last few produced.

[bigslim]

I still hadn't received mine yet. I called and was told about the seconds. They e-mailed pictures of the "seconds" that were offered for a discount but they looked pretty bad. They said that the new ones would take about two more weeks to get. I will give them two more weeks and then I will ask for a refund. I have pictures of the seconds if anyone wants to see the pictures please PM me.

[CRUZTAKER]

It's nice to see all of us agreeing on something...particularly with the nature of this scenario.

Fordnut, you have nothing to be embarrassed about. Your idea was a great one, and your legwork on the project outstanding. The pieces that came out perfect are just plain OUTSTANDING!

Even though the one I got was a second, all I wanted from DGM was a discount. I want to keep it and use it. I just love the look of it. It is a pain to remove and re-install, but again, I'll live with it.

Fordnut, you did good anyway.

Just one one unique MM piece that not everyone has. I like that. ;)

[MENINBLK]

I should be getting mine this week.
I think this is the LAST ONE...