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 Posted 6/16/2005 5:51:09 PM |
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Forum Newbie
Last Login: 5/10/2004 1:36:04 AM
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Hello Everybody, I just started the long and expensive process of making my own 1989 Batmobile Replica car. I should have the complete mock-up ready for molding in about 5 months and the first body in about 8 months. I currently have a 1987 Corvette as my base car (what better than a chevy to power the hottest car to hit big screen). I plan to have my car on the road next summer. I am very interested in knowing how many people if any are truely interested in owning their own car?? By interested I mean have the money to make it happen. The reason I ask is because once I have the proto-type complete I will be willing to reproduce the fiberglass body only to interested parties. This means that I will supply you with a complete ready for frame an paint body only!!! The base and details are your project. I will be able to produce bodies from my original mold and ship directly to your door (in the US only) for $19K. So if anybody is seriously interested I would schedule a body just for them. This is a limited time offer only. I will not produce anymore bodies after the end of next year (2006) but will not take any orders during 2006 either. I will only take orders till the end of this year as alot of time and planning needs to be done to make this happen and I don't want to be doing this forever. For all that I have read it seems as the fiberglass body seems to be the hardest part of this build and after doing my own plans I agree!! I will be willing to talk to serious parties only please.
Thanks
Chris
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| Posted 6/16/2005 5:56:57 PM |
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Supreme Being
Last Login: 5/10/2004 1:37:45 AM
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Above was originally posted by Chris on car.asp section. Thanks to Baneful for posting it here and notifying Chris.
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| Posted 6/17/2005 12:28:44 PM |
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Forum Guru
Last Login: 5/10/2004 1:36:31 AM
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So why are replica kits so expensive? After talking to an expert the material cost should run between $2000 to $3000 depending on the material and resin used. Add in a 100 hours of labor at $40 an hour and the total jumps to $8000 to $9000. Is it all based supply and demand? I ask because I just found a company producing 1963 Corvette bodies on a rolling chassis with the body mounted and doors and panels hinged for $8000.
So how about you body builders chime in with an answer….
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| Posted 6/17/2005 11:52:18 PM |
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Forum Member
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One thing is that it takes twice as much material for an 89 than a Stingray Corvette. The other is that the 89 commands such a high price just for what it is. Most of the owners paid around 12 grand for their cars. My opinion is that it is a fair price for the car, especially if it's one that came out of the original molds.
8 to 9 grand for a body is about right so that leaves you with only 3 or 4 grand in profit. Not much money for a lot of work.
 
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| Posted 6/18/2005 2:15:48 AM |
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Forum Guru
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The build cost info was for the Keaton car and not the Corvette. Where's Bob when we need him? I talked to Bob Dullam recently and man does this guy have a ton of great info. I really enjoyed our conversation. He broke it down something like this; one 55 gallon drum of resin should do one and a half Keaton bodies and with enough material to do 4 layers of 1.5 oz chop mat would cost around $3000. Right Bob? $4000 is not really profit buy labor cost at $40 an hour with 100 hours invested in lay up. Now if Epoxy resin is used the cost goes up of course.
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| Posted 6/20/2005 9:42:06 AM |
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Forum Guru
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Okay, where are all of you builders and body makers? You guys are the ones with the answer to this question. Don C, Mark T, Bob D, etc.... Kevin said $8k to $9k. It's all about supply and demand and has nothing to do with production cost, right? Come on lets be honest. It's like a diamond, which is no more the a rock but because they are rare and we like them we have to pay the big bucks. Well because my wife likes them! 
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| Posted 6/20/2005 9:53:50 AM |
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Supreme Being
Last Login: 5/10/2004 1:37:34 AM
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| I guess there is also the element of legal risk involved with building an '89 to sell. Or is there? I know of several builder's and it wasn't at all difficult.
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