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 1989 Batmobile Replica |
From: Chris
| Posted: 6/16/2005 5:51:09 PM
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1989 Batmobile Replica
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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From: Webmaster
| Posted: 6/16/2005 5:56:57 PM
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RE: 1989 Batmobile Replica
Above was originally posted by Chris on car.asp section. Thanks to Baneful for posting it here and notifying Chris. 
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From: Jack
| Posted: 6/17/2005 12:28:44 PM
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RE: 1989 Batmobile Replica
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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From: Kevin
| Posted: 6/17/2005 11:52:18 PM
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RE: 1989 Batmobile Replica
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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From: Jack
| Posted: 6/18/2005 2:15:48 AM
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RE: 1989 Batmobile Replica
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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From: Jack
| Posted: 6/20/2005 9:42:06 AM
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RE: 1989 Batmobile Replica
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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From: Tim
| Posted: 6/20/2005 9:53:50 AM
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RE: 1989 Batmobile Replica
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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