Custom Laser Etched Kickplates For All Skylines

[satanic]

Hi all,

This is a new thread started from the original e.o.i. from this thread:

http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/in...pic=109132&st=0

Overview:

Anyways, as some of you know or will know (after reading the above thread) - I am in the process of designing and making custom kickplate inserts for all the Skyline models. I have seen all the various shapes and sizes from the R32-R34 and can say that factory black kickplate looks a little bland. After seeing n15m0's thread, I took it upon myself and a few others to design something nice to dress this part up.

It's the first thing you see when you open the door to your car, might as well make it nice. Just open the door of say a BMW M3 and you'll know what I mean, makes it look that extra bit classy.

Product:

After giving it some thought and contacting a few suppliers both domestic and abroad we came up with the following:

* New kickplate "inserts" that will bolt onto the existing unit/s on all Skylines

* Made of scratch proof Titanium (coated using PVD process)

* Finished in Gold, Silver or Black (plating process)

* Light weight, durable and most of all aesthetically pleasing.

* Item that can be DIY installed with minimal fuss / skill

* Item that can be customized to the client (laser etching whatever they want)

Designing:

I took the kickplate off my R34GTT and measured it up using various items then transferred all the information I needed into a CAD drawing. Everything that needed to be measured for fabrication was done. Had a little trouble getting the "SKYLINE" text from the internet for use, so spent another 4 hours measuring that up as well.

End result was a detailed 2 page CAD drawing with enough information for my suppliers overseas to make me a prototype. The first prototype will be for my R34GTT and will be done using the Ti - Silver finish. Once I am confident that the design is flawless and requires no further change, other models will be measured up for fabrication.

Models to be Covered:

Skylines R32 to R34 (both 2 door and 4 door variants, GTST and GTR - depending on demand)

Stageas

Cefiros

* Just makes more sense to do Skylines first as I'll have access to my own kickplates

Costs:

To be addressed after final quotation and prototype has been sent back... but as a basic guideline using common sense:

* Basic price will include Silver plated plates for a 2 door using generic etching pattern

* Custom etching will attract a premium

* Gold plating will attract a premium

* 4 door variation will attract a premium

Requirements:

Obviously I'll need the kickplates from each model to do the initial measurements. I'll be contacting members with specific vehicles and ask to borrow their items. Or like Tangles has done, I'll be accepting offers items in exchange for the product measurement to be made up.

Another thing that is needed (which is now sorted) is the text/font to be used on the plates. Initially this won't be a problem but later on, with people wanting custom designs - this could become an issue.

Timeline and Progression:

11/03/06 - Idea is conceived by n15m0

16/03/06 - Concept taken onboard by myself as potential fabrication product

20/03/06 - R34GTT kickplate taken off for measurement

21/03/06 - R34GTT design sent to overseas supplier for quoting and prototype fabrication

23/03/06 - Cefiro added to the design list

[Primordial]

Good work Stan. I think you'll get HEAPS of interest in these. Thanks for taking to time to organise this!!

[satanic]

For those who don't know what the laser etching outcome will look like, here is a photo of an item I found on Google. Everyone must've seen this process on some product once before, it's actually a very popular process...

All it is, is a laser set to a certain frequency burning the top layer/s of the metal hence creating the difference in tone and texture as compared to the original material. Saying this, if someone was to provide me with a multi-layer image (say CF pattern) - etching such a thing would be no problems at all.

[n15m0]

Good work Stan...! Goes to show what a simple thread/idea can lead to

[RBLUV]

i am in on this definately..hopefully theres enough interest for the 32's.. KEEP ME POSTED

[heslo]

Definately can't wait for this!

[N1GTR]

Stan, got them off for you - remind me before dinner Thursday?

Ill prob forget otherwise

[dezz]

id probably be in on this depending on what they end up costing...

[AMS]

Sounds good Stan I'd be up for a Stagea set

[lordsnipe]

would they fit like factory ones do? like they click into place? or will these ones be different?

[satanic]

They are not a direct replacement for your existing kickplates... they are only metal plates that you integrate onto your existing items.

We've gone for an adhesive solution for now, but once the prototype returns we'll come to a final decision then. Maybe we'll have to opt for some type of screw or rivet to hold it in place properly.

Another idea thrown around was a "send us your kickplates, we'll install, then send back to you" option.... or even an exchange programme.

A lot of options here... have to wait till the prototype returns before any further decisions are made.

Being measured up this week, 32GTR and hopefully 34GTT 4 Door.

[Kaido_RR]

im very interested

i've got an r33 2dr

[satanic]

Can anyone confirm that the GTR kickplates are identical to the GTST kickplates across all three models?

If this is the case it will save me a lot of time

Pretty please somebody?

[dangerous_daveo]

Cefiros?

[satanic]

Oh yes... I forgot about them (sincerely sorry) - if someone is willing to send me some Cefiro plates, I will definitely get them done up as well

Sorry dangerous_daveo - no beef

[satanic]

First post edited to include Cefiros

[NathR32]

Great idea Stan, will be very interesting to see how these turn out.

I can check on friday night, whether or not R32 and R33 gts-t and gtr ones are the same if you want.

I'll be in for a set for an R32 GTS-t 2dr for sure.

[satanic]

That would be appreciated Nathan... that way it'll save me some time.

Cheers

S

[RBLUV]

how long we looking at for this?? weeks?? months?? does someone know if 32gtr kick plates are the same as gts-t?

[Primordial]

If you read the thread, it shows that we dont yet know if they are the same, but people are checking to see if they are...