Amerisport Trunk Insert (tub)

quote:

Originally posted by Kirk Evans:

quote:

Originally posted by fourdoorbronko:
That looks great!
I wish my motor didn't sit back too far to be able to fit a stock dimension trunk.

Perrysburg?
I worked for Glasstech in Perrysburg, OH, small world.

Are you running a big block? I do have the ability to shorten the tub but it does not extend in front of the camber bar so it should fit any engine change.

What did Glasstech do?

427 FE Sideoiler.

Glasstech makes automotive and architectural glass furnaces and forming equipment.
Spent 8 months in Bulgaria installing 2 systems and then got layed off.
They did the small 1/4 glass production run for Ford's new GT at their plant.
Too small of a run for the regular glass companies to tool up for.

427 FE Sideoiler.

Is you car the un-squashed black one pictured with turbo wing? That was my very first part made in 1981---WOW---long time ago yesterday.

quote:

Originally posted by Kirk Evans:
427 FE Sideoiler.

Is you car the un-squashed black one pictured with turbo wing? That was my very first part made in 1981---WOW---long time ago yesterday.

Yep, had to sqwish it down to fit the avatar.
I'll have to dig through the documents I got with the car, I remember seeing a flyer on the wing from when the P/O was planning the build.

The latest shots of the new trunk insert mold construction. This shows the finished master plug ready for parting film and jell coat.

Here is the first and most critical fiberglass tooling coat. It is imperative to have this coat air free for a good mold.

This shows the new mold totally laid up ready for structure reinforcement work.

The finished mold ready to be pulled from the master plug. Many many many hours in this project---I hope to make the first part next week. Thanks for looking.

Kirk

Kirk,

If I did not have 180 headers I would got one. Great work just like all the stuff you make.

Kirk,

I'm delaying my tub rebuild. This is awesome.

I'm interested in the see thru section and a fit that can accommodate the Hall rear stiffners.

Is July delivery a real possibility?

Dave,

I will be building the first one with a clear bottom as soon as next week---pictures to follow. July is not a problem or even May. Thanks for asking.

Kirk

quote:

Originally posted by DEVIL:
Kirk,

If I did not have 180 headers I would got one. Great work just like all the stuff you make.

Thanks Mark---I appreciate your support.

I pulled the mold today and it looks great. This was one of the most difficult pull in the last 20 years---totally destroyed the master plug. The pictures is of the mold hanging from the engine stand just after removal. The very bottom reflection makes the surface look bad---it was still wet from the parting film water solvent.

Here is a shot of the new mold ready to make the first clear bottom test part. Note the orange tabs around the center flat are to make indents into the part for steal tabs with studs. This is to mount the scratch resistant Lexan lower floor--which will be protected by the upper cover if your hauling stuff.

Here is the first part made from the new trunk mold. Note the very top in the picture would be the false bottom---This first one is a molding test only to see if a clear floor is structurally possible.

Here is the first part placed in an early car. You can clearly see the frame rails and the bottom of the uprights through the hole. I'm happy with the overall stiffness and strength without the bottom and the Lexan will help with any twist issues.

That's it for now on this GOOD FRIDAY---HAPPY EASTER to all

Kirk

That's bloody awesome!!

Damn big box to send to Australia though!!

Here is the first new trunk insert with a clear bottom and back finished in black. The car is not detailed but it gives you a clear view of the components.

Same insert with the false floor installed. The would be the cover for the hidden under storage version---in this case it is used to protect the scratch resistance Lexan so you can use the remainder of the trunk area.

Here is the trunk with a folding full size bag and 2 folding chairs. Man size bag--enough for a week +++ Woman size bag--enough for an afternoon --- maybe???

Thanks for looking---production will start soon. Please let me know if your interested.

Looks great Kirk. I see two options here. One is the "window" version as per the last photo and the other would be the "pack-rat" version with the hidden drop box and cover.

Any target for the costs yet?

Mark

Kirk,

Sign me up to the interested camp - subject to some details.

As Mark said, "Any target for the costs yet?"

Cheers,

Bohdan

quote:

Originally posted by Mark Charlton:
Looks great Kirk. I see two options here. One is the "window" version as per the last photo and the other would be the "pack-rat" version with the hidden drop box and cover.

Any target for the costs yet?

Mark

Mark,

Most likely the "window version" will not be available except by special order. t was very time consuming to build making it very expensive.

I'll let you know when the production is ready and be able to price them after we make a few---don't know cost yet--sorry.

That trunk looks sweet. I'd prefer the pack-rat version, as I'm all about storage. But I must say the clear back/bottom version is an -excellent- way to showcase both the trunk -and- the engine bay. Absolutely brilliant design Kirk.

Asa Jay

Kirk,
Any thoughts on a version for cars that have the A/C up front?
Richard

Richard,

Yes I have thought about the front condenser issue and plan to build a flat back addition to the mold. The problem is this original master took more time to create than any other single part I've made to this point and I still have not came up with a price on the first design to see if it will sell more than 2 units paid for. I will have to see if the current design will sell before I commit to making any modifications---will keep you informed---if other front condenser cars have interest, please drop me a note. Thanks.

Kirk

Just for reference, here's someone's custom clear trunk tub to show off the shiny bits, courtesy of Chuck's 'for sale' page. Not really useful though as it would get all scratched up if you put anything in there. I like Kirk's solution.

Kirk,
I would be interested in a front condenser version, depending on cost of course.
Forest

OK----This is an official cry for help.

I have many many hours in this new design---more then any other single part I've ever built.

Normally, at this late date and potential limited sales, I figure Pantera parts development and tooling costs with a pay back of 10 to 20 parts sold.

It may not work in this case so if those of you who are interested in one of the trunks---in any configuration, contact me privately or off line at kre@adelphia.net with a number you think the trunk is salable/worth to you.

I'll review the numbers and hopefuly come to a price that everyone can appreciate.

The insert will be available in raw fiberglass, possibly finished covered in trunk lining material and possibly with a clear back only---all with or without the "pack rat" floor insert cover---but I will supply a pattern if you chose to cut your own. This will give many of you do it your self-er---like me---an easier on your wallet price.

Many of you have wanted a trunk insert that looks good, will fit the car without damaging finished wheel wells and that will hold enough stuff to actually make it worth installing.

Please volunteer your thoughts---thanks.

Kirk

Kirk,

Do you have any idea of the weight of the "raw" fibreglass trunk insert, "pak rat" cover included?

I'll put the weight on after i build a few units and get the lamination issues worked out. I would like to send several over seas at once to drop the shipping. What European country has the best import tax, maybe no VAT tax and low duties as a central ship point? Ideas?

Just when I thought, I would have to build up my own version of new trunk insert. I´m going to go and get my very first own Pantera in 11 days from now, and it´s not coming with a trunk insert (it´s coming with a Volvo´s fuel tank on top of the transmission, what do you say about that?). I have no idea, what would be the best place in Europe to send some of these, but I´m definitely interested in getting one of them to Finland. For me.

quote:

Originally posted by Kirk Evans:
I'll put the weight on after i build a few units and get the lamination issues worked out. I would like to send several over seas at once to drop the shipping. What European country has the best import tax, maybe no VAT tax and low duties as a central ship point? Ideas?

If you intend to drop shipping costs by shipping multiple at once to a single central address, I'm afraid that might become more expensive than shipping straight to buyers anyway. Shipping within Europe is pretty expensive (especially compared to shipping something that big within the US), so sending a single insert straight to for instance Finland, might be way cheaper than for instance multiple to for instance Paris first, and then one from Paris to Finland...

quote:

Shipping within Europe is pretty expensive

I can vouche for that. Nice product btw.

Is that so? So how much does it cost to send a piece of this size and weight inside US? There are containers going in between US and Finland all the time.

Hello everyone,

Here is the first production model we've built with 20 more currently under construction. I completed 2 other units for in house customers and in the process went through the glass pattern and lay-up process development for my production shop.

I'm going to offer a special price for the first 20 units sold---base price for a unit non covered with a floor lid cutting pattern will be 600.00 I will have a cut floor lid price and a complete unit covered with trunk liner material later next month. I know many of you like to save money by doing work yourself so this is why I'm offering the first run in basic form. If you would like to order the trunk complete, please let me know and I'll do my best to get you the finished price and delivery time. Do to my current shop work load, all of the construction and finish work for the new trunk is being subcontracted so I can not price the completed unit as of today's date.

Please contact me at kre@adelphia.net or through my http://www.amerisportindustries.com/ website

Thank you for looking.

Kirk

Here is a picture of the window version installed into a Alex's just finished GT5-S. He did a fantastic job on this car---I'll post some pictures and description on the car later.

A shot of the trunk tub installed and a false floor in place with matching lid inserts on the deck

Wow...nice job!

Thank you Tom---Are you ready to take the plunge??

If anyone is interested but has questions or additional requirements such as frame stiffener clearance modification or you want a complete ready to install unit, please drop me a note or call.

419-874-0505 Thanks---Kirk

Pictured is the new engine view window design for the false floor insert. I will be offering this style after the new rear bumpers are in production this month.