Don't drive your pigs to that market.
I have several patents and have manufactured vacuum formed fence panels,
Styrofoam products, fabricated steel products and fiberglass products.
In every case the patents, tooling and warehousing was about 10% of the
marketing costs.
If you don't have deep pockets, just cut and run while you can.

Stan Wilder (Older and Wiser)

On Mon, 15 Apr 2002 06:05:47 -0700 J McCavitt <mccavittj@YAHOO.COM>
writes:
> Hello everyone,
>
>  It's been a while, but I'm still here, just been busy
>  getting the "fleet" ready for spring.
>
>  The first top is ready! I will be examining it this
>  week, to make sure all the thicknesses are correct at
>  critical points, and if no changes are needed, taking
>  it home for installation prep. The shop is a
>  well-respected fabricator out in Amityville, a family
>  business that's been there for decades. It's a fair
>  hike back to my garage, so I'll have to bungee the
> top
>  to the roof of the van... guess I'll have to install
>  the edge seal first!
>
>  I will probably get around to installation in early
>  May, barring workspace issues or financial woes. I
>  have recieved a price for quantity runs of the tops,
>  so I am FINALLY able to quote some realistic prices.
>
>  BASIC KIT: $1499
>  This is the one for Do-It-Yourselfers who have some
>  woodworking equipment or know a carpenter.
>  Kit components include:
>  - Fiberglass Pop Top shell> - Fiberglass van roof
> base
>  - Naugahyde Tent w/ 3 zippered & flapped screen
>  windows
>  - 2 side and 1 rear scissor arm sets
>  - Scissor arm tracks and rollers
>  - Lift assist springs
>  - Top Latches
>  - Fasteners and hardware
>  - Top weather strip (same as Westphalia)
>  - Detailed plans for installation
>  - Installation video( available after I complete my
>  van)
>  You will need to fabricate the inner frame of the
> top,
>  which is simply a ladder frame: 6 ribs and 2 sides. A
>  blueprint and detailed instructions will be included.
>  Simple construction, but you need a bandsaw to cut
> the
>  ribs in an arc that matches the curve of the Top
> roof.
>  Uses 1x2 Oak, or other hardwood. Plastic wood is also
>  a possibility, may be a bit heavier. A thin plywood
> or
>  paneling ceiling is covered in the headliner material
>  that you supply, and attached to the frame. The inner
>  frame is what the tent attaches to, as well as the
>  scissor arms, it really constitutes the roof of the
>  top, the outer shell is for weatherproofing and
>  aerodynamic fairing.
>
>  Complete Kit: $1899
>  This includes all of the components of the Basic Kit,
>  plus:
>  - All wood frame pieces, formed, pre-drilled,
>  ready-to-assemble.
>  - 1/8 Plywood ceiling, pre-drilled, covered in Light
>  Grey headliner. Other colors available, inquire.
>  - All fasteners and hardware to assemble frame.
>  - Interior Dome light
>  - Long drill bit for base installation
>  - Detailed assembly instructions
>
>  Ready-To-Install Kit: $2399
>  This kit has it all, and everything is assembled as
>  far as it can be before the cutout is made in the
>  roof.
>  All you need to do is make the hole in your roof,
>  screw in the base plate, then attach the outer shell
>  to the inner frame with the supplied "L" brackets.
>  Then go camping!
>  Of course, it's not THAT simple, but this kit
> requires
>  the least effort to put in.
>
>  These kits do require a large hole to be cut in the
>  roof of your Vanagon. It does not take out any
>  structural members, nor weaken the roof in any way,
> as
>  it utillizes the factory sunroof cutout.
>  Precise measurements are needed, and provided. If you
>  follow the instructions, it will work.
>  As such, it's still a major modification, if you have
>  any doubts about your ability to make that hole right
>  the first time ('Cause one shot's all you get!) have
> a
>  body shop or RV tech do the cuttin'. I take no
>  responsibility for anyone cutting their roof off at
>  the pillars.
>
>  Anyone interested in doing business as an installer,
>  contact me for quantity discounts!
>
>  All interested persons may contact me by:
>
>  - replying to this e-mail
>  - Phone (718) 930-9765 Monday-Thursday 8AM-3PM
>  - Fax (718)995-5194 Attn. Jerry McCavitt
>  - Mail
>  Jerry McCavitt
>  338 Oakford St.
>  West Hempstead, NY 11552
>
>  I am working on a website, details to follow.
>
>  Thanks to everyone for their interest, keep those
> vans
>  rolling!
>
>  Sincerely,
>
>  Jerry McCavitt
>  The Pop Top Project
>  '86 Syncro GL
>
> __________________________________________________
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> http://taxes.yahoo.com/
>

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