I also work in a fab/weld shop and you need to consider "all" the costs. Such as the programing of the laser cutting, then machine time(laser,brake), welding,grinding and then paint. From a production run point of view you'd have to produce quite a few pairs to make anything at this price!

Even tho you'll be welding/grinding and painting them youself you'd have to have them "fab" up a s*** load of them to stick to your price and profit margin.

So all that being said keep pluggin away with the equip. you have available to you. You're doing excellent work, keep it up!!!

Make and save "prints" of your parts and all the peices that go into making them for future reference. Every time you make something for your jeep, it's another product to your list.

Good luck

 

Don't forget about consumables.
Wire, gas, grinding disks, electricity,etc...
X2 on keeping prints/dims.
I have a stack in my tool box, and a couple note books (some where) full, of all my projects/designs. I have has to duplicate a couple items for some friends.

 

so heres the plan at this point.
i have purchased metal enough for 6 more sets.
this time with 1/4 in for the main plate.

because of the fact that i will be tacking them together on my frame ( to insure holes line up this time. )
i will be holding off on re welding the first 3 sets until i have the other 6 ready.

so with that said the 6 sets are being drilled i finished all my pilot holes today
and tmrw ill be finishing the 2nd pass thru and then final drilling at 9/16.

then on wednesday i will bring em into class and utilize the belt sander.
so i can knock of all the burrs from drilling and shearing.

then over the weekend i will hopefully be able to finish up the welding of everything. and then final step of painting and they will be ready.

soo estimate ready by may 10th at the latest.
maybe ready by end of weekend tho if things stay like there lookin right now.

the older 3 set made with all 3/16" will be sold for 90$ shipped and the newer 6 sets made with 1/4" main plate and 3/16" everywhere else will be 105$ shipped

 

As opposed to tacking them all on your frame which would be time consuming, why not try using a jig to hold all you pieces in place?

 

/\ /\
This for sure. jigs will make life so much easier and speed up production. Doesn't need to be complicated.

 

Are these coming with new hardware and everything? Powder coat or just paint?

 

Very true.
But having never made a jig..
I can't picture how really?


Basically I'd just be trying to make something that looks like my frame? Correct?

So I need to make something like the oem shackle box and weld a plate on the side with the holes in the same place as on my frame?
Am I correct?

Can you explain how you might make a jig?


And on the paint vs powdercoat.. I'm not entirely sure ill look into powdercoat costs but I was planning on a nice thick coat of Rustoleum paint

And for hardware I will supply a grade 8 bolt and nylock nut for relocating the shackles. For an extra 5$
You re-use you oem bolt in the oem shackle box
And for the other 3 holes which thread into your nut strips in ur frame you will have to supply your own equipment as I cannot know what thread pitch ur set up is and how long of bolts u need.

 

I really think you need to reconsider your price point.... for $120 somebody can buy a rough country kit, it will be laser cut and broke ( no weak points at the ends of the welds, no stress on the material because of the heat from welding) . They come powder coated and honestly look better, and seem to come with hardware.

I'm all for people starting things up in their garage and trying to really make something of it, but the reason most people fail at it is, because they fail to plan. You have to look at what you are offering compared to what is out there. Have you even tried to look into a laser cutter?

I'm really not trying to be a dick, just feel like you are over looking a lot of things.

 

I think all good business venture start out in the negative financially. Once things get ironed out and items are sold, you then get a good customer base. Referals help generate more business and so on. I know this from personal business practice. Good luck on your ventures man. I'm sure you can do it just watch your competition like B nichols stated. You definitely have the skills to fab.

 

I follow what your saying and idk I may end up needing to lower my price a bit..
But with that said even at 105 shipped that's 20% cheaper then competition because they add 10-20$ for shipping fees.

I am measuring and remeasuring.
And I'll be double checking all holes before selling
So at this point I'm going to try and keep my profits a bit higher.
Maybe when things kick up more I will be able to afford to have it laser cut

 

looking forward to seeing the updated finished product

 

Yes keep the ads off. If you want to start building and selling products become a vendor. Otherwise no more advertising your products or services.

 

well im working towards that but i figured i shouldnt be doing much on it yet seeing as there not ready for sale yet??

why can i not "advertise" or say that i plan on selling until im a vendor??
i dont mean to argue, just to understand

you guys do a great job running this site, and i dont wanna be a problem you have to deal with so i ask now.

 

I would take it to PMs. Keep the open forum clean.