[Shotimes] A-pillar gauge pod for Gen1: We are accepting paid orders

[van Oss]

Could someone please cross-post this to SHOforum for me?

Joseph van Oss



----- Original Message -----
We have launch a project to develop an A-pillar gauge pod for the Gen1 Taurus.
This is an update on the project.  This is also an ACTION MESSAGE and I am
looking for timely responses.

--- Design:  This will be a 3-gauge pod, designed to hold three gauges.
Openings will be sized for 2-1/16" gauges.  Gauges themselves are not
included, only the pod housing.

--- Colors:  Pods will be available in black, titanium gray, and mocha tan to
match Gen1 interiors.  If your interior is some other color, you will want to
paint your pod yourself.  I suggest you check with a local auto-paint
supplier.  You might find a compatible spray paint, in a matte finish, among
the "designer" spray paints in home-improvement stores.

--- Cutting:  As you may know, in Gen1 Tauri, the stock trim runs from about
the bottom of the dash, up along the A pillar, back all the way to the coat
hook.  That is far too large for the vacuum-forming equipment of our
manufacturer.  So here's the deal:  Unlike the Gen2 pod that was developed a
few years back (which was a drop-in replacement for the A-pillar trim), our
Gen1 pod is going to require some cutting.  You will have to cut the stock
trim in two places (basically, at the top and bottom of the A-pillar) and
retain part of the stock trim.  The pod will overlap the retained portions of
the stock trim.  I'll circulate a drawing later.  Just want you to know that
this will be required.

--- Cost:  $60 delivered anywhere in the continental United States.  Contact
me for pricing elsewhere.

--- Timeline:  Once the manufacturer receives payment for at least 20 pods,
they will begin working with me to finalize the design.  Sometimes this takes
two or three tries, to make sure the pods are positioned so that the driver
can see all 3 gauges optimally.  After that, manufacturing and delivery can
take up to 90 days.  Painted pods will be shipped to everyone directly from
the manufacturer, most likely in March 2003.  Some of you may be concerned
about paying so far in advance.  All I can say is this:  It worked out fine
for the previous project to build a Gen2 SHO pod, in which I was a buyer.

--- RESPONSE REQUIRED:  At this point, the crucial factor is how fast all of
you can send in your information and payment.  The manufacturer will not start
the design process until they receive 20 paid orders.  So here is what I need
from you, as quickly as possible:

        --- Your full name and shipping address
        --- Number of pods you want, and color of each (black, gray, or tan)
        --- How you intend to pay, and when

        YOUR ORDER WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED UNTIL IT IS PAID.  Simply sending me
an email with your intentions is not enough.  It's time to pony up.

        You may pay in either of two ways:

                --- PayPal $62 to vanOss@centurytel.net  (higher amount covers
PayPal's fee) or

                --- Mail a postal money order or bank check for $60 to Joseph
van Oss, 2410 Glenwood Place, La Crosse WI 54601-2903.

Do not send a personal check unless you obtain consent from me beforehand.  I
reserve the right to return any personal check and cancel any order if the
payment is troublesome.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.  Remember that I am
a volunteer, stepping forward to coordinate this project at no profit to
myself.  All I'm getting out of this is a pod, for which I'll pay, just like
you.  I am not doing this as a business, so don't lay those expectations on
me.  However, those who know me from SHOtimes know that I will strive to
conduct this project in a professional manner.  You can help our success by
responding promptly and providing clear, complete information.  I reserve the
right to drop anyone who pays slow, doesn't respond quickly, or fails to
provide any information needed.

Once again, thank you for your interest.  I hope we can quickly and smoothly
get this project on the road.

Joseph van Oss