i mean, i believe we are as skilled as the thais on such a simple thing
Yan nga hintay ko eh... We have several plastic companies here in RP. In fact the injection mold plastic tubs in our washing machines and the plastic walls of our refrigerators are all proudly Philippine made!
Maybe Uratex or Orocan can start making and selling these. With over 4000 IMV units sold locally, that could be big business!
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I showed the photo to some fellow hard-core hobbyist/modellers and we all conclude that the splash guards aren't even injection molded.
They look like they're just vacu-formed polyethylene from PE sheets. If any tsikoteer gets to order one, we can have a wooden mold made and have these vacu-formed (there's one in novaliches and another in pasig). This is the cheapest route.
If you go by way of injection molding, the metal die (male+female) will be too costly.
So who's gonna place the order? (are we going to be violating any patents or copyrights? who cares)
I wonder if these mudguards will trap moisture? Also since it is a clip-on, how much force can it withstand given the condition of the roads in this country?
I showed the photo to some fellow hard-core hobbyist/modellers and we all conclude that the splash guards aren't even injection molded.
They look like they're just vacu-formed polyethylene from PE sheets. If any tsikoteer gets to order one, we can have a wooden mold made and have these vacu-formed (there's one in novaliches and another in pasig). This is the cheapest route.
If you go by way of injection molding, the metal die (male+female) will be too costly.
So who's gonna place the order? (are we going to be violating any patents or copyrights? who cares)
You can copy it. You don't plan to sell in Thailand, anyway. Besides, the Thai company doesn't have a patent here in RP. But, why copy when you can make it yourself?
When you say it's vacu-formed polyethylene, do you mean it's relatively easy to make? Why not just have your friends start from scratch? Look at actual IMV units and make cardboard models to pattern from. I'm telling you, this will be big money for your friends. Especially if you can price it just below the cost of the Thai covers (inclusive of shipping). It's the clips required for fastening the guards that will be the tricky part.
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. . . But, why copy when you can make it yourself?
When you say it's vacu-formed polyethylene, do you mean it's relatively easy to make? Why not just have your friends start from scratch? Look at actual IMV units and make cardboard models to pattern from. . . . . .
It's the clips required for fastening the guards that will be the tricky part.
By simply copying it, then we can be assured of a perfect fit. Vacu-forming needs a solid mold (not necessarily metal, wood is sufficient) from which to suck the sheet PE into, while being subjected to a little heat and slight pressure thus forming the part. Sure we can start from scratch, the wooden mold might only take a week to make.
Vacu-forming parts is a very easy process. All you need is a mold. Many serious hobbyist have their own vacu-forming kits at home using A4 size PE sheets.
From the link, the thais used PE (polyethylene), we can use the same material or from stronger polycarbonate sheets (for the off-roading Fortuner, but a bit more expensive than PE). Both these materials will not crack or break even under severe jarring or pelting by gravel. If you use polystyrene or fiberglass, then the severe jarring will cause the part to crack originating from the fastening point.
The clips/fasteners are the easy part - Gant Auto Shop (2742-D Taft Ave., Pasay, T:831-6932) has all the fasteners for Toyota - all sizes, lengths, and shapes (I'm sure some will fit perfectly). The front right wheel well has plenty fastening holes both on the upper wheel well metal and on the ladder frame.
I already stirred up the interest of my friends on fabricating this part. Also for them to make some money on the side. They used to make highly detailed 5-ft. scale models of actual ships for Japanese shipping companies. The 5-ft. ship hulls were all vacu-formed, thus this spalsh guard is technically doable by them.
@jaeger: That's great news! Do keep me posted. When your friends start production, I can help spread the word among IMV owners. Your friends can produce on a per order basis para 100% sold lagi ang gawa nila. They can even go to the dealers and offer the product. Lots of owners talaga are asking about the R/F wheel well guard.
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Wheel Well Guards for the Toyota IMVs!!!
Re: Wheel Well Guards for the Toyota IMVs!!!
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