Binnacles

[stevie67cars]

Not so much a custom or mod, but with all the hoo-ha that has been raging about binnacles lately, I thought I would post a few pics of new binnicales that I produced a couple of years back. I own a small bodyshop and there was no massive investment in these. They are made of fibreglass with gelcoat- they will not degrade, crack or fade in any way.

I began with a typically cracked binniacle, repaired it using a flexi filler for plastics, then refinished it using a coating which is exactly as the originals are.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/DSC07973-1.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/DSC07974-1.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/DSC07975-1.jpg

Then a good friend of mine who works with fibreglass helped me to make a mould which I used to produce 7-8 binnicales. The mould is still fine to re-use. These binnicales have the grain pattern moulded directly on the gelcoat. They are then dyed either black or grey. The black strip near the instrument lens is all part of the binnicale (1 piece).

Grain/texture:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/DSC00249.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/DSC00248.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/DSC00247.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/DSC00246.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/DSC00245.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/DSC00244.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/DSC00250.jpg

I did not make these to sell or make money on but just to prove it could be done. It is probably not a great method for mass production and is a bit labour intensive, but the results are excellent if you want a very strong binnacle that looks totally stock I will try to grab a few pics of the mould tomorrow.
Had I known the new binnicales would not be on sale by now, I may not have sat on this for so long! :)

Stephen
#10213

[stevedmc]

Had I known the new binnicales would not be on sale by now, I may not have sat on this for so long! :)

My guess is you would have a lot of customers. What sort of cost is involved in producing these?

[Mark D]

Wow, that looks beautiful. I'm assuming it is still going to be a while before the dmch reproductions are available, so if you have the means to make a few of these and put them up for sale I bet you would have some customers.

[stevedmc]

Wow, that looks beautiful. I'm assuming it is still going to be a while before the dmch reproductions are available, so if you have the means to make a few of these and put them up for sale I bet you would have some customers.

I bet he could get a pretty penny if he just made one and put it on ebay.

[robvanderveer]

Now here's the big question: How much does it cost?

I may want a black binnacle because mine is pretty cracked up and I don't want to have it recovered in vinyl. That, and shipment to Europe.

[tjd]

It looks fantastic, great work!

[Iznodmad]

That is amazing, never seen one come out that good before.

[stevedmc]

That is amazing, never seen one come out that good before.

I bet it is better than whatever DMCH is working on. Remember the dashes?

[stevie67cars]

Few pics of the mould we made- the binnicale I repaired was ruined in order to make this mould:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/DSC01077.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/DSC01079.jpg

Stephen

[sztybel]

I suspect your binnacle will come out at least 15 years before Houston's does.

[robvanderveer]

Few pics of the mould we made- the binnicale I repaired was ruined in order to make this mould:
Stephen
Don't worry about that. You've got a freaking mould! You can make hundreds of binnacles now!

[Grover]

Direct from Ireland :biggrin:

I again ask why this wasn't brought up / offered sooner. A lot of money could be made even with a limited run.

[Dracula]

I'd be willing to purchase a black one, that's for sure.

Kudos. Now THIS is a project that the community needs and is excited about.


I bet it is better than whatever DMCH is working on. Remember the dashes?

Ugh. Don't remind me. I'm very displeased with mine.

[mluder]

I'd be willing to purchase a black one, that's for sure.

Kudos. Now THIS is a project that the community needs and is excited about.



Ugh. Don't remind me. I'm very displeased with mine.

Hey, Chadd, what's wrong with your dash? I have one that came with the car when I purchased it but have yet to install... I was waiting for the binnacles to do both at once.

Steve

[Fluxat88MPH]

I would be interested in a black one.

[Dracula]

Hey, Chadd, what's wrong with your dash? I have one that came with the car when I purchased it but have yet to install... I was waiting for the binnacles to do both at once.

Steve

From the right angle, you can see where the studs are attached. They're also fairly flimsy, the studs break easily, and mine wobbles around, but I'm not going to tighten it down any further because they may break. In hindsight, I'd have filled it with foam to prevent it from vibrating when the speakers are used as well as using a few pads to keep it from wobbling.

[jawn101]

From the right angle, you can see where the studs are attached. They're also fairly flimsy, the studs break easily, and mine wobbles around, but I'm not going to tighten it down any further because they may break. In hindsight, I'd have filled it with foam to prevent it from vibrating when the speakers are used as well as using a few pads to keep it from wobbling.

When was your dash produced? Are the current ones like that or was yours an early run?

And, to avoid threadjacking, let me say that those fiberglass binnacles are amazing- they really really look dead on original and amazing! Definitely should go into production with them!

[r00b]

When was your dash produced? Are the current ones like that or was yours an early run?


All the DMCH reproductions are like that, they are also painted.

That binnacle looks great! I've seen pictures of a fiberglass dash covered in vinyl, looked original.

[SoCalDMC12]

The finished product looks really great! Any way you could post some close-ups of the texture, as well as the transition between the gray and the black areas?

[stevie67cars]

Hi guys,

I recently sold my last binnical to a friend on here- he is collecting it at Christmas. I never set out to sell these as they are a bit labour intensive to make, but the results are excellent with a sturdy well fitting binnical which wont crack in the sun.
Anyway, I was with my fibreglass guy today and I am going to offer a small run of them after Christmas for anyone who's interested. I will be setting aside some time from my normal work (I have a small but busy bodyshop) to do these so it will be a limited run.
I will post some more detailed pictures of the binnicals over the holidays (there are some on page 1 of this thread) but in the meantime, here are a couple of pictures of one of the fibreglass binnicals fitted to a car I restored a couple of years ago:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/Mervyns%20DeLorean/DSC00301.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/Mervyns%20DeLorean/DSC00301.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/Mervyns%20DeLorean/DSC00302.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/Mervyns%20DeLorean/DSC00302.jpg.html)

I realise these are not the best pics, but they are all I have to hand right now. Can't believe so much time has passed since I started this thread!

Anyways, is anyone interested in one? Please reply to this thread if you are, stating which colour you would prefer. Pricewise, when I see how many are interested I will be able to work out a price for you- I dont expect them to be crazy expensive and I will try to price them fairly, but as I said, they are a bit labour intensive but the end result is worth it imo.

As I am in Ireland I know shipping to the US can be problematic but I am looking into the best solution to that at the minute- shipping will be exactly what it costs me. Being fibreglass, they are a whole lot lighter than the originals so shipping might not be too bad.

Talk soon :smile:,

Stephen
#10213

[rdarlington]

Stephen, the interior of that car is amazing. Nice work!

-Bob

[BABIS]

I would be very interested in one in gray. plus I'm in Europe so it won't be a difficult shipping ;)

[DavidProehl]

I am also very interested pending pricing and shipping information. I would need one in gray.

Now that you have had one of these installed for a couple years, have you seen any issues such as color fading? Your pictures look amazing. So much nicer than the leather wrapped binnacles currently available.

[DeLorean03]

Yep - I'm 100% interested. Been holding out multiple years waiting for the repros. If you have this kind of solution, I am ready to commit. 1 in grey please as long as it doesn't break the bank.

[Patrick C]

Anyways, is anyone interested in one? Please reply to this thread if you are, stating which colour you would prefer. Pricewise, when I see how many are interested I will be able to work out a price for you- I dont expect them to be crazy expensive and I will try to price them fairly, but as I said, they are a bit labour intensive but the end result is worth it imo.

As I am in Ireland I know shipping to the US can be problematic but I am looking into the best solution to that at the minute- shipping will be exactly what it costs me. Being fibreglass, they are a whole lot lighter than the originals so shipping might not be too bad.

Talk soon :smile:,

Stephen
#10213
I am interested in a black one.

[peterpaul]

hi, I am very interessed in a grey one

[Rich W]

Hi Stephen,

The binnacle looks great. Depending upon price, I may be interested in a few of them (maybe a couple black and a couple gray).

Any close-up photos would be great to see, but no rush ... whenever it fits into your schedule, before or after the holidays.

Thanks,
Rich W.

[Delorean02378]

I'm in for at least one depending on price.

[Bruce Johnson]

I'd be interested in black

[gulwng3]

I'd buy one in gray.

Andy

[RammJaeger]

I'm interested in one in black please.

[Bikercmbc]

depending on price, I would be interested in a grey one also.

[Mark D]

I'm also interested in a grey one :smile:

[Jason]

Interested in a black one.

Thanks.

[dmcnorway]

I'm interested in a couple of black and grey ones!

Stian Birkeland
Norway

[Lou and "Boo"]

Depending on price I am interested in a grey one. I am trying to bondo/ plasti-coat mine with little success, the damn foam keeps breaking off!

[yuiou]

Interested in a black one.

[anywhen]

I need a gray one.

[darylfelsberg]

I'm interested in a black one. Thanks.

[Rich_NYS]

I'll likely be interested in a gray one and will look forward to more details on pricing & shipping.

[Tomcio]

O, oh... seems like you're in trouble now ;) So many interested...
OK, so let's add to the fun!
Depending on your price I might need 6 of those! 3 black and 3 gray. I have 6 cars and they all need new interiors.
I'm in Europe so shipping should be easier and cheaper.

Keep us updated!

[Dangermouse]

Just go ahead and make 6500 of them and you'll be covered :)

[Mark D]

Hopefully this level of demand isn't overwhelming...:nervous:

[kenny]

I have seen one of these fibreglass binnacles a few yrs ago and they look fantastic. Stevie's work is top notch

[sdg3205]

My question is:

Is there any loss in terms of textile aesthetics? I like how the OEM binnacles were kind of soft.

[jackb]

Yep - I'm 100% interested. Been holding out multiple years waiting for the repros. If you have this kind of solution, I am ready to commit. 1 in grey please as long as it doesn't break the bank.
Ditto. In for a grey one.

[r00b]

Black one for me.

[bastien-fma]

i am very interested for a black ! :partyhat:
I am in Europe too

[Bvvarf]

Hi, a grey one for me !

[skill]

Need 1 grey binnacle. Thanks! B

[GS450-Junkie]

Black please.....

[banzai]

I sure would be interested in a gray one.
thanks, Banzai

[OverlandMan]

Put me down for a grey one.

[mluder]

I'm in for a grey one as well.

Cheers
Steven

[DMC5180]

Hey Stephen,

Just want to jump in and say, IDON'T need one. That should lighten your load just a bit. :biggrin:

Your small run just turned into at least 50 units.

[jawn101]

Start making dashboards and glove box lids to match and I'll take one of each! :)

[stevie67cars]

Wow! That escalated quickly lol! Looks like I will be busy after the holidays! Like I said, I will get some more pics up over the next week or so and answer some of the more specific questions in the thread then. I will meet up with my fibreglass guy and let him know the numbers we are talking and work out the best possible price.
I am confident that I can make them at a reasonable cost- I just really hope shipping is not going to be a killer.
Thanks guys for all of your interest- Happy Christmas to you all! :smile:

Stephen
#10213

[dmcnorway]

Wow! That escalated quickly lol! Looks like I will be busy after the holidays! Like I said, I will get some more pics up over the next week or so and answer some of the more specific questions in the thread then. I will meet up with my fibreglass guy and let him know the numbers we are talking and work out the best possible price.
I am confident that I can make them at a reasonable cost- I just really hope shipping is not going to be a killer.
Thanks guys for all of your interest- Happy Christmas to you all! :smile:

Stephen
#10213

I'm pretty confident that you could easy do a run of at least 100 binnacles!


Stian Birkeland
Norway

[DeLorean03]

I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am that you've stepped up and considered doing this for the community. We have been waiting a good while now for replacements. The more of us that commit to you with orders, the cheaper the final price can be I'm sure!

I really hope this comes into fruition.

[matt_ca]

I would take a grey one

[Delorean02378]

Wow! That escalated quickly lol! Looks like I will be busy after the holidays! Like I said, I will get some more pics up over the next week or so and answer some of the more specific questions in the thread then. I will meet up with my fibreglass guy and let him know the numbers we are talking and work out the best possible price.
I am confident that I can make them at a reasonable cost- I just really hope shipping is not going to be a killer.
Thanks guys for all of your interest- Happy Christmas to you all! :smile:

Stephen
#10213

I think if people in the US can find a business address to ship to, the shipping cost won't be so bad. Depending on the price of the binnacle, I'm ready when you are.

[refugeefromcalif]

My binnacle is in nice shape but, (Depending on price), It might be a good idea for me to order a grey one as a spare.

George

[lindbergh]

I'd be interested in a grey one.

[Lightning]

I need a grey one, let's see what the price is.

any suggestions by anyone for a proper dash and glove box cover? Mine are cracked all the way through.

[Delorean02378]

Any update on this thread regarding price? We're anxiously waiting.

[anywhen]

The cracked binnacle is the worst feature of my car. If I had a new one, I would probably drive my D more and make it my RATT car. (Ride All The Time) I have been waiting for half a decade for a factory looking binnacle. Hope you can get this into production soon.

[Lou and "Boo"]

We are all anxiously awaiting the details.

[RammJaeger]

Stevie97cars, you've prodded the hornets nest, care to update us? I'm beginning to feel like we're now going to be waiting for binnacles from two sources for months and years... :)

[stevie67cars]

Hi Guys,

Really sorry for the delay and thanks for your patience so far. Things have been mad hectic since Christmas in the bodyshop so I haven't been able to get a lot done on this front. Unfortunately the normal work gets priority as it pays the bills but I promise I will make progress on this early next week for everyone and will post detailed pics, postage costs etc. I have a couple of weeks set aside in February to get this all wrapped up, so anyone who still wants a binnical will have it by the end of February- this wont drag on.

Thanks again for your patience and please bear with me til early next week.

Stephen
#10213

[dmc10447]

Hi Steve,
Put my name down for a black Binnacle.
I can collect it off you in March!
Talk soon,
Conor

[Rich_NYS]

Still interested in a gray one.

[OverlandMan]

Hi Guys,

Really sorry for the delay and thanks for your patience so far. Things have been mad hectic since Christmas in the bodyshop so I haven't been able to get a lot done on this front. Unfortunately the normal work gets priority as it pays the bills but I promise I will make progress on this early next week for everyone and will post detailed pics, postage costs etc. I have a couple of weeks set aside in February to get this all wrapped up, so anyone who still wants a binnical will have it by the end of February- this wont drag on.

Thanks again for your patience and please bear with me til early next week.

Stephen
#10213

Do you have details on the cost yet?

[GS450-Junkie]

I don't care how much shipping is to the US...I will pay it. I will gladly pay $150 to ship a binnacle that is AMAZING and in my hands. Still wanting a BLACK one please. :biggrin:

[OverlandMan]

I don't care how much shipping is to the US...I will pay it. I will gladly pay $150 to ship a binnacle that is AMAZING and in my hands. Still wanting a BLACK one please. :biggrin:

Is $150 the cost (less shipping)??

[GS450-Junkie]

no.... I'm just saying even if shipping cost $150 I wouldn't care.

[DeLorean03]

We're all seriously looking forward to this, 67cars. If you're able to deliver, you will easily be a revered saint in our community at this point. We have been waiting years - literal years (somewhere in the 5-7 range) - for a solution to this problem.

Don't worry, you've got a lot of people seriously ready to commit to buying one or multiple binnacles. Just don't shoot yourself in the face and price these things at $1000+ or some insane price.

[jawn101]

Agreed - I have a flawless original black binnacle (possibly one of the only ones out there? :)) And I'd still buy one of these (though I'd leave the early stock for those who really need them!) just to have on hand for when mine DOES decide to crack open.

[StainlessBullet]

I would be interested in a gray one (depending on price)

[dmcnorway]

Seeing how well-made the glassfibre binnacles are...

Could the same process be used for restoring old, original and cracked dashboards as well?

Stian Birkeland
Norway

[GS450-Junkie]

Seeing how well-made the glassfibre binnacles are...

Could the same process be used for restoring old, original and cracked dashboards as well?

Stian Birkeland
Norway

Or...center console pads??

[dmcnorway]

Or...center console pads??

I'll second that. If binnacles can be made using this process, please consider doing a run of dashboards and centre console pads as well!

Stian Birkeland
Norway

[DeLorean937]

I'll be interested in a black one as well!!

[stevie67cars]

Hello guys, thanks for your patience on this.

I am going to be placing an order on Monday with my fibreglass guy having spoke to him last week about the number of binnicals required. The cost of the binnicals will be £200 which is around $320-330 at current exchange rates. Shipping will be exactly what it costs me and a receipt to prove shipping cost will be provided - I did try an online quote from these guys: http://www.parcel2go.com/ It was coming in around £64 stg to ship to an address in Yonkers NY so that will give some indication of cost. I will be posting one to Boston on Saturday so I will try the post office and let you know how much it is when I have sent it. Anyone is welcome to organise collection of the binnicals themselves if they like- I am in County Armagh, Ireland.
I am open to suggestions if anyone has any idea as to how to organise cheaper shipping.

The binnicals themselves- As I explained earlier in the thread, they are made from fibreglass and are lighter in weight to the original binnicals, this is not that they are of poorer quality, it's just a lighter material but extremely strong. My fibreglass guy assures me that there will be no issues with heat or the sun cracking them, but obviously as I live in Ireland, I have no way of checking this with our lovely climate! I will say that the one that is fitted to the car I restored earlier in the thread has seen absolutely no issues and has been on the show scene all summer when we did have a extended 'heatwave' by our standards, temperatures reached the giddy heights of 28-30 degrees celcius or 80-86 degrees fahrenheit roughly.

When I recieve the binnicals back from being moulded, any mould lines are removed, then it is coated with a texture that is exactly like the original one.
If they are black, this is the finished coat. If they are grey, they are treated with a vinyl dye that I had matched to a NOS vinyl door card in the UK 6 years ago. I have restored my own and other Deloreans interiors with this dye and it is a high quality product- this is not a rattle can application, it is sprayed on in my bodyshop. My own dash and binnical look as good as the day they were done 6 years ago. As grey interiors colour vary immensely, I can only guarantee that my colour matches the original ICI vinyl used in the cars perfectly.
The surface of the binnical is not 'soft' like the original, it has a hard feel to it.

I do realise that the exchange rate is a bit crap for you guys at the minute and that the shipping is a bit of a killer but unfortunately that's beyond my control. As I said, I will be posting one on Saturday, so will talk to them in the Post Office to see if I can arrange some sort of special deal but i wouldn't hold my breath.
These binnicals are labour intensive to make perfectly, they are not just coming off an assembly line and I am not making a lot of money on them. I never set out or intended to use this as a money making exercise, but if I am working on these for a few weeks then I am not making money at my day job and have to charge accordingly. I think people will be very happy with the quality of the product.

I will take some detailed pics of the one I am posting before I send it, I want to borrow a digital camera for the pictures, my cameraphone doesn't do it justice.

If anyone is still interested, I will probably take a deposit to secure production with the balance payable when they are ready to ship. I want to have them all done and sent before the end of February. Paypal probably works best for me if that's ok.

If you are interested, please let me know in this thread or by pm.

All the best,

Stephen
#10213

[stevie67cars]

Oh, and on the centre armrest pad and dashes, anything is possible and I cant see why it wouldn't be feasable, but I will try to get these binnicals done first! :)

Stephen
#10213

[OverlandMan]

Hello guys, thanks for your patience on this.

I am going to be placing an order on Monday with my fibreglass guy having spoke to him last week about the number of binnicals required. The cost of the binnicals will be £200 which is around $320-330 at current exchange rates. Shipping will be exactly what it costs me and a receipt to prove shipping cost will be provided - I did try an online quote from these guys: http://www.parcel2go.com/ It was coming in around £64 stg to ship to an address in Yonkers NY so that will give some indication of cost. I will be posting one to Boston on Saturday so I will try the post office and let you know how much it is when I have sent it. Anyone is welcome to organise collection of the binnicals themselves if they like- I am in County Armagh, Ireland.
I am open to suggestions if anyone has any idea as to how to organise cheaper shipping.

The binnicals themselves- As I explained earlier in the thread, they are made from fibreglass and are lighter in weight to the original binnicals, this is not that they are of poorer quality, it's just a lighter material but extremely strong. My fibreglass guy assures me that there will be no issues with heat or the sun cracking them, but obviously as I live in Ireland, I have no way of checking this with our lovely climate! I will say that the one that is fitted to the car I restored earlier in the thread has seen absolutely no issues and has been on the show scene all summer when we did have a extended 'heatwave' by our standards, temperatures reached the giddy heights of 28-30 degrees celcius or 80-86 degrees fahrenheit roughly.

When I recieve the binnicals back from being moulded, any mould lines are removed, then it is coated with a texture that is exactly like the original one.
If they are black, this is the finished coat. If they are grey, they are treated with a vinyl dye that I had matched to a NOS vinyl door card in the UK 6 years ago. I have restored my own and other Deloreans interiors with this dye and it is a high quality product- this is not a rattle can application, it is sprayed on in my bodyshop. My own dash and binnical look as good as the day they were done 6 years ago. As grey interiors colour vary immensely, I can only guarantee that my colour matches the original ICI vinyl used in the cars perfectly.
The surface of the binnical is not 'soft' like the original, it has a hard feel to it.

I do realise that the exchange rate is a bit crap for you guys at the minute and that the shipping is a bit of a killer but unfortunately that's beyond my control. As I said, I will be posting one on Saturday, so will talk to them in the Post Office to see if I can arrange some sort of special deal but i wouldn't hold my breath.
These binnicals are labour intensive to make perfectly, they are not just coming off an assembly line and I am not making a lot of money on them. I never set out or intended to use this as a money making exercise, but if I am working on these for a few weeks then I am not making money at my day job and have to charge accordingly. I think people will be very happy with the quality of the product.

I will take some detailed pics of the one I am posting before I send it, I want to borrow a digital camera for the pictures, my cameraphone doesn't do it justice.

If anyone is still interested, I will probably take a deposit to secure production with the balance payable when they are ready to ship. I want to have them all done and sent before the end of February. Paypal probably works best for me if that's ok.

If you are interested, please let me know in this thread or by pm.

All the best,

Stephen
#10213

Thanks for the update Stephen. Can you post the pictures of the binnacle here on this thread? Preferably a black and grey one in high resolution.

[stevie67cars]

Thanks for the update Stephen. Can you post the pictures of the binnacle here on this thread? Preferably a black and grey one in high resolution.

Hi Jeff,

Yep, will post the pictures here. That's why I want to wait for a good quality camera!

Stephen
#10213

[DeLorean03]

Just let me know the deposit amount you need. As long as everything goes well on Thursday, I'll be ready to commit to this on Friday.

[Dangermouse]

Stephen,

do you know how much one binnacle would weigh?

Postal charges are partially based on weight but they usually have a standard base charge. Not sure how the Royal Mail views it.

It may be worth a group of guys in a geographic area clubbing together and getting several sent together

[mluder]

I'm still interested and am considering ordering but have a bit of concern after having just visited the Houston DMC shop and inspecting their attempts at reproducing binnacles.

As you may or may not know, the original binnacle is a metal frame with hardened foam over it and finally a vinyl finish. The various materials and their dissimilar rated of expansion and contraction is what causes the splitting. The issues Houston has been having with their repros is sagging due to heat. As the new binnacles so not have the metal frame and foam for support the binnacles are easily deformed when they get hot.

Now this being said it is no way indicative of the end result of the process Stephen is using to reproduce his binnacles. I don't know exactly what Houston's process, material, or even final thickness is or how it relates to Stephen's process in Ireland although he himself admits that they have not undergone extensive heat testing due to his local climate.

To clear up any concerns perhaps Stephen can provide some more detailed pictures of the inside of his binnacles and information on the finished thickness.

Finally, I understand Houston has come up with a potential solution to the sagging in their repros... They were advised by someone in the auto industry (major American manufacturer) who has also run into similar problems with their production cars. The suggested fix is to install a rigid foam wedge between the instrument frame and binnacle to support the top surface. We'll see if this plays out.

Cheers
Steven

[stevie67cars]

I'm still interested and am considering ordering but have a bit of concern after having just visited the Houston DMC shop and inspecting their attempts at reproducing binnacles.

As you may or may not know, the original binnacle is a metal frame with hardened foam over it and finally a vinyl finish. The various materials and their dissimilar rated of expansion and contraction is what causes the splitting. The issues Houston has been having with their repros is sagging due to heat. As the new binnacles so not have the metal frame and foam for support the binnacles are easily deformed when they get hot.

Now this being said it is no way indicative of the end result of the process Stephen is using to reproduce his binnacles. I don't know exactly what Houston's process, material, or even final thickness is or how it relates to Stephen's process in Ireland although he himself admits that they have not undergone extensive heat testing due to his local climate.

To clear up any concerns perhaps Stephen can provide some more detailed pictures of the inside of his binnacles and information on the finished thickness.

Finally, I understand Houston has come up with a potential solution to the sagging in their repros... They were advised by someone in the auto industry (major American manufacturer) who has also run into similar problems with their production cars. The suggested fix is to install a rigid foam wedge between the instrument frame and binnacle to support the top surface. We'll see if this plays out.

Cheers
Steven

Hi Steven,

Thanks for your reply and the concerns you have raised. You are right in saying that I have not undergone extensive heat testing on these binnicals. I can only go on what my fibreglass guy is telling me and he assures me that there will be no issues with them sagging or warping in the heat. He is one of the best in his field and has over 40 years experience in making bodykits, bumpers, excavator roofs, tractor roofs and various other automotive products from fibreglass. I know that a lot of the tractor and excavator roofs that he makes are for export to warmer climes so I personally trust him when he tells me there will be no issue. He knows what he is talking about when it comes to fibreglass much more than i do!
When I get my friends Nikkon camera I will post loads of pics from various angles and let you guys make up your own minds. The 10 or so that I have had made are very strong but I will raise your concerns with him when I am giving giving him my order and ask him for further assurances and details on the ply and specifications and if he thinks it necessary for extra security I can specify them even thicker. I hope this helps!

Edit: Just remembered, the last time I was with my fibreglass guy, he was making blades for a wind turbine for a major electricity company here, so I would say they would have to be pretty strong and it would be imperative from a safety point of view that they would be structurally sound in all sorts of temperatures.

Stephen

[mluder]

Hi Steven,

Thanks for your reply and the concerns you have raised. You are right in saying that I have not undergone extensive heat testing on these binnicals. I can only go on what my fibreglass guy is telling me and he assures me that there will be no issues with them sagging or warping in the heat. He is one of the best in his field and has over 40 years experience in making bodykits, bumpers, excavator roofs, tractor roofs and various other automotive products from fibreglass. I know that a lot of the tractor and excavator roofs that he makes are for export to warmer climes so I personally trust him when he tells me there will be no issue. He knows what he is talking about when it comes to fibreglass much more than i do!
When I get my friends Nikkon camera I will post loads of pics from various angles and let you guys make up your own minds. The 10 or so that I have had made are very strong but I will raise your concerns with him when I am giving giving him my order and ask him for further assurances and details on the ply and specifications and if he thinks it necessary for extra security I can specify them even thicker. I hope this helps!

Edit: Just remembered, the last time I was with my fibreglass guy, he was making blades for a wind turbine for a major electricity company here, so I would say they would have to be pretty strong and it would be imperative from a safety point of view that they would be structurally sound in all sorts of temperatures.

Stephen

Thanks for your response, Stephen. As of this point I'm still in for one in grey.

Cheers
Steven

[Jimmyvonviggle]

Hi Stephen, I am not sure if you are going to DCS 2014 but if you can organize something where these would be available for purchase at the show that would save a lot in shipping, since people are coming from all over. And if not maybe you can organize with someone who will be at the show.

[Rich_NYS]

Hi Stephen, I am not sure if you are going to DCS 2014 but if you can organize something where these would be available for purchase at the show that would save a lot in shipping, since people are coming from all over. And if not maybe you can organize with someone who will be at the show.

Great idea. :thumbup:

[gulwng3]

...or we just all chip in $50 each and fly Stephen to Dayton (provided he brings all the binnacles with him). Last count was at least 30 binnacles, which should be enough for his airfare. Is there such a thing as a "binnacle mule"? :histerical1:

Andy

[stevie67cars]

Ok,

Finally got a chance to take and upload some pics. This is the last of the 'Prototype' binnicals and as such there are some minor flaws which will not be in the production run. This binnical will not be offered for sale.
The binnical is made in a 2 part mould and there is a minor mould line which has to be sanded out before it is refinished in the correct texture. This one was finished in black, I took some photos and then dyed it grey.
It was raining heavily when I finished the black, so thse pictures are taken inside, some with flash and some without. The flash and inside photography doesn't really do them justice, it over accentuates the grain etc. When I refinished the grey, again pictures are taken inside with and without flash but then it faired up so some pictures are in daylight. Whatever it is, the grey really does not photograph well (or I don't know how to work the camera). The grey in person is a perfect match to original non sun damaged interiors and looks great.

To address some issues raised, I phoned the fibreglass man who ran these for me and expressed some of the concerns regarding possible heat damage and warping. He assured me again that this shouldn't be an issue, but to put peoples mind at ease and in a sort of belt and braces approach, we agreed to make the production run of binnacles a bit thicker, give them an extra layer of glass. He is also going to use a high temperature resistant resin in the manufacture instead of regular resin. He put it to me that there are lots of racing cars etc with fibreglass hoods with no problems. I can only go on what I am told, but personally I can't see a problem. It would be different if they were regular plastic.

To all those who have ordered via pm and paid their deposits, thank you. I will be placing my order either Saturday or Monday so if anyone else wants one drop me a message. I doubt I will be doing anymore after that, it's just too time consuming and probably not the right way to go about mass production, but the results are excellent imo.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310126.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310126.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310125.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310125.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310123.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310123.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310121.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310121.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310119.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310119.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310118.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310118.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310105.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310105.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310101.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310101.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310098.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310098.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310093.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310093.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310092.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310092.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310096.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310096.jpg.html)

http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/slideshow/Mervyns%20DeLorean


Edit: The first 2 photos show the problem of photographing these. The grey looks right in the first pic, but completly wrong in the second pic! It is more like the first pic in reality.

Stephen

[Mark D]

Looks great! PM sent.

[Rich_NYS]

I'll be re-dyeing my interior using SEM Acura Charcoal gray 17333, will the grey binnacle match? Alternately, if I needed to match, I can probably use the same product on the fiberglass, right?

I'll PM you as well.

[OverlandMan]

Yep - PM sent here as well

[mluder]

Alright... I'm in!
PM sent.

Cheers
Steven

[Patrick C]

Looks great! Can't wait to receive mine!

[dmcjohn]

Looks great Stevie, looking forward to getting mine too! Well done.

[Mark D]

I keep thinking that right now the guys at DMCH who worked on (and failed at) reproducing their own binnacles are either:

1. breathing a sigh of relief to have this monkey off their back

2. kicking eachother in the nuts for the missed opportunity

:biggrin:

[DeLorean03]

PM sent.

[dmcnorway]

I keep thinking that right now the guys at DMCH who worked on (and failed at) reproducing their own binnacles are either:

1. breathing a sigh of relief to have this monkey off their back

2. kicking eachother in the nuts for the missed opportunity

:biggrin:


Well, the way I see - we're in this together!

Ok, so DMC Houston has spent a lot of time on this, and probably has spend money already on development of the binnacles, but again, they have re-produced many good parts, and one part that surely must cost a lot of $$$ is for example the steering rack. I don't think anyone should feel any "joy" because DMC Houston now "misses" the opportunity on the binnacles. They have the world's largest supply of DeLorean parts and have good customer service. We need them, they need us.

What I would like to see more of though, is a co-operation of DMC Houston and DMC enthusiasts who obviously know their stuff. That way, we can get more reproductions out in the market much sooner than if we had to rely on only one supplier. In this case you have the new binnacles from Ireland, David McKeen has all the updated electronic gizmos you can think of really - tested and proven. Late Cliff Schmucker, wasn't he the one that brought us the newly made upper and lower steering canopy?

Of course DMC Houston should buy bulk of the new glassfibre binnacles for resale, and rather spend the money (that was to be used on developing new binnacles) on other parts that cry for reproduction. I have the feeling that some of the parts are steadily becoming obsolete now, one example is the inside panels covering the rear speakers. We as owners need to secure a steady stream of parts for our unique cars, otherwise not only parts will be obsolete, but also the cars eventually... Let's stay together!

Stian Birkeland
Norway

[Jimmyvonviggle]

One thing I find amazing with DeLorean owners is the amount of people with some impressive skills. From fabrication, electronics or just artistic ability. I wonder how many other car brands attract this diversity of people, or is it people in the car hobby in general.

[GS450-Junkie]

I keep thinking that right now the guys at DMCH who worked on (and failed at) reproducing their own binnacles are either:

1. breathing a sigh of relief to have this monkey off their back

2. kicking eachother in the nuts for the missed opportunity

:biggrin:

On the other hand.... I'm glad DMCH has taken the approach that they have. Everyone is screaming for binnacles, and yes they have had some problems.... but I'm happy they are EXTENSIVELY testing their products before releasing them to the public. Do you realize the consequences of releasing an inferior product to the DMC community if they just threw it on the market without extensive heat and sun tests, etc.?? They don't reproduce something to necessarily just make money on it...they also do it to fill a huge void in the parts world for these cars. Yeah, I'm sure they benefit from it in the end too, but they should. And at this point, it's probably more out of stubbornness because they won't let it beat them until it's figured out. I'm willing to bet if they would chime in and tell you how much time and money they have invested in binnacle reproduction you would be shocked. I seem to remember discussing this with Stephen at the DMCMW open house a few years back and it was something crazy like $50,000-$100,000 already invested in binnacle production AT THAT TIME. That won't include costs incurred in the past few years. Even if they come out this summer....they'll never make that back, not in a million years. How many will they sell? A couple hundred? At likely $200-300 each?

They didn't want fiberglass, they wanted something more original. A ton of owners would want something more original. And fiberglass is fine...don't get me wrong. It's a fantastic option, and many of us are taking advantage of it at this time. But it doesn't work for them. Back to the testing on their part... If they threw parts together just to beat the next vendor nobody would take them or their parts seriously. How would I know if it's worth buying if most or even some of their repro stuff was absolutely horrible? If you disagree with me on this...check around on Talk and do a new dashboard discussion search. Everyone wanted one...then screamed FOUL ! Flimsy ! CHEAP ! DISAPPOINTMENT ! Would you want the same in a binnacle? I wouldn't. What would be the point? Maybe the new dashboard has driven them to better and more thorough testing on other projects...aka longer wait times. Obviously if they are not out yet, they are having problems. Must be warping issues, etc.

I wasn't going to say anything, because it's not my business and it's also the wrong thread but I have heard of a new 3 pc. design coming as of 2014. Coming out in 2014? Going into planning as of 2014? Not sure. Doesn't matter to me. I didn't pry...it is what it is. I'm thinking the 2013 must have not worked out for them...but I'm sure it'll all get figured out in the end. There is no "Binnacle Watch 2014" or some other giant clicker on the website or national news acting as a countdown for an unveiling...so honestly I don't care about DMCH binnacles. I was hopeful...many years ago like most of you. I'm not spending much time waiting and wondering anymore. It's kinda like Christmas as a kid. If you just stay busy and not worry about it...it seems to get here faster. :) And who knows...maybe these fiberglass binnacles will be all I ever need to make myself and my car happy. Maybe DMCH will put out an even more fantastic binnacle this year, or next year, or whenever. Maybe I'll buy both. :wiggle:
I certainly can't blame them for trying, and trying to get it right.

[Patrick C]

Also keep in mind that Stevie's fiberglass binnacles are hand made. We're talking about hand-laid fiberglass, sanding, texturizing, etc. This is something that DMCH likely cannot do to sell them in the quantity they want at the price they want. Stevie making them for 20-30 of us here is much different than DMCH ordering 200-300 of them from a large scale manufacturer.

[GS450-Junkie]

Also keep in mind that Stevie's fiberglass binnacles are hand made. We're talking about hand-laid fiberglass, sanding, texturizing, etc. This is something that DMCH likely cannot do to sell them in the quantity they want at the price they want. Stevie making them for 20-30 of us here is much different than DMCH ordering 200-300 of them from a large scale manufacturer.

True that !!

[DMCMW Dave]

And Stevie admits he's not making much on them. Tough business plan long term.

[Bruce Johnson]

pm sent

[jackb]

PM sent for deposit info for a grey one.

[stevie67cars]

Thanks guys for the replies. To all those who sent pm's, I will reply to them all tonight or tomorrow before I place the order on Monday- I most likely won't have time today.

Stephen

[DeLorean03]

Sounds good. I don't want to miss out on this. I saw what the price is in an earlier post; I just don't know whether to send price + shipping as a deposit.

You've got a committed buyer in me - just waiting to hear from you how much to send.

[Alex]

Wow it's gorgeous, if you deliver in France, ill take black one. Thank you.

[RammJaeger]

Sent a PM about a black one, just waiting for a response.

[stevie67cars]

Hello all,

I think I have replied to everyone today by pm, if I missed you out drop me a message. I won't be putting my order in til tomorrow (Tuesday) now as it took me a long time to get through the list and get back to everyone.

Thanks for the interest,

Stephen

[DeLorean03]

Thank you for what you're doing, Stephen. This is awesome.

Deposit sent.

[Lou and "Boo"]

Did I miss the post with the price ? I don't want to miss out on a grey one.
Pm sent

[sdg3205]

Did I miss the post with the price ? I don't want to miss out on a grey one.
Pm sent

Around $325 + shipping IIRC

what do you require as a deposit?

[DeLorean03]

Did I miss the post with the price ? I don't want to miss out on a grey one.
Pm sent

No problem - took me a while to find it too.

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?1632-Binnacles&p=132283&viewfull=1#post132283

[Rich_NYS]

Has anyone looked into getting a few together to reduce the shipping?

If a group of us going to DCS could organize an order, maybe reduce the shipping significantly.

Do we have an overseas shipping guru that can help with a plan?

[DeLorean03]

Samuel and I are splitting shipping. Since my car is in Melbourne where Eddie and he are located, that works out well. I plan on installing it the same time I install a new 140MPH speedometer.

I'm not about to wait til DCS for this. I am an American, and I demand nearly instantaneous gratification ;).

[Rich_NYS]

I am an American, and I demand nearly instantaneous gratification ;).


Hahaha.....classic! :cheers:



(Instant gratification coming when gas pedal you hit, I think :yoda: )

[DavidProehl]

If there are any other NorCal orders that are interested in shipping together I'd be interested depending on where you live.

[RammJaeger]

Any SEDOC guys want to go in together on shipping? I could have them shipped to my office in Roswell, GA and then ship them on from there.

[Bruce Johnson]

If there are any other NorCal orders that are interested in shipping together I'd be interested depending on where you live.

I'm in the Santa Cruz area

[DavidProehl]

I'm in the Santa Cruz area

Perfect! Let's give it a couple days to see who else might want to coordinate. Not sure what the savings on shipping would be, but I'd assume it would make it worth our effort. I don't get to Santa Cruz often but perhaps we could meet halfway, such as Livermore, to make the exchange. We can talk more via PM.

[Rich_NYS]

Samuel and I are splitting shipping. Since my car is in Melbourne where Eddie and he are located, that works out well. I plan on installing it the same time I install a new 140MPH speedometer.

I'm not about to wait til DCS for this. I am an American, and I demand nearly instantaneous gratification ;).

If you have a few others joining you, I might also be interested to join the party if it significantly reduces the shipping.....I can get it from you at DCS.

[Alex]

Thank you for the response. PM sent ;)

[stevie67cars]

Very quick update- just back from my fibreglass guy placing order. He did some more research with his supplier and the high temperature resistant resin he is going to be using in the binnacles is resistant to temperatures of 100-120 celsius which is 212- 248 fahrenheit. :bigclap: He told me the name of it but i forget it.
It's a little more expensive but I hope to be able to absorb the extra cost.
I dont think warping will be an issue!

Stephen

[eagle-co94]

As long as people in the south use a dash cover or park in the shade in the summer they should probably be fine. My '89 Eagle Premier showed temps of about 200 recorded by my dashboard thermometer in coastal GA. Now that I'm in south Florida I definitely have a dash mat on when I'm not driving it.

[gulwng3]

Thanks Stephen, but this is probably a non-issue for most of us ordering new binnacles. Between the dash mat and the new UV-blocking windshield from DMC, folks shouldn't be worried about interior temps causing any damage to this binnacle. Other components will melt before anything happens to your fiberglass binnacles.

Excellent work!

Andy

[mluder]

Very quick update- just back from my fibreglass guy placing order. He did some more research with his supplier and the high temperature resistant resin he is going to be using in the binnacles is resistant to temperatures of 100-120 celsius which is 212- 248 fahrenheit. :bigclap: He told me the name of it but i forget it.
It's a little more expensive but I hope to be able to absorb the extra cost.
I dont think warping will be an issue!

Stephen

Good to hear, Stephen. So looking forward to it.

Cheers
Steven

[DeLorean03]

Very quick update- just back from my fibreglass guy placing order. He did some more research with his supplier and the high temperature resistant resin he is going to be using in the binnacles is resistant to temperatures of 100-120 celsius which is 212- 248 fahrenheit. :bigclap: He told me the name of it but i forget it.
It's a little more expensive but I hope to be able to absorb the extra cost.
I dont think warping will be an issue!

Stephen

We're behind you, man! :thumbup:

[Lou and "Boo"]

I think I'm out on this one. 340 dollars plus international shipping is just too much for me to spend. The new DMCH radiator was needed so 300 and change for that I had to do, but I guess I'll have to stick to my bondo/plasti coat idea and see how it looks in the end.
Thank you for the quick pm reply though!

[gulwng3]

I think I'm out on this one. 340 dollars plus international shipping is just too much for me to spend. The new DMCH radiator was needed so 300 and change for that I had to do, but I guess I'll have to stick to my bondo/plasti coat idea and see how it looks in the end.
Thank you for the quick pm reply though!

I suspect there's going to be a flood in the used binnacles market in about 2-3 months. I know I'll have a grey one with a minor crack in the top for sale at a very reasonable price... :wink:

Andy

[RammJaeger]

Did anyone get a response from Steven after placing their deposit? I did my deposit about a week ago and haven't heard anything back. I figured he'd PM or e-mail me and say "yep I got your deposit, expect your binnacle to ship around X date".

[mluder]

Did anyone get a response from Steven after placing their deposit? I did my deposit about a week ago and haven't heard anything back. I figured he'd PM or e-mail me and say "yep I got your deposit, expect your binnacle to ship around X date".

I received a PM with the folowing...

"Deposit recieved Steven, thank you. Not sure what the postage cost will be, I priced one to NYC as a guide and it was in the £60-70 stg region. It will be exactly what I pay for it, I wish it was cheaper, but unfortunately I have no control over it!
Sorry about the delay replying to you, my inbox is swamped. You were one of the earlier ones to place your order so your binnicale will be in the first batch made. One question- grey or black?
Binnacles will ship towards the end of February.

Stephen"

Cheers
Steven (No, the other one)

[DeLorean03]

Did anyone get a response from Steven after placing their deposit? I did my deposit about a week ago and haven't heard anything back. I figured he'd PM or e-mail me and say "yep I got your deposit, expect your binnacle to ship around X date".

Yep. Sure did.

I contacted him first.

When I hand out money, I reach out and make sure "We're good". Last thing I cannot stand is giving money out and being ambiguous about a situation.

[stevie67cars]

Hi all,

I thought I replied to everyone who placed a deposit- obviously I missed a couple, my apologies. As you can imagine, my pm's have been pretty busy so it's possible to miss one or two.
I think I have replied to everyone now but if you placed a deposit and haven't received an acknowledgment drop me a new pm and I will get back to you.
Binnacles are currently getting manufactured and I will have them back with me the last week of the month for finishing and they will ship at the end of the month/first week in March as stated in my pm to everyone who was interested.

Sorry again and thanks, :)

Stephen

[Rich_NYS]

Stephen,

Can you please post the info on how many can be shipped together in the same box at the quoted rate? You mentioned you thought three can ship at the same rate as one, but needed confirmation on that.

Thanks!

[stevie67cars]

Hi Rich,

I really wont know exact rates til I have the binnacles ready and boxed, I would imagine that 3 or 4 could go together. I will confirm closer to the time. I am aware that some people want to share shipping, so I will contact all before they are sent out.

Stephen

Edit- I actually have to send 10 to one guy, so I have to get my head round the logistics of that, but I'm sure I will work it out! I don't do this everyday so bear with me!

[Rich_NYS]

Hi Rich,

I really wont know exact rates til I have the binnacles ready and boxed, I would imagine that 3 or 4 could go together. I will confirm closer to the time. I am aware that some people want to share shipping, so I will contact all before they are sent out.

Stephen

Edit- I actually have to send 10 to one guy, so I have to get my head round the logistics of that, but I'm sure I will work it out! I don't do this everyday so bear with me!


Sounds great.....very much appreciated! :thumbup:

[stevie67cars]

A small update,

I called to the fibreglass shop today to check progress- they are working away on them and I collect my first batch off them on Friday. I will be working on these all next week myself, doing the necessary refinishing and perfecting them. I am very happy with the way they are turning out, the guy takes his time but is excellent at his job.
I grabbed a couple of camera phone pictures of some of the binnacles hanging in the oven, the pictures are poor quality but give you an idea. I will be working on what I collect next week to prepare for shipping, but he has a lot more to make for me next week too. Shipping may run into the first 7-10 days of March as I said it might in pm's, but won't take any longer than that. Please bear with me- i want to get these right and it isn't the sort of work you can rush.
I will be shipping these in the order I received deposits as this is fairest way and I will post here when I have the first batch ready to go.

Thanks,

Stephen

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140218_134642.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140218_134642.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140218_134623.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140218_134623.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140218_134609.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140218_134609.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140218_134559.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140218_134559.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140218_134539.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140218_134539.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140218_134530.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140218_134530.jpg.html)

[DavidProehl]

Looks great! Thank you for the update! Keep them coming! Shipping the first part of March is understandable, I would rather you take an extra week or two to get them right than to rush them out the door.

[Bruce Johnson]

Wow, look at 'em all. Dangling beauties!! Great work Stephen.

[jackb]

Is anybody in AZ (or CA or anywhere relatively close) getting a binnacle and would like to combine shipping with me?

[bastien-fma]

Great work ! Good luck for the refinishing and perfecting ! :wink:
I am looking forward to receive it !

[Patrick C]

Looking great!

[DeLorean03]

Steven, if you were a mailman, you'd be delivering even on Sundays you're so good.

Those look AWESOME. I'm glad I didn't even hesitate to be part of this opportunity.

One thing I did notice, how do these binnacles secure down to the rest of the dash? I didn't/don't see the 4 threaded posts for the 7mm hexnuts to lock down onto ...?

[Patrick C]

One thing I did notice, how do these binnacles secure down to the rest of the dash? I didn't/don't see the 4 threaded posts for the 7mm hexnuts to lock down onto ...?

I'm betting those get added in later on down the line. Plus, the front bracket with the studs screws into the binnacle so you would just reuse that one.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310105.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310105.jpg.html)
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310098.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/Mervyns%20DeLorean/P1310098.jpg.html)

[Bruce Johnson]

Is anybody in AZ (or CA or anywhere relatively close) getting a binnacle and would like to combine shipping with me?

There may be 2 more of us in Ca.

[Michael]

Amazing how one guy can churn these out and there are others with more money, resources, and motive who either couldn't or wouldn't.

Congrats on a very nicely done project!


Now for a completely different direction. If you were honest with yourself, would you prefer that the binnacles were leather covered from the factory like the present DMCH versions? In other words, lets say the stock version was leather covered and stitched, and no longer available but DMC came out with fiberglassed binnacles as replacements. Would you be more inclined to buy the hard ones over a factory wrapped one?

The thing I'm getting at is I actually think the leather wrapped binnacles look better than the factory ones, but I wouldn't trade mine for one(even with some cash boot), because I can understand the appeal of factory correctness over modified.

[GS450-Junkie]

Now please get busy on some center console pads. :elmo1:

[Rich_NYS]

If you were honest with yourself, would you prefer that the binnacles were leather covered from the factory like the present DMCH versions?

Yes




In other words, lets say the stock version was leather covered and stitched, and no longer available but DMC came out with fiberglassed binnacles as replacements. Would you be more inclined to buy the hard ones over a factory wrapped one?


No

[stevie67cars]

To answer some questions,

The 2 rear fixing studs are added later as Patrick said. The front fixing bracket is secured to the binnacle with self tapers as the original set up. You reuse your old bracket.

Before I go shipping any binnacles out, I will check to see what area they are going to and if there is any possibility of combining shipping, I will contact the relevant owners and see if something can be arranged. I have to see where I can get some sturdy boxes reasonabaly cheap in Ireland or UK- will look online, possibly amazon?

Cheers,

Stephen

[Mark D]

Thanks for working with everyone to figure out combined shipping options.

If anyone else in the midwest region is getting one of these I'm interested in combining shipping if possible.

[RammJaeger]

Thanks for working with everyone to figure out combined shipping options.

If anyone else in the midwest region is getting one of these I'm interested in combining shipping if possible.

Keep in mind guys, the trip across the Atlantic is what is costing 100 bucks. Once one of these things lands in the USA it will be 10 or 15 bucks to ship it anywhere in the US. Combining any shipments over here will save a lot of money. I'd be willing to combine mine with anyone in the lower 48 to save some money.

FYI I spent about 6 years doing international shipping.

[jorge figueroa]

hello
my name is jorge luis figueroa of Puerto Rico
in Puerto Rico there is an average of 25 DeLoreans
some with broken binacles
I wonder what the cost of each binacle
I have restored several DeLoreans and is very difficult to get
binacles in good condition
thanks

https://www.facebook.com/Deloreanpr?ref=hl

[DMC5180]

Amazing how one guy can churn these out and there are others with more money, resources, and motive who either couldn't or wouldn't.

Congrats on a very nicely done project!


Now for a completely different direction. If you were honest with yourself, would you prefer that the binnacles were leather covered from the factory like the present DMCH versions? In other words, lets say the stock version was leather covered and stitched, and no longer available but DMC came out with fiberglassed binnacles as replacements. Would you be more inclined to buy the hard ones over a factory wrapped one?

The thing I'm getting at is I actually think the leather wrapped binnacles look better than the factory ones, but I wouldn't trade mine for one(even with some cash boot), because I can understand the appeal of factory correctness over modified.


FWIW: Very Early VIN cars did come from the factory with vinyl wrapped ( French stitched) binnacles. If you look at the Parts catalog illustration image you can see the stitching illustrated. 8-7-0.jpg (http://store.delorean.com/images/Category/large/8-7-0.jpg)
I believe these covered ones only came in BLACK since that was the base interior color in the beginning.

[Patrick C]

FWIW: Very Early VIN cars did come from the factory with vinyl wrapped ( French stitched) binnacles. If you look at the Parts catalog illustration image you can see the stitching illustrated. 8-7-0.jpg (http://store.delorean.com/images/Category/large/8-7-0.jpg)
I believe these covered ones only came in BLACK since that was the base interior color in the beginning.

Correct. VIN 573 for example:

http://www.geschwendtner.de/Chriss/Delorean/History/Driver-Seat-Back-falling-off.JPG

[stevie67cars]

Just been to the fibreglass shop to pick up some more binnacles. He is slowly and surely getting through them. I grabbed some pics; the ones I collected are bubble wrapped, there are 5 'in manufacture' in the foreground, and you can also see some of the donor binnacles I had to use to perfect the mould.
I am working away at these when I get a chance, hope to be shipping some by the end of next week. I collect another 10 from the fibreglass guy next week too. Thank's everyone for their patience. Anyway, here are some pics, really happy with the way they turned out- they are really sturdy.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140226_123821.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140226_123821.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140226_123910.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140226_123910.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140226_123918.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140226_123918.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140226_123932.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140226_123932.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140226_123938.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140226_123938.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140226_142931.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140226_142931.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140226_142944.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140226_142944.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140226_142951.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140226_142951.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140226_143030.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140226_143030.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140226_143036.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140226_143036.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140226_143051.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140226_143051.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140226_143059.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140226_143059.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140226_143121.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140226_143121.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140226_143147.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140226_143147.jpg.html)



On the stitched binnacles- back in 2006 when I got my car, there weren't mny options when it came to recovering binnacles over here. I managed to track down Gerry Rooney from Interior Trim in Belfast (not sure if they are still in business?). He was involved in the original trimming out of the car and was trained by Nick Fulcher (the original interior designer). He had the patterns for the original stitched binnacles hanging up in his shop along with the original patterns for the seats so I had him recover my binnacle and fit some NOS seat covers for me. Some pics-

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/DSC00427-1.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/DSC00427-1.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/DSC00426-1.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/DSC00426-1.jpg.html)

Also had another guy cover my wheel:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/DSC00425-1.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/DSC00425-1.jpg.html)

Stephen
#10213

[DavidProehl]

Loving the updates! Shipping by the end of the week? I'm getting very excited.

Can't wait to remove this eye sore that I have to look at every single time I go for a drive. This is my single biggest annoyance about my car.
25721

[stevie67cars]

Thanks David! Shipping the earlier orders by the end of next week! ;) The rest will follow soon after.

Stephen
#10213

[DeLorean03]

If everyone only knew all those binnacles were in that van...

That is like - the most desired van in the country right now....

Can't wait to get mine!!! Thank you, Steven!!!

[bastien-fma]

very impatient too...

25724

[jorge figueroa]

I wonder what the cost of each binacle
I have several DeLoreans with damaged binacles
my email is:

[email protected]
[email protected]

thanks:lol:

[DavidProehl]

I wonder what the cost of each binacle
I have several DeLoreans with damaged binacles
my email is:

[email protected]
[email protected]

thanks:lol:

The price was listed on post #83 (http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?1632-Binnacles&p=132283&viewfull=1#post132283) of this thread as 200 GBP plus shipping. I'll let Stephen speak to if he is planning to do another run, but from what was said earlier I understood this was a one time thing.

[mluder]

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140226_123910.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140226_123910.jpg.html)



Ooooh... I think I see mine... Yep there it is - the grey one.

Man, I cannot wait. :yesss:

Cheers
Steven (no, the other one)

[Alex]

AWESOME :woot::woot:

Steve, when you need the final deposit ? Thanks

[robvanderveer]

Any updates on this?


Rob

[stevie67cars]

Hi Rob,

Sorry for the lack of updates, I replied to a few pm's, but probably should put a post here for the benefit of everyone. I am running a little behind with my run of binnacles at the minute, partly due to my fibreglass guy not getting through them as fast as I would like and partly because a couple of jobs came into my bodyshop which couldn't wait. The last of this work will be finished up by this Friday, then I am effectively closing up shop to fully concentrate on the binnacles until they are finished.
I am really sorry for the delay and I hope people understand- I also understand that it's hard to be patient when you are waiting for something to be delivered, especially if it's something you're excited about!
I have to pick up another batch of 15 on Thursday from the fibreglass shop, but won't get to work on them til Saturday. I have a supply of sturdy boxes sourced for shipping along with a large roll of bubble wrap to protect them in transit.
I will ship the first batch week ending 23rd March and the remainder I absolutely guarantee will go out the following week before the months end. I hope everyone can bear with me for this last push to get them done- I know people have been waiting for a long time for these and I want them to be perfect and worth the wait- I think they will! :)


Stephen
#10213

[DeLorean03]

We've been waiting 10+ years. Another 2-3 weeks is not a big deal in my world!! It will be well worth the wait!

[Mark D]

Thanks for the progress update!

[TTait]

How about passenger side knee pads... Next project?

Tom

[robvanderveer]

Thanks for keeping us informed, Stephen. I don't mind waiting a few weeks - it just was a little silent.


Rob

[bastien-fma]

Hi !
Any news ? :smile:

[GS450-Junkie]

How about passenger side knee pads... Next project?

Tom

NO! Center console armrest pads!! Used knee pads are still floating around out there and you could always recover one. The center console pads cannot be recovered, and are much harder to come by.

[Patrick C]

I will ship the first batch week ending 23rd March and the remainder I absolutely guarantee will go out the following week before the months end. I hope everyone can bear with me for this last push to get them done- I know people have been waiting for a long time for these and I want them to be perfect and worth the wait- I think they will! :)

Any updates, Stevie?

[DavidProehl]

I'll chime in here. I'm less concerned with whether or not self imposed deadlines are met as long as I'm seeing status updates and photos of progress on a regular basis (every 1-2 weeks). As has been mentioned before by others I can be patient for a great delivered product. When it gets quiet people fill in the silence with their imaginations and it is seldom accurate to what is truly going on. The more communication there is, the better, whatever the news.

Looking forward to an outstanding binnacle!

[jackb]

I'll chime in here. I'm less concerned with whether or not self imposed deadlines are met as long as I'm seeing status updates and photos of progress on a regular basis (every 1-2 weeks). As has been mentioned before by others I can be patient for a great delivered product. When it gets quiet people fill in the silence with their imaginations and it is seldom accurate to what is truly going on. The more communication there is, the better, whatever the news.

Looking forward to an outstanding binnacle!
Bingo. I couldnt have said it better.
A few months ago this wasn't even an option. The more time stevie67cars spends on the forum or sending emails updating everyone, the more time is taken away from preparing and shipping the product.
He has been very good with keeping everyone updated (despite breaking a self-imposed deadline, meh, worse things have happened) so give him the benefit of the doubt. No need to ask for an update; when there is one he will post it without being asked.

[RammJaeger]

Bingo. I couldnt have said it better.
A few months ago this wasn't even an option. The more time stevie67cars spends on the forum or sending emails updating everyone, the more time is taken away from preparing and shipping the product.
He has been very good with keeping everyone updated (despite breaking a self-imposed deadline, meh, worse things have happened) so give him the benefit of the doubt. No need to ask for an update; when there is one he will post it without being asked.

I have to somewhat disagree here. It takes about 30 seconds to post an update on these forums. We're Stevie's customers, and if he misses a deadline on a product we ordered he should make a post here to keep his customers informed. I'm patient, but I would like an update.

[DavidProehl]

I'll chime in here. I'm less concerned with whether or not self imposed deadlines are met as long as I'm seeing status updates and photos of progress on a regular basis (every 1-2 weeks). As has been mentioned before by others I can be patient for a great delivered product. When it gets quiet people fill in the silence with their imaginations and it is seldom accurate to what is truly going on. The more communication there is, the better, whatever the news.

Looking forward to an outstanding binnacle!

I think I need to clarify: I was saying that I'm ok with missing deadlines if I see an update on progress every 1-2 weeks with pictures (it has now been 3 weeks). Silence makes people wonder what is going on and can hurt relationships with customers. I'm still feeling optimistic about the product, but I need to see an update.

[TTait]

NO! Center console armrest pads!! Used knee pads are still floating around out there and you could always recover one. The center console pads cannot be recovered, and are much harder to come by.

Actually, I just had my center console pad recovered with vinyl - it turned out fine. There is stitching on it in a few spots but it blends right in. No pics currently - the car is getting serviced at DMCCA.

The knee pads however are a problem as they are no longer available with the original rippled vinyl. Sure they are easy to recover - but they don't look the same smooth.

[Patrick C]

I received an update from Stevie that I will share here:


Hi Patrick,

Was gonna post an update on DMCtalk tomorrow evening as it happens- I'm sure some folk are pretty fed up waiting- I kinda wish I hadn't taken deposits now!
I had a glut of work to get through in the workshop that had to be done- the joys of being self-employed! (not), it's all out of the way now and I have turned away work for this coming fortnight to get the binnacles rid up.
I will be in touch with yourself and the earlier orders during the week- they WILL ship before next weekend without doubt. I know I have missed a couple of self imposed deadlines already but that wont happen again. Half will ship by next weekend and the remainder the following week. I am so sorry about the wait, that's kinda why I regret taking deposits- I wouldn't feel so bad about the delay if I hadn't!
Feel free to post the jist of this message on DMCtalk, I will post an update with photos myself Monday evening or Tuesday morning.

Thanks Patrick,

Stephen"

[DavidProehl]

Thanks for posting the update! Great to hear this is moving forward.

Again, from my perspective it isn't an issue if it takes a little longer than planned, I completely understand that things come up. I just like seeing a 30 second update like this so I know what is going on.

[GS450-Junkie]

Glad to hear the binnacles are safe. I was worried the armored truck full of binnacles on its wat to the airport had slid off the road and overturned!

Wheeeewwww! What a relief....

[mluder]

I received an update from Stevie that I will share here:

Thanks for running this down, Patrick.
I was starting to get a bit concerned. Not that Stephen had disappeared with the money but that there was a technical hitch. After all the problems Houston has had reproducing these I was ready to expect the worst news. Glad it only a timing thing.

Cheers
Steven

[dmc4087]

I have seen in person one of the binnacles Stevie made last year. They are excellent quality and will be worth the wait everybody.

[stevie67cars]

Hi all,

Sorry for the lack of updates- I haven't read back through this thread and don't think I will til the binnacles have shipped lol. The first batch of binnacles (17) are going out in Tuesdays post- I will be in touch with those people who they are shipping to just as soon as I have a shipping price from the post office. I am leaving in a fully packaged binnacle this morning along with a list of addresses to get an accurate price for each.
The 2nd batch to ship will be at the end of next week (18th-19th April).

I am really sorry about the delay, but I had a bit of Insurance work which came into the bodyshop which couldnt wait- it pays the mortgage after all. The binnacles are something which I am not making enough on to justify turning away work but that is exactly what I have done this week and next just to get them out of the way. I know with the exchange rate and shipping, they seem expensive to you guys, but the post office is making more out of these than I am. The only regret I have is (other than taking on the project!) is taking deposits from people. As soon as you do that, you are instantly putting pressure on yourself for deadlines etc. If I hadn't taken deposits I wouldn't feel nearly as bad. Ironically, some of the people who are most vocal in pm's about the delay are those who were latest to the party in terms of deposit (way after my initial cut off date), but hey ho. Thank you to everyone who has been so patient.

As of yesterday, I have 30+ binnacles at my bodyshop- I am just waiting on the last 10 from the fibreglass shop, I called down yesterday and he has 9 manufactured ready for mould trimming and tidying. He says I can collect them on Wednesday. I have plenty here to keep me busy in the meantime.

Pics will follow by the weekend just as soon as I have a chance. In the meantime, and completly unrelated, here is a little mod I made to a fellow Irish owner's car for him. The car had 'jingly' doors- with the striker pin properly adjusted, the door wasn't tight enough and jingled on the latch over rough ground. These are from a Jaguar S type, but you will find similar on many cars uncluding the DeLorean (under the hood).
I was surprised how well this worked and will be adding it to my own car- I dont think they look out of place and allow for that extra bit of adjustment.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140409_114310.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140409_114310.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140409_114247.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140409_114247.jpg.html)

Stephen
#10213

[Rich_NYS]

Thanks Steve!

Will you also be checking to see how many binnacles can be shipped for the same rate? Some of us would like to coordinate a group shipping before they go out.

Thanks again! :thumbup:

[stevie67cars]

Thanks Steve!

Will you also be checking to see how many binnacles can be shipped for the same rate? Some of us would like to coordinate a group shipping before they go out.

Thanks again! :thumbup:

Hi Rich,

I don't know about the same rate- it goes by weight as I was in the post office this morning to find out some rates. If one person from each potential group could send me a quick pm with the usernames of who they would like to combine shipping with I will check it out. The most that can be put in a box is 4 or at a push 5. It may still be cheaper to ship them individually as I think once it goes over a certain weight threshold it gets more expensive. For example, I priced the first batch of binnicals this morning and 1 binnical to the US is £28.25 GBP whereas 2 were £77.93GBP ???!! They told me it doesn't matter where in the US they are going to but I will have to double check that as it sounds too good to be true. Both of the above prices are priority- the cheaper options were £23.25 or £60.75 respectively. These prices are cheaper than I thought which is great.
European shipping is a lot more reasonable which is to be expected.

Here are a couple of pics of the binnacles at the minute- as I said, I am waiting on the last batch from the fibreglass shop.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140410_161527.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140410_161527.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140410_161536.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140410_161536.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140410_161647.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140410_161647.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140410_161700.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140410_161700.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140410_161709.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140410_161709.jpg.html)

Also, here are a couple of pics of a brand new rear fascia that I am going to fit lights on and hang on my Delorean garage's wall. I have stainless letters, taillights, number plate lights, and a plate surround to fit too. Not exactly original, but it will look cool I think. Don't worry- it's on hold too til these binnacles are done.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140410_161756.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140410_161756.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140410_161805.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140410_161805.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140410_161815.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140410_161815.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140410_161825.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140410_161825.jpg.html)


Stephen
#10213

[Rich_NYS]

Thanks Steve,

It appears there's not a price advantage to combining with one or two individuals....no biggie, thanks for checking. (If something changes with that info, please let us know.)

Your work looks very good!

[DeLorean03]

Looks great, Steve! No biggie on the delay. If anything, I am glad there's been a delay - at least for me. With the VR6 nearing completion, I am finally able to start saving up some monies for the next thing in line. Just PM me whenever it's time to send my binnacle my way. Looking forward to it!!

[stevie67cars]

Ok,

For Bruce and the other pm's who have been asking me about combining shipping- I shipped a few yesterday and whilst in the post office I double checked their prices for individual shipping vs combined.

The weight threshold is 2kg- below that and it's regular mail, above it and it's Parcel force. 1 binnacle bubble wrapped and in a postage bag is around 1.5 kgs. If i box it, it pushes it over the threshold and gets expensive. I am pretty confident they will be secure and ok if they are well bubble wrapped and bagged- i guess I will find out with the first few.
So, to summarise- one binnacle wrapped and posted is £23.25 (cheaper option) or £28.25 for 3 day delivery.

4 binnacles boxed and posted to any US address is £107.00
3 binnacles boxed and posted to any US address is £94.00
2 binnacles boxed and posted to any US address is £84.00 ( The previous price I quoted of £77.93 didn't allow for packing material)

The above prices for combined are all for a tracked 3 day service. All prices quoted are £GPB sterling.

If those who were contemplating combined shipping could let me know what they wanna do, that would be great. As regards progress, I will have half the orders fulfilled before this weekend, the other half will be immediately after the Easter break. I seem to be spending more time in the post office and replying to pm's than I do actually working on the binnacles lol! I guess that's part of the deal though! :)

Thanks,

Stephen

[Mark D]

Thanks for the update, please ship mine individually since it is the cheapest option.

Thanks,
Mark Dehlinger

[jackb]

Please ship mine, David Proehl's and Bruce Johnson's separately. No savings :(

[Rich_NYS]

Same here, Steve....I'll have mine shipped individually.

-Rich

[anywhen]

Fantastic

Please ship mine to me. Thank You-Thank You.

[stevie67cars]

Progress report:

Well progress has been steady if a little slow for my liking. One batch of binnacles went out earlier in the week and I am going to the post office shortly with a few more. It is taking longer than I expected to refinish each binnacle. They dont simply pop out of the mould and then apply a little paint- As they are made in a 2 part mould, there are mould lines and imperfections which must be addressed. First of all the whole binnacle is sanded down with a 240 grit orbital disc, then assessed for pinholes in the gelcoat or general marks etc. Any pinholes or minor depressions are filled and resanded and then it is prepped for the textured finish. When this is applied, often it shows up another pinhole or something, then it has to be fixed and the finish reapplied. At that point if I am happy with the binnacle, then it gets a very light sanding with 800 and its final coat of black dye. If it's a black binnacle, that's it finished once it's baked. If it's a grey one, the black 'insert' around the clocks is masked off and the grey dye applied to the outer skin of the binnacle.
So you see it's quite an involved process and definately not suitable for mass production. I am actually dreaming/having nightmares about feckin binnacles!

For those who I have contacted and have paid their balances off, most of them went out this week- I still have to dye some grey ones and this will be done on Tuesday when I come back after the Easter break. They will go out Wednesday or Thursday morning at the latest.
Going forward, I was planning to take next week off but am coming back to work on Tuesday to get these out of the way. So with 4 days next week and the full following week, I will have all orders fulfilled by the 3rd May.
When your binnacle is ready for shipping I will contact you via pm for payment of the balance. Below are some pics of the finish applied to black binnacles and of some packaged up ready for shipping.

Thanks and Happy Easter! :)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140418_122901.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140418_122901.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140418_122851.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140418_122851.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140418_122837.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140418_122837.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140418_122830.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140418_122830.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140419_093736.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140419_093736.jpg.html)

Stephen
#10213

[Alex]

Thank you steve, what is the price for shipping to france ? there are different choices ?

[kings1527]

Hi Stevie...I hope I'm not too late but I'd like to jump into this and order a single gray binnacle. Please let me know (PM me) with what I need to do? Thanks!

[Patrick C]

Binnacle arrived safely today and looks beautiful!!! Great job Stevie!

[robvanderveer]

Looks awesome. I'm probably a complete kneebiter by saying this, but after my initial deposit i haven't heard a word from Steve on the status of my order. I know he's busy doing a great job all and all, but a small response on my enquiries would be nice. I'm completely in the dark about the timeframe, or if i'm on the list at all.


Rob

[Alex]

Hello steve, can you respond PM and my request please ?

[stevie67cars]

Looks awesome. I'm probably a complete kneebiter by saying this, but after my initial deposit i haven't heard a word from Steve on the status of my order. I know he's busy doing a great job all and all, but a small response on my enquiries would be nice. I'm completely in the dark about the timeframe, or if i'm on the list at all.


Rob

Rob,

With all due respect, I am working my ass off on these doing my very best to make sure they are as good as I can possibly make them. It's not much fun coming home everyday covered in fibreglass dust. I have tried to reply to pm's as much as I could, and I may have missed one or two but I did post small updates in the thread itself as to the timescale and progress. This is a huge undertaking for me and I do regret doing it to be honest, it's not worth the trouble. While most people have been very patient about it, others don't understand the work involved in each piece and the logistics of trying to juggle actually working on them or packing them up or standing in line at the post office. I am not trying to be some sort of saviour- far from it but I have a line of other work that I could be doing which would be more profitable for me- as I said before I have turned away regular bodywork (which is my bread and butter) at the minute to try to get a clear run at these to get them finished. Rest assured, I am not enjoying working on these at the minute as much as you are all not enjoying the wait. My ethos has always been if a job is worth doing, it's worth doing right- or at least do it to the best of your ability.
At the minute I find myself lying in bed at night worrying about meeting deadlines with the binnacles or what people will think of them and do you know what- it's not worth it. I won't be doing another run of them after this. If I am to offer them any way at all, it will be to maybe have 5 or so made up at a time and keep them in stock.
There have been production delays along the line from the fibreglass shop that were out of my control and there were delays that were my 'fault' too. Yes, I have missed self imposed deadlines along the way- I had hoped people would see this was for the greater good and not as a result of me slacking. I have learned a lot in this process and there certainly are things I would do differently if I had to start over.

I am not trying to have a go and I hope this does not come across as in any way aggressive, but rest assured I am doing my very best at the minute to get these all out of the way. I have another full week this week at them which will see most of the remainder all finished being made up, if not posted. I currently have 14 waiting to be packaged and shipped, the delay is that it takes a considerable time to package them all up securely and to go to the post office with them- it's a small country post office which is very busy- I figured I was better actually working on the binnacles and then have a packing/shipping day.
As I said earlier in the thread, I will contact you via pm when your binnacle is ready to ship for the balance payment. I did reply to everyone when they made a deposit.

So in summary, this week will see most of the remainder finished in my shop (and most posted) with all being posted by the following weekend (10th).

I now understand why DMCH are so careful with everything they put out - my manufacturing process certainly does not lend itself to a large company like them and would not be workable for them.

Thanks,

Stephen
#10213

[stevie67cars]

Hello steve, can you respond PM and my request please ?

Pm sent.

Stephen
#10213

[robvanderveer]

Stephen, thanks for your explanation. I know you are very busy and let me say this on a separate line:

I am extremely grateful that you are doing these binnacles while every big DeLorean supplier has failed to come up with replacement binnacles.


You deserve nothing but a big big thanks from all of us. :thumbup: The product is amazing and I can hardly wait to install it on my DeLorean. But from a business point of view don't forget your customers. Sometimes it is better to send a (personal) message with "we're working on it", rather than to work yourself into exhaustion and let people uninformed. Please accept my apologies in advance. I tried to write this down as elegantly and respectfully as I could. English is not my first language, and I got bitten back quite a few times lately because of misinterpretations.

[robvanderveer]

You deserve nothing but a big big thanks from all of us. :thumbup:

You DO deserve a big big thanks. Stupid language differences.

Now why can't we edit our own posts?

[Dangermouse]

Your sentence was fine the first time Rob :)

Stevie, you are doing a fantastic job providing a much needed product for fellow owners. You will become a local legend:).

Stevie Binnacles they will be called, like Toby Tabs.

[robvanderveer]

Binnacles, binnacles.. An irish person could mistake em for barnacles.

http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnacle

What ever you do, don't call him Barnacle Steve.

Sorry Lads, I was watching TV with Pirates of the Caribbean, too many ahhhrrs in my mind.

[Dangermouse]

SpongeBob, more like :)

[Alex]

Pm sent.

Stephen
#10213

Thank you very much !

[RammJaeger]

Anyone else's Binnacle that shipped to the US held up in customs? Mine has been stuck like this when I track it for almost two weeks:

"Your item, posted on 16/04/14 has arrived in KENNEDY NEW YORK and is being processed for delivery."

But there has been no update since then. Did it take your Binnacles a long time to arrive once they hit customs?

[Tomcio]

Anyone else's Binnacle that shipped to the US held up in customs? Mine has been stuck like this when I track it for almost two weeks:

"Your item, posted on 16/04/14 has arrived in KENNEDY NEW YORK and is being processed for delivery."

But there has been no update since then. Did it take your Binnacles a long time to arrive once they hit customs?

Is it going by USPS?
If it is USPS then Kennedy New York is not customs.
ISC NEW YORK NY is the first facility just next to JFK and that is where customs is.
Either way it's nothing unusual for shipments to get stuck at those facilities for a long time. Some of my packages didn't get any updates for more than 30 days! Nothing to worry about and actually there is absolutely nothing you can do but wait. This is just the way those sorting facilities work nowadays... it's actually getting slower and slower and someone will either have to fix it soon or it's all going to crash.
I recently sent a package to New Zealand which is exactly on the other side of the earth from me. The package was delivered just FOUR days later! Another package sent to the US at the same time took 20 days at just 1/3 the distance. It was stuck at ICS with no updates for two weeks.

[RammJaeger]

Is it going by USPS?
If it is USPS then Kennedy New York is not customs.
ISC NEW YORK NY is the first facility just next to JFK and that is where customs is.
Either way it's nothing unusual for shipments to get stuck at those facilities for a long time. Some of my packages didn't get any updates for more than 30 days! Nothing to worry about and actually there is absolutely nothing you can do but wait. This is just the way those sorting facilities work nowadays... it's actually getting slower and slower and someone will either have to fix it soon or it's all going to crash.
I recently sent a package to New Zealand which is exactly on the other side of the earth from me. The package was delivered just FOUR days later! Another package sent to the US at the same time took 20 days at just 1/3 the distance. It was stuck at ICS with no updates for two weeks.

Actually I used to work in international shipping for years and its pretty uncommon for something like this to get stuck in US customs for more than a few days. I'm just curious if any other US guys had theirs get stuck in customs?

[Dangermouse]

My daughter ordered a small piece of jewelry from Poland last year. Read it's travels as we followed it's tracking number, as it took a month to get to North Atlanta after it left NYC

Poland to NYC took 18 hours
USPS Facility in NYC for 4 days, customs presumably
then
Springfield MA for 2 days
Shreveport LA for 2 days
Chicago for almost 3 weeks
back to
Jamaica NY for 3 days
Bethpage NY (about 15 miles away from Jamaica) for 3 days
and then
Atlanta GA, finally


so sit back and put your feet up, possibly :screwy:

Normally our international stuff takes about a week to get here. This was just very abnormal.

[Tomcio]

Actually I used to work in international shipping for years and its pretty uncommon for something like this to get stuck in US customs for more than a few days.[...]

I guess the key here is the word "used". It used to work great but starting about last September things really slowed down. I filed four claim in December alone because the shipments seemed to be lost. They were sent on December 4 and left Poland on the same day. They were first scanned at the ICS New York on January 6! It was a holiday season but even now some of my packages are slow through customs.


My daughter ordered a small piece of jewelry from Poland last year. Read it's travels as we followed it's tracking number, as it took a month to get to North Atlanta after it left NYC
[...]
Normally our international stuff takes about a week to get here. This was just very abnormal.

Strange things happen. This was just a routing error, but there is a slowdown at ICS NY right now. One of my packages sent on April 25 is still showing as Pre-Shipment. It left Poland on the day it was shipped and arrived the same day in NY. It wasn't yet scanned there. It means that it's sitting there waiting to be scanned for 8 days now. It's not as it should be and not as it used to be. I track all my packages and I see this all the time... that's why I decided to chime in.

Sit back, relax and your package will arrive... eventually. This doesn't mean that they are doing some special checks on your binnacle or that something is wrong. I guess they just can't keep up with all that traffic.

[GS450-Junkie]

My binnacle came very quickly...no problems, no damage.

[RammJaeger]

I appreciate the input, but what I'm really looking for is are there any other Binnacles that shipped to the US at around the same time as mine that got hung up like this, or have several guys received theirs already in the US?

[stevie67cars]

Hi Rammjaeger,

Sorry to hear about the delay- I just replied to your pm. 4 other binnacles were shipped the same day as yours and they have all arrived- Patrickc's, GS450junkies are 2 of them that come to mind.
It is a bit crap that you pay for a 3 day service and it doesn't work out that way. One of the members on here did say via pm that this may happen, but I hope that yours is unusual rather than the norm. I will contact the post office and see what they say.

Progress report- I am currently working away at the binnacles (14 hour days :frown:) - I am determined to get them all finished this week. I am not facing into another week of these. Binnacles should be a swear word. Please just bear with me for a few more days.
My next posting day for the outstanding orders is Thursday, so I will contact those who are waiting for a tracking number after that via pm.
I won't be on the computer much this week as I am just concentrating on the actual work side of things, so please understand this if I am slow replying to pm's.


Thanks,

Stephen

[bastien-fma]

Someone managed to assembled his new binnacle? I can't

[stevie67cars]

Someone managed to assembled his new binnacle? I can't


Let me know how I can help, pm sent!

Stephen#10213

[Mark D]

Stephen, just checking to see how things were going and if you had an update.

Thanks!

Mark

[robvanderveer]

I was hoping to install my new binnacle in the next two weeks. I have some spare time, and i got my seats and carpets out anyway (easy access!). I guess i will have to be a little more patient.


Rob

[gulwng3]

Will anyone have Steve's new binnacle installed by the time of the DCS? I was hoping to have my binnacle by now since I was in the top 10 on the list, but... patience is a virtue.

Andy

[Patrick C]

Will anyone have Steve's new binnacle installed by the time of the DCS? I was hoping to have my binnacle by now since I was in the top 10 on the list, but... patience is a virtue.

Andy

Yes. I installed mine today. Looks great!

[NightFlyer]

Yes. I installed mine today. Looks great!

Did you do this in an effort to further preserve your stock/OEM binnacle, or were there issues with your old one that aren't readily apparent in photos?

[Patrick C]

Did you do this in an effort to further preserve your stock/OEM binnacle, or were there issues with your old one that aren't readily apparent in photos?

Preserving my mint original binnacle before the sun splits it.

[NightFlyer]

Preserving my mint original binnacle before the sun splits it.

Not a bad idea :thumbup:

[Bruce Johnson]

Looks Great. Can't wait!!

[mluder]

This is starting to get a little ridiculous... I was told that I was one of the first to place an order - I did so on December 23rd. Some have started to receive them and last we heard all of the binnacles were to be posted by May 10th. So far I have received no notice to pay the remaining balance because my binnacle was ready to ship. How many people have actually received a binnacle to date? I know of 3; Patrick, who has installed his, a gentleman in France, and another in Wisconsin who has had trouble installing his. I don't know w=how many orders he had - we saw photos of lots of them. If 5 months later only 3 have received them it could be quite some time before we all get them.

I hate to complain as I really do appreciate that Stephen has stepped up to the plate to offer something Houston has no success in reproducing for sale. I also understand that he is doing this in his free time. That being the case, he needs to start communicating. At this point we are his customers, whether he wants to admit it or not. As such, it's his responsibility to let us know the status of things on a regular basis. I know that he has said on numerous occasions that he would rather work on completing them than post an update... I understand where he's coming from but it quite literally takes about 2 minutes to post a quick update letting everyone know where things are at. A simple post saying "6 more are ready and going out tomorrow for (insert names of those shipping)." Maybe adding "I hope to have 4 more ready for (insert names here) by next Thursday." John Hervey is a week behind on a shipment and everyone comes unglued... With this we're nearly half a year in with little result.

I am at the point now where I'd rather he post an update than work on my binnacle so that I at least know what's going on. Sorry, if this comes across as harsh... I'm merely venting a bit of frustration.

C'mon, Stephen, Throw us a bone.

Cheers
Steven

[jackb]

This is starting to get a little ridiculous... I was told that I was one of the first to place an order - I did so on December 23rd. Some have started to receive them and last we heard all of the binnacles were to be posted by May 10th. So far I have received no notice to pay the remaining balance because my binnacle was ready to ship. How many people have actually received a binnacle to date? I know of 3; Patrick, who has installed his, a gentleman in France, and another in Wisconsin who has had trouble installing his. I don't know w=how many orders he had - we saw photos of lots of them. If 5 months later only 3 have received them it could be quite some time before we all get them.

I hate to complain as I really do appreciate that Stephen has stepped up to the plate to offer something Houston has no success in reproducing for sale. I also understand that he is doing this in his free time. That being the case, he needs to start communicating. At this point we are his customers, whether he wants to admit it or not. As such, it's his responsibility to let us know the status of things on a regular basis. I know that he has said on numerous occasions that he would rather work on completing them than post an update... I understand where he's coming from but it quite literally takes about 2 minutes to post a quick update letting everyone know where things are at. A simple post saying "6 more are ready and going out tomorrow for (insert names of those shipping)." Maybe adding "I hope to have 4 more ready for (insert names here) by next Thursday." John Hervey is a week behind on a shipment and everyone comes unglued... With this we're nearly half a year in with little result.

I am at the point now where I'd rather he post an update than work on my binnacle so that I at least know what's going on. Sorry, if this comes across as harsh... I'm merely venting a bit of frustration.

C'mon, Stephen, Throw us a bone.

Cheers
Steven
OK, now I'm with you at this point too.

I sent my deposit on Feb 3, and the original ETA was "some of the later orders may run into the first week or 10 days of March. They won't be any later than that and I will try to avoid this delay if possible." Cool, I get it, ETA busted, it happens. And at the time, he was still posting updates. I can deal with broken ETA's all day long, as long as it gets replaced by a new one. In fact, back in March (post #181 in this thread) I was still 100% on his side.

A month ago, (post 200 on 4/19) he said "I will have all orders fulfilled by the 3rd May"
Two weeks later (post 206 on 4/27) - "...all being posted by the following weekend (10th)" OK, so we got advance notice this ETA wasn't going to happen, I can deal with that.
His last post in this thread about the updates was #221 on 5/6 (almost 2 weeks ago) - "I am determined to get them all finished this week"

Obviously, that didn't happen. Where is the latest replacement ETA? Still waiting on that. And he's been here, last post in this thread on 5/9 about assembling the binnacle, and online on the forum on 5/13 (according to his profile). So there are two opportunities (that took place after the last ETA was broken) that would have taken zero extra effort to let us know what is going on. You're already online on the forum, click "Reply to thead" and type "Working. Very busy. Will update next week" Bam, that is all it woudl take to keep people happy.

Bottom line - Two weeks past the latest broken ETA, with zero update or even a clue when we will get the next. Not cool.

[kenny]

Guys,
You's need to chill a little.
I was chatting Steve in the last week and he is working flat out on them,there is way more work in them than he originally thought. I don't need a binnacle but I doubt he will ever do another run of them again because of the hassle involved.
This pisses me off because it means the rest of us will have to wait on someone else to develop one when we need replacements.
I could see your frustration if it was a part needed for the car to run but its only a cosmetic part

[Alex]

it's not urgent, but he could make an update.

[Bruce Johnson]

Take it from someone who has had several businesses through the years as primary support for my family. From that standpoint this was a daunting task for Steven from the very beginning. Torn between creating something that hasn't been done, and running a business at the same time is a monumental task. I've told Steven so in pm's but have held off my opinions here. He's trying to please all of us to create a perfect product and from the reviews so far he has done just that. On the other hand he's trying to keep a business going. No easy task. By rights he should keep all of us posted, but bad news can sometimes be disappointing, no matter how many times. My take on all of this? Give the guy a break. I'm sure he's doing the best he can given the circumstances.

[mluder]

Guys,
You's need to chill a little.
I was chatting Steve in the last week and he is working flat out on them,there is way more work in them than he originally thought. I don't need a binnacle but I doubt he will ever do another run of them again because of the hassle involved.
This pisses me off because it means the rest of us will have to wait on someone else to develop one when we need replacements.
I could see your frustration if it was a part needed for the car to run but its only a cosmetic part


Take it from someone who has had several businesses through the years as primary support for my family. From that standpoint this was a daunting task for Steven from the very beginning. Torn between creating something that hasn't been done, and running a business at the same time is a monumental task. I've told Steven so in pm's but have held off my opinions here. He's trying to please all of us to create a perfect product and from the reviews so far he has done just that. On the other hand he's trying to keep a business going. No easy task. By rights he should keep all of us posted, but bad news can sometimes be disappointing, no matter how many times. My take on all of this? Give the guy a break. I'm sure he's doing the best he can given the circumstances.

I cannot stress enough... I completely understand the situation Stephen is in... And I agree with a previous poster too... Busted ETAs are completely forgivable given the situation. I was merely commenting on the drop off in communication. I applaud Stephen and the work he's undertaken. I merely want to have some idea, based on the past 5 months, how much longer it will take. In other words if in five months he's shipped 10 of them and I'm #30 on the list I have some idea that it could be another 5-6 months before I get one. You say it's just a cosmetic part... That's true but it's car show season here and I have been planning an entire interior rehab (staining trim pieces, new seat covers, stereo upgrade, etc.) around the delivery of a replacement binnacle. When that binnacle arrives will dictate when this work can happen and what state my car will be in for the summer. So for some of us, or at least me, there's a little more involved. Fortunately I didn't start tearing things out already based on an assumption that my binnacle would have shipped by now.

Cheers
Steven

[DeLorean03]

I share both side's POV on this one. I have been a tad bit frustrated as well, but hey, he still has 9 years and about 8 months before he's pulling a DMCH.

(If I recall correctly) Seriously, prototypes of a binnacle were supposed to be at DCS 2004, so I am a bit more patient about this given the situation.

I feel for mluder as I am sure many of us feel the same way, and no matter how you bring it up/mention it, he was going to get some retorts. Don't worry mluder; I am with you, not only on being bummed out on the wait, but also the understanding that "These things take time...".

What Stephen is doing is mind-boggling, and I am SO glad I jumped on this when I did. Sounds like this was a "right moment, right time" opportunity. Sad there won't be more binnacles from him as the product looks simply awesome.

Stephen, we're pulling for you, man. Keep the course - knock those binnacles out. You have a lot of us behind you, and we know it is worth the wait!


Yes. I installed mine today. Looks great!

Patrick, I heard someone was having trouble installing their binnacle. How was the installation for you?? Anything come up that made you go "Huh...???"

[Mark D]

With the amount of work involved I'd rather the date be pushed out a few times than have to sacrifice quality just to make a date.

Some communication would be nice though to at least know where things are at. If it'll be another month thats not a problem but I'd rather know than not know.

[dmc4087]

I was in Stevies workshop last week.

It was full of binnacles in different stages of completion and they aren't far away. He has had a few delays that have been out of his hands but quality takes time.

Remember that this is a one man operation and each binnacle takes many many hours of work to get right. They need to be perfect before they are sent.

[RammJaeger]

So speaking of them needing to be perfect before they were shipped, I'd like to comment on the quality of the binnacle I received. I would probably rate it at about a 7 out of 10. It is WAY better than having a cracked, nasty looking old binnacle. But I was honestly expecting higher quality than this. It has several very obvious flaws such as a scratch on the top, lumpy spots where there are dips in the surface, very inconsistent grain, and chunked out sections on the edges that face the driver. I've talked to Stephen about it, and he says that he will replace it. At this point I am somewhat disappointed that this made it out of his workshop, especially for the price, and having to ship it overseas. But once again, it's still way better than having an old and severely cracked binnacle. Here are some images so you can judge for yourself.

2732127322273232732427325

[Patrick C]

Patrick, I heard someone was having trouble installing their binnacle. How was the installation for you?? Anything come up that made you go "Huh...???"

Installation was very straightforward. A few holes on the new binnacle needed to be enlarged ever-so-slightly with a drill bit for the screws to thread into, but it took all of 2 minutes to do. I also needed to elongate a few of the holes in the fiberglass dashboard for the new binnacle to fit. Again, no big deal. Looks great and should last forever!

[robvanderveer]

What troubles me here is the pressure that's on steve. During one of my empowerment training sessions (years ago) i've heard many stories alike. One anecdote i distinctly remember is about a young logger.

"What are you doing with that blunt axe! It is much easier if you sharpened it a little?"
"You know how much time sharpening takes? I gotta finish this section by the end of the day, i have no time for that"

The moral of this little story? If you are engulfed in work and stress levels start rising, most people trudge on blindly just to get it done. But there is another way: take a step back, take a breather, get new energy, communicate, get new energy. Don,t think it as a failure, see it as a powernap. I'm sure everybody understands. And i'm sure Steve needs it. My suggestion to steve: take a day off.

[stevie67cars]

Ok Guys,

I am so sorry about not being on here lately- the truth is that I have been absolutely buried in these and I am totally stressed to the hilt over them and it is coming to a head now. I have massively underestimated the work in these and am never going to take on with anything like this again. I can't sleep at night because I am so embarrased over the delays and as a result I am not at optimum working level when I do get to work.

I had 14 binnacles ready to go out a couple of weeks back when I noticed a small quality issue that I wasn't happy with- I went back to the manufacturer with my problem which he admits was his fault and we have been going through every one with a fine toothcomb before it goes out since. Clocks are test fitted fully and every one is fitted in a car. I told him I can't afford to have these come back to me.

So, in short, I held off on sending anymore out til I was 100% happy with them. Anyone from the first batch who is having any issues at all with their binnacle will have it resolved to their satisfaction.
At the stage I had noticed the problem, I had already taken the 2nd payment from some people as I thought they were good to go, so this compounded my embarrasment further and I put myself under further pressure as a result. If I could afford to, I would just refund everyones money in full and forget about the whole episode- it really has been that stressful and time consuming and it's taking it's toll on my family which is unfair on them- I haven't seen my daughter properly in a couple of weeks. I have been working on these now for the best part of a month solid and it is costing me a fortune,- please bear that in mind when you are complaining about the price or the wait.

As I have said before I put my regular work on hold (those who were willing to wait) those who weren't, I had to direct elsewhere. It really is in my interest to get these finished both for my sanity and my business.

Those who have paid their 2nd payments, please rest assured that I have not done a runner with your money and I am going to get this backlog out by this weekend. I will not be asking anyone for 2nd payments anymore until your binnacle is parceled up and I am ready to go to the post office. I have 32 left to send out- 20 will go out this week which will leave me with 12 for next week.

Rammjaeger, your binnacle was possibly rushed out as I had to get to the post office to get it posted for you in a hurry as you told me you were going to be out of town and wanted to be pushed up the list. Little did we both know that it would be in customs for a while anyway. No more are being rushed out and I will resolve your issues when i get my head straight.

I have a good system going for getting through them now and as I said earlier, each is going through quality control so to speak. I just need to stay away from the computer for a while and get my head down to them.

So again, I am sorry for the lack of updates or replies- I hope you understand. I have never been accused of being a good communicator. Every binnacle will be finished and posted by the end of May without fail. If it's not, there is no 2nd payment required.

Stephen

[robvanderveer]

Thanks Steven, all i can say is take it easy. That 'day off' suggestion comes from my heart. Being a cancer patient i by now have learned that i cannot do everything i set my mind to, and i am forced to break down work in chunks with good rest stops in between. I think i speak for everybody here that you need a break, and we wouldn't mind waiting just another day if your family and health are at stake.

(I hope i wrote that down correctly - today was a bad day for me on some of the forums)

[SS Spoiler]

Any DeLorean owners around to give him a hand? Maybe a mini tech session / BBQ picnic?

[jackb]

Thank you for the update Stephen.
I don't think anyone here doubts what a massive job this must be, and we are all grateful for you taking it on. Like I'd said before, I am in zero hurry for this (in fact, I'd understand if your current self-imposed deadline is missed. But if it is, we only ask that you let us know about it).
Thanks a ton!

[DavidProehl]

Thank you for the update Stephen.
I don't think anyone here doubts what a massive job this must be, and we are all grateful for you taking it on. Like I'd said before, I am in zero hurry for this (in fact, I'd understand if your current self-imposed deadline is missed. But if it is, we only ask that you let us know about it).
Thanks a ton!


Same here. I'm very grateful for you taking on this project and your attention to detail to get them right. As has been previously said, it is a cosmetic part so as long as there are regular updates I don't think how long it takes is a big issue. It isn't worth burning yourself out over this. Take care.

[mluder]

Appreciate the update and all the work that you've been doing. Delays are understandable given the scope of what you've undertaken. That said, I think we all feel much better now that we have some idea where things are.

Looking forward to the final product as I'm sure you're looking forward to just being done with this.

Cheers
Steven

[DeLorean03]

Stephen, you take care of your family. That is top priority. Everything else in life can wait.

I am very sorry to hear it has been this stressful. Such a shame as your work installed in a car looks phenomenal.

Family first - everything else second. Updates like this is all it takes for the community to catch its breath and realize all is well. I never ever assumed you took my money and run; I'll just say it's always nice to hear an update.

For anyone who is giving Stephen a hard time, I'll defer to another hobby of mine: pinball.

So, a new company known as Jersey Jack Pinball built a machine called Wizard of Oz. A decent number of clients paid for their machine in full from $5000 to $9000 - at the start of production - in 2011.

Some people STILL don't have their machines. Some people have referred to it as the "Chinese Democracy" of the pinball world:

http://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/woz-is-the-chinese-democracy-of-the-pinball-world

So, let's all be patient. Stephen, you take care of yourself and your family. The binnacles will be done when they're done. I'm willing to wait as long as it takes. No refunds required at all.