Binnacles

[Alex]

Thanks for the update !

[Mark D]

Thanks for the update, and sorry to hear it's causing you so much stress. I'm in no hurry by any means so please take your time. I think most people here can understand what an enormous undertaking this was, so delays are to be expected. At first when you said you'd be doing a run of these I was shocked at the quantity of people placing orders and even more surprised that you commited to taking on all of the orders at once. I probably would have started with the first 5 people to see how it went and then gone from there. I commend your willingess to take on such a huge project.

[RammJaeger]

Stephen,

Thanks for the update. Just to clarify though, for the ship date you originally provided I was going to be out of town for 10 days. So I requested that you ship my binnacle in time for it to arrive while I was in town, otherwise it would have arrived while I was gone and most likely gotten shipped back overseas to you. I didn't request that you rush it to completion, rather that you just modify your shipping queue so it wouldn't get returned to you while I was out of town. You could have just as easily told me that you would have to rush to get it finished and that you would ship it to me after I got back.

Like many of the people on these forums, I still appreciate what you are trying to do. And I don't mind the cost of the binnacle, I understand it is a handcrafted piece. At the end of the day, I just want a nice looking binnacle for my car. If you work with me to get this binnacle returned to you, and either refine it or send me another one that is properly finished then I'll be a happy customer.

On the subject of being customers, that is one thing I will say - once you accept someone's money for a job, they are your customer. I can appreciate that you underestimated the amount of work that this would take, and it is taking longer than you expected. The one thing you can't do right now is work more to get the binnacles done faster. But the one thing you CAN do is communicate with the people who have given you money. It might take you days or weeks to finish the binnacles, but it will only take you a few minutes to send PM's do your customers that are waiting. And that is all most of these guys want, is just a messages from you that keep them updated on the progress.

In my case, I'd like to get a PM letting me know what you want to do about my binnacle.

[NightFlyer]

Just MHO here, but everyone is aware that the man is legit and isn't a scammer or rip off artist, correct?

So what's the point of hassling the poor guy for updates when he clearly isn't a big computer/online type of guy? After all, if you don't have your binnacle yet, then you already know what he's going to say, don't you?

You'll obviously get your binnacles when they're finished to the quality/standard that they're being manufactured to.

Quality takes time.

Anyone who was expecting McDonald's efficiency here had unrealistic expectations to begin with.

Granted that he did and continues to fuel the fire by setting self-imposed time frames and deadlines, but that's only because the man honestly believed it and clearly has nothing but the best of intentions. Instead, he'd be better off saying 'hey guys, it's a huge job, but if you want them done right, it will take longer than anticipated and they'll be done when they're done.'

After all, everyone posting appears to be more interested in having the job done right vs the job done expeditiously, right?

So relax and give the guy another month or two. :smile:

[mluder]

Just MHO here, but everyone is aware that the man is legit and isn't a scammer or rip off artist, correct?

So what's the point of hassling the poor guy for updates when he clearly isn't a big computer/online type of guy? After all, if you don't have your binnacle yet, then you already know what he's going to say, don't you?

You'll obviously get your binnacles when they're finished to the quality/standard that they're being manufactured to.

Quality takes time.

Anyone who was expecting McDonald's efficiency here had unrealistic expectations to begin with.

Granted that he did and continues to fuel the fire by setting self-imposed time frames and deadlines, but that's only because the man honestly believed it and clearly has nothing but the best of intentions. Instead, he'd be better off saying 'hey guys, it's a huge job, but if you want them done right, it will take longer than anticipated and they'll be done when they're done.'

After all, everyone posting appears to be more interested in having the job done right vs the job done expeditiously, right?

So relax and give the guy another month or two. :smile:

I don't think anyone insinuated that he's a scammer or rip off artist. The main complaint issued has nothing to do with the amount of time this has taken and seems to focus entirely on the lack of communication once self imposed deadlines have passed. We all recognize what an undertaking this has been for the chap and he himself admits he's bitten off quite a bit more than he expected. For that he should be given kudos.

Now to your comment about harassing the guy... Speaking for myself, I posted one comment asking for a status update after two weeks had passed with no shipment and no communication. I don't think that's harassment at all. I have spent money, been told a delivery date which came and passed, was given no new delivery date and reason for delay. I don't think it's out of bounds to expect the man just keep everyone in the loop. Communication is important with any business. Delays are often acceptable when it's communicated in advance.

As I mentioned earlier, the reason I asked the question was so that I could plan projects around it. I won't restate what I said earlier but imagine your frustration if you had been told it would ship on a certain date and in anticipation you had taken apart your dash only to find out you would not be getting the part any time soon.

I am and continue to be patient. Now that I've heard from him I'm perfectly fine with waiting. That is all.

Cheers
Steven

[NightFlyer]

I don't think anyone insinuated that he's a scammer or rip off artist. The main complaint issued has nothing to do with the amount of time this has taken and seems to focus entirely on the lack of communication once self imposed deadlines have passed. We all recognize what an undertaking this has been for the chap and he himself admits he's bitten off quite a bit more than he expected. For that he should be given kudos.

Now to your comment about harassing the guy... Speaking for myself, I posted one comment asking for a status update after two weeks had passed with no shipment and no communication. I don't think that's harassment at all. I have spent money, been told a delivery date which came and passed, was given no new delivery date and reason for delay. I don't think it's out of bounds to expect the man just keep everyone in the loop. Communication is important with any business. Delays are often acceptable when it's communicated in advance.

As I mentioned earlier, the reason I asked the question was so that I could plan projects around it. I won't restate what I said earlier but imagine your frustration if you had been told it would ship on a certain date and in anticipation you had taken apart your dash only to find out you would not be getting the part any time soon.

I am and continue to be patient. Now that I've heard from him I'm perfectly fine with waiting. That is all.

Cheers
Steven

As I stated, he'd be better off not giving any deadlines or time frames.

But in missing the deadline, you already knew what was going on, didn't you? They obviously weren't ready yet, otherwise he would have shipped them, yes? So, your questions were already answered before you even posted your comment, right? Thus what was the point of the comment?

Also, I don't see how not having the binnacle is preventing you from undertaking any of the other projects on your car, as it's its own thing and is relatively easily removed and replaced without the disassembly of other components.

But hey, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, right :thumbup:

[Rich_NYS]

The dude's family, health, and well-being are more important to me than a part for my car. Time away from family is time you can't get back; there will always be more money and car parts to be made, so I ain't sweating either. There's clearly a whole lotta IQ in this community, so I'm sure everyone here understands that shit happens sometimes.

I just wanted to share my .02 in the spirit of good community. :cool1:

[stevie67cars]

Here is the problem I encountered about fitment. As I said before, the fibreglass shop was supplied with an old set of clocks to try in every binnacle and drill the holes. Over the course of production, the glass which was chipped at the bottom broke away from around the lower securing screw and they must have then removed the screw. This meant that while the clocks fitted fine, they didn't allow room for the thickness of the glass.

Pictures explain more, clocks test fitted:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140522_142849.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140522_142849.jpg.html)

The room that they allowed for the screw/glass 'bump':

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140522_142906.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140522_142906.jpg.html)

Clocks fitted and marked material that should be removed:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140522_142935.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140522_142935.jpg.html)

The clocks themselves, clearly showing the missing glass piece:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140522_142950.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140522_142950.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140522_142958.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140522_142958.jpg.html)

With the necessary material dremmeled away, all clocks will fit fine:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/20140522_143004.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/20140522_143004.jpg.html)

So as far as they were concerned, the clocks they had fitted perfectly- they didnt realise that non broken ones wouldn't. I have modified every binnacle that is still here and all future ones to go out will be fine. It is something that should have been noticed earlier but is kinda like a production update in the spirit of DMC.
(2 different binnacles in these pics btw)

Hope this helps,

Stephen

[robvanderveer]

Thanks for the update!

[RammJaeger]

So as far as they were concerned, the clocks they had fitted perfectly- they didnt realise that non broken ones wouldn't. I have modified every binnacle that is still here and all future ones to go out will be fine. It is something that should have been noticed earlier but is kinda like a production update in the spirit of DMC.
(2 different binnacles in these pics btw)

Hope this helps,

Stephen

Does this mean that those that already received our Binnacles should ship them back to have this modification done?

[Alex]

Thanks for the update. BTW, I'm looking for the glass in good condition if someone got this part contact me thanks:thumbup:

[Patrick C]

Here is a video I shot of the new binnacle installed.

http://youtu.be/LwqbbNEDsq0

[robvanderveer]

that looks so good.

[RammJaeger]

Here is a video I shot of the new binnacle installed.

http://youtu.be/LwqbbNEDsq0

Yours does looks really nice. Hopefully Stephen can get mine sorted out and fix the issues with it so it looks as nice as yours.

[stevie67cars]

Update-

These are todays packages for the post office. At this stage I am pretty much through all the backlog of people who had paid their 2nd payment (more going out tomorrow, Friday). I will be contacting those who have a 2nd payment to make before the weekend (either later tonight or tomorrow) All binnacles as promised will be done and finished for Saturday, the only thing I will possibly struggle with is getting them all packaged and posted on Saturday as well. Those that don't go out on Saturday will go out at the start of next week. It's quite time consuming packaging them all up.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/P5290184.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/P5290184.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/P5290183.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/P5290183.jpg.html)

There were some quality issues with the early batch from the fibreglass shop that only came to light when i was about to send them- that is why I stopped letting them out until I was happy that they had resolved the problem. Some however had gone out and anyone who is having issues will have them replaced as soon as I get the rest of these posted. I am waiting for replacments from the fibreglass shop, we spoke on the phone this morning and he is delivering them this afternoon. However, I won't have a chance to refinish them til Wednesday of next week so if you are waiting for a replacment please bear with me. There are currently only 3 that I will be replacing as I managed to stop sending anymore out when the issue was discovered.

I am very happy with how the binnacles that have shipped and will ship turned out now. These are some of the ones that will be packed up tomorrow:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/P5280182.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/P5280182.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/P5280181.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/P5280181.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/P5280180.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/P5280180.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/P5280179.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/P5280179.jpg.html)

There is some surface dust in this picture, it just wiped off.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/P5280178.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/P5280178.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/P5280177.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/P5280177.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/P5280176.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/P5280176.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/P5280175.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/P5280175.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/P5280174.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/P5280174.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/P5280173.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/P5280173.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/P5280172.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/P5280172.jpg.html)

I have pm'd tracking numbers through to some people this morning, more will follow tomorrow.

Thanks,

Stephen

[robvanderveer]

That is frekkin amazing, Steve. You deserve to be knighted for this. (knighted: when a king honours you by giving you a title, land, a large sum of money, and does so by say words and using the flat side of a two handed battle sword on your shoulder).

[Domi]

Wow, they're really beautiful :thumbup2:

[anywhen]

No two DeLoreans are the same. Custom made in Ireland binnacle. "Brilliant" as you Blokes would say. My PayPal is waiting and I am glad that I waited on a superior product.

[Mark D]

Looking good Stephen, thank you for the update :D

[RammJaeger]

Those look really great Stephen. Will mine be one of the 3 that you are replacing?

[djdogbone]

You have done such a huge service to the DMC community and I thank you for your efforts.

[stevie67cars]

Those look really great Stephen. Will mine be one of the 3 that you are replacing?

Yep, at the end of next week when I have them refinished. The replacments were delivered to me today. I will contact you then and arrange shipping of the old one etc...

Stephen
#10213

[RammJaeger]

Yep, at the end of next week when I have them refinished. The replacments were delivered to me today. I will contact you then and arrange shipping of the old one etc...

Stephen
#10213

Great Stephen, thanks for the update!

[Alex]

Congratulations, you did it !

[DeLorean03]

Man, I am just itching to send my second/final payment for mine. I cannot wait to get my binnacle. Those look SO good!!!

Well done, Stephen. Thank you so very much for doing this.

[NightFlyer]

Looks like an AWESOME product.

Too bad that Stevie doesn't want to make them anymore because of all the grief/misery that it has caused him...

[DavidProehl]

These are pure awesome. You have no idea how excited I am to have gotten in on this. Outstanding work!

[Mark D]

Yeah I kinda figured this would be a one shot kinda thing so I'm glad I got in on it when the opportunity came up.

I just got notified that mine would be shipping so I'm excited that it'll be here soon. I'm somewhere toward the middle of the list I think.

[robvanderveer]

i got his 2nd payment request just this morning, i'm very excited! and since UK to NL is not far, i expect at most one weeks' shipping time!

[DeLorean03]

I got my 2nd balance request as well. Can someone here PM me his email? Without it, I cannot finish paying off my balance. Thanks, guys!


EDIT: Email address received. Thanks Rich!

[D Knight]

Not making anymore at all?


-D Knight-

[DeLorean03]

Not making anymore at all?


-D Knight-

Probably not. Poor Stephen got pretty burned on this one.

[Mark D]

I got my 2nd balance request as well. Can someone here PM me his email? Without it, I cannot finish paying off my balance. Thanks, guys!


EDIT: Email address received. Thanks Rich!

[email protected] for anyone else wondering

[stevie67cars]

Just to keep people in the loop and thank you to all who sent through their payments- I finished all of those binnacles of whom I requested a 2nd payment on Sunday and Monday past- I have however not sent all of them out yet as I had some concerns about bubble wrapping and taping up the fresh paint and wanted to give them a couple of days to harden thoroughly. They have been fully baked, but there is no substitute to a thorough air drying, I didn't want them to arrive damaged at this stage.
I just checked them and will be happy to let them go in the morning so tracking numbers will be provided accordingly.
I will post pictures with todays newspaper so you can see this for yourselves as soon as I can find the camera.
There are 6 remaining people who I have not requested the 2nd payment yet off- their binnacles are finished bar I was out of vinyl coating which has arrived today so i will apply this afternoon and then get in touch.

Thank you,

Stephen

[Mark D]

No need to take photos with today's newspaper, we believe you :thumbup:

You can still take a few pics though, it's cool to see the finished product all lined up.

How many of these in total did you produce anyway?

[mluder]

Just to keep people in the loop and thank you to all who sent through their payments- I finished all of those binnacles of whom I requested a 2nd payment on Sunday and Monday past- I have however not sent all of them out yet as I had some concerns about bubble wrapping and taping up the fresh paint and wanted to give them a couple of days to harden thoroughly. They have been fully baked, but there is no substitute to a thorough air drying, I didn't want them to arrive damaged at this stage.
I just checked them and will be happy to let them go in the morning so tracking numbers will be provided accordingly.
I will post pictures with todays newspaper so you can see this for yourselves as soon as I can find the camera.
There are 6 remaining people who I have not requested the 2nd payment yet off- their binnacles are finished bar I was out of vinyl coating which has arrived today so i will apply this afternoon and then get in touch.

Thank you,

Stephen

Thanks, for the update, Stephen.
I can't wait to get this thing in my hands and into my car. :thumbup:

Cheers
Steven

[Lenny]

Has anyone received one and bringing it to DCS?

[jackb]

Just to keep people in the loop and thank you to all who sent through their payments- I finished all of those binnacles of whom I requested a 2nd payment on Sunday and Monday past- I have however not sent all of them out yet as I had some concerns about bubble wrapping and taping up the fresh paint and wanted to give them a couple of days to harden thoroughly. They have been fully baked, but there is no substitute to a thorough air drying, I didn't want them to arrive damaged at this stage.
I just checked them and will be happy to let them go in the morning so tracking numbers will be provided accordingly.
I will post pictures with todays newspaper so you can see this for yourselves as soon as I can find the camera.
There are 6 remaining people who I have not requested the 2nd payment yet off- their binnacles are finished bar I was out of vinyl coating which has arrived today so i will apply this afternoon and then get in touch.

Thank you,

Stephen

Stephen,
I received your request for payment, but I sent a followup-question about shipping. I don't need tracking, and I'm not in a hurry, but I do want the package insured. Does the standard cheaper shipping include insurance? Please let me know and I will pay immediately.

[Alex]

hello stephen, i dont received your request for the second payment, i sent a pm at noon. im little bit nervous :bang:

[Patrick C]

Has anyone received one and bringing it to DCS?

Mine is installed and will be at DCS.

[skill]

Just to keep people in the loop and thank you to all who sent through their payments- I finished all of those binnacles of whom I requested a 2nd payment on Sunday and Monday past- I have however not sent all of them out yet as I had some concerns about bubble wrapping and taping up the fresh paint and wanted to give them a couple of days to harden thoroughly. They have been fully baked, but there is no substitute to a thorough air drying, I didn't want them to arrive damaged at this stage.
I just checked them and will be happy to let them go in the morning so tracking numbers will be provided accordingly.
I will post pictures with todays newspaper so you can see this for yourselves as soon as I can find the camera.
There are 6 remaining people who I have not requested the 2nd payment yet off- their binnacles are finished bar I was out of vinyl coating which has arrived today so i will apply this afternoon and then get in touch.

Thank you,

Stephen

Thanks Stephen for the update and lookin' forward to receiving my "Stevie Binnacle"! Super cool! :) PM sent as well. :rock_on:

[mluder]

According to the tracking at Royal Mail my binnacle has been handed off to the US Postal Service fore delivery... Does anyone know if it can be tracked from that point?
Getting excited!

[DavidProehl]

Just enter the tracking number into the USPS website tracking service. Mine shows as hitting San Francisco on Sunday. Crossing my fingers that it arrives at my door in the next couple days!

[mluder]

Just enter the tracking number into the USPS website tracking service. Mine shows as hitting San Francisco on Sunday. Crossing my fingers that it arrives at my door in the next couple days!

Oh... Mine too.
:rock_on:

[gulwng3]

I couldn't track mine at all with the given number. It just showed up on my doorstep about 10 days after being mailed by Stephen.

Andy

[Mark D]

Mine has made it to the states also. Currently in Chicago going through the sort facility

[robvanderveer]

mine is currently in Belfast waiting to ship to the Netherlands. Real soon now.

[robvanderveer]

really close now

27945

[Lightning]

This is better than I expected. I am extremely glad I got in on this.

27958

[DavidProehl]

This is better than I expected. I am extremely glad I got in on this.

27958

Looks awesome!

Mine has been sitting in San Francisco since Sunday. SF is only 85 miles away. If only they would let me drive over and pick it up....

[robvanderveer]

2 days stuck in Amsterdam here

[Lightning]

Looks awesome!

Mine has been sitting in San Francisco since Sunday. SF is only 85 miles away. If only they would let me drive over and pick it up....

6 days total for me. Hopefully they will hurry up for you.

[robvanderveer]

Hurray! I know what my weekend will look like ;) ;)

http://i.imgur.com/FHRqINil.jpg (http://imgur.com/FHRqINi)

Thank you very much!

[stevie67cars]

Guys,

I have had 3 pm's from people who's binnacles have arrived damaged. Before signing for them, could you please open the package (very carefully so as not to scratch the surface) and check them. This is really disappointing as I could not have packaged them any better and they are covered in 'Fragile' stickers, they must be throwing heavier items on top of them regardless. This has me fearful for the state of the other binnacles when they arrive- I am going to have to figure out what to do. That said, the vast majority have arrived just fine. I have some binnacles here still to ship and I am hesitant to do so until I see how these other ones arrive.

I wrap them up tightly with a closed cell foam 4 times around and then 4 times around with bubble wrap- you could literally bounce the package on the ground with no damage- they have to be seriously careless with them to cause any harm. If I put them in a sturdy box with styrofoam, the weight goes over the 2kg threshold and the price gets crazy (like 3 times as much), but that's something I may have to do sending others out.
I could not be more pissed off about this- it was hard enough work the first time round without doing it again.

Stephen
#10213

[stevie67cars]

I spent the morning researching (again) possibility's of shipping individual binnacles in a box- it is just not economically viable. For a 75 cm x 40 cm x 30 cm box which weighs 3 kg, they calculate the volumetric weight which is 18 kg and base cost on it instead. Here is a cut and paste from the parcel force website:

The volumetric weight of 18 kg, calculated using the dimensions you have entered, is greater than the actual weight of the parcel. Therefore we will base the pricing calculation on the volumetric weight.

Your pricing results for a delivery to USA weighing 18 kg are...

View further delivery speed information for USA
Where available, Global Value and Economy products are only available from a Post Office or Parcelforce Worldwide depot. Only single parcels can be sent on these services.
Global Express transit times may vary from those quoted below as they are specific to origin and destination postcode . Please visit our worldwide directory or contact our customer service team on 08448 004466 for further details. All delivery speeds quoted are based on document traffic.
Use Refine search to add on additional compensation.
Service Delivery Compensation Tracking Price
Expand to to see service description of globalexpress
globalexpress Guaranteed from 1 day Up to £200 Tracked £181.70Expand to to see service description of globalexpress Send Now globalexpress
Expand to to see service description of globalpriority
globalpriority From 3 days Up to £100 Tracked £149.03Expand to to see service description of globalpriority Send Now globalpriority
Expand to to see service description of globalvalue
globalvalue Delivery Aim 5-9 days Up to £100 Not Tracked £144.65Expand to to see service description of globalvalue

Clearly at these prices it isn't an option. Before sending out these last few or any replacements I am going to wait to see how the rest arrive over the next few days. I can't go on making these indefinitely especially replacements for nothing. So fed up of this now, but I also have great sympathy for those whose binnacles arrived damaged.
The insurance included at the current shipping prices is only for £50. I can up that to cover the whole cost of the binnacle (£200) for around £4-5. In any event, I have no idea how easy or hard it is to make a claim from the post office- they probably don't make it easy.
As far as I can see this is the best option for the remainder to be sent as the boxing of them clearly isn't realistic.
Headaches........why can't shippers/handlers be careful?- these really aren't fragile and any sort of reasonable respect would see them arrive safely.

Thanks,

Stephen

[robvanderveer]

Have you considered other couriers? The prices you quote are simply insane..

[stevie67cars]

Have you considered other couriers? The prices you quote are simply insane..

Tried everyone Rob, those are the cheapest believe it or not. I think I will have to continue the way I am, but just increase the insurance.

Stephen

[Tomcio]

Stephen,
It's a good idea to check shipping costs from other countries. It might actually be cost effective to have them carried across the border and shipped from there.
If I were to ship similar packages the prices would be:
Priority mail package, weight 3kg, insurance $350, with tracking, price: $48
If the weight was 4kg the price would be $55
If it was 2kg the price would be $40

For EMS the prices are:
2kg $63
3kg $68
4kg $75
Insurance up to $350 is already included in the above prices. BTW, the insurance costs only $1.50

There are a lot of people going from the UK to Poland. Maybe you could find someone that will take the boxes with them and have them shipped from here.

[GS450-Junkie]

I haven't had to sign for either binnacle when they came. It was simply waiting for me by the front door each time. I'd love to sign for it, and open prior to accepting. That would save us some headaches.

[DavidProehl]

Before signing for them, could you please open the package (very carefully so as not to scratch the surface) and check them.


It is likely different in other countries, but in the US we are not allowed to open mail if we have not first signed for it.

From the USPS website:
Recipient Responsibilities
When you sign for a piece of mail, you acknowledge delivery. The Postal Service’s liability ends when you sign for the mail. You may ask the letter carrier for the sender’s name and address before you accept the mail. You may not open the mail, but you may look at it as long as the letter carrier is holding it before you choose to sign for it.


source: http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm100/sending-receiving.htm

[robvanderveer]

No signature was needed in the Netherlands either. Track and track was strange: late updates and no expected delivery time. Not at all what i'm used to.

[DeLorean03]

Look what showed up on DCS Saturday...!

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg607/delorean03/Binnacle/DSCF6308.jpg (http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/delorean03/media/Binnacle/DSCF6308.jpg.html)

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg607/delorean03/Binnacle/DSCF6307.jpg (http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/delorean03/media/Binnacle/DSCF6307.jpg.html)

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg607/delorean03/Binnacle/DSCF6306.jpg (http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/delorean03/media/Binnacle/DSCF6306.jpg.html)

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg607/delorean03/Binnacle/DSCF6305.jpg (http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/delorean03/media/Binnacle/DSCF6305.jpg.html)

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg607/delorean03/Binnacle/DSCF6304.jpg (http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/delorean03/media/Binnacle/DSCF6304.jpg.html)

[Rich_NYS]

Mine also showed up while I was at the DCS, but nobody to sign for it.

I picked it up today....looks good! :thumbup:

(Although, I'm now not so much in need of a replacement after beginning to restore my existing binnacle.)

[stevie67cars]

Mine also showed up while I was at the DCS, but nobody to sign for it.

I picked it up today....looks good! :thumbup:

(Although, I'm now not so much in need of a replacement after beginning to restore my existing binnacle.)

Thanks for letting me know Rich, for those few still waiting for them to go out, I have ordered some corrugated cardboard roll from Amazon to roll around the already packaged up binnacles to further protect them- I don't want any more arriving damaged even though it was a very small percentage that were. It is due to arrive with me on Friday.

Thanks,

Stephen

[robvanderveer]

i'm wondering what on earth they did to the packages to have damaged freaking fiberglass covered in foam wrapped in bubble-wrap in a package marked FRAGILE.

[peterpaul]

many thanks ,Steevie :wave:
2833928338

[stevie67cars]

Thank you Peterpaul, looks great fitted!


many thanks ,Steevie :wave:
2833928338

[RammJaeger]

i'm wondering what on earth they did to the packages to have damaged freaking fiberglass covered in foam wrapped in bubble-wrap in a package marked FRAGILE.

I used to work in international shipping. Marking a package fragile does nothing, they really don't care. Shipping companies also require that all packages be packed well enough to be able to handle a fall of about 2 meters without taking damage. I was really surprised when I got mine that it made it across the ocean in just bubble wrap and foam without being damaged. It really should have a box around it to absorb the stress if another package is stacked in top of it (and that WILL happen). Bubble wrapping it is a dice roll, but wrapping corrugated cardboard around them might help. The real issue though is that a box usually absorbs the stress of having something stacked on top of it.

[stevie67cars]

I used to work in international shipping. Marking a package fragile does nothing, they really don't care. Shipping companies also require that all packages be packed well enough to be able to handle a fall of about 2 meters without taking damage. I was really surprised when I got mine that it made it across the ocean in just bubble wrap and foam without being damaged. It really should have a box around it to absorb the stress if another package is stacked in top of it (and that WILL happen). Bubble wrapping it is a dice roll, but wrapping corrugated cardboard around them might help. The real issue though is that a box usually absorbs the stress of having something stacked on top of it.


Of course I would rather have them boxed all day long- it just comes down to the 2kg limit- did you see the shipping costs a few posts back if they were boxed and over 2kg? Totally unrealistic costs, but I have to weigh that up against the cost of replacing the 3 damaged binnacles- yours was one of them ( I wouldn't have packed it up with the damage to the front face). I could literally bounce the packaged binnacles on the floor with no risk of damage, like you said the handlers don't care if they are marked fragile though and must really throw them around.
I will be upping the insurance cover on these last ones and taking even more care in packing them. They should be fine- talk about a learning curve.

Stephen

[DavidProehl]

Hi Stephen - I was going to PM you, however it appears your inbox is full. It isn't anything that needs to be private so I'll post here:


The binnacle arrived today in one piece, no damage or problems, it looks great! OUTSTANDING work!

One question: What grey dye did you use?

I think my interior has faded, so the binnacle color is slightly darker than the rest of my car. I'm considering trying SEM Acura Charcoal as I've read that is a close match to many cars, but wanted to verify if that was what you used already. I could also take it to a local shop to do a color match to the rest of my car or redye my interior to match the binnacle.

The difference is subtle enough I may leave it as is, just curious about the specific dye used.

Thanks again for all your efforts!



28343

[DavidProehl]

One question: What grey dye did you use?

I should have read your insert with the binnacle before posting. You say there that it was a custom made dye to match NOS color.

That is what happens when I get too excited and start posting. :)

[Mark D]

Headed to the post office to pick mine up tonight. They attempted delivery on the 13th but nobody was home to receive the package.

Hopefully it arrived undamaged...I will open at the post office prior to signing to check the condition. I'll report back here with any issues.

[robvanderveer]

Hi Stephen - I was going to PM you, however it appears your inbox is full. It isn't anything that needs to be private so I'll post here:
28343

I have exactly the same cracked binnacle (in black) since I bought my car in '99. I didn't want it leather-wrapped, and thanks to Steve this is now finally fixed!

[Mark D]

Finally picked mine up from the post office yesterday. It arrived without any damage and it looks great! Excellent craftsmanship and finish. Hopefully it fits as nicely as it looks...i won't know for a while since there is no time to work on the car lately

[DeLorean03]

So, I finally go to installing mine today.

Overall, a very simple and clean conversion. I took the opportunity to install my 140MPH speedometer - knock out two birds with one stone.

The binnacle is very sturdy overall. One thing I did notice is some of the holes do line up with the instrument cluster, and some simply do not. I don't feel this was shoddy craftsmanship; I feel Stevie knew he could only do so well - given the large amounts of variance of these binnacles - given that they were practically all hand-made one at a time.

One of the screw holes did break, so I had to get a bit crafty. It was one of the holes that held the driver's side metal bracket. I lined the bracket up with the binnacle, marked where a new hole would go, and starting with my smallest drill bit, I slowly made a bigger and bigger hole until the screw fit and grabbed the fiberglass binnacle. Then all was well!

It simply looks fantastic. It was a decent wait to get it - Jan 2014 to June 2014 - and it was very well worth the wait. I will admit, the grey is way shinier than I was expecting, and when placed side by side with my old binnacle, wow - what a huge difference.

What I really love is that Steven took the black trim that helps house the transparent plastic shield from the old binnacle, and he made that black trim piece and molded it as part of his new binnacle. That was a GREAT move, now there's no more sagging of that black trim!

I am very pleased with this product. It was done with some great attention to detail. I feel for Steven that he got so burned out doing these that he won't be making any more. It is a real shame; those who got in were extremely blessed, and for these to be hand-made at $400 was a solid deal!

Here are some pictures:

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg607/delorean03/Facebook/Bringing%20a%20DeLorean%20Back%20to%20the%20Future/10501717_10152310340483710_5332359118883392508_n.j pg (http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/delorean03/media/Facebook/Bringing%20a%20DeLorean%20Back%20to%20the%20Future/10501717_10152310340483710_5332359118883392508_n.j pg.html)

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg607/delorean03/Facebook/Bringing%20a%20DeLorean%20Back%20to%20the%20Future/10494868_10152310386913710_5284941772718136345_n.j pg (http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/delorean03/media/Facebook/Bringing%20a%20DeLorean%20Back%20to%20the%20Future/10494868_10152310386913710_5284941772718136345_n.j pg.html)

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg607/delorean03/Facebook/Bringing%20a%20DeLorean%20Back%20to%20the%20Future/10496027_10152310716148710_3679145056749408336_o.j pg (http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/delorean03/media/Facebook/Bringing%20a%20DeLorean%20Back%20to%20the%20Future/10496027_10152310716148710_3679145056749408336_o.j pg.html)

Just a couple tools for this job....

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg607/delorean03/Facebook/Bringing%20a%20DeLorean%20Back%20to%20the%20Future/10380346_10152310733308710_7549318074664545696_n.j pg (http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/delorean03/media/Facebook/Bringing%20a%20DeLorean%20Back%20to%20the%20Future/10380346_10152310733308710_7549318074664545696_n.j pg.html)

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg607/delorean03/Facebook/Bringing%20a%20DeLorean%20Back%20to%20the%20Future/10454257_10152310718403710_3190356259069585751_o.j pg (http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/delorean03/media/Facebook/Bringing%20a%20DeLorean%20Back%20to%20the%20Future/10454257_10152310718403710_3190356259069585751_o.j pg.html)

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg607/delorean03/Facebook/Bringing%20a%20DeLorean%20Back%20to%20the%20Future/10459086_10152310841543710_8633686423999984235_o.j pg (http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/delorean03/media/Facebook/Bringing%20a%20DeLorean%20Back%20to%20the%20Future/10459086_10152310841543710_8633686423999984235_o.j pg.html)

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg607/delorean03/Facebook/Bringing%20a%20DeLorean%20Back%20to%20the%20Future/10507128_10152310841568710_6182648399117721997_o.j pg (http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/delorean03/media/Facebook/Bringing%20a%20DeLorean%20Back%20to%20the%20Future/10507128_10152310841568710_6182648399117721997_o.j pg.html)

Man, now my dash looks burnt is comparison D: ....

http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg607/delorean03/Facebook/Bringing%20a%20DeLorean%20Back%20to%20the%20Future/1399842_10152310841658710_1391537764568052898_o.jp g (http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/delorean03/media/Facebook/Bringing%20a%20DeLorean%20Back%20to%20the%20Future/1399842_10152310841658710_1391537764568052898_o.jp g.html)



One last thing - I only bring this up as Steven has declared he won't be doing these again. There IS someone else re-covering binnacles. He strips off the old coverings and re-does your binnacle with new fiberglass resin that is rated for 220+ deg. He keeps the original textures in the binnacle and everything. If you're interested, PM me, and I'll get you in contact with him. He was parked directly next to me at DCS 2014, and his work was on display there, and it is EXCELLENT.

There still are options out there....

[skill]

My original is in such bad shape I don't think magic can recover it. I can't wait to get mine from Steven!

[renaissanceman400]

If anyone is interested in selling their cracked binnacle after swapping it for one of Stevie's, please pm me. I'd be much obliged. Regards, Jonathan

[skill]

Stephen, Any update on my grey binnacle? I know you had mentioned you were waiting for new-packaging... If you can provide me w/ an update it be great! Thanks!

[anywhen]

I would like an update also. Thank you.

[stevie67cars]

Pm's sent, apologies, I hadn't been on the forum for a few days. Last batch of singles finally going out on Saturday morning- I literally haven't had a minute to package them up as the workshop is crazy busy. Tracking numbers will be sent on Monday morning as I am going away for a nights break on Saturday night and won't have internet. Anyone waiting for a replacement for a shipping damaged binnacle, these will go out next week.

Stephen

[mluder]

Stephen,

Did you get my e-mail that I sent to the address your Paypal account is linked to? There was no damage in shipping on my binnacle but there are a couple of blemishes in the paint finish that I was concerned with. I was wondering if this is something I can repair myself - I'd hate to have to send it all the way back to you.

Thanks

[GS450-Junkie]

Stephen, maybe you covered this already but is insurance an option or are you crossing your fingers?

[stevie67cars]

Hi Steven,

No, I don't think I seen it, can you send it again to [email protected]

Thanks


Stephen,

Did you get my e-mail that I sent to the address your Paypal account is linked to? There was no damage in shipping on my binnacle but there are a couple of blemishes in the paint finish that I was concerned with. I was wondering if this is something I can repair myself - I'd hate to have to send it all the way back to you.

Thanks

[stevie67cars]

Hi Matt,

All packages will be fully insured for the full amount. I don't want to have to be out of pocket for any more.

Stephen


Stephen, maybe you covered this already but is insurance an option or are you crossing your fingers?

[skill]

Pm's sent, apologies, I hadn't been on the forum for a few days. Last batch of singles finally going out on Saturday morning- I literally haven't had a minute to package them up as the workshop is crazy busy. Tracking numbers will be sent on Monday morning as I am going away for a nights break on Saturday night and won't have internet. Anyone waiting for a replacement for a shipping damaged binnacle, these will go out next week.

Stephen

PM sent. Final payment made via Paypal. Looking forward to it! :) :) Thank you for the update Stevie!!! - brian

[RammJaeger]

Pm's sent, apologies, I hadn't been on the forum for a few days. Last batch of singles finally going out on Saturday morning- I literally haven't had a minute to package them up as the workshop is crazy busy. Tracking numbers will be sent on Monday morning as I am going away for a nights break on Saturday night and won't have internet. Anyone waiting for a replacement for a shipping damaged binnacle, these will go out next week.

Stephen

Stephen,

Is mine included in one of those batches?

[stevie67cars]

Stephen,

Is mine included in one of those batches?

Yep, yours is one of the replacment for those damaged ones going out next week.

Stephen

[RammJaeger]

Yep, yours is one of the replacment for those damaged ones going out next week.

Stephen

Great thanks :)

[GS450-Junkie]

Hang in there Stephen!

[mluder]

Hi Steven,

No, I don't think I seen it, can you send it again to [email protected]

Thanks

I will re-send and include a couple of pictures.

Thanks

[PB Co]

Just out of curiosity, will the damaged units be offered?

[stevie67cars]

Hello Guys,

I just pm'd tracking numbers through to some people for binnacles that went out yesterday. I bought some boxes and polystyrene loose fill and packaged them up really well- they should arrive in good condition. This pushed them over 2kg, but I used http://www.anpost.ie/AnPost/ this time as I found that they don't have as drastic a price increase as Royal Mail. The cost of posting them was £45 when converted instead of the £28.50 I charged everyone but I will take the extra cost by way of apology for numerous delays and to ensure that they arrive as they leave here.

I still have some to send out, I am away today for a weeks holiday with my family and will give the few remaining binnacles my immediate attention when I get back. I need to get away from work for a few days break- although no longer working exclusively on the binnacles, the bodyshop has been really busy and I have been working 16-17 hour days all week trying to get things done. I got closed up at 1 am on Friday night- I started at 8 that morning.
This seems like a never ending story but rest assured I am and will be working to get the few remaining ones posted. I really want these out of my hair too.

I most likely won't have internet access for the next week as we will be on a campsite in Killarney in a campervan (RV) so please understand if I don't reply to pm's.

Thanks,

Stephen

[robvanderveer]

Enjoy the holiday stephen

[bastien-fma]

happy holidays !!!

[jackb]

Mine arrived today- what a work of art! Well worth the wait!
I can't wait to refinish my entire interior, that's when it will be installed :)

[skill]

Stephen,

Thank you so much for all your help! I appreciate all your hard-work and communication. A true asset to us all that needed this part! If this was an eBay review, well here it goes... "A+ all the way and will buy from again!" Heheehe!

http://youtu.be/dsYZDqB2KzI


http://youtu.be/dsYZDqB2KzI

[stevie67cars]

Brian, thank you so much for the review and I am so glad that your binnacle arrived ok. I am also very aware that not everyone's binnacle arrived in such good condition and I am working on putting that right. It has been a huge learning curve for me and there are a lot of things i would have done different along the way but i am confident in the way I am doing things now and the packing/shipping etc.

As a result of me having to replace some approx 8 binnacles that were damaged or not perfect, I still have to make good on some orders that I thought I had finished with. All I can say is that I am back working on these and they will go out as soon as I am happy with them- it is obviously at my own not inconsiderable cost to re-manufacture and reship these replacements so it is not something that I want to have to do anymore. If you are still waiting for your binnacle be it a replacement or original order (not many are) please give me a little more time as I am doing these now alongside regular work. I promise I wont let it drag on much more.

Stephen

[robvanderveer]

Your experiences tought me to take extra care with my Declock project. I now realise there is much more involved than just making more of your prototype and shipping them off.

[RammJaeger]

Brian, thank you so much for the review and I am so glad that your binnacle arrived ok. I am also very aware that not everyone's binnacle arrived in such good condition and I am working on putting that right. It has been a huge learning curve for me and there are a lot of things i would have done different along the way but i am confident in the way I am doing things now and the packing/shipping etc.

As a result of me having to replace some approx 8 binnacles that were damaged or not perfect, I still have to make good on some orders that I thought I had finished with. All I can say is that I am back working on these and they will go out as soon as I am happy with them- it is obviously at my own not inconsiderable cost to re-manufacture and reship these replacements so it is not something that I want to have to do anymore. If you are still waiting for your binnacle be it a replacement or original order (not many are) please give me a little more time as I am doing these now alongside regular work. I promise I wont let it drag on much more.

Stephen

Stephen,

Do you have any time estimate on how long you think it will be before the rest of us get our binnacles?

Thanks!

[stevie67cars]

Stephen,

Do you have any time estimate on how long you think it will be before the rest of us get our binnacles?

Thanks!

Hi RammJaeger,

I am aware you have been waiting a while for your replacement binnacle and thank you for being so patient. I am realising that I can't really do these alongside my regular work as there just aren't enough hours in the day and rather than have people think that I am stringing them along or pissing them off further, I am just going to have to take one more week out of my normal work, distraction free, to get these completley finished and shipped including any outstanding replacments. It's the damage done in posting and the unplanned replacements that really has set me back- ones that I had ticked off as finished had to be remade.
The soonest I can do this is from the 10th to the 16th August, I hope this is acceptable. This is a firm time for certain and all replacements, everything will be buttoned up by this date. This is the soonest I can definatively say that I will have these, I think that I am better saying this straight rather than being overly optimistic with my predictions and then disappointing people again. I'm sorry to those who are still waiting- I really didn't see this going on so long.

Stephen

[jawn101]

Stevie - I didn't order a binnacle but I have friends who did. All I can say is I feel your pain, am sympathetic to how much you're pouring into this project and can't commend you enough for your dedication. Sounds like the finished product is worth the wait and the money and I'm sure every single recipient will remember the quality long after the delays are forgotten. Good on you for making this happen.

[robvanderveer]

Maybe we should start a naming contest for his efforts, and use it for an award for an awesome product that despite all the struggles made it thanks to the dedication of the maker. Like a Golden Stevie for example. Or the mcBinnacle awards.

[stevie67cars]

Hi all,

I have been off the forum for a couple of weeks to get through some of the backlog of regular work. I have taken this last week however to get the replacement and outstanding orders completed. I have most of them ready but not all, 4 still to do on Monday, then it's packing and shipping time again. Everyones will go out next week- I can't tell for sure which day as I will be taking them to the post office in batches, but I will contact you with your tracking number as soon as they are posted. This will be finished with next week for sure- the end is in sight thankfully.

Thank you everyone for your patience, I'm sure it has been wearing thin.

Stephen

[RammJaeger]

Hi all,

I have been off the forum for a couple of weeks to get through some of the backlog of regular work. I have taken this last week however to get the replacement and outstanding orders completed. I have most of them ready but not all, 4 still to do on Monday, then it's packing and shipping time again. Everyones will go out next week- I can't tell for sure which day as I will be taking them to the post office in batches, but I will contact you with your tracking number as soon as they are posted. This will be finished with next week for sure- the end is in sight thankfully.

Thank you everyone for your patience, I'm sure it has been wearing thin.

Stephen

Thanks for the update, and I'll be looking forward to your shipment.

[Denverdelorean]

Are these still available for order?

[bastien-fma]

Hello Stephen !
How are you ?

Any news of your replacment ?

Bastien

[Lightning]

Are these still available for order?

To me knowledge, no. Stephen didn't realize the demand and doesn't have time to continue producing them Nas it cuts into his normal day to day job.

[GS450-Junkie]

Guys, just talked to Stephen and he wanted me to post on the forum....the remaining binnacles are boxed up and will go out on Saturday. He apologizes for the delay.

[Bruce Johnson]

:yesss:

[RammJaeger]

Guys, just talked to Stephen and he wanted me to post on the forum....the remaining binnacles are boxed up and will go out on Saturday. He apologizes for the delay.

Do you know if they got shipped? I haven't gotten a PM with a tracking number yet.

[Bruce Johnson]

Stephen did these ship last Saturday? If not can we have an update? Tried to pm but your box is full. I've got my binnacle off waiting and have a car show coming up.

Bruce

[Bruce Johnson]

OK. Is it just me or is anybody else here either waiting for their new or replacement binnacle? I've tried again to contact Stephen regarding my replacement and his pm box is still full.

[RammJaeger]

OK. Is it just me or is anybody else here either waiting for their new or replacement binnacle? I've tried again to contact Stephen regarding my replacement and his pm box is still full.

I'm still waiting as well.

[RammJaeger]

I got a PM from Stephen this morning with my tracking number. Thanks Stephen!

[stevie67cars]

Tracking numbers all sent via pm now. I boxed them all which cost considerably more but it is the best option I think. I used AnPost which is the Irish post service as opposed to Royal Mail. They were much more accomodating and leniant regards weights etc and the last time I posted some with them, they all arrived in the next week- I dunno, maybe they just got lucky with customs or something.
Anyway, glad the replacements and orders have all gone out, I'm sorry about the wait. Here's the latest:

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/P9100252.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/P9100252.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/P9100251.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/P9100251.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/P9100253.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/P9100253.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/P9100254.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/P9100254.jpg.html)

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s136/stevie67cars/P9120256.jpg (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/stevie67cars/media/P9120256.jpg.html)

Stephen
#10213

[Bruce Johnson]

Got my tracking # too. Looking forward to the install. Thanks Steven!

[Mike A]

For those that are waiting for their binnacle. I just received mine today. Packed very well. Well worth the wait.
Thanks Stephen for ensuring a high quality product.
Mike

[Trstno1]

Are there any more left, so that I may purchase one?

[RammJaeger]

I received my binnacle from Stephen today. As many of you that have read this thread know, the first binnacle I received from Stephen had some quality issues. I'm happy to report that the new binnacle is amazing, definitely everything I was hoping for. So thanks Stephen for making it right by sending out the replacement binnacle, and for making an awesome product! Now I can stop having the nasty crack in my current binnacle dragging down the interior of my Delorean. Thanks!

[bastien-fma]

Received my new black binnacle too today.
It's a beautiful part !!!
Thanks Stephen, it's perfect ! :)

[Bruce Johnson]

Same here Stephen. Quality all the way. And thanks for signing the inside...just like a piece of art!

[Rich_NYS]

Are there any more left, so that I may purchase one?

Stephen has said he's not making any more, but there's a gray one for sale here:

http://dmctoday.com/showthread.php?1044-Gray-fiberglass-repro-Binnacle-for-sale

[skill]

Same here Stephen. Quality all the way. And thanks for signing the inside...just like a piece of art!

I agree with you! It came out like a dream. I just finished up mine today and ready to remount and here it is...

30930

[GS450-Junkie]

This may be a really dumb question, but what would be the proper way to install a binnacle back onto the dashboard? I assembled the binnacle, and attached it to the dash with the 6 mounting nuts. I then attempted to mount the driver side knee-pads and nothing lines up. The knee pads seat into their mounting holes, but are at weird angles. I've got gaps between the binnacle and the knee pads, a gap between the top of the binnacle and the dashboard near the glass, and the binnacle is facing slightly towards the floor...just enough that I can't see the headlight indicator and I have to duck my head down in order to see it. I have tried to re-align things, and move things around...something just doesn't seem right. Any ideas? Should I put the knee-pads on first, and then mount the binnacle in place? And I don't understand where the F$&* that gaiter is supposed to go. Do you even see it when the wheel is in the upright position??

Frustrated.....

[stevie67cars]

Hi Matt,

Like so many parts on our cars, there is a lot of adjustment/play when fitting the binnacle. The holes on the fibreglass under the dash in particular are elongated and I find the best way is to mount the metal brackets to the binnacle, then sit the binnacle loosely in place and push it back towards the windscreen to close the gap with the dash so that it's even, then while holding it in place, tighten the 2 nuts underneath (closest to the front of the car) with large washers to hold it there. You may find it easier if you have someone hold it in place while you lie on your back and tighten them.
Then the other bolts can be tightened until you are happy with them. The binnacle will sit at the same angle as an original one, however if you are not happy with this, you can fettle the brackets a little until you are or else space it up. The kneepads are something similar, there is quite a bit of adjustment in the holes, if you move them around til you are happy and then tighten them you should be able to get them to line up just fine.
As for that gaiter thing, I think I tossed it on mine as it was a pain in the ass.
Hope this helps Matt, I'm sure someone else will chime in too with other tips.

I'm glad to hear that the binnacles arrived safely and pretty fast too. I had been in hospital from last Thursday to Saturday (burst appendix-painful) with no internet access and had been wondering if they got there ok. AnPost seem to have a much better service, albeit a bit more expensive.


Stephen
#10213

[SS Spoiler]

I found I couldn't see the dash unless I ducked down. So I put some 5/8" shims to turn it up.

[Rich_NYS]

[QUOTE=stevie67cars;157722 I had been in hospital from last Thursday to Saturday (burst appendix-painful)

Stephen
#10213[/QUOTE]

Hope you're feelin' better man! :strongman:

[skill]

Hey Stevie, I just wanted to check in and see how you doing? I hope you're doing well and wanted to again say, thank you for making the impossible, possible! Happy Holidays!

[DavidProehl]

Hey Stevie, I just wanted to check in and see how you doing? I hope you're doing well and wanted to again say, thank you for making the impossible, possible! Happy Holidays!

Agreed! Still loving my binnacle! Thanks again for building these!

[Alex]

Agree, Thank you Steve ;)

[Bruce Johnson]

Enjoying mine as well Stevie. Beautifully done!! BUT, you never told me what I should do with the one that you replaced!?

[gulwng3]

Unfortunately, I was one of the first set of buyers that experienced crappy shipping (not Stephen's fault). As a result, I have a chip in mine that shows the black fiberglass background. Does anyone have a suggestion for a gray paint to touch up this eyesore?

Thanks,
Andy

[DavidProehl]

I redyed mine to match the rest of my car...one thing led to another and I redyed my whole interior! Funny how things build.

I used SEM Acura Gray. Isn't a perfect match to the stock color (which is why I then did everything), but it is close. This is no longer being made so you need to buy on eBay or one of the few stores that have it in stock. Looks like New Egg has it:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA12E0JM0253

Here is a photo to show the color:
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=32469&stc=1

The seats are DMCH reproduction covers that should match the OEM color, you can see they are ever so slightly darker than the rest of the interior which is the SEM Acura Charcoal Gray.

[gulwng3]

Thanks David! When can you come and do my interior?

I ordered the spray paint from Newegg and here's the message I received back from them:


Unfortunately, while the item(s) you ordered may have been shown as being in stock at the time you placed your order, the order was cancelled by the marketplace seller. If you wish to contact the marketplace seller for inquiries, you may find the seller's contact information here: Seller Info Page

Sincerely,
Newegg Marketplace Team


Bummer!
Andy

[Bruce Johnson]

...and I was gonna ask how many cans it took...

[DavidProehl]

Sorry to hear that! Maybe others have new suggestions, otherwise my advice would be to watch eBay and hope a few remaining cans show up.

As for dying your interior...thanks but no thanks! I spent a couple hours every night for a couple weeks to get everything out, dyed, and re-installed. Not a quick job. To make matters worse, after I reinstalled everything but the binnacle I realized my dash was just a hair mispositioned and the binnacle wouldn't fit! Aarrrh! Needless to say, I now am very familiar with pulling the interior and dash.

Edit: Just saw Bruce's comment. I used nearly 4 cans, mainly because my passenger knee pad was originally black and I needed several coats to cover it. I've heard it is possible to do it with as few as two. Here is the tutorial I used (http://delorean6575revisited.blogspot.com/2013/04/stripping-interior-and-removing-dash.html), though it looks like the pictures are missing. Thank goodness I downloaded it as a PDF when I did my job (attached).

32473

[gulwng3]

Needless to say, I now am very familiar with pulling the interior and dash.

Yep, that's why you should come do mine... ;o)

Thanks for the great PDF! Good winter reading material.

Andy

[skill]

Thanks David! When can you come and do my interior?

I ordered the spray paint from Newegg and here's the message I received back from them:


Unfortunately, while the item(s) you ordered may have been shown as being in stock at the time you placed your order, the order was cancelled by the marketplace seller. If you wish to contact the marketplace seller for inquiries, you may find the seller's contact information here: Seller Info Page

Sincerely,
Newegg Marketplace Team


Bummer!
Andy

Andy, Try http://www.summitracing.com/ Item: smm 17333 You may want to call and confirm the item number, inventory before you buy online with Summit. Looks like these cans of paint are becoming rare like gold and gullwing cars. Good luck!

[gulwng3]

No go at Summit Racing. I found it online at another place - apparently, I am getting the LAST can on Earth! LOL!

Hi Andrew,

Apparently, the SEM 17333 was discontinued by the manufacturer and was missed when the revisions were done to our website. I have checked with about 30 different warehouses and I was only able to locate (1) can that's still available. Will this be enough to complete your job?

Thanks,

Gary

[Dangermouse]

Fwiw, if you go on the SEM website, they have a list of stockists.

I found an auto trim repair place near me that stocked the Black.

[Lightning]

I don't know how much stock they have but I got mine from VinylPro.com without issue back in September.

[sdg3205]

Finally. My hoarding pays off.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/15/35089a6c4e7cdf0b4c2712ae413a41fe.jpg

[RammJaeger]

Finally got around to installing my binnacle from Stevie67. I had quite the adventure. Got everything put back together with the gauges installed in the binnacle, got the binnacle in the dash, and then saw there was a little piece of paper that fell down in front of the odometer numbers! I too the binnacle out, and shook the whole thing around and the paper came loose and fell someplace else (hopefully it doesn't go anywhere it will hurt anything). The binnacle looks really nice, although the mounting holes for putting the gauge cluster back in were pretty far off and took a lot of fiddling to get the gauge cluster in the binnacle. It's really great to finally not have a cracked binnacle though. It is the thing you see in front of you wherever you drive, and it was really letting the whole interior down. I also replaced most of the bulbs in the dash (auto parts store didn't have enough bulbs). One odd thing though, the "door up" light doesn't seem to work anymore. It was one of the ones I replaced, and I'm certain I used the right bulb. Any ideas?

Here are some pictures:

3265532656

[DavidProehl]

After you pulled the bulbs, did you clean the contacts on the flexible circuit? I had to clean mine a couple times. After replacing my binnacle and bulbs my battery bulb was dead. Didn't notice until I was driving to a car show and my voltage was showing around 8v. Had to miss the car show, but fixed the issue that day with some additional cleaning of my contacts on the flexible circuit and the harness electrical clips.

[RammJaeger]

After you pulled the bulbs, did you clean the contacts on the flexible circuit? I had to clean mine a couple times. After replacing my binnacle and bulbs my battery bulb was dead. Didn't notice until I was driving to a car show and my voltage was showing around 8v. Had to miss the car show, but fixed the issue that day with some additional cleaning of my contacts on the flexible circuit and the harness electrical clips.

I didn't clean the contacts where the bulb was. It was working before I changed it though.

[DavidProehl]

I didn't clean the contacts where the bulb was. It was working before I changed it though.

Mine was working prior as well and I had a new bulb in there. I'm just saying it is possible that the contact is a little corroded and not allowing a solid connection. May not be worth pulling the binnacle again if it isn't bothering you.

[Kherns]

Finally got around to installing my binnacle from Stevie67. I had quite the adventure. Got everything put back together with the gauges installed in the binnacle, got the binnacle in the dash, and then saw there was a little piece of paper that fell down in front of the odometer numbers! I too the binnacle out, and shook the whole thing around and the paper came loose and fell someplace else (hopefully it doesn't go anywhere it will hurt anything). The binnacle looks really nice, although the mounting holes for putting the gauge cluster back in were pretty far off and took a lot of fiddling to get the gauge cluster in the binnacle. It's really great to finally not have a cracked binnacle though. It is the thing you see in front of you wherever you drive, and it was really letting the whole interior down. I also replaced most of the bulbs in the dash (auto parts store didn't have enough bulbs). One odd thing though, the "door up" light doesn't seem to work anymore. It was one of the ones I replaced, and I'm certain I used the right bulb. Any ideas?

Here are some pictures:

3265532656

Does the litle clip of paper has kind of holes in it ?
Because, I had if this is the case the same thing, and this clip was preventing the numbers of the odometer to go up when rollin...

[RammJaeger]

Does the litle clip of paper has kind of holes in it ?
Because, I had if this is the case the same thing, and this clip was preventing the numbers of the odometer to go up when rollin...

I didn't see any holes in it.

[cpistocco]

Hi Matt,

Like so many parts on our cars, there is a lot of adjustment/play when fitting the binnacle. The holes on the fibreglass under the dash in particular are elongated and I find the best way is to mount the metal brackets to the binnacle, then sit the binnacle loosely in place and push it back towards the windscreen to close the gap with the dash so that it's even, then while holding it in place, tighten the 2 nuts underneath (closest to the front of the car) with large washers to hold it there. You may find it easier if you have someone hold it in place while you lie on your back and tighten them.
Then the other bolts can be tightened until you are happy with them. The binnacle will sit at the same angle as an original one, however if you are not happy with this, you can fettle the brackets a little until you are or else space it up. The kneepads are something similar, there is quite a bit of adjustment in the holes, if you move them around til you are happy and then tighten them you should be able to get them to line up just fine.
As for that gaiter thing, I think I tossed it on mine as it was a pain in the ass.
Hope this helps Matt, I'm sure someone else will chime in too with other tips.

I'm glad to hear that the binnacles arrived safely and pretty fast too. I had been in hospital from last Thursday to Saturday (burst appendix-painful) with no internet access and had been wondering if they got there ok. AnPost seem to have a much better service, albeit a bit more expensive.


Stephen
#10213
Hello
Do you have any grey binnacles left?
If so, how much are you charging? (Delivered to RI, USA)
Thanks
Charlie

[Christian 3778]

Does anyone know what happened to this Project? Sent Stevie a eMail in 2016 and he never replied... :-(

My Binnacle is okay and the Original, but am afraid that it cracks one day. So want to replace it with something more durable.

[DavidProehl]

I think he did this as a one off. He had said at one point he never intended this to be an ongoing project for him.

[DMC5180]

Does anyone know what happened to this Project? Sent Stevie a eMail in 2016 and he never replied... :-(

My Binnacle is okay and the Original, but am afraid that it cracks one day. So want to replace it with something more durable.

Probably the best thing you can do is keep a dash-mat on it and only remove it if you what to show the car at an event.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rich]

My Binnacle is okay and the Original, but am afraid that it cracks one day. So want to replace it with something more durable.

For now there are no binnacle replacements. So how to keep the one you have in good shape? Already mentioned is the idea of covering it most of the time.

Also consider giving it a wipedown with good quality vinyl/interior treatment once or twice a year.

Apply that to the binnacle, the dash, the A-pillar trim and all of the soft vinyl interior bits. And I DON'T use ArmorAll for this.

[jackb]

Bringing an ancient thread back to life...
I bought one of Stevie67Cars binnacles back in 2014 and I’m finally getting around to installing it.
The instrument cluster is rather misaligned though when I attempt to install it.
I *think* if i file away at the 6:00 position where the center screw for the transparency is tabbed out that I will have clearance to push it in a little further, but I’m not sure. I also don’t want to fuck up such an expensive part that I’ve been waiting so many years to install.
Suggestions?

[DavidProehl]

If you would have asked 5 years ago I probably could have told you with more certainty, but what you describe sounds right. I recall I had to do some minor adjustments as well to install mine, but I don't recall if it was for the cluster or mounts for the binnacle itself. I believe I used a drill to make a mounting hole slightly bigger to account for the fit difference. This was a hand made part so I'm sure there is slight variation from one to the next even though they came out of a mold...not to mention no part on these cars seems to fit exactly the same way in each car. Just read the thread about the Houston sender/pump combo unit and their ability to fit (or not) under the access panel. Each car is unique.

My Stevie binnacle still looks brand new, this is a fantastic part. I've been seeing posts lately about leather wrapping binnacles for $400 which reconfirms Stevie sold these at a very reasonable price. Still haven't figured out what to do with my original cracked binnacle. I should probably sell it but have no clue what a cracked one is worth.

[jackb]

Got it. I ended up filing the bottom edge where the cluster touches the binnacle (a little deeper at the center, and getting shallower closer to each edge) and that helped a bit. It seemed like the tabs on each side the cluster screws into were the tiniest bit off. I picked up some longer #8 screws from Lowes and once they caught the tabs they really pulled it into place. There is now only the smallest gap in the bottom corners, and it’s completely invisible when installed in the car. I only know it’s there bc I installed it.
Great binnacle, looks like a million bucks. I’m really glad I got in on this when they were available.

[stevie67cars]

Hi there,
Old thread, I have a black fibreglass binnacle for sale.
Perfect condition, perfect fitting.

$800, shipping is $75 boxed and insured to the US

686196862068621

[Helirich]

Wow, I just read all through this thread. What a roller coaster. I have had a similar Small manufacturing experience. My advice to Steve would have been. Figure what you think you can sell them for and than double it. The price should have been $800 right up front. Next, you should have figured out how long it was going to take and doubled that. Than you should have made it clear that is not a deadline.

I know if you had done it this way, you would have lost a lot of customers up front, but less stress and more money would have made it a pleasant endeavor.

PS, I’m amazed my barnical is still in good shape. (High mile car)

[stevie67cars]

Binnacle now sold, thank you....

[dmcerik]

Dang. I had no idea this was even a thing. I didn't go back and read all 40+ pages, but the end product looks amazing. I would have loved to have picked up a grey one.