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My engineer should be finishing up the drawings tonight so I can get this in production before I leave town on business on Saturday. The parts should be done by the time I get back. There will be two versions. It'll be worth the wait IMHO!
Rob
Quote:
Originally Posted by Trstno1
Hurry up and take my money !!
My new switches are getting stuck. Window switches continue to purr even if the window is up and then my fuses pop. I think this would help me out greatly. Please keep us updated.
I don't know why I'm just noticing this thread now for some reason. The small run of I think 5 of these plates we had laser cut are still sitting in my garage somewhere. I have one of them installed in my car and it helps massively with the switch spacing and alignment. Matt did a great job designing these. I hope Rob at Grady can get them made up; it really works.Quote:
Originally Posted by kajcienski
Would you sell them if you find them? If so, I'll take one. If not, I guess I'll continue lurk in waiting.Quote:
Originally Posted by jawn101
I think Rob can better explain, but the new plates Rob brilliantly perfected himself fit both the original, AND DMCH replacements beautifully. He also has a cool 2nd version of these with a "lip" on them that protect your arm from engaging the switches. He will offer in black and stainless, and possibly gray (but not sure where that landed). I know Rob just about had these in hand so stay tuned!
Are these available yet?Quote:
Originally Posted by kajcienski
Not yet. I need to make a change to the drawing before giving it to my manufacturer. I ran out of time before a 10 day business trip but will try to take care of it this week before heading off to Ireland for the DMC factory reunion.
Rob
QUOTE=GS450-Junkie;171697]Are these available yet?[/QUOTE]
Cant wait for these to be available.
Any update yet Rob?
Ready to purchase...... how are things looking Rob?
I too would be interested in getting this. This mis-aligned switches really do detract from the interior.
I haven't had the time to finalize the plate design until now. I just made what I hope to be a final prototype and will be ready to place an order Monday with the final design. I should have them in a couple weeks and will let you know ASAP.
Rob
[QUOTE=PJ Grady Inc.;173888]I haven't had the time to finalize the plate design until now. I just made what I hope to be a final prototype and will be ready to place an order Monday with the final design. I should have them in a couple weeks and will let you know ASAP.
Rob[/QU
It's almost here folks the mighty "Mattaligner" Console Switch Retainer & Protector!
Here is a picture of the first prototype combination switch switchplate that does both functions. It is designed to;
1) Perfectly align the switchs so they don't bind on the console and look more like the factory intended.
2) Provide more depth clearance for the new DMCH reproduction switch while making removal far easier.
3) Provide a padded small armrest to keep your arms from inadvertaintly engaging the switchs which has always been a complaint from owners.
4) Improve on the old D1 switch cover plate which keeps the switch from accidently engaging but must be removed for switch operation.
The second picture shows the cover plate which is now unnecessary with the new design. I am considering offering it as both a retainer plate only for those who prefer a stock appearance and a cost savings and the combination retainer/protector for those that want all the benefits of the new design.
I think the combo plate is the way to go but I would like feedback from you. Anybody?...PM's are welcome too. I love this new design and think you will too.
There is a lot more info on my Facebook page so before you post questions here you could check there first.
Rob Grady
P.J.Grady Inc.
[QUOTE=PJ Grady Inc.;175253]Wow, that's... not even close to what Matt and I originally put together. Neat idea to have the switches protected from accidental activation as well, but does it hit your forearm when resting it on the console?Quote:
Originally Posted by PJ Grady Inc.
[QUOTE=jawn101;175254]You can feel it but it feels quite comfortable as it's rubber padded. I think it will be fine but need more seat time. Perhaps another year or two of testing :)Quote:
Originally Posted by PJ Grady Inc.
[QUOTE=PJ Grady Inc.;175256]Whoa buddy.... If you do go the extended R & D route, I will personally be your beta tester. If not.....I'm ready to order!Quote:
Originally Posted by jawn101
Rob-
Just checking in.....can I order this yet?
Yes rob do want! Also update your website all it ever has is like nuts and 3 other things. That or I'm doing something wrong
I lost ten days because of a PO mixup with my manufactorer so unfortunatly it will probably be about 3 to 4 more weeks as long as I beat they "closing for vacation" deadline. I'm crossing my fingers. Getting this project to completion has been like pulling teeth but it will be worth the wait I promise.Quote:
Originally Posted by Trstno1
Rob
Just my monthly check-in. Are these available to purchase yet Rob?Quote:
Originally Posted by PJ Grady Inc.
Not happy with the pics ive seen and the long delay to even get one we have made our own switch alignment plate.
We are really happy with the result.It is cad designed and fully cnc'ed.Im just going to paint black as you will hardly see it.
We have mounted 4 rivnuts to the console plate that it will mount to.
Attachment 36339Attachment 36340
You mean you reproduced the first design in the thread, which is great, it works well. It kinda annoys me when someone spends so much time coming up with a new idea, develops it, and instead of contacting the first designer or helping to get it out, hijacks the thread with a copy. Rob (as far as I know) will offer the alignment plate without the switch guard as well like the first design. Last I heard from Rob, these were ready to roll! I think!Quote:
Originally Posted by bigmac
What I mean is I didn't like any of the designs I have seen to date and if that's the case you have to make your own right?
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Umm... How is this not the original design exactly in the first thread post? Minus the mounting screws of course. I just think it's in bad taste to copy and post as your own. But that's just my opinion. In respect of people's designs or unique ideas, I always reach out to try and help first, in spirit of the community. And perhaps not post in the same thread...Quote:
Originally Posted by bigmac
Well first of all the original design is a cut and filed plate with 5 holes that can be made in any garage. Im not trying to pass my design off as the original design but use the original design as a starting points for something better and if you actually look closely at my design a lot of thought and engineering has gone into it. The whole idea of this post is to show the different options that achieve the same thing. Also I haven't done this to sell just like the other number of things on my car that I will show the forum. You have totally missed the point of my post.
I do better understand... I didn't mean to lash out, I just see it a bit differently in terms of supporting members and products - I just thought you could have dialed down the "I didn't like the design and tired of waiting" thing - when it's the same design to be honest. I also did do a CNC production run of the "garage" prototype (no offense taken - it's called a prototype stemming from an original idea...) with improvements partnered with another forum member that tackled the same issues and design of the one you posted. We did a run of about 25 - went like hot-cakes and gave them away. It's just a plate in the end - engineering is a strong word. But I think Grady has done a remarkable job perfecting the plate with and without the guard. Perhaps we can share our ideas on this and how you approached the plate yourself as far as actual design differences that can improve it. I would love to know the thought and engineering that improved the plate.Quote:
Originally Posted by bigmac
I've been in Colorado at the Lotus LOG event the last few days which was terrific BTW but the organization was not on a par with Ken's Delorean Car Shows.Quote:
Originally Posted by bigmac
We miss you already Ken please unretire yourself ASAP! This is my first chance in a while to give everyone an update.
As for the original switchplate being "cut and filed" you are mistaken as all prototypes have been lazercut on state of the art equipment. The switchplates are DONE except for final graining and the "Mattaligner" logos which you have demonstrated handily will be needed to differentiate my product from the inevitable copies and knockoffs. I've invested far more time in this project then you can imagine and the delays were from testing and drawing updates as well as the manufacturer's scheduling conflicts.
I find it disingenius at best that you dislike the design and can't put up with the delays as no one thought to offer this before in 34 years. I properly credited Matt for coming up with the original idea which he let me roll with and I've spent many hours modifying demensions, adding the armrest function, and testing the product in the real world environment. Thank you for being the first one to steal the concept as now Matt and myself won't have to worry about the possibility anymore. It's kind of funny that it happened even before my official unvieling of "The Mattaligner" but this is how the wolrd rolls these days.
For those who can wait the first units should be ready to go in about a week as even the etching is a miniproject in itself. As soon as the first pieces are etched I will have them up on our website with all pertinent information available. I believe your patience will be rewarded with a thoughtfully designed product using the finest materials and quality control possible.
Rob
Fair comment Rob but I wasn't trying to knock off anyone's design.I haven't seen your design at all so I'm not sure how I'm "knocking" if off.As I stated its a one off peice for myself and a different design to the first pic in this thread.It was an oversight no to acknowledge the original developer but I do acknowledge him now.My cars upgrading is due to be finished in 2 weeks so time was not on my side.
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The amount of time you spent making your "one off" would have been far more productive spent working on your car but that is your choice. While the design is more intricate (unneccessarily so IMHO) it is essentially Matt's design. You negated to add a switch protector which you will regret as the plate will make the switches even more prone to accidental engagement than the stock mounting. For that reason I've decided to offer the switchplates with the switch protector only at this time. I may reconsider this if there is mass resistence to the protector but I don't see why there would be as it's so much better than the switchplate alone. The cost savings isn't worth the drawback of not having the protector portion of the plate. I'm a bit confused as you said you don't like the plates you've seen and that you haven't seen my design but since they're (Matt's and my modified design) are the only one's out there then what have you seen and disliked?Quote:
Originally Posted by bigmac
Rob
I'm still with you Rob! Can't wait to be one of the first to order!!Quote:
Originally Posted by PJ Grady Inc.
I don't understand the malice in this thread. It has been over 7 months since PJ Grady suggested they might make these plates and they aren't shipping yet. Bigmac wanted one now, so they machined one. It's a one-off and they're not selling them. Why get upset? Just because somebody else had the idea first?
Even if the plates were shipping right now, bigmac doesn't have to buy one. Would you get mad if instead of buying a plate, he made his own? Just seems so hostile in here.
There isn't any malice intended on my part. I just observed that he went through a lot of trouble with making an intricate stepped plate that I think was rather time consuming and unneeded. He made sure to point out he didn't like the switchplates he saw but claimed to have not seen mine so couldn't possibly have copied it. So I asked whose plate he had seen? My question was not answered and now you're stepping in to defend him when no defense is really needed. People can make anything they want even if it means borrowing from others ideas. I think Matt was a bit upset that he had to post it on this thread as it had been about Matt's and my switchplate and he diverted the attention to his own but it's a free country last time I checked. Please don't overreact to a simple question as to why he doesn't like the "other" switchplates as I don't mind constructive criticism.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mario
Rob
The question of what he finds wrong with it is fine. I'm more referring to stuff like this:
Quote:
Originally Posted by kajcienski
Quote:
Originally Posted by PJ Grady Inc.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PJ Grady Inc.
It's just all so rudely-worded. Why not just ask what he disliked about the original version instead of passive-aggressively implying his plate is a knockoff and saying he stole it?Quote:
Originally Posted by PJ Grady Inc.
With how you worded your previous replies, I seriously doubt that, to be honest.Quote:
Originally Posted by PJ Grady Inc.
Well frankly he did "borrow" the idea from us to be perfectly honest in the most PC terms I can say. What would you call it...sheer coincidence? I don't have to apologise for my wording any more than he would apologize for copying the idea. Like I said it's a free country and I'm over it but I don't have to be happy about it do I? I could poke holes in his contradictory statements too but I'm trying to move past it so why don't you do likewise. Have a nice day! Oh and I did ask nicely about what he disliked...twice and I got no reply.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mario
Rob
I don't see a problem that he liked the concepts so he made his own to his liking then decided to share it with everyone. No need for any negativity which as pointed out was clearly coming across. If someone has the means and know how to make their own solution by all means why not. I don't think a new thread really needs to be created since it was posted in general discussion, and a solution to the same problem. More power to anyone else following the thread that may make their own solution as well and wants to decide which they prefer.. On an orphaned car like ours coming up with our own solutions be it by something a vendor sells or on our own is kind of the name of the game.
That being said the thought crossed my mind to make some kind of solution to this problem that drove me nuts but I don't have the means or know how to do so. So i'm looking forward to anyone selling a solution as soon as possible. Thanks for all the time and development you put in Rob. Looking forward to seeing the finished product.
Just to briefly explain why this pressed the wrong buttons... I just wouldn't go on someone's thread who I knew was working very hard on developing a new idea and say "I don't like what I see so here is a copy". There are a number of threads followed here where awesome members are working hard on projects and the posts are supportive or offer solutions for us as a collective community bring a project to light. The original post by BigMac had a very obvious undertone, and was not accurate as he claims he never saw Rob's design. It's just a plate... But I always respect people's ideas and try to help contribute, not say I don't like it and here is my 99% similar product, for sale or not. Why don't I go on some of the brilliant Dave threads and tell him I'm tired of waiting so I just copied it. Really? Would you do that? It just rubs me the wrong way. I have never once been negative on this forum, but IMO, personally, this lacked tact. I'm sure BigMac is a very enthusiastic owner and a nice guy, but why come on the thread and neg out?
"I don't see a problem that he liked the concepts so he made his own to his liking then decided to share it with everyone."
Well, he said he didn't like the design... Copied it, then back-peddled. Let's just move ahead. This is an awesome product whoever puts it out. We all suffer from funky switch alignment, and have a solution. No more funky switch issues - let's rally ;) Positive energy guys! Rob has done an incredible service to this product and countless others. Just doing our best. No harm no foul.
ANYWAY.........do we have a price in mind yet?
Yes they will be around $60-. My cost doubled with the welded on armrest plate, cushion, and extra time needed to buff out the weld and clamping marks from the production process. I have decided to offer it only with the armrest because without it the the tendency to accidentally hit the window switches would be aggravated by the extra thickness of the plate. I am hoping for a 100% satisfaction rate and eliminating the armrest while cheaper would lead to inevitable complaints with the design. The etching has also proved problematic as every step of what should be a simple process has been excrutiatingly slow. I am as frustrated as anyone with the delays especially since I'm sitting on 100 units that are paid for and 95% done. Just a little bit longer I hope. "Patience is a virtue" is what I'm learning firsthand!Quote:
Originally Posted by GS450-Junkie
Rob
Any update on these?Quote:
Originally Posted by PJ Grady Inc.