quick release top poll
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,550
Likes: 27
From: Minneapolis MN
Re: quick release top poll (atotalnincompoop)
obviously there will be no pictures until i get the patent :yesnod:
[Modified by FlyboyZR1, 9:14 PM 1/28/2004]
Racer
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 292
Likes: 13
From: Houston Tx
Re: quick release top poll (atotalnincompoop)
Does it compliment the interior of the car? And how secure is it? What I would be concerned about is that it could be attractive to theives if it makes for a quick theft. As you recall back in the mid 80's, T-tops were a hot commodity due their easy release, and unfortunately I can vouch for that.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: quick release top poll (atotalnincompoop)
Though I'm not interested I suggest you go ahead and get the patent, after you incorporate of course (then the fee comes right off the income).
I think it's a great idea and will sell either direct or maybe even via one of the big Vette catalogues.
Think how many C4s have been sold; so be sure it fits all C4s.
Congrats on a great idea and good luck. :cheers:
I think it's a great idea and will sell either direct or maybe even via one of the big Vette catalogues.
Think how many C4s have been sold; so be sure it fits all C4s.
Congrats on a great idea and good luck. :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Re: quick release top poll (atotalnincompoop)
I'm worried about the front latches. I don't want something sticking down much lower than the plastic trim. As long as it's low profile up there, I'm in.
I think that's worth the price. I can't afford it and wouldn't buy it right now, but in the future, if/when it becomes available, hopefully I'll be able to justify the purchase.
I think that's worth the price. I can't afford it and wouldn't buy it right now, but in the future, if/when it becomes available, hopefully I'll be able to justify the purchase.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 12,599
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Re: quick release top poll (atotalnincompoop)
It's not the drill with the cigarette lighter plug and the torx attached to it is it? :lol:
Seriously though, it seems like a good idea. Does it require ANY tools?
When I got my C4 it didn't have the torx and 8 mos. down the road I have yet to get one. Although Mondays weather really had me wishing.... ;)
Seriously though, it seems like a good idea. Does it require ANY tools?
When I got my C4 it didn't have the torx and 8 mos. down the road I have yet to get one. Although Mondays weather really had me wishing.... ;)
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 12,832
Likes: 209
From: Canton GA
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'10-'11-'12
Re: quick release top poll (atotalnincompoop)
:skep: A couple of grand for the patent? The kit + filing fee + postage comes to less than $100. If you use a lawyer, that's still only ~$500. If you're including the engineering writeups and documentation, well, that could double it. Still, that's the way it works, if it costs that much to bring a product to market, then it has to be built into the price!
BTW, I'm interested if the price stays closer to the C-Note mark :D :cheers:
BTW, I'm interested if the price stays closer to the C-Note mark :D :cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 13,356
Likes: 0
From: tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '04 & '05
Re: quick release top poll (ShawnZR-1)
:skep: A couple of grand for the patent? The kit + filing fee + postage comes to less than $100. If you use a lawyer, that's still only ~$500. If you're including the engineering writeups and documentation, well, that could double it. Still, that's the way it works, if it costs that much to bring a product to market, then it has to be built into the price!
BTW, I'm interested if the price stays closer to the C-Note mark :D :cheers:
BTW, I'm interested if the price stays closer to the C-Note mark :D :cheers:
:iagree:
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 0
From: Mississauga Ont
Re: quick release top poll (atotalnincompoop)
i think you should start a poll asking how much people think it should cost
obviously, the less you charge, the more you will sell
there is probably a price "sweet spot" that will cover all of your costs and give you the highest profit, as well as the best price for everyone who wants one
obviously, the less you charge, the more you will sell
there is probably a price "sweet spot" that will cover all of your costs and give you the highest profit, as well as the best price for everyone who wants one
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 12,968
Likes: 0
Re: quick release top poll (Bilyk)
i think you should start a poll asking how much people think it should cost
obviously, the less you charge, the more you will sell
there is probably a price "sweet spot" that will cover all of your costs and give you the highest profit, as well as the best price for everyone who wants one
obviously, the less you charge, the more you will sell
there is probably a price "sweet spot" that will cover all of your costs and give you the highest profit, as well as the best price for everyone who wants one
its going to be in the range i said earlier :yesnod:
there are a lot of big ticket costs involved here... patent, liability insurance,etc.
its still cheap at that price considering that GM couldn't figure it out :yesnod:
when i was going to start producing my carbon fiber intake ducts and said( i had a poll then too) that i wanted $75 each everyone freaked, but a rubber one from ecklers is $50 and these were really cool, plus each one took a long time to make.
obviously i want to make a profit on them or why bother
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Re: quick release top poll (atotalnincompoop)
when i was going to start producing my carbon fiber intake ducts and said( i had a poll then too) that i wanted $75 each everyone freaked, but a rubber one from ecklers is $50 and these were really cool, plus each one took a long time to make.
:D
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach FL
Re: quick release top poll (atotalnincompoop)
If you need a patent lawyer, I can give the information of the lawyer my company used to get a patent. I would love to have a quick release top! I think the $100-$150 is actually cheap if it is high quality. At that price, put me at the top of your list for $150 and I'll buy it. Heck, if you want to sell me one now, I would be willing to sign a document that I would not take or sell your idea to anyone understanding that you have a patent pending! I think all of us would be willing to do that! :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,818
Likes: 2
From: Alive and well in Burlington NC
Re: quick release top poll (atotalnincompoop)
How about a pic or two of final product installed. Just the handles at the attach points. From what I read above, alot of people are concerned about how the product will look.
BTW, I'll be in for a set.
BTW, I'll be in for a set.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Re: quick release top poll (Steel Blue 91)
Is producing and selling this product with a 'patent pending' status, feasible?
I dont think patent pending officially says anything, but it scares off would be idea-stealers.
I dont think patent pending officially says anything, but it scares off would be idea-stealers.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee, WI USA
Re: quick release top poll
One other concern related to headroom and crash safety. How much rear headroom would this take away? I'm 6'4" and my head already bumps the back frame of the glass roof when I'm not careful. Also, in a crash is this thing going to be aimed right at my cranium?
It sounds like a great idea, and I would definitely be interested at the right price! (The price you quoted sounds in line with other Corvette add-ons.)
It sounds like a great idea, and I would definitely be interested at the right price! (The price you quoted sounds in line with other Corvette add-ons.)
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,987
Likes: 26
From: Kerrville, Texas USA Hook 'em Horns!
CentralTX Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Re: quick release top poll (atotalnincompoop)
I am very interested, what additional cost would there by for someone with two tops?
each top will require its own equipment :yesnod:
i can't be any more specific than that right now :nonod:
each top will require its own equipment :yesnod:
i can't be any more specific than that right now :nonod:
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,828
Likes: 214
From: Charlestown IN
Cruise-In V Veteran
Re: quick release top poll (longhorn_vette96)
Hey, I'm up top here on the list of "count me ins". Just wanted to know if this would work. Can you take all you info, pics, drawings, description, etc and mail it to yourself registered mail from the Post Office. Don't open it, and you have proof of the design/manufacture date (postmark) while processing. I do know it works with copyrights on songs, books etc here. Just an idea to protect yourself now, and let you share a little more info. :)