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Hi Kevin. I have a question. Is it the entire apparatus you don't like the looks of, or is it the handle as seen from the outside?
I have a reason for asking because I'm considering a design for a new handle. If this would be more acceptable to users then I will likely invest into production of it.
Here's a rendering. These are CAD/Photoshop images, so try to ignore the color mismatches...
I like the new handle design concept...However, I'm not a fan of the rectangular slot feature on the handle....without that feature it will look much cleaner...
I prefer the original design because they disappear into the darkness of the cove when they are black. Like I said above in post #2, I don't even see them anymore, and no one else has noticed them until they reach in to try to activate the touch pad.
If this would be more acceptable to users then I will likely invest into production of it.
I'll say it again, I'm Really Happy with the way the Door Dog "works" and Glad I bought them.
I think most people will like the Door Dog if they had a chance to try it.
But looks are subjective and can make all the difference even when something works great.
IMO, if you offer this different Handle design in "addition" to the Original Handle, you will sell more Door Dogs
Especially if you can retrofit the new Handle design to the original hardware
I agree, you probably will sell more if you offer the choice of both new and original handles. How many more is the big question here, and can you recoup the cost of developing the new design.
The handles would absolutely be interchangeable and mount in the spring-loaded trigger mechanism with 4 nuts, bolts, and lock washers in two slots so the location is adjustable in the door cove. I took mine apart to paint them satin black, because mine were the original silver bare metal, as I was an early adopter.
Neither had I. However, when I mounted them I learned something new.
My wife constantly complained about reaching inside for the touchpad because of her fingernails. As soon as I put them on, she thought it was brilliant. I got the same reaction from the local Corvette master mechanic who hates reaching in for the touchpad w/ greasy fingers. He ordered a set immediately for his car.
Understood, I thought $70 was a bargain to address one of my wife's dislikes. That's what successful couples do for each other. It succeeded, and I ended up finding them to be a major convenience upgrade.
Door handles have always been a necessary encumbrance for auto designers along with side-view mirrors. IMO, this apparatus interferes with the otherwise clean appearance and flow of the C7 'handleless' design. The new slotted version even more so.
In addition, I've never had difficulty opening a C7 door, so fail to see the necessity outside those with arthritis or other limitations causing difficulty opening the door.
Originally Posted by Sandyeggo Designs
Hi Kevin. I have a question. Is it the entire apparatus you don't like the looks of, or is it the handle as seen from the outside?
I have a reason for asking because I'm considering a design for a new handle. If this would be more acceptable to users then I will likely invest into production of it.
Here's a rendering. These are CAD/Photoshop images, so try to ignore the color mismatches...
Neither had I. However, when I mounted them I learned something new. My wife constantly complained about reaching inside for the touchpad because of her fingernails. As soon as I put them on, she thought it was brilliant. I got the same reaction from the local Corvette master mechanic who hates reaching in for the touchpad w/ greasy fingers. He ordered a set immediately for his car.
That's certainly a benefit of adding the device, however my wife rarely rides in my C7.
I’m not badmouthing them; I’m just not spending the money to see if I like them after not needing them for over 4 years.
I can tell from your avatar that maybe you don't care much for the rectangular C7 tail lights. Did I read that right?
Perhaps you are something of a traditionalist. In many ways I am too.
Sometimes, though, new things grow on you. That's what the door dog does. Once you install it you grow to love it. Happens every time.
Does it effect the looks of the car? Yes. With the standard handle, less so. If color matched it kind of disappears into the slot.
The new handle design would be more of an appearance 'commitment'. Its going to be a lot more visible, and will have to add to the cars appearance (in some small way).
Tell you what, you can order a set and try them for a month. Let others ride in your car. Get some reactions. Then, after a month, if you don't want to keep them you can send them back and I will refund the cost plus the postage.