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View Full Version : New parts of OLD 33 Hot Rods???



geoffav
09-26-2011, 10:27 PM
It would appear there are a herd of new parts and improved design items for the latest issue of the 33HR. Is there a plan to offer these items to the guys who purchased cars early and found the need for some of this redesign in the first place? As I look at my power window stuff and compare it to the door frames it appears that I have a mixture of new and old, but this is just an example. Things like trunk hinges and overflow tanks come to mind. Now many of us are bailing on the manual clutch for hydraulic or buying forged pedals. There have been other issues too that have been vastly improved on current kits.

There is considerable talk about this when these "new" parts appear and some have asked these questions before but thus far we don't have an answer. Is anyone tracking this issue? I think the first time it came up for me was when I learned the single hoop roll bar to fit "my car" was not going to be made. It was not long after that when there was a weld in kit available. I had NO interest in paying full price for a retrofit kit to be welded to my powder coated chassis. I have designed something that fits the early bar supports and works with the top.

I might be off track here, but it seems like when something gets messed up like the early roll bar, steering shafts/U-joints, and even the fuel tank there should be some consideration on what will improve the product already being built too. I tend to look for local solutions when I encounter shortcomings but that can get expensive; especially if trial and error is involved. These items add up quick and today I have spent almost exactly what I planned to finish the car. That would be good if I was done but I still need 2 wheels, 4 tires, and all the body and paint work. Over the years, I have let people come by and sit in or otherwise hang out with the unfinished car but recently I tell most people they should seek out a more recent kit.

1. Is there consideration given to upgrades to existing cars/kits when parts are changed or redesigned?

2. If so, when will we hear from FF on this subject?

3. Will there be a different pricing scheme for appearance enhancements as opposed to safety/performance upgrades? I can understand full price for getting something like the new overflow tank but items that where marginal when shipped like the trunk hinges, that would need to sold to a current builder/owner at a very reasonable price. IMHO

Jason Lavigne
09-27-2011, 01:48 PM
Hi Geoff,

Our Research & Development team is focused on a combination of new product development (i.e. the 818 project) and continuous improvement of existing products ranging from small fastener changes to higher-profile changes like switching to the Mk4 Roadster from the Mk3. Some of these changes are based on our commitment to improving the quality & buildability of the product, while others may be made in reaction to suppliers' own changes.

For example, the recent window hardware change on the '33 was implemented because we were unable to continue getting the original power window tracks, and this forced a redesign of the door frame to accomodate new style tracks. We also saw the opportunity to make some other changes based on builder feedback and enable more adjustability in assembling the doors.

With changes like these, we're not able to replace everyone's parts just to get them the upgrade, but we can offer a modest discount of 10% to original purchasers of the kit for parts that are directly involved in such changes. Note that we do make an effort to ensure compatibility of newer products with prior versions wherever possible, and a quick conversation with one of the guys here can help to explain the extent of that compatibility so that parts line up the way you expect. Just call (508) 291-3443 with any questions or email Tech@FactoryFive.com.

Thanks,

Jason Lavigne @ FFR
Technical Sales Manager

geoffav
09-28-2011, 06:11 PM
Thanks

Haha, yes 10% is modest.