Roof rack filler caps finished

rodzombie · Post by **rodzombie** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 12:09 pm

I finally finished my roof rack filler caps I was working on. Here's some pics and a link to my website were you can view more pics.and here's the link to my website http://gassaninedesigns.com/id86.htm

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 12:14 pm

Your Vibe is AWSOME!!!! I want those now to. Been wanting to get rid of the roof rack for a long time now and those would be perfect. other then the colour. Will those keep water from getting under? And how did you get them? made them?

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 12:16 pm

he made those.

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 12:17 pm

Quote, originally posted by trdvibe Â»he made those. How much if you were to sell a set primed?

wicked1981 · Post by **wicked1981** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 12:22 pm

Nice work. Your site has nice pics!! Are those Nos bottles or are they bazookas? Are they going in your car?

rodzombie · Post by **rodzombie** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 12:35 pm

There real NOS bottles! There going in the Hyundai Tiburon were building at the shop where I work Heres a link to the Tib page on my site: http://gassaninedesigns.com/id18.htm I will now start working on pulling a mold off these caps. Once the mold is made I will start making some out of fiberglass and maybe carbon fiber. As far as pricing goes it's a bit to soon to say. I need to get the molds made and get material cost and the total time it takes to build a set to figure price. As soon as I know I will post it on the boards. If they sell I will also look into making a style like the GXP & GT-R Vibes had.

meathead333 · Post by **meathead333** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 1:20 pm

all i can say is wow. id say thats the best mod ive seen for the vibe ever. you should market and sell that. patent pend it soon....or maybe i will, lol, j/k.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 2:11 pm

I can't believe I didn't notice that at the meet!!!

Psychobroker · Post by **Psychobroker** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 5:04 pm

Awesome job rodzombie! You're Vibe is HOT!!

meathead333 · Post by **meathead333** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 6:48 pm

so how much you going to charge me for making me a set? how do they attach?

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 8:03 pm

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish Â»I can't believe I didn't notice that at the meet!!!I noticed the Autocross Vibe and GPX Vibe at the MI meet with those, and knew someone on the board was doing the same thing. Funny how this seems like a coincidence but I was just talking to the guys at Matrix Owners the other day about how I wanted to remove mine and now this comes up.I'll be keeping an eye out for the price though I am off the mod market for a while.

rodzombie · Post by **rodzombie** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 9:10 pm

They are fitted to the recess in the body along the sides around to the rear. I know they don't flow perfectly around the lower corner and meet with the back hatch top just right. Also the top was a tricky part to fab up and make look right. If you look at the stock roof line compared to where it rolls over the side down to the doors, this area is higher than than roof. I wanted to flow this flush with the roof but where the two contours met there was always a weird look to it, so I wound making them slightly above the roof line all the way to match the area of the top sides of the car. These were a huge pain in the a$$ to make fit as well as I got them to. I really wanted them flush with the roof but never could get it to flow from the front to back and look right the whole way. Thats one of the reasons it took as long as it did to build them.

millster · Post by **millster** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 10:21 pm

Looks good. I wasn't sure how I would like the Vibe without the rack, but those caps fill in nicely and it's not bad at all. Good work!

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 10:38 pm

that's pretty damn sweet! good job w/matching color.

rodzombie · Post by **rodzombie** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 11:18 pm

I will try and take some pics tonight to show this area I'm talking about. I really wish I could have made them lower in the back but there was just no more time to fight it befor the show.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 11:36 pm

Quote, originally posted by Mavrik Â»I noticed the Autocross Vibe and GPX Vibe at the MI meet with those, and knew someone on the board was doing the same thing. Funny how this seems like a coincidence but I was just talking to the guys at Matrix Owners the other day about how I wanted to remove mine and now this comes up.I'll be keeping an eye out for the price though I am off the mod market for a while.same here. but rod, when you make up something similar to the gxp spoiler type.... now that would be sweet!and as for the line up on the end caps, well still looks damn better than the roof rack! keep up the good work! don't see anyone else doing it.

Psychobroker · Post by **Psychobroker** » Tue Aug 17, 2004 2:45 am

Do I smell a VOTM (vibe of the month) favorite? rod's Vibe is killer, and these fillers could be the knockout punch! Rod, do you plan on producing these in quantity? I'll stand in line for a set!EDIT: LOL, this is a great pic:

Mr. Poopypants · Post by **Mr. Poopypants** » Tue Aug 17, 2004 2:46 am

It looks so friggin good in person too. I saw it over the weekend in Columbus. SO SWEEEEEEEEET!

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Tue Aug 17, 2004 4:38 am

Quote, originally posted by Psychobroker Â»Do I smell a VOTM (vibe of the month) favorite? rod's Vibe is killer, and these fillers could be the knockout punch! Rod, do you plan on producing these in quantity? I'll stand in line for a set!i'd love to stand in line for a set myself, but no can do for now. perhaps the next set or if you make ones similar to the gxp.

rodzombie · Post by **rodzombie** » Tue Aug 17, 2004 7:25 am

Psychobroker:I am currently checking into what it will cost to have a mold pulled off the roof rack caps I made. If all goes well, and a steady flow of interest is there, I will make the mold and produce these pieces. If the interest remains after I have made a few sets then I will more than likely make a few variations of them like maybe the ones on the GXP, and GT-R Vibe concept cars. Hell who knows, if they take off I may go ahead and build a body kit for my Vibe and produce and sell them as well. Lord knows it's taking the rest of the manufacturers long enough to come up with something.

scherry2 · Post by **scherry2** » Tue Aug 17, 2004 9:28 am

I'll stand in the line waiting patiently to see how much.It does make the vibe look great!! sleeker lines. congrats on the modification oh to have access to the tools....Vibe of the month for sure!!

pissedoffgokart · Post by **pissedoffgokart** » Tue Aug 17, 2004 11:05 am

Ditto!!! Me likey and want. I know why you made the top part not line up exactly, you were subconsciously (spelling) leaving room for the GXP style spoiler to fit over that top hatch peice!!!!!

silver_vibe · Post by **silver_vibe** » Tue Aug 17, 2004 11:08 am

Great looking car. How much did this mod cost you? IMHO It seems like the cost would outweigh the appearance gains for most of us (unless you have access to a shop like you do). See side-by-side photos attached.I think I'll save my pennies for a set of those rims and the lowering springs instead.

Attached files

rodzombie · Post by **rodzombie** » Tue Aug 17, 2004 12:52 pm

Well Silver_vibe it's like this:Skunk2 coilover kit....... $325.0018" Tenzo-R wheels .........$540.00Fulda 225 40 ZR18........... $530.00Having a body mod that nobody else has yet........ PRICLESS J.K. I'm lucky, making these only cost me my time. (which was alot of hours, about 70 hours start to finish.) The aluminum I pulled off the scrap pile at work and I worked on them entirly after hours at work! Never on the clock! Now I just hope I can make these out of fiberglass and carbon fiber and keep cost reasonable. I don't think it's going to cost allot of money to make the molds but casting materials like mold release, gel coat, and resin can add up quick. So I'm going to have to make several pairs in one run to make them cost affective. Also carbin fiber mat and clear gel coat are big money. I'll just have to see how it all works out.

silver_vibe · Post by **silver_vibe** » Tue Aug 17, 2004 1:47 pm

"Having a body mod that nobody else has yet........ PRICLESS "- true! -Now if I only had access to a shop and your skills

Celtic_Curse · Post by **Celtic_Curse** » Tue Aug 17, 2004 1:53 pm

Holy WOW!!! That looks great!!! I'd like to concur with my esteemed mod nuts that if you build it, we will come and pay.

silver_vibe · Post by **silver_vibe** » Tue Aug 17, 2004 3:17 pm

Quote, originally posted by silverawd26 Â»How did you move the exhaust and fill in the 1/2 circle on the other side?If you are referring to the before/after photo I posted - Sorry, that was me, I mirrored the 2nd photo to show the car from the same angle.

Triton · Post by **Triton** » Wed Aug 18, 2004 2:10 am

Your Vibe looks awesome! Great job. I would definitely be interested in a set of those as well.

Devlop · Post by **Devlop** » Wed Aug 18, 2004 2:18 am

I am very curious as to how you've attached those. Looks great, if I didnt use my rack I would get a set myself.

rodzombie · Post by **rodzombie** » Wed Aug 18, 2004 10:39 am

Well Devlop, My mounting system wound up being a less complicated system than I thought it would be. Good old double sided tape. I've given it the 90 MPH test and there still holding strong. I'll see how they hold up over the next few weeks befor I decide to use the same mounting method for production. Also I know I'll be getting questions about this so I'll answer it now. I know a few people have concerns about the original roof rack mounting holes and sealing them up. First off the good news is under the area where the roof rack mounts there is a drain trough. Water is routed away from the interior at this point, but...... ( the bad news ) the body was never designed to drain off large amounts of water there. (just what little may seep under the original roof rack seal and around the mounting points.) So I used a strip calk ( butyl tape ) to seal around the elevator bolts, and a good 1.5 " wide vinyl tape to seal over the remaining holes. I know the tape works because I've been driving around with it over the holes since I removed my racks.

Merzbow · Post by **Merzbow** » Wed Aug 18, 2004 1:04 pm

I would kill for a set of those!!!! If you make them, I might have to pay you to install them for me though Me and tape do not get along well unless it involves painting.

E-Man · Post by **E-Man** » Thu Aug 19, 2004 1:55 am

This mod looks good. But I wonder what it would look like if the caps were finished as brushed aluminum -- similar to the badging on the vibe or the current brushed aluminum look on the rack. Any one have photo shop?Ed

rodzombie · Post by **rodzombie** » Thu Aug 19, 2004 11:56 am

First off I want to thank everyone of you for great compliments you've givin me on my car and the roof caps. I've worked very hrad to get the car in the state of modification that it's in, and I take alot of pride in the car. It's by far my favorite of all the vehicals I've owned in my lifetime. All of you are great and wonderfull people. It's really cool that a simple little station wagon can bring a group of people together. Especially great people like we have here in this forum. I'm proud to be a member of this website and I look forward to being a member for a long time. Now I have some news to pass along. I am unable to start building the molds until probably around the middle of next month. The reason being my wife and I have jsut bought a new house and we will be closing on it next week. So as everyone can guess the next couple of weeks will be pretty well tied up for me, having to move and all. But I have lots of good news !!! I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance by switching to Geico! JK Ok the good news is I have found a supplier for all the products I need to build the molds, maintain them, and produce these roof caps. Also I will be making them from not only fiberglass but also out of carbon fiber. And for you all of you with Satellite colored Vibes, I will be making them out of Silver carbon fiber as well. ( Actually its an aluminum impregnated fiberglass ) E-Man you asked about brushed aluminum, I'm not sure but the contour of these pieces are gradual from one angle to the next, and the part is straight and smooth. So vinyl should stick to it I would assume. If thats the case I have a friend who does vinyl signs and he has a brushed aluminum vinyl at his shop. I may just have to try and see if that works after I make a couple of sets. The only area of question would be the rear most corner where it rounds off to meet the hatch top. That may cause some problems rapping that part with vinyl. could look cool. If someone gets time and want's to photoshop it please post it.

meathead333 · Post by **meathead333** » Thu Aug 19, 2004 2:44 pm

so how much will you be charging for a set?

Psychobroker · Post by **Psychobroker** » Thu Aug 19, 2004 4:00 pm

Congrats on the house Rod!

kgenthe · Post by **kgenthe** » Thu Aug 26, 2004 11:41 am

let me just say that I have been waiting a long time for a solution to getting rid of the roof rack!One question though, do you know if these things will warp with the cold winers we have in WI? I have heard of some people having problems with fiber glass hoods warping with the changing temps.I would assume that is because hoods are much larger, and usually pretty thin (aka, crapper fiberglass products warp). Just wondering your thoughts on this.I guess it really doesn't matter, as I plan on ordering a set as soon as you let me.Big Kudos!

kgenthe · Post by **kgenthe** » Tue Sep 07, 2004 8:54 am

any updates yet?

vibe2003 · Post by **vibe2003** » Tue Sep 07, 2004 10:41 am

now if we have some more bodykits for us is great!

kgenthe · Post by **kgenthe** » Wed Sep 22, 2004 10:11 am

*cough*

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Wed Sep 22, 2004 3:22 pm

you know, i thought i'd like to get rid of the roof rack as well, but then a few weeks ago i saw a mazda 3 hatchback (fusion-like color) w/ dark tinted windows, nice wheels and a roofrack system for skis and snowboard. it looked very very sweet! made me want to put the cross bars back on, get some ski racks and skis to put in them! lolbut i think perhaps next summer, may be thinking about some outdoor toys like kayaks or canoes or something! and who knows maybe NEXT winter i'll try my hand at snowboarding/skiing again.

damronjr · Post by **damronjr** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 3:45 am

The molds look great and I think that idea of the silver carbon fibers would be awesome for us satellite guys. Keep us informed!

Geo · Post by **Geo** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 7:55 am

Hottest Vibe I have /ever/ seen.Just thought I'd say that

kgenthe · Post by **kgenthe** » Sun Oct 10, 2004 2:30 am

where did he run off too? Its well past the "mid-septeber" mark...

Celtic_Curse · Post by **Celtic_Curse** » Sun Oct 10, 2004 9:43 am

Ya I'm waiting for them too..hope we didn't scare him with all the demand.

Merzbow · Post by **Merzbow** » Sun Oct 10, 2004 1:04 pm

Yeah I was looking forward to buying these things more than anything else!!!!!!!! I think psychoVibe is making some too after the bodykit is finished?

pissedoffgokart · Post by **pissedoffgokart** » Sun Oct 10, 2004 5:48 pm

Um, hello?

Merzbow · Post by **Merzbow** » Sun Oct 10, 2004 10:35 pm

I think he left us

pissedoffgokart · Post by **pissedoffgokart** » Mon Oct 11, 2004 3:14 pm

Not good at all!!! Teasing us with something we all have been looking for since we have owned our cars (HINT HINT GM AND AFTERMARKET PEEPS) and then just leave us!

rodzombie · Post by **rodzombie** » Sun Nov 07, 2004 12:25 pm

Hey everybody I'm back!!!!! I just got web service at my house this past Friday. I've been all weekend updating my website and getting all my computer issues taken care of. Ok Here is where I stand on getting these rack caps made. Getting it done befor Christmas like I wanted to aint gonna happen. The move to the new house has made me closer to work but now my boss seems to think since I'm closer I should be able to work more hours. I'm on 45 to 50 hours mandatory at the rod shop. I've been working my (removed) off to get my new garage ready to work in for the winter. I got heat now and the electric has been upgraded so I have 220 to run my welder. I have some art work to finish up here before the end of the month but I'm going to remove the rack caps this week and look at getting the material needed to make a mold. I'm sorry for the delay in getting back with all of you but these past 2 months have been a nightmare and I'm pretty well drained right now. I'll be burning the midnight oil at the shop and at home so I will work in the mold for the caps whenever possible. I'll keep you posted. TTYS

Celtic_Curse · Post by **Celtic_Curse** » Sun Nov 07, 2004 2:06 pm

WOOOOOHOOOOO!! Take all the time you need so long as they go on sale!!!

Roof rack filler caps finished

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