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My "Improved"Bullet Proof" less expensive version of the Tanabe"Sustec"front bar is available

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Mike500, Jun 7, 2012.

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  1. striker308

    striker308 Three time Prius owner

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    Finally installed both of these braces today, now to test them out tomorrow on the drive to work.
     
    #81 striker308, Aug 23, 2012
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  2. maurices

    maurices Member

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    I would be interested in your bar...
    Maurices
     
    #82 maurices, Sep 4, 2012
  3. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    Unfortunately, due to the variances in Totoya's ability to maintain the "spread" distance between the mounting holes, I no longer make this bar.
     
    #83 Mike500, Sep 4, 2012
  4. ikagan

    ikagan Junior Member

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    I guess I got lucky:D
     
    #84 ikagan, Sep 5, 2012
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  5. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    Yes, you were.
     
    #85 Mike500, Sep 5, 2012
  6. striker308

    striker308 Three time Prius owner

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    I got luck x2 since I have both bars.................They work great! cornering is a HELL of a LOT more controlable!
    It feels like my old spitfire in the curves now, gives me the warm and fuzzies...;)

    Now if I can just keep from gettinga speeding ticket :rolleyes:
     
    #86 striker308, Sep 5, 2012
    Mike500 likes this.
  7. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    Only those who have seen, felt, installed and used my "stuff" really know how much care and attention I put into designing, making and finishing them.

    I stopped making them, because I did it for about my cost and the challenge of doing it and getting it right.

    Also, being able to share make me very happy.

    I just hate to brag... but, from those who have had experience with my "stuff," you know what I mean.
     
    #87 Mike500, Sep 6, 2012
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  8. Andrax

    Andrax Junior Member

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    I hate finding threads like this after the product is no longer available... Would love to throw one on my 2010. *sigh*
     
    #88 Andrax, Sep 6, 2012
  9. mrstop

    mrstop PWR Mode

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    Me too. It was going to be my first mod. Irv (Rude person's) was totally upfront with the issues and why he was no longer making it why I contacted him directly. I'm guessing that the holes could have been made a little sloppy to accommodate variances in Prius production. However, it would probably be more like the Tanabe piece. I still like that this design doesn't extend below the car as much as the Tanabe.
     
    #89 mrstop, Sep 6, 2012
  10. rrg

    rrg Active Member

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    Rude person's,
    Your pride, in the product, with design and outcome is well justified.

    You hit this out of the park in terms of ride improvement, IMHO.

    You also opened the door to Prius chat members to improve their ride with your proven designs.
    That's big on it's own.

    Thank you.
     
    #90 rrg, Sep 6, 2012
    Mike500 likes this.
  11. Jill E

    Jill E Member

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    No wonder I had such a difficult time installing. However the use of a ramp made the install much easier. I love how "one piece" the car feels while turning
     
    #91 Jill E, Sep 6, 2012
    Mike500 likes this.
  12. wotcher

    wotcher Member

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    mike - you dont happen to have another front lying around? ;)
     
    #92 wotcher, Sep 6, 2012
  13. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    Are you saying the bar didn't fit with one side jacked up but did fit on a ramp?
     
    #93 Former Member 68813, Sep 6, 2012
  14. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    Sorry,

    They are all gone. I have to make a large material order to do just one. You just can't buy a small quantity just to make one. It would be cost prohibitive.

    So, I got a good deal only becuase quite a number of people bought them.

    For one in business, however, there is NOT much money to be made. That's why Tanabe and Cusco is so expensive.

    I took very little for my time and labor, since I do it as a hobby and to keep busy in my retirement.

    I would be able to do it, if I didn't already own ALL my machines, or if they weren't already all paid for.

    A business for profit cannot afford to pay an engineer and experienced machinist to do what I do and to hand finish each and every item to the degree that I do for those who get my products.

    Not trying to brag; just trying to explain the facts of the issue.
     
    #94 Mike500, Sep 6, 2012
  15. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    The car is built to high standards by robots on alignment jigs. It is not totally rigid, like asolid block of steel.

    Just lifting one corner on a jact changes the alignment and axis of the mounting holes. Just one millimeter off means that the holes might not line up. The two individuals, who had problems with installation had hole alignment soff by about 1mm or 3/32 inch.

    Even when so precisely built, shims are needed to get the wheels to track right. That's why there is a need for wheel alignment.

    Nearly all ithe aftermarket makers make their products with "slots" or large holes. I don't. It requires a lot more work and forethought -- forethought that I acquired from my experience in the aircraft construction industry.

    Those who get my products see only a piece of machined metal with holes drilled into it. They don't see the endless number of hours that I spend in getting it right.
     
    #95 Mike500, Sep 6, 2012
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