posted 06-20-2003 06:42 PM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by c.mangeng:
Grrowl, can one be made universal for the hard top? I won't be ordering the hard top until winter, so I won't have one to modify the protector to. I still want to install one for use now, but don't want to have to install a new one later to accommodate the hard top.

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c.m.,

I agree with Ed - if you go with the car color, a slight misalignment won't look bad. For what I am trying to do, which is continue the black on yellow theme, I don't believe that it will look right if it's off even 1/4". To answer your specific question about a CLOSE universal fit, I agree with Paul that someone will need to drive by with a prowler and hardtop so he can make a pattern.

This is what I'm trying to do - I want the black on yellow look with the "Prowler" letters cutout. Keeping the original positioning, the "Prowler" will be covered by the convertible top with a black border around it (which, if it's off a little, won't look bad). However, with the yellow hardtop over the black over the yellow trunk lid, even a slight misplacement will show.

I guess what this boils down to is that I'm willing to pay the money for a complete protector just to get the "Prowler" cutout and positioning ovals for the front edge. If this doesn't work, I'll probably just get a piece of vinyl (5 bucks at the worst, probably free from one of my usual sources) and do the contour thing all around.

In fact, the more I think about it, the more I WANT to cut the rear contour myself - based on the experience of the original smaller protector, I don't believe it will be possible to get a "centered" look using a contrasting color. This will have to be done "blind" and hope that it is oriented correctly after the hardtop is installed.

Again, I will be happy to report my experience if Paul is able to provide the protector with untrimmed sides and rear.

posted 06-20-2003 11:42 PM                  

Grrowl, the process for creating the curves on the original DekProTec were created with a little science, art, and trial and error. We cut and tossed at least ten of them before coming up with the contours we have in today's product. Being probably as picky as the typical owner, I would need to be certain before committing to production, shipping, and warranty on what we create. While you may forgive us a less-than-ideal contour poking out from under a hardtop, most owners won't be happy. And, as we have all learned with this site, everyone's voice and commentary can be equally heard. If someone does not like what I create, you bet everyone's gonna hear about it! Just last year a guy blasted me on the site for his installation mistakes because he tried to guess how to put it on without directions. So, he expected me to guarantee the product for his mistakes. While we finally had to refund his money to fix the situation, I'm sure he cost us some business with his commentary. You can see why we've got to measure it in person.

In the long run it will cost me way more to guess at it, ship it and then have to recreate it, ship it and continue hoping that we have it right.

Tell you what I'll do.....I'll post to ask for some generous person to bring a hardtop model to my area for measurement and prototyping. If no one responds we'll all have to wait until I can have one for at least 24 hours. While, I myself don't have a hardtop, I do want to own one sometime soon. It would be nice to have this DekProTec for Hardtops designed and ready to go. Spread the word, let's get this done.
One last note, I will take not take orders for the product until it's ready so please hold off on requests until we're ready and the costs for the project and material have been calculated. Thanks all for your help!

posted 06-21-2003 06:30 AM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by Paul:
Grrowl, the process for creating the curves on the original DekProTec were created with a little science, art, and trial and error. We cut and tossed at least ten of them before coming up with the contours we have in today's product. Being probably as picky as the typical owner, I would need to be certain before committing to production, shipping, and warranty on what we create. . . . .In the long run it will cost me way more to guess at it, ship it and then have to recreate it, ship it and continue hoping that we have it right.

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Paul, I think you're mixing up the responses - I basically wrote the above that you repeated back - WE'RE IN VIOLENT AGREEMENT!

The one thing you said that I don't agree with (didn't say) is:

While you may forgive us a less-than-ideal contour poking out from under a hardtop, most owners won't be happy.[/QUOTE]

I'M THE ONE THAT POINTED OUT THAT THE CONTOUR WON'T BE EXACT, AND I, for one, would not be happy with it.

Which brings us back to my previous question - can I buy one with the sides and rear left raw and uncut? (No guarantee required)

Thanks.

posted 06-23-2003 07:18 AM                  

As far as your product, I like it, but I am looking for something much narrower. I'll explain....I can see EXACTLY where the gasket meets the trunk and I feel a one, or one and a half inch wide tape laid right over the contact area would be more than enough for me. It would also be light years easier to install since it's so narrow, the curves of the trunk won't matter.

Can you make your DecProTec material in a black 1 1/2" wide strip that I can lay down exactly over the contact area? I have entertained the thought of laying down my own vinyl strip, but would like to but your product if it is made of a sturdier material....

Any ideas?
thanks....

posted 06-23-2003 12:38 PM                  

This aft. my local sign shop is giving me some materials to experiment with.....I'll know more then as far as what I can get away with.

posted 11-21-2003 03:10 PM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by thedqman:
Paul,
I would like one for the hardtop, I can cut it to fit just make it 3 inches longer all around the back side... I will cut it. I need this bad Paul.. can you do it?
Black no cut out words
Thanks Mike DQMan

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Sounds a lot like my request from 5 months ago:

quote:

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Originally posted by GRROWL:
Paul, can I buy one with the sides and rear left raw and uncut? (No guarantee required)

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Posted back:

quote:

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Originally posted by Paul:
Grrowl, let's take you individual request off this site and we'll decide how we can produce what you want. If you'll send me your email address I'll get you the specifics. Send to me at tectrum@mindspring.com

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I Emailed that day, I'm still waiting for a response 5 months later.

If you want a decklid protector for your hardtop (and I STRONGLY recommend it), it's a lot easier to just do it yourself with 5 feet of sign vinyl and an X-Acto knife. For complete instructions, see:

http://www.prowleronline.com/ubb/Forum9/HTML/001065.html

posted 11-22-2003 08:29 AM                  

$35 for black

$40 for colors

$50 for chrome

email Paul at: tectrum@mindspring.com

or --- Paul Barragry
Tectrum Sales and Associates
Phone: 262-375-1876
Fax: 262-375-6399

The first one I got from Paul came out perfect and now I need one for the orange cat. AC Stamp of Approval on Paul's products!!!

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27,000 miles of smiles

Call 911 - there is a Prowler in my garage....

LARRY SALZMAN - MESA, ARIZONA

posted 11-25-2003 03:13 PM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by ed monahan:
Did you HAND cut the word Grrowl and the cat?

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The pattern was taped over the vinyl and I cut through the pattern and vinyl, down to the backing behind the vinyl. After removing the waste vinyl, you need to put tape over the cut area, as you can see it in the picture sequence at:
http://www.prowleronline.com/ubb/Forum9/HTML/001065.html

(it's the picture BEFORE the gluestick). The tape is like a low-tack masking tape that you can get where you get the vinyl. They have always given me roll-ends for the asking when I get the vinyl, the brand I used is "TransferRite".

Pull off the backing, use soapy water liberally, press down to remove all lubricant and air bubbles, remove the masking.

The pattern was actually easier to cut than I thought - not as much cutting as it would appear. If (when) I do it again, I plan to use carbon paper to transfer the pattern since there was a (small) amount of shifting when cutting through the paper pattern that needed a little "doctoring-up" later.

With the patterns now posted on the board, it really is not difficult to make your own "decals" and reverses (like "Grrowl/cat").

Good luck. It was a fun project.

-GRROWL