I know this topic comes up every once in a while, and never seems to go anywhere.

Right now I have a Quebec customer interested in one, and those guys are pretty serious. I am guessing he is going to go ahead unless pricing ends up HORRIBLE. He is also looking for the lexan rear glass for it.

Anyways, I am negotiating with a place in California that makes them. Of course, the more I order, the more reasonable they become, so I thought I would post here and see if there is any interest. There is quite a lead time in their production, but I want to make the DECISION on this relatively quickly.

I don't have pricing or shipping cost yet, and I think that will depend LARGELY on how many....so if you are SERIOUSLY interested, add your name to the list...

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Have you concidered contacting the place that made up the hoods in Reza's group buy? It may be more cost effective to have these made locally. Just a suggestion.

I'd be surprised if many people indicate serious interest without more info. For example at least a ballpark or range on pricing. I'd also want to know how much they weigh and would like to see a picture indicating quality and fit.

I think Reza dealt with CF Tech....and I deal with him regularly and have spoken with him often...

He wanted TEN people before he would make the mold, or FIVE people if I pay for the mold separately.

The place I am talking to now is called GT Fabrications.

I dont see the 2g hatch on his site, but apparently he makes them. He has a 1g hatch for around 330USD I think it was, and hoods for around 380USD, so I would say his pricing is probably in line with anyone else's or maybe better. Problem, of course, is he charges $150.USD to ship a hatch from California to New York. That is why I figure to make it feasible, need to bring several in at once...

I have NO idea how much the lexan window is going to add....I just began discussions with him (and all by email).

Pricing depends on quantity, quantity depends on pricing....need to start SOMEWHERE...so that is why this gauging interest thread.

Those "ballpark" numbers should be sufficient to determine if you are interested or not at a price in that area...

Ziggy

I attempted a group buy when I was interested in getting a carbon hatch to match my hood.

I contacted GT Fabrications as well because they had excellent quality stuff.

I think my timing was all wrong because it was just after Christmas and people we're sitting on the fence.

When I had contacted them, there pricing was good, and if you get enough interest, shipping will be reasonable.

I'm interested in this, and more so in the lighter lexan
glass,the rear glass is too big and heavy.

Depending on how expansive this could get with lexan glass, I'd like to have one on spike come April/May.

Also more info regarding weight savings and such would be great.
Thank you Ziggy

Most of the info is out there....I am sure GT fabrications can provide weight numbers. They don't actually do the lexan, but have connections to the company that does. I am sure he can get me those numbers also...

Its 30-40Lbs savings

Thanks brian....is that with the lexan window or regular glass?

Depending on price (without lexan rear window), I could be in.
I can't be more sure till I see a price, sorry Ziggy.

I do however really need a new hatch as mine is SUPER rusty.

I would be in for one as well, how does the lexan handle the sunlight does it go yellow and foggy like our good ol headlights

GT Fabrications does NOT do the lexan windows themselves...they get them drop shipped from whoever makes them. I could not tell you how they stand up over time, and I am not sure GT Fabrications could either. My suggestion would be to do some research.

I was sent this by someone on the board (thanks Brian)

"Currently, Gt fabrications makes a Carbon Fiber rear hatch for the 1g dsmers. Its made of real carbon fiber and weighs in w/o glass in at 7.5 lbs. The hatch with lexan glass weighs in at approx 10-15lbs (depending on Thickness of glass). Factory hatch with glass weighs over 45lbs."

Those numbers are for 1g, but they should give you a rough idea of the kind of weight savings this brings...

Here's a fun thing to do when you get your new hatch.

Throw some new hatch struts in. When someone walks behind your car, pull that little lever to your left beside your seat.

1 point if you scare them
10 points if you hit them

Lexan will yellow in sunlight. It's the same material headlight lenses are made from and the reason headlight manufacturers apply a UV stabilized hardcoat on the exterior surface.

However, there are many products on the market now that anyone can apply to help reduce the yellowing. Unless it's left out in the sun all the time, it shouldn't be too bad for quite some time. Remember our (stock) headlights are roughly 12-15 years old.

Another option is to look into tinted lexan. The darker colour will mask the effects of yellowing.

I am interested ..... but of course I need to know cost and see some pics.

Everyone says his products are good, but I have to say his communication sucks. Every time I call him he tells me he will put it in an email, and then never does.

My Quebec customer who started all this is in a bit of a hurry, but GT Fabrications tells me it is 4-5 weeks lead time to get them made...

so, once I have pricing, I will talk to my quebec customer, but then I plan to place the order within a couple days of getting that info.

So, if you want to see pics or look into quality, I suggest you do your homework NOW.

Like I said, once the price is posted, if you are not ready to commit almost immediately, it won't happen for you.

If Ziggy handle the purchasing and the shipping and give us his usual killing price sign me up!!!

We could arrange the shippement for Quebec people afterwards.

Let us know the pricing !! Thanks

jimmy, so far you would be the third person from Quebec, but I am not sure how far apart you all are.

1. Alexandre Corriveau, Sherbrooke
2. Pierre-Louis Boisvert, ??????
3. Jimmy Briand, Montreal


Someone also suggested that if the lexan window is tinted right after installation, this helps prevent the yellowing,,,

No worries Ziggy. We all know each others inside the DSM Quebec community.

You only care about the shipping to one place and we take it from there.

Ok, I don't know what to say here. The guy at GT Fabrications has promised me THREE TIMES to have a price to me by end of day, and each time has let me down. This is NOT the type of place i want to deal with, I dislike LIARS. I know the local guy I have spoken to before, and he wants to do at least 10, which we wont get.

Before I give up on this, does anyone else know of someone that makes a hatch for the 2g that is not way over-priced?

What ever happened to Squid Skin, or it was something like that? They were in TO.

I vaguely remember someone local did all the Talon body parts.

Brampton actually, http://www.squidskins.com/html/contact_us.html
http://www.squidskins.com/html/eagle.html

Ok, I talked to James at squid skins. He was not thrilled about doing hatches in carbon fiber. He was quite interested in doing them in fiberglass. He tells me the weight difference is only a pound or two.

The carbon fiber hatch from him would be over $700., and that is without any glass.

The fiberglass hatch would be $415. he says it is "unfinished" looking on the inside. It uses the stock hinges and latch assembly, but does NOT accept the stock hatch supports..you would need to come up with a prop rod of your own.

So far it is three quebec guys who are interested, so if you are all interested in the fiberglass, I could look into the cost of having them shipped. I could also still look into the cost of lexan windows for them, but if there is no serious interest, there is not much point...

Let me know guys..

I'd prefer the CF personally.

Who else makes CF hatches for our cars Ziggy?

No-one that I know of..maybe VIS or Seibon??

Ok, the Quebec guys have all expressed that they are NOT interested in Fiberglass, the local guy Reza used is NOT interested in doing them, and GT Fabrications is not even willing to give me pricing...I have NO desire to deal with those guys, so I am considering this dead (once again), unless someone knows of anyone else making 2g hatches in Carbon Fibre at a reasonable price??

Try HiRev performance, I know they made them at one point, and to Ryans comment, with the struts on CF it really does just fly open on its own, but sometimes you need to shut your door first

I searched for HiRev, couldn't find them. I think they must have gone out of business.

Ziggy if you find anything let me know (including lexan glass) I don't mind paying a little extra if I'll be the only one buying.

I can get the lexan glass, just cant get the carbon fiber hatch....at least not under $800. Even the lexan glass is close to $400. I believe..

Ziggy I would be amazed if you beat squid skinsprice of the 700 ballpark. Your not going to be able to beat that seeing as all other companies are in the states...
You could try VIS if you want, but im betting that they will yellow and I doubt your going to get enough of a discount to beat squidskins, or there is this site that sells the VIS hatches, dunno if they could give a deal:
http://www.raceonusa.com/mitsubishi-eclipse-95-99-d32a-c-1108_1114?filter_id=134&sort=20a

Squidskins is got a 2g talon hath for $450CDN is that a CF hood? That's a great price IMO if they are currently avilable

No, as Ziggy alluded to above, the Squidskin hatch is fiberglass.

Contacted Carbontrix , they are unable to make one at this time, whatever that mean.

I think you are going to have a tough time finding one under $700. for the next couple months at least...

Ok, going to resurrect this. I have been in touch with another relatively local (Southwestern Ontario) guy, who would be willing to make these in smaller quantities. I am going to be contacting the Quebec guys again. Group buy price will be in around the $575. mark, and I will need a GOOD condition hatch (with glass and hardware removed) for the mould.

So, now I am looking BOTH to gauge interest and get a more accurate count, AND for a "donor" hatch.

Ziggy My old hatch is laying around...
My dad wants me to throw it out...
and its completely stripped

Mike your my hero for this

Ziggy keep me posted with this.

Well dont think I dont still want something in return
I hadnt given up on selling it just yet...
Ziggy you help me and I ll help you

I am quite sure we can work something out.....;)

Mike brought up a good point, he's hatch is off a 98 GSX, if they do mold it according to that, should that hatch still fit on a 95 TSI ? We plan to get together and test fit on spike, however that may not happen soon...


Ziggy, please do check if these guys are willing to do a CF sunroof piece to replace the existing glass.

Well, I am NOT prepared to tackle too many projects at once....and fairly busy even WITHOUT these projects. IF the hatches are either finished or dead, THEN I will look at the sunroof pieces.

In the meantime, does anyone know if Mike's hatch from a '98 GSX is going to be identical to all 95-99 talons?

Fair enough Ziggy.

The only difference is the holes for the spoiler.

Oh I know its the same and will fit, just was concerned that it is not warped or bent in any way if that makes sense.

Yes, it DOES make sense. Mike, it looks like the interest is there. I have just finished emailing the Quebec guys, and although it is not CONFIRMED yet, there is PLENTY of interest, and I think this project will go ahead. It looks like we are going to be looking at a price around $580. - $600. per hatch at my door before taxes.

Mike, can we somehow get that hatch checked out, and then what do you want for it??

Yeah not a problem, I dont know who will be able to bolt it on, its just there is no way I m pulling my CF one off my car because fitting it was a huge b!TCH lol
Im relatively shure its fine, maybe if we ca get it to your place and try it on your talon? its a quick 20 min job or so

OK, havent posted in a while, but this project is proceeding well. The Quebec DSMers, as we all know, are serious harcore guys. They have expressed enough interest for this project to move forward. they are 90% confirmed so far, and I am sticking my neck out for the other 10%. I will soon be placing an order for lexan hatch glass for both 1g and 2g. I am not sure what availability and delivery is like, and they are not cheap at $409.95. We will also be ordering CF hoods for both 1g and 2g. The group buy pricing is going to be $420. for the 1g, and $435. for the 2g. Finally, there WILL be 2g hatches. The mold is being made now, and I have COMMITTED to take five of these at least. The Quebec guys are INTERESTED in five, so I am confident they will take AT LEAST four, so I committed. We CAN, of course, order more. Also, once the mold is made, these will be available anytime, but the group buy special pricing won't be. Right now, they are going for $580. If you want one at this price, you should speak up now..

^PM'ed

"The Quebec DSMers, as we all know, are serious harcore guys."

nice Ziggy

Just telling it like it is...I plan to follow up with the CF guy probably tomorrow....

Progress report:

The carbon fibre shop is making good progress. He hopes to have the mold finished around the end of this week. Hatches should start coming off the mold sometime next week.
I am still waiting on the lexan glass to arrive for the Quebec group buy, but their order has downsized a little bit, so hoping to sent their stuff all in one or at most two shipments.

I believe this group buy pricing will remain in effect until the end of this month, at which time these will become available as just a regular item through my webstore whenever you want, but at a higher price.

Any idea on the pricing once ordered from your site Ziggy?

How much higher over group pricing, hopefully not too much

Probably going to be around $650. + shipping and taxes..

Who are you getting to do them? Please tell me its not that rip off at Squidskins I have never seen such poor quailty and fitment in my life

They are done now Ron, and no, it wasn't Squidskins. He only wanted to do Fiberglass, and if I insisted on CF, he wanted HUGE bucks. There is a guy in Hamilton that does nice work on CF, he did these. I shipped three off to the Quebec guys (who are all SERIOUS DSMers, and they were all happy. Alot of the guys on here have his hoods also....I think someone did a group buy a few years back...

Does this guy do custom stuff Ziggy? I just wanted to make sure Squidskins didn't rip off anyone else.

I don't THINK so...but I shouldn't speak FOR him. I know with the hoods and hatches, if he is not already doing them, he wants a minimum of ten in order to make a new mold.
If you want, PM me here or at my forums, and I will send you his contact info..