So after getting the windshields from Susselbeck, hit a dead end getting any more. So I looked and went to US Manufacturers, tried to find Mexico, etc.. etc.. etc..
No one that could come up with a windshield at a good price point. So I went where I have had good luck with finding companies to manufacturer my components for the EFI system. Alibaba.
It USED to pain me to use China.. but to be fair the quality I have gotten from them has been really good.. I think if you pay them a fair price and treat them right you get a good product. Given the lack of other options, and the fact the ONE Windshield company that didn't immediately turn me away for even suggesting a low volume production run wanted me to ship the windshield and pay them $200 to quote me. They also told me the minimum cost of the mold would be $2000.
So between not having a way of finding manufacturers, and when you do they want so much to even consider the project.. I am not so resistant to China. Customer service there has been much better too.. If only there was an "Alibaba" for the North American market..
Long story short, after vetting all the companies that came to me, I found a few that seemed real and trustworthy. The company I picked does OEM glass for Tesla in China, and other brands... so they are legit. Even have DOT certification. They wanted a windshield, gave me a fair quote, and the cost for the mold was $600 all I had to do was get them an intact windshield. So I sent a piece of glass I had saved for my own car to them and it made it !
Long story short.. in 90-120 days I should have windshields for the Opel GT in the US. With the light Green tint and DOT sticker.
Right now they will be $290 for the first 20 buyers (After production commences it will be $390. Retail will be $490)
This is to help me recoup the costs of all I have done already and also help me buffer the cost of getting a 100.
That ALL Said.. I am considering shipping him a Kadett, Ascona and a Manta windshield to reproduce. He will do as limited a run as 10. So curious who would be interested in new windshields for the Kadett, Manta and Ascona if I can get them at the out my door price of $390-$490 ?
No one that could come up with a windshield at a good price point. So I went where I have had good luck with finding companies to manufacturer my components for the EFI system. Alibaba.
It USED to pain me to use China.. but to be fair the quality I have gotten from them has been really good.. I think if you pay them a fair price and treat them right you get a good product. Given the lack of other options, and the fact the ONE Windshield company that didn't immediately turn me away for even suggesting a low volume production run wanted me to ship the windshield and pay them $200 to quote me. They also told me the minimum cost of the mold would be $2000.
So between not having a way of finding manufacturers, and when you do they want so much to even consider the project.. I am not so resistant to China. Customer service there has been much better too.. If only there was an "Alibaba" for the North American market..
Long story short, after vetting all the companies that came to me, I found a few that seemed real and trustworthy. The company I picked does OEM glass for Tesla in China, and other brands... so they are legit. Even have DOT certification. They wanted a windshield, gave me a fair quote, and the cost for the mold was $600 all I had to do was get them an intact windshield. So I sent a piece of glass I had saved for my own car to them and it made it !
Long story short.. in 90-120 days I should have windshields for the Opel GT in the US. With the light Green tint and DOT sticker.
Right now they will be $290 for the first 20 buyers (After production commences it will be $390. Retail will be $490)
This is to help me recoup the costs of all I have done already and also help me buffer the cost of getting a 100.
That ALL Said.. I am considering shipping him a Kadett, Ascona and a Manta windshield to reproduce. He will do as limited a run as 10. So curious who would be interested in new windshields for the Kadett, Manta and Ascona if I can get them at the out my door price of $390-$490 ?
