[madhatterpdc]

Last I heard from Bob (10-14-03), production was running about two weeks behind schedule due to some last minute changes. That tells me everything should be completed around the middle of November. He also indicated that he was having significant computer problems. I assume that he has not been able to get his computer back online as of yet. It would be nice to hear something though.

Edit - sorry for the quality, I had to shrink it down to get it to fit in the post. Bob also mentioned that the arms are to be anodized in the final run (no mention of what color).

 

[TGSI Racing]

Everyone should have gotten a direct email on the status... or lack of it. I have had to be away for the last 4 weeks... with more to come. No... not jail... no I'm not "ducking" a jealous husband... nor am I "ducking" the "group buy" folks. However, an opportunity I just could not pass on came up and I have had to put TGSI projects on hold for the last 4 weeks.

The roller rockers WILL GET MADE... just not anywhere near my original schedule. For the record... any one who wants a refund will get it at any time before delivery.

As far as the current status goes... I assembled the "first article" (shown in the previous post picture) ... or should say tried to assemble it... today. There is a clearance problem with one of the rollers. (The clearance problem is with the body, not the roller). So, I'm going to have to get another "first article" made. That's going to be about another 4 weeks. So my current guess on schedule is Christmas. Like I said, anyone who wants a refund will get it.

Bob

 

[tomking]

OOOHHH BOB?
It is time for an update!!!!!!!!!!

 

[madhatterpdc]

bump,

Any updates?

 

[madhatterpdc]

Bump,

I'd like to keep this in the "Active Topics" until we hear from Bob.

 

[ConreroGT]

Bob- Will you use a stud girdle like Cam Effects? And if so, are the polylocks the same? My order finally came from Chris, but it's missing 4 of the 8 polylocks for the stud girdle.

If Chris takes another 3 years to deliver, I thought I'd ask around to see if you or RallyBob has something available.

~kyle

 

[tomking]

BOB DENNARD! What is happening with the group roller rocker buy? It doesnt take this long to work out a computer problem; there is little excuse for NO communication. Is anyone in the group buy close to Bob that you can check to see what is going on with this? We were assured this would go quickly but I dont see this as quick. It is way past time for an update.

 

[GTJIM (R.I.P.)]

Principles of Engineering

The first principle of engineering is:

Everything ALWAYS takes longer and costs more!

I'll bet that Chris and Bob have been tearing their hair out and working 25hour days on this project - probably for three years!

Stuff is now appearing so they are doing their collective best.

Patience - it's Christmas!

 

[TGSI Racing]

Yes… I'm way over due for an update. However, I was waiting until I finally had some good news. As usual the news is both good and bad. So, here's the good and bad... and the ugly

On Monday I got the third "first article". Each of the previous two had problems. I won't go into the details here, but the bottom line is that this one is right… finally. The bad news is that I won't be able to get the production batch made until Mid January… holiday closedown and other stuff in front of us. So, that means that I get the bodies back late January and it takes a 5-10 working days to get them anodized. That means that the bodies will be ready for assembly in early Feb.

Now the really good-n-bad news. The original "plan" was to use a cap on the lifters. That way no one would have to change lifters… those with hydraulic lifters could use the cap and stay with the hydraulic lifters. The bad news is that I'm not satisfied with the caps. I have tried a couple of different ways to make them and I wouldn't use either approach in my engine… so I wouldn't expect anyone else to use them either. The bottom line here is that the only way I will be satisfied is to go with new solid lifters ONLY. So the good news is that everyone using solid lifters is going to get new lifters to go with the rockers. There's two kinds of bad news. First, I have no option for those who wanted to go with hydraulic lifters. The second bad part is schedule. I'm just now getting the drawing done for the necessary parts. After the drawing is done, then I have to get the parts made, hardened and then put together the "first article" to be sure everything is right. I would normally say 3-4 weeks for this, but the way everything has gone so far I'm "gun shy".

This is taking way longer then I ever figured… after all, it started out to be a reproduction of the Bob L. design with only minor improvements and a different approach for the lifters. I'm going to say that it is now looking like mid-Feb… it was only supposed to take 6 weeks to start with... and the way it has gone, I'm not confident in mid-Feb. So, I'll send a refund to any one who wants their deposit back. Just send me an email directly to [email protected]

 

[madhatterpdc]

Any information available? I am not expecting the project to be complete, but I would like to know what the status of the project is.

Thank you.

 

[tomking]

BOB DENNARD!
An update is not too much to expect. This from your second post:

I'll try to answer the questions in order.

I'm still working out all of the details on schedule. As it stands for now, it will take about 4 weeks to produce and assemble all the bits and pieces.

Low on cash? Well, the initial deposit will be $250 so that should cover the first part. If the 4 week production time is not long enough, contact me directly by email ([email protected]) and we'll work out something.

What is included? This will be a complete kit and will include everything you need to install the roller rocker arms. There will be no engine modifications necessary for installation... this will be a true bolt on. In addition to the roller rocker arms themselves, the kit will include "poly locks", valve cover gasket(s), a valve cover spacer (requried for clearance), longer valve cover bolts.

There will also be something to accomodate the roller that is on the lifter side of the rocker arm. This is a cost issue that I have not deceided upon. So, this will be in the form of either a "cap" to go over stock lifters, or a replacement set of lifters. In either case, it will not be required to change the cam... although you may want to.

 

[TGSI Racing]

I sent this email out to the folks who sent me a deposit. I thought it appropriate to also post it here.

I suspect most of you figure that I've fallen off of the edge of the earth… or run off with your deposits for the roller rocker arms. Well, neither is true.

Without going into the agonizing details, problems and setbacks mean that I still am not much closer than I was three months ago. Briefly, the problem has been getting the aluminum body right, sufficient strength of the roller pins, and lifter caps that will work properly.

The last one… proper lifter caps.. is impossible. There are at least 4 variations of solid lifters, and at least 3 variations of hydraulic lifters in "circulation" for the Opel. I have tried a couple of different designs, but have not been able to come up with a way to find a satisfactory "one size fits all" answer… nor a "two sizes fit all" answer. (This is one of the main ways I intended to keep the cost down… lifter caps instead of new lifters.) It appears now that the only solution is to go with new custom lifters.

I have come to a point in time… probably past time… to refund everyone's deposits. It has been far too long for you to have nothing to show for your money. So, I will be refunding you deposits next week. If you want to be paid via Paypal, just give me your PayPal email address and I'll send the refund that way. I'll include the paypal "hit" so you won't be out any bucks. Or if you prefer, I'll send you a check via "snail mail". Just let me know.

By the way, this DOES NOT mean that I'm abandoning the roller rocker arm project. It just means that I don't feel right "sitting" on your deposits any longer. I'll let everyone know when I've got the stuff ready.

Bob Dennard
TGSI Racing

 

[tomking]

When Do I get My Deposit BACK?

Bob I am still waiting for you to return my deposit. When might I expect to see it?

From: "Robert Dennard"
Date: Sat, 24 Apr 2004 22:35:12 -0500
To: "TGSI"
CC:
Subject: Roller Rocker Arms
Attachments: default.htm

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I suspect most of you figure that I've fallen off of the edge of the earth? or run off with your deposits for the roller rocker arms. Well, neither is true.



Without going into the agonizing details, problems and setbacks mean that I still am not much closer than I was three months ago. Briefly, the problem has been getting the aluminum body right, sufficient strength of the roller pins, and lifter caps that will work properly.



The last one? proper lifter caps.. is impossible. There are at least 4 variations of solid lifters, and at least 3 variations of hydraulic lifters in "circulation" for the Opel. I have tried a couple of different designs, but have not been able to come up with a way to find a satisfactory "one size fits all" answer? nor a "two sizes fit all" answer. (This is one of the main ways I intended to keep the cost down? lifter caps instead of new lifters.) It appears now that the only solution is to go with new custom lifters.



I have come to a point in time? probably past time? to refund everyone's deposits. It has been far too long for you to have nothing to show for your money. So, I will be refunding you deposits next week. If you want to be paid via Paypal, just give me your PayPal email address and I'll send the refund that way. I'll include the paypal "hit" so you won't be out any bucks. Or if you prefer, I'll send you a check via "snail mail". Just let me know which way you want the refund.



By the way, this DOES NOT mean that I'm abandoning the roller rocker arm project. It just means that I don't feel right "sitting" on your deposits any longer. I'll let everyone know when I've got the stuff ready.

 

[TGSI Racing]

Tom,

You emailed me your mailing address last Sunday. I got back to my emails today, so your check will go out on Monday.

Everyone who requested the refund via PayPal has received it... or at least they should have.

 

[samdog]

roller rockers available

Hey everyone out there looking for roller rockers they are here in stock ready to go...Chris Johnson and Rally Bob have figured out the complete project...the intire kit is available now. I know Bob Denard {tgsi racing} has been trying to do a rocker project, which admitantly has taken longer than expected...as many of these projects do...and also end up costing more due to the simple fact that these prodject just get more involved than initally intended. What is available now is a proven design by Bob Legere aka Rally Bob from a roller rocker prodject 10 years ago that he did with Roger Wilson. The kits include the roller rockers. the lash caps, and the poly locks for $665 usd. For those of you that want stud girdles they are also in stock for another $135usd. plus shipping.
I am not looking to take business from tgsi, since he has offered refunds to the group buyers, and I know my product costs more...I'm sure tgsi will be costing more too...Well if there is interest in buying them I have them in stock. Thank you Samdog.

 

[oklaopel]

I'll just take a paypal refund for the fan kit I ordered

Bob, I ordered a fan kit several months ago and paid 201.00, but never got the fan. I would be willing to use that as my down on some roller rockers and forego the fan kit if that works for you.

I sent the fan kit payment on 1/15/04 for the mentioned 201.00 via paypal. You offered a refund a few months ago, say march, which I refused but now accept. I'll send you my paypal information directly.
thanks
Robert Lee
oklaopel

 

[tomking]

Where is My Deposit?

Bob this is the message you posted for me in response to my question about when you were going to send my deposit back. Your posting is now over two weeks old and I still have not seen my deposit. If you havent yet sent it please tell me when I can expect to get my money back from you? Has everyone else gotten their deposit back by now?
Your note from more than two weeks ago:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tom,

You emailed me your mailing address last Sunday. I got back to my emails today, so your check will go out on Monday.

Everyone who requested the refund via PayPal has received it... or at least they should have.

 

[anastosmotors]

opel parts

i e-mail every week to send my checks back, my opel cyl head
and my roller rocker arms that he supose to repair.
i asked him to send UPS pick up. he never reply for couple
months. do not make promises that you can not keep.
people thrusted you.
Pete

 

[madhatterpdc]

I received my refund on 5/8/04 via Paypal.

 

[Gary]

Received mine around the same time.