NSX-T owners (please read)

[A.S. Motorsport]

Hi,

We are busy developing 2 Targa tops for the NSX-T (Carbon fiber & Acrylic)
We would like to ask NSX-T owners the following,(or other people that have the following)

We need dimensions and pictures of the following:

Dimensions of the targa top,
Dimensions of the roof panel (the middle section between the two side rails)

Pictures of the Roof by itself (top view)
Pictures of the Roof (underneath from interior)
Pictures of the attachment points and weatherstripping.

If you have any of the above or anything you think we might need/find interesting please don't hesitate to post it or PM, E-mail it.

Thanks in advance.

(Off course we are going to use a real targa top for the molds and measurements but we for now need this information in our R&D)

 

[ChopsJazz]

Not to be rude, but your Avatar says that you are an NSX specialist. Don't you have access to a car with a Targa roof?

 

[A.S. Motorsport]

No we don't since we are in Europe and there are nearly no targas here (only coupes) and most of them are 1991-1993.

There are only 2 targas that i know of in the country and they are all on the other side of the country.

 

[synergy004]

Question??

Also regarding the question above, do you have an NSX on hand to get proper dimensions. You saying that you only have two Targas on the other side of the country would not be feasible unless they are willing to donate there car for proper measurements for dimensions.

What processes would you be going through on developing the Carbon targa top?

I checked your site finally and had a hard time getting through, do you have any products you and/or your affiliates developed on your own IE: like ProCar, Umbrella, Downforce other than pictures taken from them and there counterparts?

This would help many of us, relying on someone overseas would be quite difficult due to the Tomaske Disaster which lost a majority of the communities trust..

-g-

 

[A.S. Motorsport]

The Targa tops are one of our first products.


We are developing the Acrylic Targa top with a T-Top specialist (based in the USA) that will also take care of the final production. to ensure a high quality product.


About the CF Targa top, we are now focusing on the acrylic targa top but the basic information needed to start calculating

Actual molds, measurements, ect will off course be made from a actual Targa top by the specialists.

The CF Targa top will also be made in conjunction with a CF specialist (also based in the USA).

We have selected two US based specialists for production since the major market for Targa Tops would be in North America.

Pictures are needed to determine basic difficulty of making the product.
Secondly we would like to rule out year by year differences in the T-Top (we are 99% sure there interchangeable but we would like to conform this by photos)

 

[synergy004]

So you outsource your developement for the product. Are you developing this or going through a manufacturer and then selling the product. My question is if this is the case of someone else developing this and you selling it, the customer base would question if the product comes out defective and how would you go about inspections for your physical eyes to see instead of pictures. I am a bit conspicuous because I have dealt with this with vendors etc selling a product they arent physically developing and it gets drop shipped to the buyer (customer), they open the box and DAMN the product isn't to expectations when the vendor describes them as quality is good, excellent etc. Then rating go down etc etc. Now the OP for the part has to deal with this. How would you go about dealing with this in order to keep a 100% order with your customer service?

-g-

 

[A.S. Motorsport]

Our number one priority is customer satisfaction and our reputation.
We would not sell a inferior product let alone develop one that would damage our reputation.

We are at this point in the developing stage. At the next stage we will present you and the potential buyers the manufacturer. At this point in time it is too premature to disclose that kind of information.

You apparently have a lot of interest in actions of our company. I hope that has nothing to do with the link in your signature. (Umbrella Autodesign)

I wonder what you want to achieve by this discussion? Our aim is to satisfy the consumer, through clear and accurate information at the right time. Not by creating panic or doubt in customers.

 

[synergy004]

My affiliation with Umbrella is clearly customer based which he has given me proof of his work with my own eyes, hence my signature with his company name. This isn't about Umbrella but your company, like anyone else it would be a tough call to deal with an out of country vendor until products have been made and future customers have been satisfied with there products. I did PM you the similar response. I also have as many others would possibly do give pressure questions to see your customer based satisfaction being politically correct in the matter. With several vendors and bad reps don't be surprised if others start with the same or ask for future business. Its a tough world.

Gil

 

[docjohn]

Gil ,I have had the same ?'s about AS since thier first posts.I would love to see a list of satisfied prime members who have done transactions with a vendor in Holland for products made in the US.

 

[Hagasan]

Mmm. The way I see at an acrylic roof would be a good thing for the targas, less common here in the uk but I own one....

If the craiszhy dutchman is willing to take on the research and development with a US company then at this point in time, what is the problem? At this time no one has paid any money so instead of shooting the guy down before he's actually produced anything why don't we just let him and his associate take the risk. If and when he finalises a product then we an make more of a judgement......

I appreciate all the scenarios of the problem purchases with a European company but I'd imagine his US manufacturer would probably assist in any US based problems.....Here in the UK we have to take the same risks with some less than reliable but well established US vendors in CA....I've just logged my Paypal dispute

Let not beat the guy down because that's just the sort of behavio(U)r that discourages people from making the effort in the first place....then we have even less chance of getting the option of buyng the part.

Lets just see what he makes first as I for one like the idea of a see- through roof panel but will only buy if I think it's a quality part....

I think I know who the guy is through the UK forum and it's not likely to be a repeat Tamoske scenario.....Dutch people are usually good to their word......If it was a horny dutch girl doing this you'd be buying without any questions....

Just my opinion.....

 

[docjohn]

I have nothing against any vendor that wants to produce parts for the nsx.I have a simple observation about AS.Very many nice posts,slick cut and paste,but I have yet to hear or read about anyone here actualy buying anything I'm sure there is no conection between the timing of the outing of Tamoske and the emergence of AS.I have nothing disparaging to say about them,only my questions as stated above.:redface:

 

[CL65 Captain]

Well at least he is not in Lithuania....

However, from google maps, it looks like the domain is registered to an address that is a residential address.

Do you actually have a shop or physical place of business? It looks from your website and the vast brands you carry that you just drop ship from the manufacturer and do not actually inventory items. Is this correct?

One of the reason why I have not even bothered to check on pricing with you is the shipping costs from Holland. However, if you drop ship from the US that wouldn't be an issue.

WHOIS Search Results for: as-motorsport.info


Domain ID: D25165775-LRMS
Domain Name: as-motorsport.info
Created On: 14-Jun-2008 14:28:54
Expiration Date: 14-Jun-2009 14:28:54
Sponsoring Registrar: 'Check Whois' (5173-GO)
Status: client_delete_prohibited,client_renew_prohibited,client_transfer_prohibited,client_update_prohibited
Name Server: ns1.speed-host.biz
Name Server: ns2.speed-host.biz
Registrant ID: GODA-049108216
Registrant Name: Regina Van Criekinge
Registrant Organization: Unknown
Registrant Street1: Treilerstraat 89
Registrant Street2: Unknown
Registrant Street3: Unknown
Registrant City: Zaandam
Registrant State/Province: Noord Holland
Registrant Postal Code: 1503 JD
Registrant Country: NL
Registrant Phone: +31.310756141264
Registrant Fax: Unknown
Registrant Email: [email protected]
Admin ID: GODA-249108216
Admin Name: Regina Van Criekinge
Admin Organization: Unknown
Admin Street1: Treilerstraat 89
Admin Street2: Unknown
Admin Street3: Unknown
Admin City: Zaandam
Admin State: Noord Holland
Admin Postal Code: 1503 JD
Admin Country: NL
Admin Phone: +31.310756141264
Admin Fax: Unknown
Admin Email: [email protected]

 

[UnhuZ]

just a quick line...

i see here on prime, quite frequently, some "doubts", about anyone who sells stuff, vendor or single guys, that are non-US... well... what i can say is that i find more problems from US vendors than anywhere else...

US folks may argue that the vast majority of the NSX parts vendors are in US...that's true...but that also make the majority of BAD vendors in US also...it's not only the good...it's the bad also.


example:

i had problems with 2 of the most well known US vendors here, and i didn't even bought anything from them. I can imagine if i did ... one just started to ignore my PMs and the other came up with the most insane poor excuses not to sell me when i asked special attention to shipping details...

i didn't ever been rude or agressive in my communication.... sure i ask a lot of questions and don't buy that much.... but those questions make me not to regret of even one thing i ever bought.

if a vendor likes the guy that ask little and buy big, than clearly i'm not their most desired customer...


Conclusion:

Don't bash or doubt new vendors until they actually are at fault... the flow of the NSX market is to as the time passes by, the less vendors exists... let's embrace the new commers...

Let AS do their products and help as best as we can in the R&D.

Thanks,
Nuno

PS - so much for the "quick line"

 

[CL65 Captain]

Is not not unfair to know if someone actually has a business, stocks merchandise, and is established or is just drop shipping from a manufacturer?

Is it fair to find out whether that person has the ability to control service once you order an item or whether that service is dependent on a vendor that they use?

If A.S. Motorsports does not stock any items then it would be nice to know that. If I place an order for a Comptech product, then the timing of that delivery is based on Comptech and is totally out of A.S. Motorsport's control. I won't order an item from either SOS or Dali if it is not in stock (I am sure you know why).

If he can deliver on good prices, without international shipping costs, then great. However, I would like to know if delivery and customer relations are even within his control and decide whether or not the savings is worth the risk of dealing with an intermediary who can not really control his distribution because he doesn't physically stock items. This is one of the reasons why people have a brick and mortar store/warehouse and carry actual inventory.

 

[UnhuZ]

My Captain :biggrin:, i agree with you...

 

[CL65 Captain]

I am not trying to discourage AS Motorsports. The more vendors the better. However, I just want to get the facts so that we can make educated decisions.

Not to equate AS Motorsports with Tamasoke, but I honestly believe Tamasoke started off with the best of intentions of delivering a product that there was a demand for. However, Tamasoke didn't actually have a business instead he was dependent on someone else to manufacture these items. Then costs and delays which were out of his control occurred because he was a third party and not in real control of the manufacturing process. One thing led to another and when he couldn't deliver he choose to defraud his customers because he couldn't make good on his deliveries.

If AS Motorsports is having these Targa tops manufactured here in the US, then obviously he is entrusting YOUR MONEY with someone who is 3000 miles away from him and he has never met. I am not saying that there will be a problem, only that if there is a problem that it could blow up. With AS Motorsports 3000 miles away they have little control over timing, quality and delivery.

Here is how a business actually works:
1. You see a demand.
2. You raise capital to do steps 3 & 4.
3. You do R & D and create the product.
4. You make enough of the product to keep an inventory to satisfy that demand.
5. You sell your product.

Here is how a business works so that I don't send them a penny:
1. They see a demand
2. They ask me to help do the R&D
3. They ask me to pay for the product or put down a deposit so they can make the product
4. They sell me the product.

Don't get wrong. I know there have been several vendors here on Prime that have created a product, do not have a brick and mortar store or have another profession all together and have sucessfully followed through. TiDave, HRant, Ztoolman, have all followed the first pattern above and I have bought from them. I just refuse to take the risk of someone that operates in the latter method - too much risk with MY MONEY.

 

[docjohn]

Let me be clear, this is not about where a vendor is located,nor is this usa vs the world.The internet has shrunk the world considerably.Procar is just one european vendor that has success selling in the US ,and there are plenty of visable prime members who have thier parts.Am I the only one who thinks its' strange or odd that AS has been posting so many for sale threads,very nice items:smile: but I have yet to see anyone on prime showing us the part they ordered,or for that matter giving any feedback threads in the vendor forumUntil that starts happening I look at the AS posts with a quizical eye.:redface:

 

[UnhuZ]

Hi,

Let me be clear, this is not about where a vendor is located,nor is this usa vs the world.The internet has shrunk the world considerably.

I'm not saying that was you, but i read frequently in Prime that "Europe this" " the other side of the ocean that"... so, there are geographic issues here after all...and i'm not only talking about AS

Procar is just one european vendor that has success selling in the US ,and there are plenty of visable prime members who have thier parts.

Yeap... but somewhere in the past, he actually had to start from scratch...right?? everyone has to start, no one can start with a good ammount of happy customers just so new customers feel confident.

Am I the only one who thinks its' strange or odd that AS has been posting so many for sale threads,very nice items:smile: but I have yet to see anyone on prime showing us the part they ordered,or for that matter giving any feedback threads in the vendor forumUntil that starts happening I look at the AS posts with a quizical eye.:redface:

I don't know if AS already sold anything.... but someone got to be the first... if we always had your doubts, not even 1 vendor could sell anything... as i said above, every vendor have to start from scratch and build up....

The way i se AS is that it is a new business that is starting and for it to grow, they have to start selling other peoples parts.

I won't talk about this again, because i feel like beating on a dead horse. It's a matter of ones opinion, and i have mine.... i start to give the benefit of the doubt to everyone, and it's up to them to keep my confidence in them in a high level....if it starts to fall down... then i'll do my business elsewhere... as already happened to at least 2 top Prime vendors.

EDIT: Please don't get me wrong...i understand your point, and i also agree with you on some issues... but the difference is that my action before those issues is different

All the best,
Nuno

 

[docjohn]

Nuno,,,I think we all know now,the next logical step......you would make an excellent first "prime" customer:wink:

 

[UnhuZ]

Nuno,,,I think we all know now,the next logical step......you would make an excellent first "prime" customer:wink:

EAHHAEH... i don't mind doing so... but for it to happen, 2 main things have to merge together:

- The vendor does have a part that i want/need:wink::wink:
AND
- I can afford to buy it :biggrin::biggrin:

AS have parts that i want... i just got to wait for the money to arrive at my pocket to buy them... consider 50% of the above path already walked :tongue:

Nuno

 

[vvs]

LOL at the nsxprime police.

Good looking out but start a new thread though, guy is trying to make a living here. Its always the same people really bashing and questioning people whether its about there wheel set up, turbo set up or in this case selling stuff....

 

[GT-Design]

LOL at the nsxprime police.

Good looking out but start a new thread though, guy is trying to make a living here. Its always the same people really bashing and questioning people whether its about there wheel set up, turbo set up or in this case selling stuff....

Very well said...

As for Targa photos, our next meet isn't until first Saturday of March, kind of like a winter break from cruising here in Japan, but I have one guy with a Silver NA1 Targa. If he makes his way out I'll get some pics for you Adnan. Can't guarantee anything sooner as he has already bought his exhaust, is pretty set on his Type-R look, and I really don't have anything else to sell him!

Good luck and talk to you soon.

DJ

 

[02#154]

Adnan,

Do you have what you've been asking for yet? If not, my top is off and I can e-mail you some pics including closeups before I latch it back on.

J

 

[heySkippy]

I'd be happy to help with hi-res pictures against a measured and marked surface, but it's thirty-freaking-nine degrees in SW Florida today which is the equivalent of about -100 anywhere else.

Maybe this weekend if you can still use the pics.

 

[A.S. Motorsport]

Pictures are still needed.
All info & pics welcome.