Fender covers
 

I'd like to get some feedback on an idea I've been trying to find time to develop for over 11 years now. I apologize if this feels like a marketing pitch; ultimately I'm trying to see if you as a Camaro owner thinks this idea is worth pursuing and spending a large amount of capital to launch into production.

Back story:

My name is Tyler Beauregard and I’ve been building, designing, and servicing exotic and classic cars since 1998. My first company, American Touring Specialties was a muscle car manufacturing operation that provided components to some of the finest builds in the industry; winning races in the One Lap of America, Run Thru The Hills Events, and The Optima Ultimate Street Car Challenge.

I developed and made some innovative products in that time, from forged aluminum AFX spindles based on a C5 Corvette upright, to the industry's first bolt in T56 installation kit, as well as the first ever LS7 engine swap kit back in 2005; all for the 1st gen Camaro platform.

During those 9 years I was able to work on some exceptional exotic cars; Aston Martin Vanquish, Jaguar XJ220, Ferrari 360 Modena, Porsche GT3 RS, Dodge Viper, Mercedes McLaren, Mallett-prepped C5 Corvette, BMW M5, and countless classics like Camaros, Mustangs, Corvettes, Chevelles, and Novas. I had the idea for the fitted fender cover on my first build- a Rallye Green 1968 Camaro. I learned many tricks, techniques, and refined my engineering and product development, but one thing I didn’t get time to tackle was this one simple idea. After selling the ATS brand to good friends and competitor Speedtech Performance, I had the time and knowledge to pursue the DeFenders brand. I am now in the process of developing fitted fender covers for multiple makes and models; from Camaro to Corvette, Mustang to Miada and everything in between.

So, you are probably asking- What are DeFenders are why should I care?
DeFenders provide vehicle-specific paint protection in the form of a fitted mechanic’s fender cover.

The following is showing many examples of ways to protect your investment, and to me all of them are less than stellar.
I'm going to apologize to any owners here that I'm singling out as an example case, but here is what I've seen in my research and hands on experiences:

Protecting a 69 Camaro during an engine swap:
http://i42.tinypic.com/fyeomc.jpg

Protecting a 69 Camaro at a car show:
http://i39.tinypic.com/z03k5.jpg

Using blankets instead of universal covers:
http://i41.tinypic.com/119ufc1.jpg

I wouldn’t install a Ferrari fender on a Ford, so why would I use the same universal paint protection device on both vehicles? What fits and works perfectly on one automobile’s unique shape and contour rarely works on another the same way; yet that is how the restoration and repair industry as a whole has treated protecting the finish on these expensive and exotic collectibles.

I grew tired of using a universal fender cover on the wide range of classic and exotic cars I would be working on. Soon a combination of blankets, tape, and pads would be employed as I final assembled high end classics. The problem is that the very textile nature of the blankets would soak up oil spills and pick up debris that could harm the fresh paint; they wouldn’t stay in place without the tape, and offered as little protection as the fender cover they replaced.

When I arrived with the DeFender solution I had a clear understanding of the question.
What does a fender cover need to do?
It needs to protect the vehicles exceptionally painted finish from spills, scratches, and impacts that happen during a technician’s time working on the vehicle. The cover needs to be:
1. Soft and pliable
2. Have oil and brake fluid resistance
3. Not scratch or harm the finish
4. Fit the fender exactly
5. Not leave any areas exposed for possible damage

Universal fender covers modestly perform a few of these requirements, but the last and most important two, are unachievable by a flat piece of rectangle padding. They are not designed to fit any car better than another. How could a flat mat be up to the job of protecting a curved three dimensional surface? Short answer is that it can’t.

So i've spent 2 years and thousands of dollars of my personal money to develop these fitted fender covers specifically for the 67-69 Camaro platform. I've sent them to builders all over the country to test, give design changes, and feedback on them so that we have the best designed product we could make.

This is the prototype number 7, and I feel the last version we need to make. It is a 3 piece system that installs by one person in under one minute.

http://i41.tinypic.com/34yzold.jpg

Here is an overall shot of the product:
http://i39.tinypic.com/sxybtc.jpg

Here is Larry Callahan of Pro-Touring.com testing hem out on an turbo manifold swap:
http://i39.tinypic.com/ivjtdf.jpg

The DeFender Auto Covers are made to fit each make and model exactly, hugging every compound surface, with clearance for hood hinges, fasteners, braces, and other brackets that get in the way of a traditional universal fender cover. No areas are left exposed so the technician can feel confident that the car is protected the entire length of the engine bay and even beyond. DeFenders are right and left specific and can be rolled up and stored in many places, from a tool drawer, to a trunk, and even hung on the shop wall to act as a stunning visual art piece. Hand sewn from custom draped patterns, the covers stay in place while working on the vehicle, and ridges formed into the top surface prevent tools from rolling off.

Think about all the different people you’ve had to trust as you’ve built your car. The paint and body shop, the interior guy, the engine builder- All of them earned your trust and your business by being trustworthy, and by being the best at what they do. By making the highest quality, best fitting mechanics cover ever seen by the industry, I feel we’ve earned the honor of protecting your investment. You can count on DeFenders to protect from scratches, impacts, and spills; The interlocking panels provide total coverage of the most vulnerable areas in the mechanics line of fire. With all the hard work, time, and money spent making your build a reality, it would be a disservice to trust anything less than the DeFenders for your ride. A scratch or dent repair at the most economical is well beyond the cost of a set of DeFenders, and after spending five figures for paint and body, how could you only spend $20 to protect that?
These are the fender covers that protect your investment, and allow you to keep your pride and joy the envy of onlooker’s eyes.

The specifications are as follows:

Made from 110 gauge expanded PVC vinyl, these 3 piece mechanics fender covers are designed to cover the header panel as well as the entire length of the passenger and drivers side fenders, with provisions made to get around the hood hinges and latch, fender braces, and rubber stoppers. Antenna hole cutting template is included for those cars equipped with a passenger front fender location. The engine bay seams ensure a solid grip, hugging along the full length of the sheet metal from the cowl panel to front header, while ridges sewn into both sides of the full length of the covers provide tool retention. Tying the right and left DeFenders together is the header panel nose cover. This lays along the front of the car, clearing the hood latch and protecting the grille, headlights, and lower valance from scratches and impacts. The header panel goes on before the DeFenders and Velcro attaches covers in place on overlaps.
All DeFenders Auto Covers are triple top stitched by hand with contrasting stitch to binding colors. Custom logo printing is available for an extra fee.

So? What do you think? Time to replace those universal fender covers and blankets wit a set of DeFenders, or am I making a product that people don't need?

Thanks for all feedback and criticism. There is no pricing yet, but everything is hand made with materials and labor sourced 100% in the United States of America.

Tyler

Tyler I think this is a great idea for all from shops to owners/builders. You made several excellent points with these statements.

We have all accidentally dropped a tool or bolt while working on cars or even had a bottle of (insert any automotive fluid here) drip when you least expect it on a fender....brake fluid being one of the worst. I once knew of a body shop that all employees in the shop were required to wear sweat pants so the denim seams and brads from jeans wouldn't scratch fresh paint. So, think of how many times you lean over a fender to work on the car.

I think it is a great idea and good luck with your new venture.

I think they are a cool design, but like everything, price point will play a major factor. Do you have a wild guess on cost?

I saw those on MotiV8tor two nights ago and thought they were a great idea. Very Nice!

Great idea. Love the fit. Is it to soon to ask what the cost will be?

damn the finished product looks amazing tyler.
i remember the simple fabric one peice prototype for like 4-5years back,
its come a long way! top notch as always.

That Is Amazing

Here's A One Off Custom One I Got (so I Was Told) . I Have Never Heard Of Anyone Making These For Sale Though. I Really Think You're On To Something

Love it, I just need a popular car.

My idea is to make patterns for as many makes and models of cars as possible. I'm just starting with what I know, own, and had access to.

I'm working on pricing, but it's not possible to give a figure that is correct yet. All I can say is under $300 for sure, but over $175. Trying to make it by hand in America is not cheap.

Tyler

After participating in your survey and working with these covers:

http://sieg.smugmug.com/Cars/69-Cama...IMAG1927-L.jpg

Over the last 2 weeks I've been in the process of replacing my brake system and steering box and the exposed areas front and rear of the fender cover are an accident waiting to happen. The other annoyance is the number of times my vision was blocked by the fender cover due to no radius at the wheel-well. I also appreciate your magnetic securing system vs. my spring clamp method. Good work. :thumbsup:

I NEED a set before my car arrives. Clocks ticking buddy! ;)

I would take a set or two- looks very professional and the customer coming into the shop would like to see that extra measure of care. My wife would like me more for not loading up the washing machine with blankets all time:unibrow:

sign me up:yes:

what he said!!!

I think its a great idea Tyler. :cheers:
Sign me up for two sets 1st and 2nd gen Camaro. I've been hoping something better would come along.

Would there be any interest in the Lateral-G logo on the covers?

https://lateral-g.net/forums/images/_bg.jpg

Or would that open up a can of worms?

I caught the picture of Larry's the other day myself and thought how cool it was. I'd be interested in a set. Perhaps trim to fit??? I'm pretty sure Mavericks are not on the list of common applications.

That's my issue. I don't see a big demand for '69 Dart, and observing the Mopar crowd, I don't see many forking over the dough for a set.

When the 3rd gen Nova ones come available....I'm in.

What's the underside gone be lined with? Will they be washable?
Price point will affect sales to the masses, but most shop owners will be willing to pay for the protection.

There's a local guy here in Sac, Auto Fender Bib's or something like that. He just got a product intro in one of the trade rags, HotRod Mag I think. He makes covers out of moving blankets, with some universal options. He has custom built some for us, but I still don't trust them on really nice paint yet, especially black! Also, I worry because they're likely to soak up any oils that accidentally contaminate the topside...... A whole front end cover similar in design to yours is $150?

Also, there's a Canadian company that provides covers with removable backing that is very soft. I forget the name of the manufacturer, but they work GREAT on top-notch paint jobs. They seem like sheepskin (almost) in the underside and resemble most red water & grease proof fender covers on top. We swear by them. I'd be happy to give you more info if you need some info to add to your research. These are pricey, over $100 each for individual fender covers, and more for the bigger ones. They have magnets built into the upper edges that really keep them in place well- they lay over the fender and grip to the inside lip in the engine bay.

Good Luck!

The covers are made from expanded PVC vinyl. The reason is that they are impervious to all oil and fluid spills, wipe up easily, are thick enough to protect against impacts, and the material will not pick up any dirt or shavings if they ever fall on the ground.
Blankets or covers with a micro fiber backing all have the potential to pick up small particles like metal dust from cut off wheels, small shavings from drill bits, dirt, and other things that will scratch paint. We also do not use magnets for the same reason and rely instead on a superior pattern and fitment.

The material is very expensive and hard to come by, but after 7 prototypes and pattern variations, this was the most durable, best fittings, and most armor like of all the covers we made. We are also hand making these and the sewing and binding on them is show car interior level on every seam. You won't find a nicer, better made, more durable, paint protection device for your classic Camaro anywhere. When a touch up costs well over $500, and your paint and body work was 5 figures deep, spending under $300 to protect it for its life time seems like a no brainer to me.

Tyler

I agree. Under $300 seems reasonable to me. Hope to pick up a set sometime soon.

I would not pay $300. I might be interested in a set at $100 but anything more than that I would use my conventional fender covers.

I agree with your rationality justifying the $300 against the cost to repair paint or to assign preventitive medicine against the value in the thousands for paint and bodywork...

However, I am also of the school of marketing where supply meets demand and hitting your niche market in the wallet with the finesse where they are happy about it and send two buddies your way, and they tell 2... and you saw the commerical in the 80's right?

I digress... My point? Cut the price in half and sell twice as many... or by a third and sell 33% more.

That's my $.02

Now I just have to think of 14,998 other things you might like to read and we are even; at which point I will send a Ship To address. :cheers:

I hear what you're saying, but a 33% reduction may mean no profit at all, and a 50% reduction may be below cost. In those cases you can sell as many as you want and you don't make anything.

I think the price will limit the sales. Maybe there's a way to do a lower cost alternative as an option to those who won't spend $300, and grab additional sales. I like the idea, not sure what the market will bear though.

After going back to the first post again it is a darn fine design and I really would like a set.

Tyler, can you comment on storage of the cover or long term use against paint?

I am thinking of the cheapy covers that can dry rot or the others with warnings not to leave them on the car for extended periods.

for the price to go down he will have to outsource the work to a foreign country.
and while that goes against many's views, its BIG business style... as much as people say they only buy american made the majority of the big wig company's outsource and they are all still in biz with (fat pockets at that).

The material in raw uncut rolls is more than $100 per set at wholesale cost, so I don't see us getting the price point that low. But this product is not for every user. Some people are happy with blankets and universal fender covers. Some are happy with stock spindles and subframes, while others must have AFX spindles or DSE frames. Those who see the long term value of their investment will pay the one time fee to protect it.

Yeah, I hear you on all accounts. What I've been doing for 11 years is trying to keep my manufacturing infrastructure and jobs here in USA where I know good Americans are employed. I know everyone of my vendors personally; I know my company keeps food on their plate and a roof over their heads. I could probably cut the cost by 75% by going to Taiwan, China or India, but my quality suffers, my lead times suffer, and my vendors here in the states close up shop. My business ethics don't allow me to take that path. I've fought hard against companies that steal others designs and then sell knock offs at a reduced price from manufacturers overseas. I've invested 6 years and $15K into R&D for just this one variation and there are people already lined up to buy this original and innovative product that will be a one time buy, and protect their classic for its life.

I appreciate the feedback in all respects, but this is a very high end product, hand made and sewn to fit an even higher end investment/toy. Those who can afford to build a car like this, can afford to protect it correctly.

Tyler

I saw this thing at RTTC and it was a very good looking piece. Best of luck with it Tyler. I was bummed it didn't fit on my perfect fenders. :lol:

Small niche market, volume isn't an option, the people that can afford them respect the principle and appreciate the value a custom product of this nature delivers. People justify billet this & that's and a $15-20K paint jobs...........

:patriot:

In my case I don't have much bling or a very nice paint job, but a significant scratch in my old paint job would create color matching and blending challenges that would far exceed the price of these covers.

That's OK, neither does your hood. :rofl:

They actually DID fit your car, I just didn't want to cut up the only prototype to get around your pass antenna. You understand.

Tyler

Dude, that is sweet! I'd buy one---will there be a coupon day or something? What if I dye my hair blue.

that's a cheap shot dude. :faint:

Yes Tyler. I do. Thanks for trying. :D

Are the 2nd Gen versions available yet? :yes: