Commercially produced aerodynamic pickup bed cap

[WaxyChicken]

All i can say is that my wife LOVES it.

[suchy21]

Brett,

I am a Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Kentucky. Our state cabinet for economic development is holding a business plan competition for college students. The group I am working with is creating a plan to sell fuel economy improving modifications for pickup trucks. I would love to include your shell as one of our hypothetical product offerings. It looks far better than anything we have designed. Would you be willing to send me your financial estimates (manufacturing cost and desired sales price)?

It is unfortunate that Arkansas has been unwilling to help you start this business. If you continue to see difficulties as you pursue this venture, maybe Kentucky would be more friendly. We make the Ford Superduty trucks here (in Louisville, KY), so this could be a natural location to manufacture your product. Toyota makes Tundras in Princeton, IN which is about 2 hours from Louisville. Our state is known for excellence in automotive manufacturing. I have co-oped with Toyota in Georgetown, KY, the manufacturing home of the Best-Selling Camry. Kentucky is well suited for manufacturing because land is cheap, electricity is cheap, suppliers are near, tax breaks are prevalent, and we have access to three major interstate routes (I-64, I-65, I-75). Kentucky is actively recruiting high tech businesses to come to our state, as that is an area in which we are lacking. With CFD analysis and wind-tunnel testing of new aero caps, and composite material fabrication, I think this could qualify as high tech.

If you are still having difficulties with funding in Arkansas, I would suggest contacting Kentucky's Cabinet for Economic Development.

Nick Such
Lexington, KY

Business Plan Competition: http://www.ideastateu.com/

Cabinet for Economic Development: http://www.thinkkentucky.com/KYEDC/W...w.aspx?param=0

Legislative provisions for Green businesses (coming soon): http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/07S2/HB1.htm

[Chris D.]

I'd love to see some wheel skirts made so I dont have to dick around with fiberglass..

[DifferentPointofView]

Toyota makes Tundras in Princeton, IN which is about 2 hours from Louisville.

Princeton IN is two towns away from me (about 20 miles) If you go there, be sure to stop by! You could also help me with my aero stuff if your making stuff there bondo. JK

[electricman]

Brett (AKA Bondo), It is quite interesting that I just this January went and bought a new 2008 Dodge Truck, for the express purposes of, among other reasons (towing), to make a similar or same, aero cap as yours. I have three variations to this idea in mind to date.

It was a Dakota Extra Cab with full box and two doors. Essentially the same as the Ford pics at the top of this thread. It is a Blue SXT for reference.

Now - what can we do to help make this happen? Can a Set of Plans be created for sale? How about a builder Kit arrangment following that? Do you think it would fit my truck as is? How much funding would you need to start one-off builds of this until you can get - say 10 - 20 of them made?

Robert

[Chris D.]

find a used one, get the sawzall out and mod it yourself..

[Randy_the_Hack]

Bondo...

Maybe I've missed it, but do you have an idea what these babies are gonna cost? I'm one of the Silverado guys - mine's an '04 2500 HD long bed. Ball park figures would be OK for now... as well as a general date of availability... thanks!

Randy

[Randy_the_Hack]

Bump...

[bondo]

Electric Man and Randy the Hack:

Thank you for your posts and please forgive my late responses.

My business partners wife passed away suddenly, recently. I would give up everything I own to bring her back and not have to watch my dear friend/business partner grieve with the pain of his loss. To all of you I now say don't sweat the small stuff. Enjoy everyday with of your life and cherish the moments with your loved ones.

The Aerolid development is on hold for the time being. Electric Man. I could provide you with some plans if it will help, but basically see of you can do it yourself first and build it right on your truck as Chris D did his bed cover.

Randy The Hack, The aerolids will be about $1800.00 for the Chevy full size trucks. I wish I had a time to give you on the availability.

Again my apology for the late responses to your posts. After my friend regains some order back to his life we will resume work.

To all thank you for your support and you guys keep doing what you are doing. We all have talents and skills to contribute to the pursuit of fuel efficiencies.

Thanks,

Bondo

[SVOboy]

Thanks for the update...it really sucks to hear about your partner's wife, but it's good that he's taking the time he needs before pushing on with stuff.

I wish you both the best of luck,