Geo skirts (Any interest in buying custom-made fiberglass ones?)

[RJVLER]

Hi all geo owners

My dad is a retired Pattern Maker and exallent at fiberglass work. Would there be any interest out there if he was to build nice fiberglass skirts and could sell them cheap enough. He could build a wooden mold to glass from. Would anybody want them ? Thanks John

[conehead433]

I will soon be tackling making fender skirts for my 1999 Metro. I would think a lot of people would be interested in these. I think I can do a fair job fabricating the skirts, and I did plan to them in fiberglass. The trick is making them so that they can be easily taken off if you need to change a flat tire. One advantage of using fiberglass is that you can keep the outside area smooth and have attaching devices on the back and bottom for just that. I plan to use a couple of vertical metal rods attached to the back that will slide up into the fender well after drilling a couple of holes for these to slide into. On the bottom I planned on having a couple of flat mender plates attached front and rear so that you could have wing nuts underneath keeping it attached. To remove the skirt you simply take off two wing nuts and pull the skirt down. A much easier way than those early 60's cars with skirts. Keep us apprised of your/his progress.

[RJVLER]

I am building a set now- And yes fastening them is very inportant. I was just wondering if it would be benificial for him to make a mold to glass from and make some of these for people to just bolt on ? I was just seeing if there would be a small market if he took the extra step to produce them ?

[conehead433]

Originally Posted by RJVLER

I am building a set now- And yes fastening them is very inportant. I was just wondering if it would be benificial for him to make a mold to glass from and make some of these for people to just bolt on ? I was just seeing if there would be a small market if he took the extra step to produce them ?

There are probably a number of people interested in this, although quite a number of them are DIY's or have other vehicles. He could probably make them for a # of vehicles that people would be interested in. It would probably be a small market for any particular vehicle, although the Metro would probably be bigger than most.

[RJVLER]

I will finish my set and post pics and see what people think . Thanks for the response. I know my dad doesnt want a full time job - but this would be quite easy for him. I am a DIYer to but some might like the option. Just like the hub caps! I dont think you could beet a hundred bucks for the set and just pop them on which is what I am doing. Thanks John

[RJVLER]

I dont want to sound like I am coping you ( which I am ) you had a Great! Idea of fastening them . I am going to inbed pins in the glass so they will slide straight up into holes. Then fasten at the two lowest points. Should make quite easy removal. I like it !!! Thats why we are on these sites.

[MetroMPG]

Just an FYI: some people (like me) who live in the rust-belt won't drill holes into the wheel arches for brackets/fastening. (Don't want to give corrosion a toe-hold.)

Fastening has to be done some other way. They could of course modify your skirts if need be.

Also, might help if you specify which year Metro the skirts will be for!

And, yes please, post pics of your project. Would love to see it.

[RJVLER]

I in agreement with the rust concern - but I think if the hole was treated properly and then a stainless nutsert inserted in the whole ( It goes in similer to a big rivet and mushrooms on both sides )that the stainless pin slides into should solve the problem. The nutsert could then be undercoated for more protection - Then all you would have is a stainless hole going through. I will give it a try and see how it goes. And I will repost and see what you think and keep corrosion in mind all the way. Im glad you mentioned it as I here in Oregon wouldnt have fought that as bad. Thanks John