Something for the entrepreneurs to start a new business

[ps2fixer]

I might be crazy, but most people I have talked to about the effects of aero mods on cars makes them interested in the subject. I would think there would be a fair market for the more hidden mods such as belly pans and maybe even grill blocks. Has anyone though of making a business out of aero mods that are professionally installed? The more advanced mods could be an option, but I would suspect 98% or more of the public wouldn't want rear wheel skirts.

Since my dad has seen my results in my driving habbit changes, he has been driving slower and attempting the simple steps to get better MPG, he is even talking about having me put aero mods on his car when I have only put a grill block on my own lol.

I think this should be an interesting subject. Could expand the market beyond local to allow the DIY people to buy the "kits" via ebay. I could see silicone grill block covers sold by make and model on ebay .

[merccom]

i'm pretty sure a lot of people here have thougt about it but nobody has done it yet.

[ps2fixer]

I really think a business in this area could take off, but the only huge problem I can see is lawsuits relating to grill blocks, or panels installed incorrectly.

[merccom]

Originally Posted by ps2fixer

I really think a business in this area could take off, but the only huge problem I can see is lawsuits relating to grill blocks, or panels installed incorrectly.

you would think so but probably not.

just make sure you have a disclaimer of liablity with purchase

the biggest problem i see is getting ahold of all the different body styles of cars for long enough to make a decent looking mold.

for example your friend probably wouldnt mind if you borrowed his car to mock something up but probably also dosent want you to keep it for a week while you work up a mold for something marketable.

plus for some cars you really do have to be careful and do a good amount of testing to make sure they dont overheat like cavaliers and saturns

[Big Dave]

I think Ford is showing the way with their variable grille block on the Focus.

Many people get queasy about blocking offthe radiator.

[brucepick]

Originally Posted by Big Dave

I think Ford is showing the way with their variable grille block on the Focus.

Many people get queasy about blocking off the radiator.

Yes - I tell people that they should get a ScanGauge before doing a grill block, and set one of the four displays to show engine coolant temp ºFWT display). When the seasons change (or conditions change), it's important to keep an eye on the temp and adjust the block as needed.

[Vekke]

I have done it but its not so easy that it seems. Eco tuning --> Tuneko Ltd | Aerodynamic parts that lower fuel consumption

People think those things that are cool which save fuel, but they are not:
A. willing to pay from it. they can make their own parts cheaper and usually they don`t care the looks. Even carboard grill blocks are looking OK for 100000$ car in winter...
b. they dont believe that they will save any fuel. so there is not enough data available
c. they have some bizarr reasons not to buy something that saves fuel.
etc

I will do just about all mods possible and have my own serial solutions. With those serial solutions you will need lots of cash to make them reality and still you have to find the resellers etc which aint easy.

There are markets but its not so easy task as you might think of. It would be wise to start as evening job as your freetime and see if there is any real interest. I am willing to help anyone who has the balls to try it in the states.

[mcrews]

The current consumer for these types of product is cheap.
So as a business model, you aren't starting out with a potential customer w/ money.
Next, eventhough we aba test this stuff, there is 'some' placibo effect. So uncle bob with his heavy foot isnt going to see much improvement.

now when gas gets to $6, there maybe an increase in the size and type of person in the market for these items.

Infiniti has a pretty nice bellypan on their cars from the factory already. problem is, nobody knows why it's there and they take it off the first time it gets dinged up.

And finally, setting up molds isn't cheap.......

on the other hand........
china has no problem cranking out illegal hid plug n play kits all day long......go figure

[Vekke]

HIDs main selling points are more visibilty plus the cool effect not so much the fuel saving factor.

If I say people they can save 15% of fuel by going 20mm narrower and 5% taller tires + grill block and smooth hubcaps they say are you nuts?

Then one friend of mine wonders why he gets 20% better fuel consumtion with his winter tires. Summer tires were 245/45/R18 and winter tires 205/60R16...

- 4% come from meter error
- 10-% from drag reduction caused by widt and frontal area
- 3% from steel wheel with hubcaps
- and rest comes from rolling resistance

Gains might be even bigger because the cold starts increase the fuel consumtion a lot during winter...

[mcrews]

Originally Posted by Vekke

HIDs main selling points are more visibilty plus the cool effect not so much the fuel saving factor....

I didnt mention hid in the context of fuel saving....I mention it in the context of a business model. period. My point being that consumers will spend $40-200 to have 'cool' lights which are harmful to others and illegal.
But 'that consumer' has money to add little stuff to his car that's cool.

By definition the eco-nmodder consumer is cheap or has little extra disposable income.

Originally Posted by Vekke

If I say people they can save 15% of fuel by going 20mm narrower and 5% taller tires + grill block and smooth hubcaps they say are you nuts?

Then one friend of mine wonders why he gets 20% better fuel consumtion with his winter tires. Summer tires were 245/45/R18 and winter tires 205/60R16...

- 4% come from meter error
- 10-% from drag reduction caused by widt and frontal area
- 3% from steel wheel with hubcaps
- and rest comes from rolling resistance

Gains might be even bigger because the cold starts increase the fuel consumtion a lot during winter...

fine.
great story.

Now explain the 'business model" to what you just said.

There's not one.
And the biggest item in your story is a tire.
Already have tire stores. Already have the major tire mfg marketing eco tires.

Staying w/ the hid example: there are about 7 bases to bulbs and there are about 300 different models of cars. So as a manufacter, all I have to do is crank out 7 bases.
But if I'm making grill blocks, I have to crank uot hundreds of molds.