I echo this. Hersh was not responsible for what Robert was doing.
Now, I'd still like to see some updates on the new RF - update the website,
maybe clue us in to changes to the kit, etc.
Ian
Fair enough Ian, we are working on the website now (not me, the IT guys) as it's something we inherited but is in a format which is very difficult to change content easily, we updated the address and contact details but layout and pics are apparently difficult. So it is being rebuilt in a way that we can make changes ourselves, updates etc etc. We have also only just started marketing locally including several mag articles and ads with good results - we were getting phone calls from existing RF clients who didn't know we were back - not surprising, thats what you get for hiding away rebuilding and devloping.
As to what we've been up to in the shop and engineering - firstly, as I posted awhile ago now getting the local 302 cars through compliance before the emissions rules changed here end '07, then it was into the 5.4 project of which we had I believe the first registered GT40 rep 5.4 anywhere back in Feb, 5 more underway and another 2 since then on the road. It might sound like a quick easy job but it was quite a project.
I should also point out that we considered the product to be excellent to begin with (obviously we would not have been involved otherwise) But there are always areas that you can develop further, optimise and evolve.
During first quarter '08 we also relocated to a larger newer facility which some members here have visited and the feedback has been great, it's professional and has dedicated work areas for the various activities we undertake. Anyone here who has physically moved a business would appreciate the time effort and organisation that goes into doing this efficiently.
One thing we pride ourselves on is that every single nut bolt and washer come in the kits - the wiring harnesses come terminated ready to plug in with instructions, laser cut parts are prebent, tigged and powdercoated or plated, all ready to bolt on. Everything is designed in 3D CAD and then in many cases rapid prototyped before actual ally or steel parts are fabricated or CNC'd. The engine harness is altered to run down the front of the engine, includes tach driver, fuel pump and ADSL connectors integrated so theres no wiring to be done by the client (also means it's OE level reliable) so I guess an engine integration project such as 5.4 takes a little longer the way we do it - our OEM engineering backgrounds probably extend the process but I think people are excited by the end results. Especially as whereever possible we make upgrades retro fittable to existing cars - this certainly adds some complexity to the design and the kits. There is nothing whatso ever you need to source yourself if you so choose, every part is available from us. I think you can figure this takes some time to set up !!
I hope that the updates on the website (still probably months away) will show you the full story, it's hard to compress a couple of years into a couple of paragraphs but we are proud that it's a much better product now with the engineering input.
The difficult part in the US is the strong Aussie dollar, old RF were trading against ballpark 55 US cents, now its more like 95. Having said that the product is better and until recently we have concentrated on the local guys for reasons above. It was a bigger task taking over and rebuilding than you can probably guess from outside. Thanks for your interest and please always feel free to ask questions.
Appologies for the long post, I could write for hours but above are the basics, please shoot the questions through if I'v emissed something of interest, specific new designs and parts updates would be another looooong post !
Regards Paul