New HDPE bodies

[George]

I'm pretty sure that this topic has come up before but maybe it's time we revisit it.

Raise your hands if you'd be interested in a new HDPE Attex body if there were a source willing to produce them.

Yes, I'm sure there are many concerns and questions that will need to be addressed but I'd like to know how many people are at least interested in the idea of having a new HDPE body. Obviously there needs to be some interest to make this worth pursuing.

In the event you're new to your Attex, you should know that 2nd generation machines will fit inside the later (HDPE) tubs. As a matter of fact, my springer has a 2nd generation frame inside a 3rd generation tub. The advantage of the HDPE is its durability over ABS.

Anyway, they would not be free and probably cost a few bucks but if you have an Attex, you probably need (or at least want) a new body.

[Amphiman1]

attex bodies

Ok, bottom line....About how much George? tops too? colors?

[George]

First things first Amphiman. Are you interested?

I think before we shop around, we need know who would even consider buying one.

[Tango42]

HDPE

Well, my body (the superchief, that is) is in nice shape so I wouldnt be interested right now, but it would be great to know that if it got damaged, I could buy a replacement. I wouldnt baby the thing near as much! Everytime I drive over a rock (yeah, there are a few of those in New England), I cringe....

One thing I have thought alot about, and I would think their would be a huge interest, is a molded HDPE skid plate that fit around maybe the bottom 4" or so of the tub. I would buy one of those in a heartbeat. We use a great thermoforming house for covers at work, and I have been tossing around the idea of getting a tool made from an attex tub. The tooling would be real expensive, but the fit would be perfect.

[Amphiman1]

attex bodies

First things first Amphiman. Are you interested?

I think before we shop around, we need know who would even consider buying one.

Gee George. you know they're gonna ask these questions any way,,,
i think i have enough attex's parts to build a few,,, what u think george? hehe

[evil8x8]

Dr.Evil and I will probably restore a few Attexs over the next few years. Dr.Evil is talking of build his own racer when mine is finished, so we would be interested in a body. Can it be made in any color? Can you just buy the top or bottom? Can a preformed skid plate, like Argo's double hull, be made?

[Don]

Count me in. At least one, probably three or four, depending on the cost. Between the few of us die-hard Attex nuts we probably have enough frames, tanks, and drive-line parts to start an assembly line.

[mad_max_500cc]

us die-hard Attex nuts

at least you admit it!!!

[whipper-ag]

I could use a couple.

Whipper

[George]

From the info gathered so far (and because it had occured before posting) it would be possible to have a skid plate created that would cover the bottom and molded to fit like a glove.

As far as tops or bottoms, I would imagine one or the other can be ordered.

Colors might change prices. That is to say, I suspect that manufacturing 20 bodies in 12 different colors would be more time consuming than 20 in one color. I will admit though that I know nothing of this industry and it could be as simple as just flicking a switch to change colors.

Well, it appears after only a couple hours that there is already enough interest to push forward.

[evil8x8]

I think Matt Ox said he has a vacuform machine. We need his input on this.

[George]

I agree.

[Matt O.]

Hi Eyeryone,
I would be happy to help get this done. I have the supplier base for the forming and the extruding of plastic. I can also have short runs done so we dont have to buy 20 at a time. As far as color goes. To order a color you will need at least 2,000 pounds of plastic to set up the extruder for each color. The more pounds of a color you run the cheeper it is. I would also buy a few bodys.

George, I am sending you a PM.

Matt

[George]

Hi Eyeryone,
I would be happy to help get this done. I have the supplier base for the forming and the extruding of plastic. I can also have short runs done so we dont have to buy 20 at a time. As far as color goes. To order a color you will need at least 2,000 pounds of plastic to set up the extruder for each color. The more pounds of a color you run the cheeper it is. I would also buy a few bodys.

George, I am sending you a PM.

Matt

Very cool Matt.

I'll reach out for you.

[jerseybigfoot]

Gee George, while you are at it maybe lengthen the body a bit for more leg room and raise the fenders for larger tires. You could still use the same frame. Is there any trademarks on the shape? Changing the dimensions could get away from any legal problems.
BTW You may have to snipe the frame corners from the second (t-20 st400ABS body) to third generation to fit the 3 rd gen poly body. If you can keep a full body price under a grand Id be interested. I have friends that built boats as a club project by sharing the materials and labor to build them. Maybe a club can be established if somebody knows how to build the mold and have the plastic formed.