Interior / Exterior Visual TechThis section contains discussion related to visual modifications of the Toyota FJ Cruiser. Some items might include dash kits, roof rack modifications and other visual modifications.
The original Scorpion Rack prototype (two photos below)
View from Passenger Compartment
View from Cargo Compartment
Survived it's first expedition run, Moab and the Summit with flying colors. Having had it on the trail I have been discussing minor changes with COWBOY4X4 which will make it stronger (though it's already over-built), more functional and less expensive (though there will be more steel than on the rack some of you may have seen on the prototype).
I know that a few of you think that this is something you might like to have, but let me assure you all that this particular item is being built first and foremost for my personal use. That means that it is built to survive the life cycle of several FJ Cruisers unless they're tossed like a tin can by a tornado or are driven off a high cliff...and at that they might survive to operate as a gear storage rack in another FJ.
A couple people have asked about the rack. Thanks (you know who you are). Getting things right means field testing. Sorry, there's no other way to do it. The present prototype is plenty tough and worked flawlessly. In an operating environment the more elegant the design, the more simple and rugged the concept, the better it is. I just came up with a few more ideas.
Hey Doc, looking good. I really like the frame so far and am sure the v2 prototype will be even better.
I'm not in love with the mesh covering the openings, however. For my purposes (carrying big dogs), I don't need/want such a tight mesh and wonder if it would be possible to use the ~2" square mesh that you see in some other cargo barriers like this one:
Does the tight mesh in your prototype somehow strengthen or reinforce the frame? If not, would it be possible for you to offer a choice of screens? Or maybe a "blank" frame with no mesh so people who wanted something different could add their own?
Hey Doc, looking good. I really like the frame so far and am sure the v2 prototype will be even better.
I'm not in love with the mesh covering the openings, however. For my purposes (carrying big dogs), I don't need/want such a tight mesh and wonder if it would be possible to use the ~2" square mesh that you see in some other cargo barriers like this one:
Does the tight mesh in your prototype somehow strengthen or reinforce the frame? If not, would it be possible for you to offer a choice of screens? Or maybe a "blank" frame with no mesh so people who wanted something different could add their own?
A choice of screens is probably not possible since any change in the production order puts us back in the "custom" order realm which jacks the price of an individual item Waaaay up. We don't see much of a discount until we have an order that surpasses 100 identical units.
If I knew at the time of ordering that you wanted one bare metal and with out the screen...they would probably do that for me. The downside is...the price won't change at all.
Keep in mind that our manufacturer generally has orders that are usually a 1000++ units at a time...our orders are very small compared their usual clients who mostly order Green and Yellow parts.
As always, If we can accomodate your needs...I will look into it!
Hey Doc, looking good. I really like the frame so far and am sure the v2 prototype will be even better.
I'm not in love with the mesh covering the openings, however. For my purposes (carrying big dogs), I don't need/want such a tight mesh and wonder if it would be possible to use the ~2" square mesh that you see in some other cargo barriers like this one:
Does the tight mesh in your prototype somehow strengthen or reinforce the frame? If not, would it be possible for you to offer a choice of screens? Or maybe a "blank" frame with no mesh so people who wanted something different could add their own?
For what it's worth I would also be more likely to purchase the barier should it have this type of screen as apposed to the tight screen in the previous image.
I'm not in love with the mesh covering the openings, however. For my purposes (carrying big dogs), I don't need/want such a tight mesh and wonder if it would be possible to use the ~2" square mesh that you see in some other cargo barriers like this one:
x3
I will not be mounting anything to mine. It will be for keeping the dog from jumping over the seats. Also to hold back camping gear from flying forward or just to stack it higher. Looks like the 2" mesh would be easier to see out of when backing up too.
Hey Doc I talked with you at the Summit about one for my wifes 4runner. I'm still interested. I will PM you.
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The two inch mesh is not looking too promising as it requires to much welding and cannot be automated at our facility....all this equals much higher cost of production. We will most likely stick with the current mesh since it is strong enough for the cargo carrying FJers and it fits the production budget.
I have had the first prototype in my FJ for over a month now and have noticed no real difference in rearward visability. I think that those who saw it at Summit would agree that it is attractive and durable.
As a dog owner, I also prefer the smaller mesh because the dogs cannot get their teeth into it and hurt themselves trying to pull the barrier down. Sounds weird but I had a wolf hybrid that broke two canines trying to eat her way out of a chain link kennel.
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