I wanted to make a possible suggestion, which may or may not even be worthwhile. I'd be interesting to see if there was any community interest for you though - and this DOESN'T belong lost in the other thread IMO...

Used cradles are cheap. shipping one is also (relatively) cheap. Both added together would be probably about half the cost of the mounts themselves, maybe a bit more. Not sure how many hours of labor, or at what rate you feel entitled to be billed for, but given the expense involved in other "kits" - ie more complete and higher end archie kits - that lessen the fab work for the installer, here's a random thought:

How would you feel as one of the benefits of buying from you offering an all-inclusive option for say $600 shipped lower 48, or $700, or whatever it took to be profitable, where you would actually drill and FIT your mounts onto an actual cradle for someone doing a swap? They'd get a bare ready platform ready to use, mounts installed, everything correct and able to start their project on. Heck, many already build on a seperate cradle to start with, and the convenience factor would make it worth it to some to just buy something ready to build on... Id think if the cradle doesn't need modification with your mounts, and its just drilling and mounting, then it'd be a HUGE argument for some to source from you... doesn't sound like it'd be labor intensive on your end and require an extreme level of effort.

Another bonus, and a customer service edge, would be offering (in the what I expect highly unlikely event of mount failure) a client the option of sending the broken mount back so that a replacement when ordered could arrive pre-drilled like the old mount. Again, 1/4" plate isn't likely to ever break, but who knows. There's a first time for everything.

Just a couple ideas though....the first one being an excellent way to quash any concerns over the technical difficulties behind drilling the holes in the mounts....

Look we will do whatever needs to be done. If you really want to send your cradle thats fine, though would have to send your engine and tranny too. We could line everything up bolt it to the cradle, and install your axles for you. This also will guarantee that everything is going to work correctly. We will service anything that needs to be done on a fiero. If you wanted you could send us a car we would do a full 3800 swap with a custom turbo setup, do a full custom intereior with sound system, do custom bodywork and throw a show quality paint job on it. Our shop will do ANYTHING you want period.

quote where you would actually drill and FIT your mounts onto an actual cradle for someone doing a swap?

The only problem I see here is not only needed an engine and tranny for the mock up, but also the cradles never bolt into the car in the exact same location...

Also you never can tell the position of the engine in relation to the bay because of the cradle differences.

just a thought.

MOBILE

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Member MN Fieros Forever
Self Installed SC3800/getrag. 4 years in Avionics & 14 years in Car Electronics Experience........ 19"s.. w/ 13" Brakes all around.

quote Originally posted by MOBILE: The only problem I see here is not only needed an engine and tranny for the mock up, but also the cradles never bolt into the car in the exact same location... Also you never can tell the position of the engine in relation to the bay because of the cradle differences. just a thought. MOBILE

yeah, as Alex just stated, the engine and tranny will have to be with the cradle to make everything line up. Not all cradles are the same, and not even every 3800 or 4t65e are drilled the same as the next. There could be variances of .050" and the thing wouldnt line up. Everything has to go together as a unit to insure it all fits.

quote Originally posted by PURPLE REIGN: THERE IS NO WAY YOU CAN GET ONE SET OF MOUNTS TO FIT ALL THE CRADLES. They're all different.

GM could do it.

(unless you're talking cradles across the 87-88 divide)

quote Originally posted by KurtAKX: GM could do it. (unless you're talking cradles across the 87-88 divide)

Ha Ha ......................... Notice GM changed the mounts ( or brackets ) from 87 to 88 ?
Also notice they got them to fit by SLOTTING THE HOLES in the cradle

quote Originally posted by darkhorizon: So obviously you know how to identify weld strength by looking at a unclear picture? Please explain to me why "looks" tell you everything about how good a weld is?

I can tell because "globs" "chicken sh*t" "boogers" whatever anyone calls them is a sign that the wire did not get the metal hot enough to make both pieces flow out and melt together. That is the basic principal of welding. If they dont melt together properly with good heat penetration, you will have a failure. Like I said not to flame but when I see something unsafe, i will speak my mind. I looks like it will work but I would have someone that knows what they are doing, do the welding for you.

[This message has been edited by YELLOWFIERO88 (edited 10-29-2008).]

my 3800 s/c engine and transmission are from a 2000 buick regal, what are the chances of me having to have the custom type transmission mount for the later 4t65ehd's?

id prefer to get all my mounts from one location, not have to goto wcf for only one mount.

matthew

You wanted them all from one location right? Thats easy, just get all the mounts and brackets from WCF and call it a day.

quote Originally posted by m0sh_man: my 3800 s/c engine and transmission are from a 2000 buick regal, what are the chances of me having to have the custom type transmission mount for the later 4t65ehd's? id prefer to get all my mounts from one location, not have to goto wcf for only one mount. matthew

It is 50/50 if you will need the newer type trans mounts for the 00 trans being I have seen both styles in various years. I can tell you that the mount for the earlier trans can be used in the newer style trans with a spacer and shims. I run the old style mount with my 02 trans and have been for 40K miles and almost 3 years with no problems at all. The swap I am doing now is also using the old style tran mount with an 02 trans and I did it the same way as I did mine. You can also take it a step farther and add the wing and pin onto the old style mount if wanted.

But if you want the correct mount then only WCF offers it so that is the only place to get it from. I have ordered that one mount from them before and it fits nicely but is pricey at $90.

Just wanted to let you guys know that the mounts are finalized and will go into production next week. They worked fantastic on Sphynx's car, and the assembly went together real fast. I will be making a thread next week with all of the details of assembly. I took pictures all along the way.

X - on your 3800 Front engine bracket I noticed in the pic that your using 3 pieces instead of the common 2. On the piece that mounts to the block you might want to consider using a jog in the material instead of welding on another pice. Might cut down on production costs as far as an extra weld, and less stress on another weld which could be easily done without.

I talked to the machine shop about that and they told me it was cheaper to make the extra piece. I belive PR's are made the same way. They are plenty strong both ways though, nobody is going to break these mounts.

right on

I went to the machine shop today to finalize the production specs for the mounts, and they are 100% ready for the production run now. I will have 5 sets in hand by mid next week. Also just wanted to show you guys a picture of the jigs they made for these.

quote Originally posted by fieroX: I went to the machine shop today to finalize the production specs for the mounts, and they are 100% ready for the production run now. I will have 5 sets in hand by mid next week. Also just wanted to show you guys a picture of the jigs they made for these.

Looking good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mounts are almost ready! Taking orders now.

[This message has been edited by fieroX (edited 01-10-2009).]

quote Originally posted by fieroX: Mounts are almost ready! Taking orders now.

So what happened with this kits? I am going to be doing this swap and trying to find a kit to use.