BIG OGR UPDATE! New Hood Production Facility! Great news!

[OffGridResearch]

Hey guys!

 

First and foremost let me thank you guys for supporting me and allowing me to create cool products for the MJ/XJ community. Its been a treat to be a part of this tight knit group since 2008.

 

Now Storytime,

I think most people know (after publicly telling this story multiple times in groups) that when i initially started this hood venture i had a small outfit in Palm Springs,CA i did 3d scanning for offer to make the mold and hoods for me and we would do a profit split. I paid them for the mold and waited and waited for something to happen. I got the run around and strung along and come to find out the person i entrusted in this deal was having internal issues with their landlord leading to the shops closure. I had to basically strong arm the guy into giving me the mold i paid for and then was left stranded with no one to produce the hoods. Considering i collected Preorder deposits to fund the mold and that money was gone. Scrapping the project and refunding everyone just wasn't an option.

I decided to step up and make them myself to fulfill my commitment to the community. Which has had its pros and cons. 

I in turn had to learn every step of the Fiberglass hood production from start to finish. Buy all the specialty tools and basically build a small fiberglass shop at my house. Find a supplier i could work with for US material and build that relationship, then take the immense challenge on of making these one at a time. With a steep learning curve.

Learning to understand the chemicals, the temperatures needed, the process and timing. It hasn't been easy. I've had multiple reject hoods along the way, costing me alot in material and time. But helping me hone the craft none the less. It hasn't been a very profitable venture because i basically spent all, if any profit i made on supplies. 

Its been very rewarding to see clean hoods pop out of the mold and then them end up on customers builds. 

This being said its been a very long and drawn out process. Consuming my life to the maximum.

It takes days to make a hood and once you start you cannot stop due to the chemicals being time sensitive. Its just straight dirty labor start to finish. So any other work takes a back seat, R&D , customer service, logistics, Shoot even seeing my family has taken a back seat. And i can't stop trying to stay relevant on social media, making it to events like SEMA, Radwood etc. Just downright trying to build a brand by myself.

Dealing with health issues, financial issues, family issues, and trying to fund all of this without a backer or a 9-5. Spending thousands upon thousands to complete a promise to the community. It hasn't been easy but i never gave up trying to find a solution to this life changing situation. 

THAT BEING SAID I HAVE STELLAR NEWS!

This year i made a deal with one of the Largest hood manufacturing companies in the US, They have been in the business since the mid 90s in California and aren't going anywhere. They have major brands and decided to take me on a as a partner and private label manufacture these hoods for me. This is huge news for you guys!

We sat down and we looked at the original Rubicon XJ hood and decided we could make a few improvements upon the original design. Making these new hoods more durable and a higher quality. All hoods will be Vacuum infused vs hand laid creating a stronger part, gelcoated inside and out with dual layers, and Steel threaded plates inside the hinges. 

The absolute biggest change is that i will be able to STOCK the items and we will have ZERO wait time on orders! NO MORE WAITS. Either its in stock or out of stock and waiting on more to be made. I basically get them in rounds as they make them and i tell them i need more. And with them being in LA and me in Vegas its a great logistic match.

ALSO i will be making a stand up move despite the fact it will affect my pocket. And lower the price around May to reflect this new production capability and make them move affordable to the everyday XJMJ owner.

Did i destroy any profit i had in these by allowing a major manufacturer to make them for me? Yes. Yes i did. I basically gave them all the profit. And to do the deal I had to pay out of my pocket for brand new molds and R&D as well. So now i've paid for molds twice along with the cost of learning myself. (Can you say IN THE RED)

But i did it for my mental and physical health, my family, as well as giving back to the community. I just want to create the highest quality product, for the best consumer price, and have cool stuff be available for our sweet old platforms. 

 

I wanted to make a statement here so its set in time and people can reference it. People have had doubts when the wait times get long and then speculation rises to whether i could be legit or not. Especially if they aren't informed. (Even though i've had hundreds of successful orders and happy customers)

But in the end everyone knows i am legit. I take care of the people who support me. And id give the shirt off my back for a friend. I've been here for years. This stuff weighs on my mind daily. I have 2 and 3 year old boys that need me to create a future for them. I have myself i can't let down and give up on my dreams. I have you guys i can't let down who support my family and give me energy to push through challenges and create new goodies. 

Did i ruffle some feathers along the way with long waits, perhaps, and for that i apologize. My grit has been tested in many ways trying to figure this out but i am proud of myself for stepping up and not giving up. Life is a ride, Thanks for coming along for the journey with me. I think being as human and transparent about this stuff with the community is the best way to be. Some people have all the knowledge. Some people have mentors. Some people have to seek it out on their own and find solutions regardless of the situation. 

 

 

 So anyway, New Rubi Hoods coming April/May. And if you guys show enough interest we will do a Classic Cowl Hood this summer. Cheers and thanks so much, also spread the word if you don't mind. You guys rock.

[Comanche SS]

I really hope this pans out, I witnessed multiple times your reputation being on the line, and in turn it's made it tough on others wanting/trusting your product.

 

Just what I've witnessed, haven't personally dealt with any issues from you, so a grain of salt is required lol.

 

But it sounds like you are on the right track now, and if you can regain the success and reputation it'll grow, this is a great community. 

 

More power to you if you can pull it off now, coming from the bottom and having success is the ultimate gratuitous feeling.

 

Will definitely start to recommend you again if proven deliverables are a common occurrence!

[OffGridResearch]

47 minutes ago, Comanche SS said:

Will definitely start to recommend you again if proven deliverables are a common occurrence!

They already are! But thanks for the support! 

[Pete M]

  yes!!

[70barracuda]

Put me down for a classic cowl hood! I know you're good for it. 

 

Glad it's working out dude. 

[OffGridResearch]

4 hours ago, Pete M said:

  yes!!

My brotha! 

 

59 minutes ago, 70barracuda said:

Put me down for a classic cowl hood! I know you're good for it. 

 

Glad it's working out dude. 

Noted! Ill start saving for the molds.

[kook911]

You got any pics of the classic cowl hoods? Would like to see before I commit to one.

[OffGridResearch]

12 hours ago, kook911 said:

You got any pics of the classic cowl hoods? Would like to see before I commit to one.

Nope! And we won't have that going till late summer. But it will just be a Classic cowl hood Probably a 4 inch rise.