Gosh, sure hope he hasn't run off with all our money!!I'm beginning to wonder if the BEX is kaput! If so, maybe someone smarter than me can explain what it was all about in the first place.....
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My Elio Alternate Project Is Underway.
- Thread starter Mark BEX
- Start date
Sonoran Sam
Elio Addict
It's not about the money... For me, it is about the "customer service" aspect. Its been almost 90 days since we have heard anything from Mark.
I understand non-disclosure agreements and what he can and can't say, but he could pop on the forum and just post "nothing new, but I'm still here" or "progress is being made, but I can't go into the details" or even do a poll about what colors you would like to see -- basically anything. He could also post about an unrelated project or trip or anything -- just so we know he is still here with us. By going completely dark for 90 days erodes that "trust component".
Buying a vehicle is a big investment (even if it is under $10K) we want to know if we have questions or issues that they'll be answered or addressed in a timely manner. Personally, I do not expect a warranty nor a service center, but if I have a problem -- I would want a timely answer. ABC happened to my mongrel with a timely response of "OK... yes, please do DEF and it will be all fixed". I don't think any of us want a dead "boat anchor" in our garage.
In my case, since we haven't heard from Mark -- I'm going to be putting some money and some work into my econo-box car. Originally, I was just going to run it into the ground, throw it away and replace it with the Mongrel. Since none of us know what is going on, I'm left with no choice but to fix up the econo-box and continue to travel with it. It is kind of disappointing, both my girlfriend and I were really looking forward to taking some trips in our Mongrel. The increased MPG and dependability of the Honda engine were the perfect combination for our "bucket list" travels.
I understand non-disclosure agreements and what he can and can't say, but he could pop on the forum and just post "nothing new, but I'm still here" or "progress is being made, but I can't go into the details" or even do a poll about what colors you would like to see -- basically anything. He could also post about an unrelated project or trip or anything -- just so we know he is still here with us. By going completely dark for 90 days erodes that "trust component".
Buying a vehicle is a big investment (even if it is under $10K) we want to know if we have questions or issues that they'll be answered or addressed in a timely manner. Personally, I do not expect a warranty nor a service center, but if I have a problem -- I would want a timely answer. ABC happened to my mongrel with a timely response of "OK... yes, please do DEF and it will be all fixed". I don't think any of us want a dead "boat anchor" in our garage.
In my case, since we haven't heard from Mark -- I'm going to be putting some money and some work into my econo-box car. Originally, I was just going to run it into the ground, throw it away and replace it with the Mongrel. Since none of us know what is going on, I'm left with no choice but to fix up the econo-box and continue to travel with it. It is kind of disappointing, both my girlfriend and I were really looking forward to taking some trips in our Mongrel. The increased MPG and dependability of the Honda engine were the perfect combination for our "bucket list" travels.
Well, it was a fun project for Mark and it gave us something to rally behind but in the end, the hype outweighed reality as we've seen from ELIO. It's an enormous undertaking from procuring parts, body panels, engine, etc. from 3rd party then having it US certified for US roads, transport from China to US (this could be added to the final price if it does happen) to the investment money to make this all happen. He could finish a complete pre-production BEX, get it tested and certified and sell it as a kit with all molded panels for easy assembly and your own engine options is the way to go. It's the fastest way to own one.
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Sonoran Sam
Elio Addict
Initially, I was OK with a KIT, but started thinking about engine and transmission mounts, shifter & clutch position and those mounts, then appropriate axles, etc. Would I need to do any welding?? My head started spinning about all the problems one could run into with a KIT and trying to install a front wheel drive engine and drive train into a "blank canvas".
I don't really know that I have the skill set necessary to fabricate what is necessary for a front wheel drive application. With a rear wheel drive car, there are a lot of universal mounts (from the Hot Rod industry) and having a driveshaft shortened is fairly easy, but it feels like the complexity goes up significantly with a front wheel drive application.
Most kit versions have the major parts included and if the recommendations are followed e.g., type and size of engine, then the mounts are where it should be. There's also lots of knowledgeable people in the industry who will be enthusiastic to assemble it for you....