Buyer Beware: KTJO 4X4 Driver's Side Grab Handles w/ A Pillars, HUD, and Bowl Lights

I don't disagree with you. It depends on a lot of factors, including the tool material, the number of parts to the molds, lifespan of the tool, vendor rates, etc.

Looking at the parts, I would guess that these are simpler two part molds? The materials are not fiber reinforced which will not wear the tool. The pillar trim is complex and large, but . . . The handle overmold is very simple. The covers look like an afterthought and might even be part of the handle mold?

I would actually bet money that there is good profit on the first batch alone. Subsequent batches without rework are going to be almost all profit. That would not include any overhead costs at KTJO 4x4 HQ. It's a side gig after all.


We have to acknowledge that For the Community is absolute BS. And that the pricing is at OEM for reasons. Not just this product either.

 

I'm not defending her at all btw, no dog in the hunt lol. I was just blown away when I heard how much the cost was.

 

I'm with you. Just good discussion.

Our company has purchased mold tooling recently. Some made by US suppliers. Small and big parts and overly complex parts. I haven't seen anything that would blow $170k out of the water and we haven't had 1,000 part batches yet.

I would bet that @MESO could add some color here, if he would like to. Although as we know revenue, it is probably best that we stick to speculating on profit? My take is that this is still should be a sub-$100 mod. I believe the "For the Community!" battle whine could fit in there?

 

"battle whine". lol

 

Yeah those molds are insane. And the tolerance they can hold is incredible

 

That is the amazing part. With CAD data and CNC tools, standard tolerances are a bit of a joke. That is some of the reason why I am wondering what the fuck is going on with the need to bend metal parts on the Taco.

Given the communication shitshow, I can other think it was the problem?

 

hmmmm, "made in China" that's why, LOL

I wonder how much an OEM left side pillar/handle kit costs? r we getting a fair price for what she had done(cost/time) to get it to this point?
we need "transparency"? lol

 

My guess is the factory did not have a complete 3D scan of the vehicle and didn't have one on site to test fit. Which is odd if it's "Toyota of China"...I'd think they would have access to that. So in the end they are relying on the info given to them from the prototype testing. AFAIK it was isolated to 1 beta (KTJO's personal truck). Molds are damn accurate, so if there's any issues..it's more than likely bad CAD.

 

Anyone ever consider buying the dah from passenger side of the overseas right hand drive models? Not sure if that aspect of the thread has been takin care of...not reading 140 pages to find out. Sorry.

 

I received mine this week. Purchased from her website. I also got a follow up for more shipping charges. I'm on the fence with this handle. I fought and fought to get it installed, and I'm 90% confident I stripped the top bolt in a fit of fury with an impact driver The hardware is cheap and doesn't line up well. I spent about 1.5 hours on something that should take 10 mins max. From a function standpoint, I really like the handle. I wish it came stock. Oh well... should be a f'n treat the next time I need to remove it. I'd give it some time. Someone will improve the kit.

 

Yes, it was just posted a few days ago. #2593

 

Made in China is a fact of life. I have had plenty of great stuff that was made there, as is quite a lot of the Taco. There are ways to manage the quality from any foreign or domestic supplier.

The price was based on OEM parts. See the original thread. The problem is that we are not getting OEM quality.

That was my guess also.

 

Actual OEM right side for cost reference. There is some economy of scale in these prices.

 

That’s taking a grab handle from the passenger side of a LHD vehicle and modding it to fit the driver’s side.
I don’t know of any countries that get a RHD Tacoma that we could purchase a true OEM Toyota passenger side grab handle from. RHD countries get the Toyota Hilux as far as I know.

 

Pardon my ignorance since I’m new to the Tacoma world this year (but a couple decades into vehicle modding). Is the hilux so different that it doesn’t share interior trim parts? My very limited understanding was the hilux is essentially the same truck?

 

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2020-toyota-hilux-tacoma-pickup-trucks-compared-details-photos/

This one is LHD but not at all like our Tacomas, and has both grab handles.

 

If we can get a part number for the passenger side grab handle and compare to the taco’s, that should be a good indication of they might fit. Toyota is all about the parts bin. So, I don’t think it’s too out of the question.

 

Might as well try a 4Runner grab handle. Hilux is a different truck.

 

Yoooooo! @Skydvrr !

@ktbell444 just showed me this:

$8 The Screaming Goat (Book & Figure) (RP Minis)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0762459816

Fuckin' ordered up!