Behind Rear Seat MOLLE Panels

Just got word from the metal forming shop, the entire order will be ready Friday March 4th!

 

When do we pay?

 

I'll send out PMs to arrange payments upon picking up the panels on Friday March 4th.

 

Finally got around to taking a pic of mine. Still need to figure out exactly how to organize it but this worked well enough for the winter

 

Looks good!

I think your seat back latches are upside down though

Question for 3rd gen power window people:
If there was no cut out or a smaller cut out for the power window motor/system would the panel still fit?

The cut out was designed before I had my 3D scanner and it seems to be a little larger than necessary.
I am wondering if it could be smaller to accommodate more MOLLE grid

 

Have you given any thought to providing a panel (for the AC model) that's made out of a heavy plastic, UHMW, nylon, HDPE, or the likes???

-No need for metal ones that are out of direct sunshine.
-No need to be heavy or very thick. (operators can mount high loads on the panel closer to the floor)
-No need to be very expensive.

I'd be very interested in one!

 

My first design was actually ABS but I ran into 3 issues.
1. To keep the true MOLLE pattern dimensions the plastic would crack between the squares when heavier items where attached. This happened after hitting a few whoops while off road.

2. The "z" bend near the top was not repeatable/easy with a plastic forming machine (heat and bend). The bends are too close.

3. The cost wasn't too much different due to the extra cnc routing time and the time the operater spent getting bends correct. This might be different now with covid pricing on aluminum.

Ultimately aluminum was better for my preferences but if there was a big enough demand I'd definitely invest in the design/time/equipment to make these in plastic. It would need to be alot of panels per month though.
I'm thinking a vaccum former and 1/4" ABS might be feasible

 

-I was thinking of cracks when I mentioned putting heavy loads nearer to the floor (touching would be best). But your not-so-heavy were ok? Didn't crack?
-Repeatable bends were beyond my train of thought. Good to know, so thanks.
-I wondered about costs of course, but due to popularity of certain materials. Was hoping that this other than metal product, whatever it turns out to be, would be cheaper, lighter, thinner, faster, and adds horsepower. Now I'm none so sure any of those will hold true.

I sure appreciate your input and telling us your experience. Hopefully something will work out that favors us all.

 

At the rate covid pricing is inflating metal costs I'll need an alternative soon or I'll be going broke haha

ABS would probably get ya +25hp but aluminum still adds +15hp

 

I'll be picking up the panels this afternoon!
See post #1 for official update.

 

Molle panels everywhere!

 

Hello all,

It has been brought to my attention that there is an issue with the current batch of Access Cab MOLLE Panels.

Problem #1
There is no cut out for the child seat restraint hooks/latches. As the access cab was the only design I purchased rather than made my self I was unfortunately unaware the design would require modifications to the truck to fit.
NOTE: Check to see if yours has the child seat restraint hooks/latches. not all access cabs do!

Proposed Solutions:
1. If you are willing to drill the spot welds and remove the latches the panel will bolt right in.

2. If removing the child restraint hooks/latches is not an option for you, I will hand cut the holes for the latches. Please keep in mind this will take time as I will need to set up a fixture for my manual mill to ensure the cut is clean and looking good. No angle grinder hack jobs happening here!

Problem #2:
5 of the 16 access cab panels have deeper and more scratches than what I would consider acceptable. Most panels have light scratches that will not be noticable after the panel is sanded in prep for paint.
The 5 panels in question will need heavier sanding (see below for examples). There is no structural damage.

Solution:
I will sand and prep these 5 panels for paint before sending them out. I want to offer a quality product and it should not be on the customer to have to fix issues like this.

I would like to discuss exactly who is OK/wants these panels so there aren't any surprises. This will be beneficial for anyone who is going to paint thier panel anyway. Panels should be painted in my opinion but it's not required.
Please PM me if you are ok/want a sanded access cab Panel

Please consider:
After all the time and unforseen costs I am working for less than minimum wage to make these panels (not quitting my day job anytime soon lol). Just like everyone else here I am a truck/off-road enthusiast and do things like this because it's fun, I like designing products and turning a wrench.
Please work with me while I sort out these issues. This will definitely be resolved for the next batch but we have to make due with what we have for this round.

Thanks!

@BudFriendguy
@seabag
@Saulgoodyall
@supersizejm
@DonnieUtah
@EasyDoesIt804
@AndrewO
@TacoTMtm
@notbryon
@Earthroots
@Truckitect
@DipoleMcGee
@BF738

 

Little comparison of before and after sanding on the worst panel

 

Night/ day

 

And for all the GFC (go fast camper) people out there. The 1st prototype fit great. Production run to come soon!

 

I haven't ordered one yet, but am planning to at some point in the future. Would it be feasible for you to place a full cover over the power window motor/system? I'm planning on doing a custom seat delete with your panels, but would hate to throw something in the back and it end up catching and breaking something.

 

I would be in on a non molle ppanel for an access cab 3rd gen. Shoot if you got a Moller panel built now, I may be interested in that, even with the scratches.

 

Have any Access Cab panels left?