OEM-inspired, Minimalist, Adjustable CTR Rock Guards

Just wanted to do a WIP update. I'm currently dealing with some technical challenges with making precision, oblong-shaped holes. I've tried a standard power drill (chaining multiple holes and sanding them) to an electric trim router. Because the plastic material, it's difficult to get consistent, clean holes. I also do not want to do each one like I did with making the curved edges. It took a long time to do each one then, and it's going to take even longer to do these holes individually and then sanding them. I'm gonna try to get a drill press tomorrow and attempt 1 last effort.

keiothic said:

Just wanted to do a WIP update. I'm currently dealing with some technical challenges with making precision, oblong-shaped holes. I've tried a standard power drill (chaining multiple holes and sanding them) to an electric trim router. Because the plastic material, it's difficult to get consistent, clean holes. I also do not want to do each one like I did with making the curved edges. It took a long time to do each one then, and it's going to take even longer to do these holes individually and then sanding them. I'm gonna try to get a drill press tomorrow and attempt 1 last effort.

Click to expand...

I wonder if you could burn them? I have a soldering iron with a burning tip that works great on a lot of stuff, though I've never tried it on a material like that. I would imagine you could lightly score the outline with an exacto knife and then burn it from the middle. Again, I've never used it in that type of material, so it may be a horrible idea.

keiothic said:

Just wanted to do a WIP update. I'm currently dealing with some technical challenges with making precision, oblong-shaped holes. I've tried a standard power drill (chaining multiple holes and sanding them) to an electric trim router. Because the plastic material, it's difficult to get consistent, clean holes. I also do not want to do each one like I did with making the curved edges. It took a long time to do each one then, and it's going to take even longer to do these holes individually and then sanding them. I'm gonna try to get a drill press tomorrow and attempt 1 last effort.

Click to expand...

I would be happy with just two holes for adjustment instead of a oblong, one slim one full out.
Thanks!

SGP-R said:

I wonder if you could burn them? I have a soldering iron with a burning tip that works great on a lot of stuff, though I've never tried it on a material like that. I would imagine you could lightly score the outline with an exacto knife and then burn it from the middle. Again, I've never used it in that type of material, so it may be a horrible idea.

Click to expand...

Can't burn them, at least not burn them clean like with a laser cutter. Also, I wish to not have cancer from inhaling too much of this lol.

Toolz said:

I would be happy with just two holes for adjustment instead of a oblong, one slim one full out.
Thanks!

Click to expand...

There is maybe about 1/16th of an inch in between the small (slim) and large (full) setting. I believe it shouldn't be too much of a problem. I put a note next to your name on the Google Sheet.



As an update to others, the production is moving along at a relatively slow pace, but at the very least, I believe I found a solution for making the oblong shape drill holes.

can you drill two holes and then just cut a straight line between them to connect top and bottom?

Thawk said:

can you drill two holes and then just cut a straight line between them to connect top and bottom?

Click to expand...

It's actually easier said than done lol. I thought of this too, but it will actually take a lot of grunt work. Also, since that's almost like chiseling, I worry that some will flack if the end product doesn't look as clean vs. the price I asked for (1-2 set that I produce so far are already looking a bit off, so I'm sorry to whoever are maybe getting them; again, very limited supply quantity that I have to work with right now and not a lot of spare parts). At the very least, I'm willing to put in a bit more budget towards this goal by purchasing a drill press to do a cleaner job. Not saying my method will take down the industry, but at least I personally will feel satisfied if I can match them.


Also, some of you asked about ETA on shipping... I'm thinking end of June, early July? At least the deadline I'm setting for myself realistically. I haven't manage to get in touch with any local '17 or '18 owners, so I hope you don't mind being somewhat a part of a nationwide effort for compatibility. Again, I'm not sure why it wouldn't fit on the '17s and '18s, and if they aren't, I'm sure y'all are handy enough to mod the product a bit or say so if otherwise.

Is it possible to punch the hole rather than drilling it? If you can find the correct size punch and the punch will puncture the plastic it may save you some time and leave a cleaner hole. Maybe something like this?

https://www.mcmaster.com/hole-forming-punches

I'm interested for a set of fronts! I'm happy with just one set of holes at the minimal setting, don't need the adjusting feature. Idk if that makes things easier or not.

Punching the hole many be easier. Punch 2 next to each other then punch the middle.
I used a leather punch for some rubber roof weather strips when I was mounting a roof rack. Clean hole. Bought a leather punch set from Amazon pretty cheap. Put the puch where you want it and smack it with a hammer.

Also the head of the fastener will cover most of it anyway so it being as clean as possible probably doesn't matter too much.

If possible I'd like my set a week or so before the 4th of July weekend as I am going on a trip and would like them installed before then.

I'm more satisfied by the result from the drill press. I have better control of the straightness and I don't have to spend too much time cleaning the splinters (or whatever they're called).

Hi all, this could be a rather lengthy update, so here it goes.

I decided to lower my price to $50 for the complete set, and $30 for the front. It has been brought to my attention that a shop specializing in making aesthetic pieces for USDM cars have made a set of rockguards available for the CTR. I had tried to approach this shop prior to starting my project to no avail, thus the reason I started this passion project. It isn't a complete disappointment though, because I was able to learn a lot and this experience also give me the pleasure to do my own take for (what I consider) proper, functional rockguards.

Please know that even though there is more availability for CTR rockguards from others, the commitments still stand for my version:
1. First and foremost, delivering on my promise of hand-crafted rockguards with precision fittings, and little or no additional tools.
2. Adjustability for aesthetics vs. protection. You are not locked to 1 'setting' if you believe rockguards should offer more for your car.

This weekend, I was able to finish 100% of the oblong shaped drill holes. I'm glad that once I'm able to find the technique and the necessary tools so I could get them made in no time. Finally, the only thing that's left before shipping is to do the rounded corners.

I thank you, those who have been sticking around throughout my project and giving feedback/input/comments. They are highly appreciated. I also thank those who are willing to stick a little bit longer to get my rockguards. If you would like to have your username removed from my Google Sheet, please send me a DM or reply here so I can strike them off. Since I have a queue for a 2nd batch already piling up, this gives a chance needing to be moved up the list. I have about 20 or so sets per batch (I will recount what I have now once I get home from work).

Now to the part that might be hard to take, but appreciated if otherwise. If there are those who are willing to give full, financial commitment to my rockguards, please feel free to DM me with your zip-code information so I can calculate your shipping. From there, if it's alright with you, I will send you a family/friend request from PayPal for a $25 minimum towards the final product. IF you so choose to wait to pay once the rockguards are ready, this is fine by me too. All in all, payment will be inquiried prior to you receiving the delivery tracking number.

I know trust is hard to get nowadays, and I understand if this is hard for anyone to commit to (I hate the Kickstarter approach in general). I would like for you all to know that I am 100% fully committed to delivering my rockguards in your hands, even if it means taking a lot of my time and expenses. Your 'preliminary' payment is not seen as a financial support (maybe a little?); but a 'contract' that I hope to get from your end. If I am ever continuing this project with a new batch, I will probably think of a different approach, but this is something to go by with existing conditions and circumstances.

Thank you.

I saw those as well! But I'm sticking to my commitment and I appreciate the personalized effect on them.

I appreciate the hard work and dedication you've put into this. Will wait for yours to release. Looking forward to them!

Did mine with kydex 0.80 nice and sturdy

I saw the other ones and am conflicted.
Their rears appear to use 2 screws towards the top and 2 U-shaped clips towards the bottom, no double sided tape.
For the fronts it looks like they provide 2 push pin fasteners for the 2 upper holes (since they are different than OEM, see attached photo) and use the 3 OEM screws for the bottom 3.

Can you post some well lit photo's of how yours mount?