[flash]

Well, it's been a long run, and a lot of fun, but it's time to start working toward bringing things to a close. The wife has about had it, and frankly I'm tired. I have almost everything I want for the car now, which was the big motivator in the first place, and I have just about gotten around to everybody else out there who wanted something. It's time to move on to something else. It has become far too time consuming, and frankly was never supposed to go this far.



I've been wrestling with this for the last couple of years. It has been a very difficult decision to make. On one hand I enjoy coming up with stuff and love providing it to people. On the other hand, it has cost me nearly a million dollars in income due to not focusing on my real work. This "hobby" has become far too involving and demanding of my time. I need to get back to what I really do.



I have a couple of new projects that I will still be completing, though the production runs will be limited.



I am in the process of restocking most stuff right now, but it will be the last time, and I'm not making large quantities of anything.



Basically once I run out of something after that, there will be no more of that item.



Supercharger kits are all complete. I have 2 unsold complete kits here now, and enough stuff to make up 5 more. I will not be making any more of those.



The Stage 2 setup will be ready soon, and I will make as many of those as I have orders for, but will not be stocking it.



The cab rear speaker boxes should be getting ready in about a month.



The oil cooler assembly will be about the same time.



I'll update everybody on anything else I plan to finish, as soon as I know for sure how that is going to go.



Again, I will make as many of these new things as I have advance orders for, and then that's it.



By this time next year I will be shut down. It may be sooner, depending a lot on inventory.



I will continue to support all products until their warranties run out, even after I shut down.



I haven't worked out the exiting details yet, and will let everybody know how that will go as soon as I figure it all out. I have been considering a number of options, including a fulfillment house, and a distributor, as well as an outright sale of the business, and/or licensing the products. I'm just not sure which way I want to go yet, but I know I need to call it "done" as far as my own direct involvement goes.



To all of you out there who have been supportive, I thank you very much. I hope you continue to have many years of enjoyment of the products.



To any of you who were holding off on getting something, you'd better hurry. I am very sure about this. I've had the last "discussion" with my wife about this, and we know how that goes. This is definitely coming to an end soon.

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[JWahlsten]

I for one would like to thank you for all you've done for the community and the great ideas you've put forward. Well done, Bob.



v/r

Joel

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[94SilverCab]

You may find that you will enjoy this "hobby" more once it has stopped being "work". I'm not suggesting that you should carry on with this business, only that you find the time to actually enjoy your car.



We're still on for dinner next year in Paso Robles...there is a bottle of Saxum with my name on it.



Jay

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[ds968]

Uh, oh.. I get the sense this time it's not a decade-long " Going Out Of Business " sign at Omar's Persian Rugs Emporium . <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/glare.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />



<img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/closedeyes.gif" class="smilie" alt="" /> sad day for 968s, but looking back at how much D1R has already done to improve this model, and at a not-to-be-easily-dismissed personal sacrfice, a whole lot of gratitude and cheers is in order for the " retirement party " Yup, Paso Robles is it - let's make that baby one to remember - all of YOUZE guys on the east coast and central states, come'on down next year !!! <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/cool.png" class="smilie" alt="" />

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[tamathumper]

Many, many thanks Bob. Much appreciated, I assure you, and your development will be missed. Here's hoping one or more people step up to ably fill the gap.



P.S. - It sure would be fun to have a "run in the middle" that both-coasters could attend. It's a solid three days of driving to get coast-to-coast, then do the run, then three more days to get back. I don't have an iron ass any more, just a lead belly.

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[rhudeboye]

Consider one of the SC kits sold. As I'm willing to mail you $40 a month for the next 105 months.



But seriously. This is a sad day for the 68. I think of all those future new comers who will get there preowned 968s and only be able to read about the fantastic quality and craftsmanship of D1 products.

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[Rap]

Bob you will live forever in 968 lore!



Tama it's actually quite easy to rent a Porsche for Paso. That's what I did.

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[tamathumper]

It wouldn't be a 968, though.

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[Rap]

No of course not. But those west coast guys are pretty open minded when we east coast guys visit!

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[banditsc]

I drove a Mustang last time.. It's not like some of those East Coast events that get cranky about non 968's being anywhere near a 968. Heck I was even leading the group a couple times.

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[Rap]

Bob have you decided that you will no longer host the Ortega and Paso events?

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[flash]

i'm going to host the next one, and i'm pulling out all the stops, but i have no idea what will happen beyond that. i enjoy the events, and i am keeping the car. i just need to return things back to pleasure and move them away from business.



i appreciate all the thoughts everyone. i'm not bitter or cranky about any of this, nor is it going to be an abrupt exit. those who know me know that i have been wrestling with this for a while now.



it will take some time, as i want to try to give some people time to get what they want before i shut the doors, as well as finish up those things that i want for myself. so, it will probably be a few months before all is over and done, and the wife is giving me some slack there, but the end is coming.

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[Rap]

They are wonderful events for the small segment of the Forum who choose to participate. We all hope that Jay will consider doing Newtown again! Another great event for east coasters. These events quickly develop relationships that forge the strength of the Forum.

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[ds968]

[quote name='banditsc' timestamp='1347399429' post='132573']

I drove a Mustang last time.. It's not like some of those East Coast events that get cranky about non 968's being anywhere near a 968. Heck I was even leading the group a couple times.

[/quote]



Yup you did. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/cool.png" class="smilie" alt="" /> .. I think someone said the rental cars have a speed limiting device though, yours was at 80 or 90 ? Not sure the rental Boxsters also have limited speeds ? Anyway I'm sure one of Bob's last D1R products will be something that disables that device, before the next Paso run <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/tongue.png" class="smilie" alt="" /> Yeah, 'cause we need another ticket to match the Ortega one.. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/glare.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

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[Lear35A]

We in Dixie sure enjoy the D1R stuff as well. I am glad I came into the forum when I did. I've got about all the major Flash components now, and Bob has been a real asset as I've sorted through my engine problems. Sad for the non-D1R 968s that you have to shut down, but I COMPLETELY understand. Thank you.

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[pinball1008]

Sometimes you have to rearrange your priorities and its always best to do this when it fits your life best.

I am another who would like to add my thanks to Bob and all the bits he's come up with which have improved the 968 experience.

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[Cloud9...68]

It's amazing, and it's been a great asset to the 968 community, that you've stuck with it this long. Thanks for all the great products and after-sale service.

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[Rap]

Ds it wasn't mine I assure you. I don't remember the gentleman with the blue mustang but it was him. I had the boxster up to 120 on the way back to LA. Should have heard Liz. Thank God the tip was down.

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[rxter]

I've seen Bob's garage a couple of times packed with the stuff that we are putting on our cars. It's a business - a small one but a business none-the-less. Just when I think I've got all the stuff that I want on my car Bob comes up with another must have. Yikes. Time to make the list and write the check.



If you keep the car Bob we will drag you to events whether you like them it or not...



Will you solicit pre-orders or maybe put them on your website. I know that I need the cab speaker enclosure and the stage 2 kit. Tell me why I need the oil cooler again? <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/wink.png" class="smilie" alt="" />

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[flash]

as soon as i have the working and tested prototypes of each new thing, i will announce it, take orders, and then make them.

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