First, let me apologize for taking so long to get on the forum. Lots has gone on. There are big changes at BD- not exactly what I had hoped for me, but good for you the customers.
Early last spring we started thinking about moving BD to NC to take advantage of a good supply of fiberglass workers in the Washington/Greenville area to grow the company. Before we could get moved, I had a couple health emergencies so I started looking for someone to carry on with BD to keep the products flowing. I met with a number of shops in NC, and PA but none were Bronco enthusiasts and their commitment to quality was not certain.
I got a call from two guys- Rod and Corey Sunday in Nashville looking for a tub for their Bronco project. It turned out Rod had 40 years in the fiberglass business, had built a fiberglass bodied Bronco in the 80s. I explained my situation and that I was going to have to close BD. We met, I showed them what was required, and the quality I knew you expected. They stepped up and decided to take over.
In the mean time, I ended up having a hurry up surgery and was down for six weeks. The Sundays came up to the shop in mid December, made all the parts and two practice tubs with me coaching them, then emptied the shop, and headed to Tennessee. I've since been down there to give them some additional training. I wish I had such a nice shop. Triple the space, room to work efficiently, and grow.
They are ramping up to 2-3 tubs a month and getting parts orders out in two weeks at the current order volume. I'm still providing support and as much help as I can.
I also started working as a rep in NC for the company that made the fiberglass products I was using. It's hard "working for the man" when you've been on your own. It takes a ton of time with me on the road several days a week helping other fiberglass shops. As a result, I'm not the usual prompt guy I was.
I try to catch up on emails on the weekends. Not sure why the Phone number is "not allocated" since I call it to check on Mrs. BroncoDesign who is still holding down the fort in PA till we get the house on the market in the spring.
As for soft windows and trail covers- My friend Serguei, who sewed them for us started having severe back trouble, couldn't sit at the machine for long periods any more, and was forced to quit. I hope to find a new upholsterer who can take over this spring.
Again, I apologize for not replying to the thread sooner and the stack of calls and emails but the new job is extremely time consuming.
If you have production or shipping questions, email Corey at:
Corey@Broncodesign.com or 931-783-0600. My email is still good;
mstandley@broncodesign.com. If you need to reach me immediately, try my cell first- 570-362-2926. The 9903 number will be moved to TN as soon as we can get it switched over.
I'll still be at all the shows. You'll still have to hear me repeat the same dull stories. I look forward to seeing as many of you as I can at all the events.
They say life is what happens after all the great plans we make. I wish I could have continued making you the best bodies and parts available. Life had other plans for me. With Rod's experience, Corey's youth, and their combined love of old Bronco's I feel certain BD is in VERY GOOD hands.
Best Regards to all, Mike