Fortier First Design Tips Update Pics

[Pat M.]

Just got these from Richard. Again, I think they look outstanding.

[John L.]

Re: Fortier First Design Tips Update Pics

Pat, I agree with you. Have you heard of a schedule when they may be available? As well have you got any ideas of how much $ we are talking?
Thanks for keeping us updated.

[D S.]

Re: Fortier First Design Tips Update Pics

Thanks for posting the Fortier First Design Tips updates, Pat. I have already told Richard in an email this morning I want to be on the list for a set of the 1st design tips. Given what I've seen on eBay for a nice set of original 2nd design tips I think somewhere around $400 would be worth buying a set from Richard. They would be new, look as close to original as a set can get, and will eventually be readily available. And they sure beat the quality and appearance of the stainless steel and chromed stainless steel currently available. A nice set of original 1st design tips are impossible to find.

[Bill C.]

Re: Fortier First Design Tips Update Pics

DAMN -- those are perfect!

I want a set for my 72 !!!!!!!



I hope Richard decides to make 2nd design tips.

It is always nice to have an extra set around, never can tell when you will need them LOL

[Pat M.]

Re: Fortier First Design Tips Update Pics

My pleasure guys, I'm excited we're going to have access to a correct repo of this unique part.
I just spoke with Richard and he said he's sending the prototype to the plater this week, and he thinks he'll have them available in about a month from now. He's thinking of charging somewhere between $400-$500, and he asks for a $100 deposit.
Certainly not cheap, but Scott is correct - 1st designs tips are nearly impossible to find (and I look daily), and if you do find a pair you'll spend a lot and still probably have to repair/re-chrome them. With all of this in mind, Richard's estimated price seems about right to me.

[Dave S.]

Re: Fortier First Design Tips Update Pics

DAMN -- those are perfect!

I want a set for my 72 !!!!!!!



I hope Richard decides to make 2nd design tips.

It is always nice to have an extra set around, never can tell when you will need them LOL

It is nice to see a part reproduced that cannot be found otherwise. They look good to me but I think there is a bit to much weld on the backs. The originals I have on my cars and have seen on many others appear as though the weld bead should be ground off to make them flatter.
Not a criticism but a comment. They could be easily ground prior to chroming.
JMHO

[D S.]

Re: Fortier First Design Tips Update Pics

DAMN -- those are perfect!

I want a set for my 72 !!!!!!!



I hope Richard decides to make 2nd design tips.

It is always nice to have an extra set around, never can tell when you will need them LOL

Bill, Richard has told Pat Moresi and me that the 2nd design tips are forthcoming. I think he wanted to get feedback on how the 1st design tips fared. I gather that the demand and interest was strong enough that he wants to proceed with the 2nd design.

[Pat M.]

Re: Fortier First Design Tips Update Pics

They look good to me but I think there is a bit to much weld on the backs. The originals I have on my cars and have seen on many others appear as though the weld bead should be ground off to make them flatter. Not a criticism but a comment. They could be easily ground prior to chroming. JMHO

Remarkable that you mention that Dave, because I was just telling Richard that I have a set that I believe is original but I noticed the weld did seem to be ground down a bit and mostly smooth. I wondered if mine had been messed with, since a picture posted recently of another original seemed to have a rougher weld. Yet at the National the judges thought my tips looked just right, and your comment seems to confirm this.
I'll mention this to Richard. Trust me, not only will he not be offended, he specifically told me he wants constructive feedback to get it correct.

[Dick W.]

Re: Fortier First Design Tips Update Pics

I can assure you that Richard will not be offended by constructive criticism. I have had the pleasure of working with him before and he wants to be as close to 100% as is possible.

[D S.]

Re: Fortier First Design Tips Update Pics

My pleasure guys, I'm excited we're going to have access to a correct repo of this unique part.
I just spoke with Richard and he said he's sending the prototype to the plater this week, and he thinks he'll have them available in about a month from now. He's thinking of charging somewhere between $400-$500, and he asks for a $100 deposit.
Certainly not cheap, but Scott is correct - 1st designs tips are nearly impossible to find (and I look daily), and if you do find a pair you'll spend a lot and still probably have to repair/re-chrome them. With all of this in mind, Richard's estimated price seems about right to me.

Pat, $500 seems a bit stiff but you are like me....I also search daily for that elusive one side 1st design tip or a pair. I think Dan Pepper is, too. I sent Richard photos of a set of original 2nd design tips and one single that needed work such as replacing the torched pipes on the set and patching two rust-out holes on the single. His quote? Way more than a pair of his new ones but I wouldn't trust anyone else to do the repairs.

[D S.]

Re: Fortier First Design Tips Update Pics

A photo of an NOS 2nd design tip of the weld on the rear plate:

[Dave S.]

Re: Fortier First Design Tips Update Pics

Here are photos of a first and second design tip.

[Dennis D.]

Re: Fortier First Design Tips Update Pics

Looking good! Agree about the weld. Pic of a 1st design weld if it helps. Similar to Dave's

[Pat M.]

Re: Fortier First Design Tips Update Pics

Here's my first design tip welds:

[Steven G.]

Re: Fortier First Design Tips Update Pics

I agree with Dave, the outer weld could be improved, grinding the weld would help, but a bit more even weld, without grind marks would look best. This a prototype, and I'll bet Richards next weld will be better, (you can't say that perfection is easy), other than that, they look great, but thats just my openion. Steve