6Stang7
New Member
DarkBuddha said:This is generally poor logic Shaun. Essentially, I just disagree with your approach to making your own version. I have no problem with making your own version of anything, or even copying design ideas (especially if it saves money). But you stated that you "bought the one from M+, copied and drafted it, then returned it." This seems pretty cut and dry to me... you took their version and copied it. I can only assume that you "copied" the dimensions and design, which equates to "stealing" someone else's R&D to me. And it doesn't matter why you did it (i.e. you didn't have the tranny yet, it was easier, it saved time, etc.)... it is still stealing. And certainly, if it so "EXTREMLY easy to make", then why not just wait until you get the tranny and do the work then?
Now, if you did change the design, didn't use their exact dimensions, etc., then that is a different story. I'm all in favor of making your own version, inspired by, or even designed similarly to, another design. That is basically what I did with my AOD crossmember... I looked at several pictures of others' designs and then went and did the measurements and got it welded together. I think the fact that I put in the R&D to make it happen makes it mine, as opposed to "stealing" it from someone else.
I do think many of us overlook the value of these aftermarket companies that do the R&D for products for our Mustangs. Certainly, if someone hadn't made a version of the crossmembers I used for inspiration, then I know I would have felt more intimidated when attempting my own version. How many of us have used one of these companies' designs as inspiration or a model for some mod we did ourselves? I hate when I feel companies gouging customers (Mustangs Plus is notorious for this), but I do appreciate their work and efforts nonetheless.
I do see your point; however, I believe that what I did wasn't as bad. What I did was take measurements of were the mounting holes to the frame were, and then were the tranny mounting holes were in relation to that. I then, for the lack of a better saying, connected the dots. It's not like I got the actual CAD dawning from RMP and just copied and pasted it. I would have preferred to get the measurements myself, and design one, as that is truly what I enjoy the most. The only reason why I went this way is because I want to get my car back in drivable condition as fast as I can (for the most part, it's my daily drive). I only did this to save time so that when I did find a tranny I would be all ready to bolt it up and in. These reasons shouldn’t make what I did right; if you think what I did was wrong. I just hope it makes it more understandable.
-Shaun