Custom Stormchasing Vehicles

[Bob Hartig]

In a different thread, I read the following question:
"I am curious, do you think that some car manufactures could in the future start building custom chase vehicles for consumers?"

That set me to thinking. Realistically, the demand for custom chase vehicles is probably far too small to draw the attention of the auto makers. But it could be a great niche for a custom car crafter--and as it happens, a good friend of mine has been in that business for many years. So I called him and ran the idea past him, and he responded with interest. Jim isn't a chaser, but he is a master auto craftsman, and given some guidance, I think he could put those of you who want a vehicle rigged out for chasing into something pretty cool. Obviously, though, he'd have to do some research, and I think his best information source is right here in the stormchasing community.

So, two questions:
1. What is the interest level among chasers for a custom-crafted vehicle?
2. What would you consider to be the essentials for a chase vehicle? This could range from overall vehicle construction to gadgets and gizmos you'd love to have, ergonomically arrayed for maximum convenience.

Thanks for your input!

 

[Tony Laubach]

I think the big thing is organization and security of gadgets. Most of us have various radios, laptops, etc which we use while chasing. I think the major thing is interior setup customized to a specific vehicle for those items. A console center of some sorts would be a terrific start; something which has all the radios mounted in an easy-to-access place.

An area for a laptop would also be another good start.

With this comes security; a way to fast-mount these radios so a chaser could either take them out of the vehicle quickly OR a way to cover them. I would go with the first idea as most of my radios can be removed and I prefer it that way.

My two-cents right now... but those are usually the biggest things for me when it comes to readying a vehicle.

 

[David Drummond]

I ran some numbers on this once what I would actually cost, including reasonable labor and it would make the cost of a chase vehicle out of the reach of all but a handful of people.

Just for instance, the current chase vehicle that I just finished had almost 200 man hours in to it. Anyone that remember the buildup thread I did a few years ago remebers what all went in to it. It's not an easy undertaking and requires a healthy knowledge of vehicles, especially electrical systems to build a chase vehicle on that level. Even at a modest shop rate of $50/hr your looking at 10 grand in labor cost not to mention the equipment.

The one I just build is a nice lower mileage 2004 Pontiac Montana. The trade in value on it is just over $10,000. With all the work and equipment included I wouldn't think of taking less that $25,000 for it.

Just to give you some ideas.

If there was a market for it, I would probably do it as I enjoy doing the buildups. Not to say you couldn't find one or three people that want to chase and would like a fully setup vehicle built for that purpose, but it would definitely be a thin market.

 

[John Diel]

When you start figuring labor costs, the equipment costs are pretty miniscule. That's not to say that there are a few out there that would go for such a thing.

I would think you would be better off (as a Chaser paying for it) getting your equipment together and finding the shop that would put it all in for you. Stereo installers are likely candidates as they generally have plenty of 'know how' and the proper tools. I've seen prices range anywhere from $35 to $50/hour for custom installs like this.

I'm not real good at wiring things that aren't a fire trap so I take most of my work to a local radio repair shop that does all the City/County radio and light installs. They quoted me a reasonable rate and Viola! It's done a whole lot better than I would have been able to.

Not to take away from the Custom job idea. I think it's a great idea, but prohibitively expensive for most folks.

I also wanted to add, here would be my thoughts....

Common package:

Weather radio
Ham Radio (Dual Band)
Scanner
Weather Instruments (Davis)
Integrated Computer or Laptop
Decent "hands free" cell set up

Extreme package:
Common Package +
Lights
PA
Additional Ham for APRS
Cell Amp
Weather Instruments (RM Young)

Stealth package:
Common package -
Weather Instruments

Obviously security is a primary concern. Many HAM radios now have the detachable faces as well as a few scanners. I've seen some pretty slick Cell Bluetooth setups that are really quite stealthy and pretty slick to boot (I saw one that everything was integrated into the rear view mirror).

Anyway, just a few thoughts on the matter....

 

[jason kissam]

might be something for the "pimp my ride" show on tv or some custom car shop to use as a promotional tool.

 

[Paul Austin]

How 'bout:

camera/laptop mounts
built-in power inverters
convenient antenna mounts
rain/mud tires
hail protection/panels ?

I certainly couldn't afford a custom, but a guy can dream, can't he?

 

[John Diel]

camera/laptop mounts

Now why didn't I think of that. Pretty obvious. Good catch!

built-in power inverters

Duh! I was figuring that as a given. Another good catch.

convenient antenna mounts

You mean there IS such a thing?

rain/mud tires

I wouldn't recommend mud tires or off road tires. I ran all purpose tires for one season in my truck and that was a mistake. They sing like there's no tomorrow and really don't help all that much. Rain tires, maybe. I've never had specific rain tires. This year I'm running General Purpose tires and last year I ran with standard truck road tires and never had trouble at all. However, it's still a good thought.

hail protection/panels

Lexan Bullet Proof Glass instead of standard OEM Safety Glass. Hmmm... There's another 10K in added extras

 

[John Erwin]

I'm afraid most of this is likely an exercise of the mind rather than reality for all but the independantly weathly.

I suspect most chasers outfit their own vehicles or use an experienced installer for items such as radios etc. Many chasers only need a vehicle that can get one there efficiently, and perhaps handle some poor conditions such as rain-covered roads or muddy side roads.

I would suggest there IS a market for items that would assist chasers in their installations however. More laptop mounts (especially generic solutions instead of vehicle specific ones), more camera mounts, radio mounts, dash mounts etc. How about gear storage items? Tripods designed for quick deployment and able to handle a lot of wind. Power solutions. I'm sure there's all kinds of "wish list" items that one could come up with.

In conclusion I can't see somebody making a go of something so specialized. Perhaps if they also did other kinds of installations/customizations this specialty could be something that one could offer to those willing to pay.

 

[Bob Hartig]

Excellent contributions, everyone. Thanks for all your input! From what I gather, the consensus is that...

a) a professionally crafted custom chase vehicle is a neat idea and you've got some pretty specific ideas about what you'd like to see in one, but
b) the cost would be prohibitive for all but a handful of chasers

I'll pass your ideas on to Jim. They'll at least give him something to chew on.

 

[Paul Austin]

Now why didn't I think of that. Pretty obvious. Good catch!

The obvious is what I usually forget as well.

I wouldn't recommend mud tires or off road tires. I ran all purpose tires for one season in my truck and that was a mistake. They sing like there's no tomorrow and really don't help all that much. Rain tires, maybe.

Yeah, I'm still looking for a decent compromise.

 

[Eric D B'Hymer]

It might be possible to find a person in the "firetruck or emergency services building trade" person that would do this on their own time. These vehicles are being made with gadgets everywhere, laptop mounts , radios, antennaes etc.... Just a thought.

 

[Jerry Prsha]

Lexan Bullet Proof Glass instead of standard OEM Safety Glass. Hmmm... There's another 10K in added extras

I installed a Lexan windshield in my Jeep because I've already gone through five windshields ($!)

$100 product and another $100 for install and will stop a .22 caliber bullet! It's not that expensive...

Jp

 

[Paul Stofer]

I installed a Lexan windshield in my Jeep because I've already gone through five windshields ($!)

$100 product and another $100 for install and will stop a .22 caliber bullet! It's not that expensive...

Jp

I wonder if that would work against hail on a sunroof.. Hmmmm

 

[Jerry Prsha]

I wonder if that would work against hail on a sunroof.. Hmmmm

Looks like the price has doubled.. But still cheaper than new glass all the time.

You can cut it with a sabre saw and suspend it somehow above the real glass?

http://www.roadlessgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?page=RGJ/PROD/A/RG130

Jp