Hey guys and gals,

Since I work at my dad's CNC machine shop, I went and made some battery tie down's for the 99+ year of the Protege.

Just a quick background, I run the Vancouver Protege board at MPSport.net (http://www.mpsport.net). The Tie down's I've made currently have our logo on it, and i'm in place to make some more for the Toronto Protege Club (http://www.toprotege.com) with their logo.

Currently the only pictures I have now are at located here (http://www.mpsport.net/images/tiedown/index.htm).

These are straight of the machine, with very little polishing, and haven't been anodized yet. I've quickly installed in my car so you get a idea of what it looks like.

http://www.mpsport.net/images/tiedown/images/MPSport%20Battery%20Tie%20Downs%20011.jpg

Pricing for here in Canada runs at: (Canadian Funds)

$50 - Tiedown itself. NOT anodized, polished aluminum.
$55 - Tiedown anodized (clear coat). Recommended if you wanted to keep the aluminum look but with a anodized clear coat on top.
$60 - Tiedown anodized (colored, several colors avali)
$70 - Tiedown anodized (clear or colored) with your nick name engraved on it, or something else engraved. This would give tiedown a more CUSTOM look to it, and underneath the MPSport.net (or your club) logo would be your nickname if you wanted.

Some people have said the pricing is too much, but from what I've seen on the internet, is that this is VERY cheap compared to those DC ones made for Honda Civics, that generally go for $45+ USD. Plus these can be made custom for you!

Anyways just wondering what you guys think so far. I'll post more pictures once I get them anodized and such, which should be later this week. Also if there is enough interest, I'd love to be able to make some nice ones up for Protegeclub.com and send down a whole bunch for you guys...

Thanks for your input! ;)

Great job! I wouldn't mind paying that much for them, your prices aren't that high. You've got a really unique product there.

Ya looks great!!! now ya just gotta do something about that ghetto fuse holder there :D :D :D :D

any 1st gens around you? i may want one.

That is one great lookin peace on metal :D

Count me in. Especially if you can customize the lettering.

ive got a first gen. i want one too:D

Originally posted by mazdaspeedwest
Ya looks great!!! now ya just gotta do something about that ghetto fuse holder there :D :D :D :D

Lol, yeah I know. :p That was put there when I first got the car, when I didn't really know anything about cars. It was for my aftermarket fog lights. I'm in the process of changing that completely. :D

any 1st gens around you? i may want one.

Have you got a picture of what your tie down looks like? I just know they haven't changed it in the '99 '00 '01 '02 cars so it will work for all those. I don't mind making some for the 1st gen as long as I can get at minimum 5 people who want them, cuz it does take some time to program, setup, etc etc. I don't know anyone here with a first gen unfort.

Thanks guys for the input. I really appreciate it!

Just to clarify tho, the main logo on the tiedown would have to be the same because that does take the longest to do. So if protegeclub.com has a logo that would be engraved in the middle. Then underneath would be where you could get your name/nickname/whatever engraved if you wanted.

I do have a paypal account, but my main concern would be shipping, duty, etc etc as I've never really done anything like this before. I'm guessing if I could send a bulk shipment of them to a few areas, that might be the best, not sure... but if you knew a few guys in your area that wanted some, then I could send you a few... anyone done this kinda thing before?

Also I've only made 5 for now as a test so people could see what they looked like, etc etc. I'm going to be making a LOT more now, which will be a TAD smaller (in width, maybe line 1/8") and a lot lighter. It does seem a little thick, however we have taken out a lot of material from underneath. Also from what you cannot see in the pictures is that there are 2 holds on both sides, that grab the battery (like the stock tie down) however this is all one peice.

Wow, nice looking bracket there. I was just going to spray mine but looking at yours now, I may have to change my mind and pick up one of your versions. You also answered my question by telling me it also has the side brackets to hold the battery, perfect.

As for logos, how about just MP5 on the top or for that matter the Mazda "M" logo? That way it will be even more generic. I would be more interested in it being the M as then I can paint it and then sand away the paint to reveal the M in aluminum colour. Let me know if you can do that and I will buy one.

As for price, it is not too bad considering it is a cutom piece and anodized. Quality costs.

Originally posted by skyhawk174
Wow, nice looking bracket there. I was just going to spray mine but looking at yours now, I may have to change my mind and pick up one of your versions. You also answered my question by telling me it also has the side brackets to hold the battery, perfect.

As for logos, how about just MP5 on the top or for that matter the Mazda "M" logo? That way it will be even more generic. I would be more interested in it being the M as then I can paint it and then sand away the paint to reveal the M in aluminum colour. Let me know if you can do that and I will buy one.

As for price, it is not too bad considering it is a cutom piece and anodized. Quality costs.

I like your line! Quality Costs... plus my time! hehe, my dad's shop's been pretty busy, so i'm running these off at night, and since I work at my other job 5-9, I'm gonna be running these off from 9:30pm - wee hours in the morning!

I had considered doing a PROTEGE or MAZDA logo on them, which obivously would make them more generic as you said.

The only problem I don't want to face is trademark, etc etc, specially since I'm not giving them away for free. And I'm guessing if I asked Mazda if I could use their logo they may charge me? I dunno? Anyone got any info on this sorta stuff?

'Protegeclub.com' would be pretty generic, not sure if it would fit though hehe, anyways they look great, I'm definetely interested.

Originally posted by gujustud


I had considered doing a PROTEGE or MAZDA logo on them, which obivously would make them more generic as you said.

The only problem I don't want to face is trademark, etc etc, specially since I'm not giving them away for free. And I'm guessing if I asked Mazda if I could use their logo they may charge me? I dunno? Anyone got any info on this sorta stuff?

Yup, as soon as I posted I thought about it. Definately tradmark infringement so doing the Mazda logo would be not good. However, I could get one plain and pick up a mazda name plate at the junk yard and stick it on. That way no one gets in trouble. On the other hand, "MP5" should be okay since no one has that and is really a derivative of the MP3 logo.

Any other parts in the engine compartment to change :D.

Let me know when I can get one. Also, what is your name?

I for one think the pricing is a little high. That said, there aren't many other choices out there. So, since I would never pay $70 for a non-performance underhood mod like this, I may be interested in a plain anodized one.

damn. i really like that. and i need a tie down bad. only problem is, that little screw that it ties down to on the strut tower area broke off. any ideas on how i could fix that in order to get one?

ben

nice looking battery tie down. :bigthumb: i'd also be in if you could make them for the 1st gens. :D

Originally posted by pantherES
I for one think the pricing is a little high. That said, there aren't many other choices out there. So, since I would never pay $70 for a non-performance underhood mod like this, I may be interested in a plain anodized one.

A few people have said that, then I told them to go and look at pricing for tie down's for cars like Honda Civics. DC makes them, and your looking around $45 US minimum. Also they only come in 3 colors (I have more of a choice), and you don't get any custom engraving if you want it. Secondly, most tie down's that are sold are a simple rectangle, with no side clamps to hold the battery, nor the top lip to connect to the strut. The design on the 3rd gen is totally different, and requires a lot more work, and also programming. Plus my pricing is in Canadian remember, so it works out pretty cheap if you consider what your getting.

Originally posted by benf000
damn. i really like that. and i need a tie down bad. only problem is, that little screw that it ties down to on the strut tower area broke off. any ideas on how i could fix that in order to get one?
ben

Not sure Ben. Have you checked with your dealership to see how it can be fixed? I'm guessing its a simple bolt from under the strut that sticks upwards...

Originally posted by titocruzsd
nice looking battery tie down. :bigthumb: i'd also be in if you could make them for the 1st gens. :D

Cool, thats 2 1st gens that want one. I just remembered the guy who works across from us, has a 1st gen, I'll take a look on tuesday.

Hey Amish

Just thought I would revitalize this tread and find out if you had a chance to get any of the battery tie downs with MP5 done as yet. I'm ready for mine if you did any.

Originally posted by gujustud
Plus my pricing is in Canadian remember, so it works out pretty cheap if you consider what your getting.

I overlooked the fact they were in Canadian. So, do you have them really to go then? I'm for sure interested in one now.

Originally posted by skyhawk174
Hey Amish

Just thought I would revitalize this tread and find out if you had a chance to get any of the battery tie downs with MP5 done as yet. I'm ready for mine if you did any.

I sent you a PM....


Originally posted by pantherES


I overlooked the fact they were in Canadian. So, do you have them really to go then? I'm for sure interested in one now.

Hehe, well thats just it, if it was US pricing, it wouldn't be no different that the other tie down's out there made for civic's etc etc, that are WAY Too over priced.

Right now I only have them with MPSport.net engraved on them.

Does anyone know the legality (sic?) of putting PROTEGE, PROTEGE5, MAZDA, etc etc on them? Do I have it get it cleared by Mazda first?

Originally posted by gujustud
Does anyone know the legality (sic?) of putting PROTEGE, PROTEGE5, MAZDA, etc etc on them? Do I have it get it cleared by Mazda first?

What about two lines, smaller font on first line saying, "powered by" then normal font "Mazda."

powered by
MAZDA

Would that be a patent thing? You're just stating the obvious. :D

Also, what happened to the pictures?

Originally posted by pantherES


What about two lines, smaller font on first line saying, "powered by" then normal font "Mazda."

powered by
MAZDA

Would that be a patent thing? You're just stating the obvious. :D

Ohhh good idea :D. I like it. As for legality, I would think that if you do not use the same style as Mazda or the logo then it should not be a problem. How about if I took a felt marker to the side of my car and wrote that. Okay so I would not do that but you get the point. I think it is okay but I'm no lawyer.

Originally posted by skyhawk174


Ohhh good idea :D. I like it. As for legality, I would think that if you do not use the same style as Mazda or the logo then it should not be a problem. How about if I took a felt marker to the side of my car and wrote that. Okay so I would not do that but you get the point. I think it is okay but I'm no lawyer.

Chris - The difference is you wouldn't be making money by having that written on the side of your car.

It becomes an infringement issue because he would be using mazdas trademarks - EVEN the word mazda, nevermind the font - to make money and Mazda wouldn't be recieving any residuals from it.

Something like protegeclub would be ok because there's no mention that we're actually talking about the MAZDA protege. Same as MP5 or P5 - there's no official copyrights on those terms so they would be safe. As long as the word Mazda isn't mentioned 'in the same breath'

IE:
You can say Protege but not Mazda Protege
Protege 5 but not Protege5
MP3 but not Mazda MP3
etc.

Originally posted by pantherES
Also, what happened to the pictures?

woops, tehe, we moved our host, and I forgot to move those images on the new host... should be up in a few min...

Originally posted by sandman


Chris - The difference is you wouldn't be making money by having that written on the side of your car.

... Mazda wouldn't be recieving any residuals from it.

Something like protegeclub would be ok because there's no mention that we're actually talking about the MAZDA protege. Same as MP5 or P5 - there's no official copyrights on those terms so they would be safe. As long as the word Mazda isn't mentioned 'in the same breath'

IE:
You can say Protege but not Mazda Protege
Protege 5 but not Protege5
MP3 but not Mazda MP3
etc.

Thanks for clearing that up... so thats where I'm left at. Thats why I wouldn't mind making a whole bunch with protegeclub.com if people would like that.

How would you like just PROTEGE

i seriuosly doubt that Mazda will come bustin down your door for a small quantity of tie downs with some form of Mazda logo on them, not like your mass producing them and shipping worldwide. Yes, true you are technically infringing the law, but a limited quantity, made by and for Mazda enthusiasts is not going to get you sued. As nice as they look, you may want to talk to the Motorsports division....catch my drift....

besides, your not trying to market them as MAZDA tie downs, or using the MAZDA name to gain recognition to YOUR product, your not even a company, the product is of your own making and the logos are purely cosmetic. It would be along the same lines if you were to put a Mazda sticker on them, or a Honda sticker or a Toyota sticker.... As long as you don't claim they are MAZDA tie downs or Honda tie downs, etc...they are not. They are YOUR tie downs with a customer ordered custom cosmetic engraving.

What if you put USA on them? would the FBI be beating down your door? It's all in what words you use and how you use them to market the product.

Hey man,
I am very interested in one...get me some details (dr_gaspaa@hotmail.com) and maybe we can set something up. I'm in Canada so shipping and all that stuff would be no problems.

Originally posted by gujustud


Thanks for clearing that up... so thats where I'm left at. Thats why I wouldn't mind making a whole bunch with protegeclub.com if people would like that.

How would you like just PROTEGE

Okay before you make those protegeclub.com ones I would like my MP5 :D. Personally I would think you would sell more MP5 or Protege ones as it is vehicle related instead of club related. Nothing against that but I am getting the club stickers for my rear windows so that should be enough. Thanks man.

I agree. I would rather a protege one than protegeclub. Personally, I'm good for a plain one, but if it NEEDS to say anything, Protege it is.

grrr, so MANY ideas...

okay okay okay.. <breathe>

I think I'll make the MP5 and Protege ones then.. its a done deal

Now question is graphics, has anyone got any nice clean images of MP5 and Protege??

Thanks...

Hi Amish

As you may know MP5 does not exist remember, as it is a play on the MP3 logo. At least that is what I am told.

Your current design is pretty close so would it not be a simple matter of adding a vertical bar to the S to make it a 5. Just wondering. I would think you would also have to centre it.

Anyway, I'll take your first MP5 one, no anodizing. I have plans to spray it red and mask out the lettering so that it shows up as aluminum after.

nice work ill take a mp5 one.:nod:

Hey Guys,

I finally got back the 5 sample tie down's I took in for anodizing.. for some reason the pictures don't look that great, and maybe a little dull, but the tie down's on the other hand look SWEET in person!!

http://mpsport.net/images/tiedown/anodized/images/MPSport%20Battery%20Tie%20Downs%20036.jpg

Check em out here (http://mpsport.net/images/tiedown/index.html)

(btw the grey one is a clear coat)

They look nice. Now it's time for the Protege ones :D

1 Clear Coat please

Originally posted by pantherES
They look nice. Now it's time for the Protege ones :D

1 Clear Coat please

Thanks! I'm working on the Protege Logo... I'm just gonna take the actual logo of Protege and use it, I've received some other emails, and I've been told if I just use PROTEGE and not PROTEGE5 I can get away with it...

Originally posted by pantherES
I agree. I would rather a protege one than protegeclub. Personally, I'm good for a plain one, but if it NEEDS to say anything, Protege it is.

as would i, if you want to represent a club online you should have it on the outside where ppl can pass by and say, "ooo i'll check that out!" whereas they would pass by and won't see anything since its under your hood, if you drive with your hood off, they still won't see it since its too small.

Originally posted by pr5owner

... if you drive with your hood off, they still won't see it since its too small.

LOL!!! :D

Yeah, well I didn't have a logo to go with it at first, so we thought we'd just use our club logo for now.

I'll be making a new order with MP5 / Protege ones soon...

they look sweet as hell, nice craftsmanship dude!

but for the record, mine could say rice racer for all i care, it's a function peice, not a fashion peice. IMHO

but we need to talk, as i want something a little out of the norm... PM me or email me, no rush, just whenever. I still need to figure out exactly how i want it anyway.

Love the look. Great job! Now the big question is how can I get my hands on one? Let me know. MedicNYS

I will definetley buy this one for my mp5.
are you still selling these?
please email at bluenote125@hotmail.com
Thanks~;)

sorry for the late reply. I've been really busy. I ended up quitting my work at Rogers AT&T Wireless, and will be working full time now at my dad's place, so I can get more of a move on these Tie Down's, and other stuff. I just came back from the IMTS (http://www.imts.com) show in Chicago, and i'm leaving for LA this thursday. I'll have time to get on these once I get back next week... please hold tight! =)

Thanks!

it's great to hear from you.
I thought u left our forum, keke j/k :p
Take your time, and have fun in LA. ;)

ok i want a battery tie down anodized that says MP3 on it. can i get that? tell me where to send my money to
l_minus_l@hotmail.com please email me soon! :D

Atta way to bring a thread back from the grave!

If these are still happening, I'd like to get a clear one, too.
Do you make 'em that say "P5"? If not, I'll go for the "Protege".

gugustud, pm me and we'll work out the payment details. Thanks!

PM'ed you man. good looking piece.

can u make a battery tie down in orange and say Mazdaspeed? I would definately want one if you have....?

lol, didn't know this was brought back from the dead, but with the number of PM's, I'd figured it was.

I am in the midst of making them. I've completed one side of them. Its been VERY tough getting machine time at the shop however since we are VERY busy. We are looking into another contract at the moment, and if we do get it, we will be buying another smaller CNC VMC which will be PERFECT for me to do these parts on. I'm been buggin my dad to just go and buy it... we'll see what happens. I've kept EVERYONE on a list that has emailed/pm'ed me so far, so ONCE they are ready to go, you will be messaged.

Options for engraving will be PROTEGE, MP5, and MP3. If there is enough requests, MSP will be one.

I will not be doing PROTEGE5, MAZDASPEED for copyright reasons, which has been brought up several times before.

gujustud!!! you should of told me if this thing was in stock again :(
let me know if custom engrave is possible..if not put me down for mp5 one anyway ok?? ;)

im still down for an Mp3 one in silver

i want one .... if u got contact info , let me know ... im interested in purchasing one in either chrome or red, but dont know of the lettering, can u put anything on it ???

Danny

just want to know if you make them for the 97s, you probably already specified models, if so ill definitly take one just pm me with pricing and shipping info....i want either blue or polished...thanx

Gujustud

Red MP5 for me:D .

pr5zoom

I'm in,

ONLY one problem. I use Optima battery which is much shorter than factory installed battery.. Is there anyway you could measure and custom make the tiedown to fit the optima battery's??

Please let me know..

Thanks in advance

Originally posted by P5s_LetsRoll
I'm in,

ONLY one problem. I use Optima battery which is much shorter than factory installed battery.. Is there anyway you could measure and custom make the tiedown to fit the optima battery's??

Please let me know..

Thanks in advance

how was the installation of your optima battery? I was thinking about getting them.

Optima Batter Installation -

Very easy, take the Strut tower bar off, place and holder. OPTIMA battery is to large at base to fit correcty in holder however, That is why i need tie down ASAP..

I had to remove Strut Tower, because of Injen CAI. Otherwise I think it would just be remove cables, cover, and tiedown & simply swap batteries.

Helped with light dimming a little bit, they are still dimming though with about 600Watts pulling off them. But these alternators are major stepping alternators ( i think that's what you call it ) because higher revs the lights don't dim at all. I might bump my idle up..

OPTIMA batteries are the BOMB;)

Later

thanks :) how much did you pay it for it? I think local pepboys sells it for $105 or more.

Red "MP5" when they're ready.... if you please. ;)

Thanks for the great work!

Take care,

Jim

jmackenz@insight.rr.com

Amish,

Remember to post this over at toprotege.com when you're ready to roll with 'em (you are making 'em for the P5, aintcha? :D ).

Cheers,


dr_"watching a nerve-wracking Toronto/Philly hockey game"_sarcasm.

Amish you rule man! Can't wait for mine but, I have bug you enough. Good job though.

1, blue, with my call sign: 90210

Let me know. L8R A

I'm in. I want a blue one to match my laser blue p5. Can you engrave this on there? I just want the logo but not the words. I can send you a money order anytime you want. Pm or email me any time.

http://www.geocities.com/import2nrprelude/

Thanks.

Please put me down on the list!! I was also wondering if you could do anodized yellow, if not, polished will do just fine. Not to sound repetative, but you do custom engraving right? PM me when you get some made and we could talk about it. Thanks!

I would like one of these....e-mail me or pm me when u have the next batch ready...I would be looking for a red anodized one

falkofire7@hotmail.com

Any progress??

yeah..what's up?

Any progress on these?

Originally posted by pr5zoom
Gujustud
Red MP5 for me:D .


And me!
Whenever these are ready, I'm ready to send you some dough!

Thanks,
Nate

Hi Amish

Thanks again for the tie downs. Here is a shot of it installed with its new decals too


http://members.shaw.ca/chris174/P5/Battiedown.jpg

What the hell???? Chris got his already? OK Amish, I get it, it's the white thing ain't it? Haha, kidding. Do I still get one? Chris, the tie looks good! Mine probably does too, if I ever get it.

Remember the set I got for our club had no engraving as you can see. We got plain ones and we are putting decals. Plus I'm special and you're not :laugh: :laugh:

Originally posted by 90210brandon
What the hell???? Chris got his already? OK Amish, I get it, it's the white thing ain't it? Haha, kidding. Do I still get one? Chris, the tie looks good! Mine probably does too, if I ever get it.

lol... yeah i sent him them with no engravings.

i finally got the machine for a few days. Just setup today...

any progess on mine guju. remember the silver ones with sp20 engraved on them. i sent you quite a few emails but recieved no reply.

I'd definitely get one if you could make it ....

mee too, but i'd have to request an Optima battery option (it sits like 2" lower than an OEM battery)

id take one, but how much will it be in US currency?
id want it silver with clear coat and MP3 engraved on it

Originally posted by Minus
id take one, but how much will it be in US currency?
id want it silver with clear coat and MP3 engraved on it

all updated info here: http://www.protegeclub.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=31263