Armadillo Designs Aluminum Hardtop

[Splint3r]

Hi I’m alive! Not re-deployed per se just a PCS and a new kid! For some reason I stopped getting notifications in this thread but holy smokes a lot has happened. Don’t worry though, I’m in the military so you know you can trust me!

Great to hear that you are still around! Good luck at your new station. If Roach has arrived there with you, would you be able to provide numbers on sheet thickness for the top: Gull wings/windows, top panels, frame? All the same as current production? Thanks in advance!

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[BroncoBill44]

I’ve spent a descent amount of time around Sam and Fabian at this point and seen their business, so I’ll try my best to answer some of the skepticism that’s been going around.

Fabian and Sam were in Sema a few years back for a truck shell they designed in college, which got the attention of Texas Fab Co. They made a deal to work out of their shop for a cut of the profits which enabled them to actually create a business, because like most people out of college they were otherwise broke and not able to start a company. During Covid they saw the Bronco hard top market open up and shifted all of their development over to the hard top instead, working with BroncBuster (who frequents Texas Fab Co) to make the top.

Right when I got my Raptor in 2022 it started having problems with the top and so did thousands of other people, so I started researching different options. I came across armadillo and asked if it fit a raptor. Fabian responded saying they hadn’t tested it yet so I proposed leaving it with them for a few months while I was…working. For the next year or so I worked closely with them to ensure fitment on the raptor and provide feedback on changes on the top. This made me fairly knowledgeable on it so I started answering questions where I could about it and just asking him for answers on others. That being said I have a direct line to him and if you reply to this with questions you have for him I will get you an answer.

As for the trust issues with them I can positively say they are not malicious like some other companies out there, but they are young. Both in age and as a company. They are also very good at learning as they go. So yes, the terms and conditions probably don’t make sense because they’ve never made any before. They can’t make a deadline because they’ve never had one before (and they are battling with Texas Fab Co continuously). Shipping was delayed because they had to fabricate a structure to hold the top and negotiate with businesses for the cheapest price to ship it. But they are extremely motivated to make a name for themselves and make yall happy. They have yet to even take a pay check from their own company because 100% of the money goes back into producing orders and growing the company. The “partying” in Vegas that was referred to earlier was gifted to them by TIS wheels (the people hosting the event) because Armadillo paid for the 2-Door Bronco with the new hardtop to be in their booth and they like Armadillo as a company. Vaughn Gittin Jr and all of the RTR crew was there as well, so I guess it’s safe to say they are just as reckless?

This is a new company with a new product and there are risks associated with that. If you’re afraid they will go out of business or won’t deliver your top you can try a more reputable brand like, say, ADV, but turns out you can’t trust them either.

I can’t predict the future and I don’t know what’s going to happen to Armadillo Designs in 10 years, 5 years, or even 1 year. I put my trust into them because I want to see them succeed, I’ve seen how tirelessly these dudes work, and I like their product. If you don’t, then just don’t buy it or request a refund, it’s not that hard.

This was a lovely thanksgiving read… much appreciated. I have been waiting a while and do trust that my top will be delivered and that I will love it. I truly appreciate the daily insta updates just to keep us in the loop. Anywho, thanks for the post and Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[zyglyrox]

According to their social media more tops are being installed at the facility. My email remains empty of shipping notifications for the top that was expected to be done last week. Or…was it the week before? I don’t remember.

I think you need a week away for the internet dude.

 

[TheLawnDart]

Great to hear that you are still around! Good luck at your new station. If Roach has arrived there with you, would you be able to provide numbers on sheet thickness for the top: Gull wings/windows, top panels, frame? All the same as current production? Thanks in advance!

One of the random tidbits I picked up was that all the tops are made with 1/8” 5052 aluminum. Is that what you’re looking for or do you want more detail?

 

[SierraBronco]

That being said I have a direct line to him and if you reply to this with questions you have for him I will get you an answer.

Seems you have forgotten what started this last round of the thread. Customers looking for updates and getting zero answers for weeks on end. We don’t need a middleman. We want communication from them.

(and they are battling with Texas Fab Co continuously) that’s reassuring

Vaughn Gittin Jr and all of the RTR crew was there as well, so I guess it’s safe to say they are just as reckless?

Seriously?

 

[SierraBronco]

I think you need a week away for the internet dude.

Not feeling motivated to go back through the thread for a timeline

 

[mcinfantry]

I’ve spent a descent amount of time around Sam and Fabian at this point and seen their business, so I’ll try my best to answer some of the skepticism that’s been going around.

Fabian and Sam were in Sema a few years back for a truck shell they designed in college, which got the attention of Texas Fab Co. They made a deal to work out of their shop for a cut of the profits which enabled them to actually create a business, because like most people out of college they were otherwise broke and not able to start a company. During Covid they saw the Bronco hard top market open up and shifted all of their development over to the hard top instead, working with BroncBuster (who frequents Texas Fab Co) to make the top.

Right when I got my Raptor in 2022 it started having problems with the top and so did thousands of other people, so I started researching different options. I came across armadillo and asked if it fit a raptor. Fabian responded saying they hadn’t tested it yet so I proposed leaving it with them for a few months while I was…working. For the next year or so I worked closely with them to ensure fitment on the raptor and provide feedback on changes on the top. This made me fairly knowledgeable on it so I started answering questions where I could about it and just asking him for answers on others. That being said I have a direct line to him and if you reply to this with questions you have for him I will get you an answer.

As for the trust issues with them I can positively say they are not malicious like some other companies out there, but they are young. Both in age and as a company. They are also very good at learning as they go. So yes, the terms and conditions probably don’t make sense because they’ve never made any before. They can’t make a deadline because they’ve never had one before (and they are battling with Texas Fab Co continuously). Shipping was delayed because they had to fabricate a structure to hold the top and negotiate with businesses for the cheapest price to ship it. But they are extremely motivated to make a name for themselves and make yall happy. They have yet to even take a pay check from their own company because 100% of the money goes back into producing orders and growing the company. The “partying” in Vegas that was referred to earlier was gifted to them by TIS wheels (the people hosting the event) because Armadillo paid for the 2-Door Bronco with the new hardtop to be in their booth and they like Armadillo as a company. Vaughn Gittin Jr and all of the RTR crew was there as well, so I guess it’s safe to say they are just as reckless?

This is a new company with a new product and there are risks associated with that. If you’re afraid they will go out of business or won’t deliver your top you can try a more reputable brand like, say, ADV, but turns out you can’t trust them either.

I can’t predict the future and I don’t know what’s going to happen to Armadillo Designs in 10 years, 5 years, or even 1 year. I put my trust into them because I want to see them succeed, I’ve seen how tirelessly these dudes work, and I like their product. If you don’t, then just don’t buy it or request a refund, it’s not that hard.

havent taken a paycheck on 2 years of development and orders. Well, i stand corrected. If they aren’t taking any money out the company at all. Then unlike adv and archtype they absolutely will deliver all the tops. All the money in is going out to production. Interested to see if its sustainable.

you do know you can blow capital as a business owner and not take a paycheck, right?


also

They can’t make a deadline because they’ve never had one before (and they are battling with Texas Fab Co continuously
clarification,
they never had a deadline so no customer can be mad they never made a non existent deadline?
-or-
they still dont have one

and battling the parent company is bad, fyi… not good

 

[Splint3r]

I’ve spent a descent amount of time around Sam and Fabian at this point and seen their business, so I’ll try my best to answer some of the skepticism that’s been going around.

Fabian and Sam were in Sema a few years back for a truck shell they designed in college, which got the attention of Texas Fab Co. They made a deal to work out of their shop for a cut of the profits which enabled them to actually create a business, because like most people out of college they were otherwise broke and not able to start a company. During Covid they saw the Bronco hard top market open up and shifted all of their development over to the hard top instead, working with BroncBuster (who frequents Texas Fab Co) to make the top.

Right when I got my Raptor in 2022 it started having problems with the top and so did thousands of other people, so I started researching different options. I came across armadillo and asked if it fit a raptor. Fabian responded saying they hadn’t tested it yet so I proposed leaving it with them for a few months while I was…working. For the next year or so I worked closely with them to ensure fitment on the raptor and provide feedback on changes on the top. This made me fairly knowledgeable on it so I started answering questions where I could about it and just asking him for answers on others. That being said I have a direct line to him and if you reply to this with questions you have for him I will get you an answer.

As for the trust issues with them I can positively say they are not malicious like some other companies out there, but they are young. Both in age and as a company. They are also very good at learning as they go. So yes, the terms and conditions probably don’t make sense because they’ve never made any before. They can’t make a deadline because they’ve never had one before (and they are battling with Texas Fab Co continuously). Shipping was delayed because they had to fabricate a structure to hold the top and negotiate with businesses for the cheapest price to ship it. But they are extremely motivated to make a name for themselves and make yall happy. They have yet to even take a pay check from their own company because 100% of the money goes back into producing orders and growing the company. The “partying” in Vegas that was referred to earlier was gifted to them by TIS wheels (the people hosting the event) because Armadillo paid for the 2-Door Bronco with the new hardtop to be in their booth and they like Armadillo as a company. Vaughn Gittin Jr and all of the RTR crew was there as well, so I guess it’s safe to say they are just as reckless?

This is a new company with a new product and there are risks associated with that. If you’re afraid they will go out of business or won’t deliver your top you can try a more reputable brand like, say, ADV, but turns out you can’t trust them either.

I can’t predict the future and I don’t know what’s going to happen to Armadillo Designs in 10 years, 5 years, or even 1 year. I put my trust into them because I want to see them succeed, I’ve seen how tirelessly these dudes work, and I like their product. If you don’t, then just don’t buy it or request a refund, it’s not that hard.

@TheLawnDart Thank you for stepping into the vaccuum and trying to fill the void. Thanks for the information on the thickness. You seem like a nice guy and are certainly generous with your resources: your time and your Raptor. Not sure I would have been so willing to let a couple of guys, regardless of age, hang onto my $90k machine hanging sharp metal parts off of it while I was out of town regardless of what they may have provided. So, well done.

If you have a direct line, perhaps suggest that they open an account here and dive in with a detailed and meaningful response?

Regarding the response provided above, there is so much to unpack in the last three paragraphs. They are just.. I don't know where to start. Let me park it here for now; it is movement and the words address but do not answer the questions asked.

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[SierraBronco]

@TheLawnDart Thank you for stepping into the vaccuum and trying to fill the void. Thanks for the information on the thickness. You seem like a nice guy and are certainly generous with your resources: your time and your Raptor. Not sure I would have been so willing to let a couple of guys, regardless of age, hang onto my $90k machine hanging sharp metal parts off of it while I was out of town regardless of what they may have provided. So, well done.

If you have a direct line, perhaps suggest that they open an account here and dive in with a detailed and meaningful response?

Regarding the response provided above, there is so much to unpack in the last three paragraphs. They are just.. I don't know where to start. Let me park it here for now; it is movement and the words address but do not answer the questions asked.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Easy on blowing other people’s money there, pardner. It would cost them $100/month to open an account on this forum that is dedicated to the only vehicle they currently have a product for. With social media the account is free and you can delete unwanted comments. This place is basically the Wild West. Much easier to just have a third party send them links. Wouldn’t want to directly interact with their customers in a public forum. That shit is scary.

 

[TheLawnDart]

havent taken a paycheck on 2 years of development and orders. Well, i stand corrected. If they aren’t taking any money out the company at all. Then unlike adv and archtype they absolutely will deliver all the tops. All the money in is going out to production. Interested to see if its sustainable.

you do know you can blow capital as a business owner and not take a paycheck, right?


also

They can’t make a deadline because they’ve never had one before (and they are battling with Texas Fab Co continuously
clarification,
they never had a deadline so no customer can be mad they never made a non existent deadline?
-or-
they still dont have one

and battling the parent company is bad, fyi… not good

Yes I’m aware, but it shows they are more interested in growing the company and delivering products than a cash grab

You can (and probably should) be mad that they missed the deadlines. All I’m saying is it shouldn’t be surprising a start up missed a deadline. It should be surprising when a company like ADV or even Ford misses deadlines by a matter of years. So definitely keep the pressure on them to get the products to you, but I don’t think it’s enough to warrant questioning the integrity of the company.

Battling the parent company is absolutely bad, and was the upfront cause of many delays. Those were mostly a result of not having manning during COVID to produce prototypes and changes of material pricing. As far as I know that was all ironed out.

 

[SierraBronco]

Yes I’m aware, but it shows they are more interested in growing the company and delivering products than a cash grab

You can (and probably should) be mad that they missed the deadlines. All I’m saying is it shouldn’t be surprising a start up missed a deadline. It should be surprising when a company like ADV or even Ford misses deadlines by a matter of years. So definitely keep the pressure on them to get the products to you, but I don’t think it’s enough to warrant questioning the integrity of the company.

Battling the parent company is absolutely bad, and was the upfront cause of many delays. Those were mostly a result of not having manning during COVID to produce prototypes and changes of material pricing. As far as I know that was all ironed out.

Covid was over almost three years ago.

 

[TheLawnDart]

@TheLawnDart Thank you for stepping into the vaccuum and trying to fill the void. Thanks for the information on the thickness. You seem like a nice guy and are certainly generous with your resources: your time and your Raptor. Not sure I would have been so willing to let a couple of guys, regardless of age, hang onto my $90k machine hanging sharp metal parts off of it while I was out of town regardless of what they may have provided. So, well done.

If you have a direct line, perhaps suggest that they open an account here and dive in with a detailed and meaningful response?

Regarding the response provided above, there is so much to unpack in the last three paragraphs. They are just.. I don't know where to start. Let me park it here for now; it is movement and the words address but do not answer the questions asked.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Luckily it was *only* $68k when I bought it! But they treated it very well, I never had any concerns leaving it with them.

It’s supposedly fairly pricey for them to have a business account on here so never made one. He did say he’s planning on sending out an email soon with a video explaining the process of the tops and what exactly is happening in their shops. Bring as transparent as possible.

 

[TheLawnDart]

Covid was over almost three years ago.

Listen man I don’t work for the people and I’m not “sponsored” by them. I like them and I’m on this forum trying to help the best I can. Have a good Thanksgiving, it’ll all be okay.

 

[SierraBronco]

Listen man I don’t work for the people and I’m not “sponsored” by them. I like them and I’m on this forum trying to help the best I can. Have a good Thanksgiving, it’ll all be okay.

Not sure why you feel attacked by the statement of facts. Covid is long gone. Using that as an excuse for anything at this point is pretty pathetic.

Hey could you use your direct line to ask them what they’re doing for customers that paid them months ago? Any molle panels for us too or nah? Again, look at this without bias…they are now having Black Friday sales. Wouldn’t that suggest they’re trying to clear out older inventory that hasn’t been moving? It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to be incentivizing new customers when you still haven’t delivered to customers that paid for their product a year ago. Seems peculiar…

 

[Ninjak]

Not sure why you feel attacked by the statement of facts. Covid is long gone. Using that as an excuse for anything at this point is pretty pathetic.

Hey could you use your direct line to ask them what they’re doing for customers that paid them months ago? Any molle panels for us too or nah? Again, look at this without bias…they are now having Black Friday sales. Wouldn’t that suggest they’re trying to clear out older inventory that hasn’t been moving? It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to be incentivizing new customers when you still haven’t delivered to customers that paid for their product a year ago. Seems peculiar…

I am partly to blame for this.....Or I can be added to it. I have hammered them for 2 weeks on a BF sale. Particularly one involving Molle panels. Now I did not know what the sale would be, but here we are. Hell I have the same question lol. However, 10% off products works for me as well, as I had already purchased the side Molles with my order. I want the rear panel now.

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