31 replies to this topic

[Benoit_Dupont]

Hi Guys,

 

It's my pleasure to say that we launched yesterday our humble on-line shop: Alpscaferacers.com !

 

this is a small company founded on strong core values:

- make things locally

- make things durable

- make things respectful to the Classic Mini Spirit and its unique CaféRacer vibe.

 

you won't find there tousands of generic parts references.

 

What you will find however:

 

- high quality parts manufactured in France with material sourced locally (France and UK)

- unique and customizable on-line parts

- non-intrusive designs that let you revert back to original if you feel like it. 

 

More parts will come to our little shop as we are in discussion with more local craftsmen as well. we have some design ideas that we will continue to share with the TMF as we always did. 

 

If you share our values, you'll find yourselfs at home on Alpscaferacers.com

 

[cooperd70]

Fantastic news Benoit! I was wondering when you were going to start the manufacture and selling of the parts you've been showing us in recent months!

Right, I'm off to have a look at the website. Continue the good work and I look forward to seeing more items available in the future ????

[Benoit_Dupont]

Fantastic news Benoit! I was wondering when you were going to start the manufacture and selling of the parts you've been showing us in recent months!

Right, I'm off to have a look at the website. Continue the good work and I look forward to seeing more items available in the future

thank you so much for your kind words, as always ! I hope you are doing ok !

 

we have a limited product range, but I think it is good stuff. 

[Chris1275gt]

Good luck and best wishes for your venture.

[cooperd70]

Well I hope the range expands with time. Keep up the good work ?

[Benoit_Dupont]

Good luck and best wishes for your venture.

thank you Chris !!!

[Benoit_Dupont]

Well I hope the range expands with time. Keep up the good work

Yes it is going to expend. :)

[Benoit_Dupont]

Hi Guys,

 

just wanted to share with you something: this is  a custom key holder made for a fan of www.alpscaferacers.com :

 

 IMG_20200814_110650-W1000.jpg   65.79K   0 downloads

 

It is fully customized: shape, ring material, leather type and color, thread color, edge kote color. embossed Alps Café Racer logo!

 

For this request, I used here an combination of automotive grade black leather and veg-tan leather core for strength. The veg tan leather is also dyed red so it shows red as well through the ring hole.

The leather pieces are then folded and saddle stitched by hand. The edge is then burnished and sanded several times before I apply a few coats of red edge paint.

 

For those unfamiliar with leather work, edge kote is a soft maleable paint that does not become hard. it will follow the curves and movement of leather through its life.

 

Then the edge kote is sanded again and reapplied until I get a uniform enough edge finish. And a final edge kote varnish is applied for a glossy finish.

 

Finally the all piece is treated with natural bee-wax based conditionner to protect it and for finish.

Fancy something special for your Mini not on the catalog like this piece ? Your ideas are welcome!

 

Drop me a line !

 

 

 

[Mini Manannán]

Great news Benoit.  I like the look of your site and stock.  I think I might well have to have one of your switch panels   Good luck with your venture.

[Benoit_Dupont]

Great news Benoit.  I like the look of your site and stock.  I think I might well have to have one of your switch panels   Good luck with your venture.

thank you very much for your kind words ! 

It has been a lot of hard work to put this in place, but the response has been great. We are definitely not the cheapest of shops but I'm happy to see that people recognize the value of quality work for Minis. We won't become a big brand with 100s of 1000s of references, but it's not the plan anyway. I try to do what feels right while doing it. :)

 

cheers !

[Chris1275gt]

Hi Benoit
Fob arrived today, as expected faultless quality and enjoyable updates on the process.
Thanks very much.

Attached Files

•  IMG_0530.JPG   62.23K   1 downloads

[Benoit_Dupont]

Hi Benoit
Fob arrived today, as expected faultless quality and enjoyable updates on the process.
Thanks very much.

Hi !!!

 

thank you so much for your support ! I'm glad you liked it and the fact we shared with you how we made your part ! We share what we do for every custom handmade bit!

 

In this case, I think it is as black as it can be. :) 

 

cheers and thank you again !!!

[Benoit_Dupont]

New product incoming  at Alps Café Racers !

 

Hi guys ! I hope you are doing well, just wanted to let you know we are working on a range of gear knobs for classic minis: 

standard thread specs and premium local grown wood.

 

this first instance is old alps oak with a warm brown and black rib. 

 

 

 119932481_170378887978318_3200623198127893865_n.jpg   98.4K   8 downloads

 

stay tuned for proper pictures ! :)

[Mini Manannán]

New product incoming  at Alps Café Racers !

 

Hi guys ! I hope you are doing well, just wanted to let you know we are working on a range of gear knobs for classic minis: 

standard thread specs and premium local grown wood.

 

this first instance is old alps oak with a warm brown and black rib. 

 

 

119932481_170378887978318_3200623198127893865_n.jpg

 

stay tuned for proper pictures ! :)

 

Benoit, would we be able to get them in a thread suitable for the KAD quickshifter?  i can't remember what it is, it's one of those funny modern metric threads

[Benoit_Dupont]

 

New product incoming  at Alps Café Racers !

 

Hi guys ! I hope you are doing well, just wanted to let you know we are working on a range of gear knobs for classic minis: 

standard thread specs and premium local grown wood.

 

this first instance is old alps oak with a warm brown and black rib. 

 

 

119932481_170378887978318_3200623198127893865_n.jpg

 

stay tuned for proper pictures ! :)

 

Benoit, would we be able to get them in a thread suitable for the KAD quickshifter?  i can't remember what it is, it's one of those funny modern metric threads

 

Sure I can. however I don't know the KAD thread. :)