Dog Guard

[cmdavis3rd]

In an effort to make things a little safer for travel with my German Short-haired Pointer I have been in search of a dog guard for the CX-7. The only thing that I have been able to find it the universal SUV type. I don't care for how that installs in the car since it is a pressure fit and with the way the back seat slants it would take up more room that I would care for.

Apparently Mazda UK sells one. I have ordered one (paying out the butt in shipping, but it is what I want so it will be worth it) and wanted to judge the possible demand for others that might want one. I can use mine to have others made. It looks to be about £100 (current exchange rate make it about $196 USD) before the £125 or so in shipping.

Other than me, anyone interested in a dog guard that was designed to fit the CX-7? Here is a picture:

http://homepage.mac.com/carldavis/misc/dogguard.jpg

Once I get it (should be sometime late next week) I can get some production quotes but it would be nice to have an idea of how many people might also be interested.

[Benfolio]

I would be VERY interested. Wanted to go the same route with my 5 but was quoted over $300US for a euro spec Mazda guard BEFORE shipping.

Please keep us updated!

[Alpha Wolf]

I could use one too with my two big dogs.

But $200 for a dog barrier?????

Ouch

[cmdavis3rd]

I could use one too with my two big dogs.

But $200 for a dog barrier?????

Ouch

I agree, 200 is a bit much, however, none of the "universal" solutions are acceptable for me. I don't think they would hold in the event of a crash since they are are pressure fit. This I think would hold a bit more so that the passengers wouldn't be hit with a flying dog in the event of a crash or roll over. It also appears to use existing mounting points for attaching along with the ability to remove it fairly easily.

I am not too worried about the part price, but I am hoping that there will be a few more people who would want something like this so I can make some of the shipping charges back.

I was able to get the shipping charges reduced by about half by shipping it through my FedEx account instead of the company they were going to use. Should ship Monday and be here either Wednesday or Thursday.

If I do produce a few of these I don't think it will be $200. I am guessing around $100, but I won't know for sure until I get it in and have it quoted. I could even have it powder coated a tan to match the black interiors and the tan interiors. There would have to be a lot of interest for that to happen, but who knows....

[Alpha Wolf]

$100 black and fits right...

I would be in for one.

(yes)

[CXTiger]

It would be nice if Mazda had a custom fit dog barrier readily available in the United States.

I purchased a dog barrier that works well with the CX-7. It is made by Midwest Homes and can be purchased online at any major pet retail store. It is the 14N wire mesh model. It cost me under $100 including shipping.

There is one problem that arises from the fact that the ceiling has a bump (this bump encloses the center rear seat belt). Since the barrier is intended to hold its place by touching the ceiling , the bump causes the barrier to look slightly misaligned. This does not impact its effectiveness, but can be annoying if you care about aesthetics.

To fix that problem, I simply bought a wire cutter and cut the edge of the wire mesh to go around the bump. This allowed the top part of the wire mesh to follow along the ceiling and avoid the bump completely. I've had no problems since then and it effectively keeps my very active german shepherd from drooling on the leather :)

Hope that helps.

[mmolenda06]

We're thinking of getting a Rottweiler and I would like to confine him to the trunk. If it's less than $100, black, and molds to the bump, I would probably buy one. Will it be easily removable? CXTiger, is your easily removable or is it more or less a permanent solution. I'd be interested in something that can be removed when not in use. I know this is a long shot.

[cmdavis3rd]

We're thinking of getting a Rottweiler and I would like to confine him to the trunk. If it's less than $100, black, and molds to the bump, I would probably buy one. Will it be easily removable? CXTiger, is your easily removable or is it more or less a permanent solution. I'd be interested in something that can be removed when not in use. I know this is a long shot.

So I got the guard yesterday and have been busy drawing it up to make it easier to quote to get produced. While I have not installed it, I have placed it in the car to see how it fits and it fits really nice. It is easily removable (unscrew 4 knobs, one of which you can see in the picture, where the roof bracket attaches to the mesh) and even works with the rear cover thing installed.

When I get a chance I will post some pictures.

Installation looks to be about 20 minutes worth of work, if that. The only drilling involved is enlarging two existing holes in the roof so that you can insert the Rivet Nuts. You will need access to a Rivet Nut Insert tool for what appears to be a 6x1.0 thread. McMaster has one for about $18 however it only works with that thread size (unlike the more expensive install tools which have interchangeable thread size stems). As I know more I will pass it along.

[CXTiger]

We're thinking of getting a Rottweiler and I would like to confine him to the trunk. If it's less than $100, black, and molds to the bump, I would probably buy one. Will it be easily removable? CXTiger, is your easily removable or is it more or less a permanent solution. I'd be interested in something that can be removed when not in use. I know this is a long shot.


Yes, the guard (Midwest Homes 14N model) is fairly easy to remove. Essentially, the wire mesh barrier is three separate pieces (or panels). The center panel is the main panel and the two side panels attach to the center panel to cover the width of the car. It can be removed by pulling it out at an angle, or, to be extra-cautious, by removing one panel prior to pulling it out.

I prefer a vehicle barrier that does not involve screwing any holes into the car. This barrier satisfies that preference and also makes it easier to remove.

[cmdavis3rd]

I prefer a vehicle barrier that does not involve screwing any holes into the car. This barrier satisfies that preference and also makes it easier to remove.

Technically you are not screwing any holes into the car. You are taking something that is already existing and enlarging it. Going from say, 3/16" hole to say, 5/16". Then installing a rivet nut.

[cmdavis3rd]

Ok, so I got it installed tonight. Very simple. Took about 20 minutes with taking pictures.

Step 1) Remove to plastic rivets in the ceiling on the left and the right side of the car
http://homepage.mac.com/carldavis/cx7/image1.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/carldavis/cx7/image2.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/carldavis/cx7/image3.JPG

Step 2) Drill the existing hole to enlarge it so you can insert the Rivet Nut
http://homepage.mac.com/carldavis/cx7/image4.JPG

Step 3) Insert the Rivet Nut (You will need an M6 Rivet Nut, assuming that you got yours OEM and they are still providing that size. You can get an M6 mandrel from McMaster-Carr, item number 95585A280)
http://homepage.mac.com/carldavis/cx7/image5.JPG

Step 4) Assemble the left and right brackets that attach to the lower part of the frame
http://homepage.mac.com/carldavis/cx7/image6.JPG

Step 5) Place the left and right bracket over the rear seat bracket loop thingy
http://homepage.mac.com/carldavis/cx7/image7.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/carldavis/cx7/image8.JPG

Step 6) Tighten the two halves together using an allen wrench
http://homepage.mac.com/carldavis/cx7/image9.JPG

Step 7) Attach the frame to the left and right bracket using the plastic knob
http://homepage.mac.com/carldavis/cx7/image10.JPG

Step 8) Attach the roof bracket to the frame and to the Rivet Nut that was inserted in the ceiling in step 3
http://homepage.mac.com/carldavis/cx7/image11.JPG

Step 9) Tighten all six plastic knobs and you are done. To remove, loosen the left and right lower knob and either the knob on the ceiling or on the frame. Obviously if you remove the knobs from the frame the ceiling brackets will remain in the car.



Without rear cover:
http://homepage.mac.com/carldavis/cx7/installed1.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/carldavis/cx7/installed2.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/carldavis/cx7/installed3.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/carldavis/cx7/installed4.JPG


With rear cover:
http://homepage.mac.com/carldavis/cx7/installed5.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/carldavis/cx7/installed6.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/carldavis/cx7/installed7.JPG

[UpNorth]

that was a really helpful how to post. Thanks so much. Looks like it will work well. If I had a dog I'd be in line for one.

[CXTiger]

cmdavis3rd: Thanks for posting pictures and instructions. It is really helpful to see actual shots of the guard pieces and final product. Does the dog guard make any rattling noises when you drive?

Even though I currently have a universal dog guard that works fine, I'd consider purchasing this guard if it becomes more readily available and cheaper.

[cmdavis3rd]

cmdavis3rd: Thanks for posting pictures and instructions. It is really helpful to see actual shots of the guard pieces and final product. Does the dog guard make any rattling noises when you drive?

Even though I currently have a universal dog guard that works fine, I'd consider purchasing this guard if it becomes more readily available and cheaper.

You are welcome. I agree, the pictures do the item a lot more justice than me trying to describe it. The guard does not rattle at all, so long as you have the attaching knobs tightened. I am meeting with my metal stamper on Monday and my wire guy is working on a quote. Hopefully I will know more about the price soon.

[cmdavis3rd]

Just a quick FYI for those that are following this thread, I was involved in a fairly significant car accident on Monday morning. A kid pulled out in front of me from a side street and I had about 20ft at about 40mph to react. Due to that and a few minor injuries I have not been able to progress on the pricing. As things open up for me I will get back on it. Sorry for the delay

[Benfolio]

Ouch! Sorry to hear about that, hope everyone is okay.

I'm going to talk to my Mazda rep. about trying to get MNAO to offer this here based off of the interest here, hell I'd even put a order in for a bunch if they can keep the price reasonable.

[cmdavis3rd]

Benfolio, thanks for the well wishes. Everyone has been okay. Any luck getting the Mazda Rep to do anything?

I do have an update on my approach:

After settling with the insurance company for the property loss and 13 days after owning my new car, I was the 3rd car in a 3 car rear end accident. Someone in a CR-V rear ended an F150 that then rear ended me, crushing my rear bumper and pushing things out of wack to where the trunk wouldn't close. Good news is now it is in the body shop and I am having some nicks and dings in the front end and have added the 2008 M3 rear spoiler to the car. Bad news, I have driven 11 cars in about 35 days. Uggg.

So, my time has been fairly limited between work, insurance companies, and the baby. The wire vendor I was going to quote the main grid backed out due to the low quanity. I do have another vendor that deals in low quantity, however I need to know how many would be interested in the unit if it was priced between $100 and $150.

If I can get 50 people interested then I can use the higher production wire guy that can save us some money making the unit closer to $100. If 50 people or less are interested in it then I have to use the lower quantity vendor making the part a little more expensive, probably closer to $150.


Carl

Ouch! Sorry to hear about that, hope everyone is okay.

I'm going to talk to my Mazda rep. about trying to get MNAO to offer this here based off of the interest here, hell I'd even put a order in for a bunch if they can keep the price reasonable.