Custom seat covers & steering wheel cover for Slate by Madeline Ronzoni (Happy Rugs)

[SparkYellow]

That is the perspective of an executive gearhead. As a practical gearhead, I think about where in the cab to store essential items like collapsible cones, fire blanket, tire inflator, power station, basic tool kit, and etc. I can toss my bag anywhere on the seat or floor. 🤷

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She can point to specific bits of the Slate model that were directly influenced by her personal experiences. "We have a very low console, and we created a really nice, big open space to accommodate a handbag. It's a nice place to put a purse that you've invested a few dollars into. You care about it. You want to keep it secure, but you also want to make sure that it stays clean. This is a thing that women know and talk about so we have this open tray, which also works for a computer bag."​

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[Ewwgas]

They need to have someone with taste do some customization. These are just goofy.

 

[KevinRS]

That is the perspective of an executive gearhead. As a practical gearhead, I think about where in the cab to store essential items like collapsible cones, fire blanket, tire inflator, power station, basic tool kit, and etc. I can toss my bag anywhere on the seat or floor. 🤷

My thought is that space that becomes the rear footwell in the SUV, if it could be accessed from the truck cab would be ideal for that kind of stuff. Accessing it from the bed by removing the cover would be one thing, but requires an empty bed, and is either inconvenient or insecure. From the cab with some kind of door covering the area makes it a space a thief would never think to look unless the truck becomes very very popular, out of sight, and accessible. Also still leaves the frunk for luggage or groceries etc.

 

[null98115]

This is just silly. First the useless wooden tailgate and now this. Where's the substance Slate? Not some superficial arts and crafts like this. Show us electrical diagrams and CAD files.

This sort of design work is far more interesting to the average consumer than electrical diagrams and CAD files. As a career marketer, I think it's brilliant.

 

[SichuanHot]

This sort of design work is far more interesting to the average consumer than electrical diagrams and CAD files. As a career marketer, I think it's brilliant.

The Slate Truck isn't for the average consumer. Slate's whole schtick is that it's a stripped down truck where power windows are optional leaving the user to customize to their heart's content including things to the electrical system. The average consumer wants all the modern amenities ready to go, which is the antithesis of Slate.

Pretty much all of Slate's advertising shorts are already trying to tell those average consumers that "oh hey look our tiny stripped down truck can do basic things like haul some 2x4 and fit 3 people." If Slate wants to change course on that initial differentiating factor, that's fine. However that's not going to set it apart from all the other vehicles out there.

 

[KevinRS]

They've got to go for multiple different customers. They didn't get 100k reservations in 2 weeks just from utilitarian diyers.
It's still too early for electrical diagrams and CAD files, though they will come.
How many major well known manufacturers have changed specs, engines etc even mid-model year?
My father had I think an 86 Corrola and according to all the manuals the engine it had was from the 87 model year. Stuff changes. Once they actually have the first trucks coming off the line the specs will be more established. What would you even do with wiring diagrams and CAD files a whole year out anyway?

 

[SichuanHot]

They've got to go for multiple different customers. They didn't get 100k reservations in 2 weeks just from utilitarian diyers.
It's still too early for electrical diagrams and CAD files, though they will come.
How many major well known manufacturers have changed specs, engines etc even mid-model year?
My father had I think an 86 Corrola and according to all the manuals the engine it had was from the 87 model year. Stuff changes. Once they actually have the first trucks coming off the line the specs will be more established. What would you even do with wiring diagrams and CAD files a whole year out anyway?

You're right, they probably got reservations because everyone discovered the truck because of news outlets making headlines about the $20000 price. Rationalizing the limitations of what that price confers came afterwards.

We're almost into Q1 2026 and the Slate is slated to start delivering for MY2027, which isn't a lot of time. Diagrams and CAD files are just examples of the technical stuff that the DIY and tinker audience for this truck would want to see. The supposed openness to tinkering is what sets the Slate apart and so far there's no info or technical documentation to whet the appetite for those who want it. It could be something basic like CAD drawings of the interior, similar to what Ford did with the Maverick.

 

[SparkYellow]

I appreciate that Slate is trying to reach a wider audience. An average consumer can become intrigued and decide that hey this will work for me or my family. I got pulled in here because of the price, minimalist design, and DIY potential, not so much for artistic customization. Who in the world would want those trinklets on the dashboard? 🤦 Now that I think about it, diagrams and CAD files will look hella cool on the vinyl wrap. It shows that the driver has more brains than muscles. Nothing wrong with flames decals though.

 

[E90400K]

What CAD files do we want? The tail light and blinker light covers? The fenders? Dash panels? Or the DeDion rear axle and motor/transaxle? Frame? I doubt Slate is going to release much in the way of CAD files for the proprietary design elements. The entire truck is not going to be open source, there is too much trade secret info developed that Slate and its few investors are going to give away for free to the public.

 

[cadblu]

What CAD files do we want? The tail light and blinker light covers? The fenders? Dash panels? Or the DeDion rear axle and motor/transaxle? Frame? I doubt Slate is going to release much in the way of CAD files for the proprietary design elements. The entire truck is not going to be open source, there is too much trade secret info developed that Slate and its few investors are going to give away for free to the public.

I suspect the open-source CAD files will stop with exterior components as it relates to the body (think bumpers, fender flares, lighting, step rail, roof racks, etc. Regarding interior items, the center console, door panels and storage, floor mats, DIN mounts for audio / speakers and other electronics. Agree that other proprietary elements will not be included but will be 3D laser scanned by aftermarket sellers. Just think how Weather-tech became established, custom made everything for your car.