The streets of Gotham are safe again. Ok, for the purpose of being factually correct, the streets of Qatar maybe, thanks to Knowsley based Rubber component manufacturer Ley Rubber, sister company of COH-Baines.
Held in the same esteem as the DeLorean from The Back to the Future Franchise, the 1989 Batmobile, from Tim Burton’s Batman reboot film series is one the most distinctive and iconic movie vehicles of a generation. It’s inspired design, every bit suited for the dark and brooding character of the caped superhero.
Originally built for the 1989 Batman film starring Michael Keaton, this famed car was never meant to be driven on the roads. However, after being acquired at auction by a Qatari Prince for nearly £1 million, the sleek Batmobile was shipped back to the UK for an important restoration project.
Answering the Batman SOS
The new owner wanted to drive his new acquisition on the streets of Qatar, but there were some problems to solve first. Ley Rubber, the manufacturing arm of COH Baines, faced the challenge of designing an effective weatherproof seal for the iconic Batmobile, ensuring it could withstand the elements while also dampening vibrations from body panels.
The Batmobile however, is no ordinary car.
Entry to the vehicle is actually a sliding roof panel, providing access to the cockpit. Moreover, the car features two pop-up panels housing missiles (yes, you read that right) that also needed waterproofing.
With decades of experience in the design and manufacturing of bespoke rubber components and a renowned expertise in transportation and the classic car industries Ley Rubber were the obvious choice to tackle the unique demands of this one-of-a-kind vehicle.
Sealing the Deal
After careful evaluation, our Commercial Manager conducted a thorough evaluation and successfully provided a tailored sponge rubber solution, effectively sealing the roof to protect it from the elements. This meticulous process not only prevented water from entering the missile compartments but also eliminated the bothersome vibration noise originating from the bonnet.
Jon Holbrook, Head of Commercials said:
“This was a very special project and needed a unique design. We created a large sponge bubble profile on one side of the roof then a half dome solid sponge 16mm base which when closed sealed the roof completely. As well as this and on the top of the door where roof slides back, we used a SRS135 rubber component to ensure the vehicle was weatherproof.”
“To prevent the vibration issue on the bonnet we used a small U channel profile IRS0840, which worked like a charm.”
Classic Car Experts help the Dark Knight Rise again.
COH-Baines are renowned in the automotive industry for their range of exceptional rubber components for a wide portfolio of classic cars, but that’s just half the story.
Our sister company Ley Rubber has a reputation for tackling some of the industries’ most challenging projects, designing and manufacturing rubber parts that even Superhero’s rely on!
So, if you are ever in Qatar, and are trying to solve the riddle of why Batman is patrolling the desert state rather than Gotham City. It’s no joke, the superhero has had some help from an unsung hero. COH Baines and Ley Rubber - championing quality and excellence in a world that won't settle for anything less.