Brad, I have heard of another group that proposed to make parts for
British cars. The part was a transmission housing but that is not really
important. For suppliers like TRF, Moss, et al, to purchase these parts
may conflict with their contractual agreements with the British Motor
Heritage supplier who holds the rights to that part. They would not
jeopardize their good standing for one part. So I've bee told.
I don't know what the answer is to these unobtainium parts but I would
suggest that you may have to address the rights holder.
Hope this helps.
Vic Whitmore
76 Spitfire (in the body shop)
Thornhill, Ontario
Brad Kahler wrote:
>
> Listers,
>
> I had another chat with my friend that is involved in manufacturing
> engine heads and other components. They are seriously looking into
> doing short runs (500) of engine heads for various vehicles. They
> would basically be suppliers to places like the Big 3 and other
> smaller sales outfits. Basically what he was telling me that for it
> to be profitable enough and still keep the cost down they need an
> order for approximately 500 heads. Once they receive an order the
> total time in the loop is somewhere around 6 months. The biggest
> technical problem they have at the moment is finding a foundry that
> is capable of producing cast iron castings of high quality that is
> located here in the states.
>
> Apparently most places only want to deal in aluminum castings
> anymore. They can also do crankshafts, connecting rods and some
> other misc items. What it boils down to is if the demand is
> there they would make them. (so whats new!) Good news is that they
> may have located a foundtry here in the states. He will be visiting
> them sometime in the next week or so to work out the details.
>
> So..... in a way its up to us to make sure that places like Moss,
> TRF and VB know that there is a demand for these parts.
> Surprisingly, the rough (very rough) estimated wholesale cost of
> something like a spitfire 1500 head was only around $325 delivered to
> seller.
>
> Off course there is always the sellers markup. But at least from my
> perspective I was expecting the wholesale price to be higher.
>
> I would like to do an informal survey of my own and find out how many
> of you would now or in the foreseeable future buy a new manufactured
> head for a spit 1500. If so, should it be stock or have some mods
> done to it?
>
> Part of the problem they have is gauging demand. Which is
> understandable,at least in my mind anyway.
>
> Sorry if this turned out to be a boring writeup. I just felt some of
> you might be interested!!!!
>
> Thanks
>
> Brad (In Lincoln Nebraska 402-464-1502)
>
> 1964 Spitfire4 BFC25720L (In "Teething" Mode right now)
> 1966 TR4A CT72398L (Car is finally home and ready for
>Restoration)
> 1951 Dodge Truck 82217766 B-3-B-108 (Frame back in garage and ready to
>paint)
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