Tom:
Congrats on both the search and the prize! Can't argue with your
assessment of Moss--they're good, but having it in hand helps :-)
Best regards
David Sosna
Tom Witt wrote:
> I want to thank everyone for their input on my search for steering rack
> cover clamps to replace the (leaking) pull ties that came with the replacement
> covers. Unfourtunately, most proved to elude my procurement. Some ideas might
> have eventually worked, but at a cost of time, expense relating to the value
> of the item and frankly I wanted it in my hand to see if it would work for
> sure.
> I have included all the ideas I got not to insult all or any, but just to
> bring the point home as to how hard it is to find (with reasonable time/cost
> relating to the item) something so simple as a 3/8" by 2-1/2" hose clamp
> regardless of a wealth of valuable knowledge to draw from.
> I actually did find what I needed. I will tell you how at the end.
>
> Bob Palmer: Actually there was no gap from the tight ties as you thought might
> have happened. Sorry, but $100 for concours ties are a bit out of my budget (I
> did save the original ties though - hummm.. might be worth something on
> Ebay)!
>
> John Webber: John you were on the right track, but frustrated (see below) I
> took a different course from the VW dealer.
>
> David Sosna: I saw the illustration at the Moss Motors web site, but without
> exact sizes listed I was a bit concern. I also tried the Subaru/Mazda dealer
> with a resounding "No." As you said "the quest is more satisfying."
>
> Joe S.: I tried the local Honda motorcycle shop, but they said "no have." Not
> that the 18 year old kid that took 10 minutes to wait on my seemed very
> interested in looking much.
>
> Erich: McMaster's is lots of McMoney. A very extensive, but expensive route.
> Yes, even for hose clamps on my limited budget (it's a stubborn money
> principle thing with me). Also as with Moss Motors I didn't want to wait and I
> did want to see firsthand what I was getting just to be sure.
>
> Bob: In a pinch I would have used multiple small clamps, but I was hoping for
> a more correct replacement.
>
> Peter S.: I did see some of the 80's Toyota clamps, and at this moment I can't
> remember why they wouldn't work, but I think they were too small.
>
> Bob Lerch: My concern with the CV boot clamps is finding the right size. Too
> often these store want application only, and are unwilling to sift through
> boxes to find them by size. Some places showed me their boot clamps, but most
> were about 3"-4" and they would be too large.
>
> Steve Laifman: O.K. Steve you didn't reply to the matter, but I just know you
> were probably thinking "Luky's." I did drive into Burbank and go there, but
> they only had very large and wide clamps.
>
> O.K. John Webber was on the right track (VW dealer). However, after a
> number of other dealers and a lot of "No's" I was fed up and just decided to
> go with my original alternative - Pick A Part. There are three Pick A Part
> type yards all located within a mile of each other in the San Fernando Valley.
> There are likely THOUSANDS of cars at these yards, BUT after a thorough search
> there were only two cars that had the clamps that would work. The Mid 1980's
> Audi 5000 Turbo (with intercooler only), and the Mid 1980's Volvo Turbo (I
> think they all were intercooled). It was the air cleaner - intercooler - turbo
> clamps that did the job. And not all of them either, some were a bit too large
> (make sure you get the right ones).
> Both of these clamps are 3/8" and leave only about 1/2" excess after
> tightened. They also are slightly curved up at the edges (unlike regular
> straight cut - read that sharp - clamps) and should be easy on the
> "accordian-ing" covers.
> I think I got the cars correct:
> Mid 1980's Audi 5000 Turbo (with intercooler only) says: Norma 50-70 on the
> band.
> Mid 1980's Volvo Turbo Intercooled says: Awar on the screw cover and 50-65 on
> the band.
>
> Thanks again to everyone. In my original post I stated:
> >>>Sadly I feel I'm headed for my 1001st "search for three days, drive 100
> miles ordeals."<<<
> Hey it was only 1-1/2 days and 70 miles I guess I should be thankful.
>
> Tom Witt B9470101 (a former 1986 Audi 5000 (intercooled) Turbo owner who
> should have remembered)
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