Thanks for the appreciation Ron!
It does take time to go thru this process, but approaching it step by step and
getting as much info as possible helps. That info comes from all the generous
owners whose day jobs happen to be parts managers, mechanics, engineers,
shippers,retailers etc. so lots of good info coming my way. Even the critics
have helped because there are often valid points or at least issues to explore
to make the best product possible. This is a bit of work but also kind of fun
and it's nice to be able to give a tiny bit back to the Roadster community. I
have been reading the List for many YEARS and it is only thru it have I begun
to understand what it takes to get one of our cars on the road...and mine
finally made it, unlike many that have owners unaware of the resources we have
here.
I also appreciate everyone's patience. The process of checking each step in
the manufacturing process is the routine protocol and especially important for
a small project like this. Rareparts has been very patient with me, and us, in
agreeing to do this at all. I think they are a little amused that I am doing
this but perhaps that has helped in the long run.
I look forward to the next step in the process.
Linda
-----Original Message-----
From: ronday@tlabgalaxy.net
To: datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net
Sent: Sun, 5 Nov 2006 7:21 AM
Subject: Re: Ball Joint project update 11/5
> Linda
>
> To update, I received the ball joint prints and plastic sample model of the
> ball joint for our cars this past week from Rareparts. The model is for
> unloaded test fitting and measuring only as they are rather fragile. There
> will be actual metal samples later to do a full test fit on a car. A metal
> specification check is also planned to test the material composition as soon
> as the metal samples are received.
> The model lined up perfectly with sample ball joints I picked up from Skip
> Miller of Miller Sports Imports in Pasadena, CA on Friday. Skip has been a
> Datsun mechanic for many many years and knows the cars extremely well. He was
> nice enough to also loan me a control arm and spindle (?) for the test fit,
> measurements etc. I told him that I hope as many owners as possible will be
> back to see him with part in hand for the actual installation on their cars.
> He has some little tricks to make installation easier and faster and has lots
> of info to offer along with his service. I hope to bring my car to him at some
> point. He is also very friendly as most Roadster owners are!
>
> So far with preliminary checking, the model matches the print specifications
> provided by both Rareparts and the Taiwainese manufacturer. Yes, I got out my
> little digital caliper and measured the sample multiple times , as did a
> friend of mine, just for fun. Not the final word but I was curious about how
> close everything was. An additional engineering check is planned and I am
> hoping they can do the check quickly..
> I think the part looks good and am happy that there is progress being made.
> I will keep you all posted..
> Any questions, comments, from buyers are welcome, please email.
I hope that following the development of this project has helped others
realize how difficult, not to mention expensive, it can be to recreate
seemingly "small" parts for our toys. If we'd realized early in the life of
the cars, maybe we'd taken better car of them. :>)
Seriously, Linda, thanks for investing your time and effort to see this
project through.
Ron
________________________________________________________________________
Check Out the new free AIM(R) Mail -- 2 GB of storage and industry-leading spam
and email virus protection.
|