Hi all,
Sorry to say that for the last three years, some SCCA race has conflicted
with VTR. And I guess there is no reason to think 98 will be any different.
Oh well.
And what an active list this has become! More average posts, as of late,
than vintage or even brit cars. Great.
I'm pleased to announce that we have 16 axles on the list and should be OK
with the minimum order from the supplier. I just tried to call them but all
of their sales staff was out for a "big trade show". I'll try Monday and
report back.
For those of you who may be wondering what this project involves: In the
spring of this year, we decided to look into the possibility of reproducing
the TR3-4 axle shaft with an eye toward improved durability and, of course,
cost. Uncle Jack and I parterned up and developed a working drawing,
material and heat treat specification that was sent to about 10 shops for
quotation. Most declined to quote. A couple others offered quotes that can
be taken as nice ways of saying "no thank you" ($400+ per). One well
regarded firm came back with a cost of $145.00 ea. Resonable we think.
The axle design is very similiar to the original with the major
modification being an increased radius at the bearing stop which
necessitated a seperate relieved collar to be press fit over the taper. It
was felt that this area was the critical stress area. We hope this mod will
eliminate fracture here. In addition, most of the other radiuses were
increased as well. The stake mark for the keyway was eliminated (should
have been 40 years ago).
The axle should be a bolt in change using the same seals and bearings as
original.
We looked into various alloys and Uncle Jack even went so far as to call in
a favor from an associate metallurgist that really knows his stuff. The
recommendation was good old 4140 with zone induction hardning in 2 key
areas, the spline and the taper.
We feel this will be a cost effective improvment over the original "British
steel" axles. The also will have 100% of their cyclic life. They will not
be a bolt it in and forget it upgrade and should be included in your
regular tear-down inspections. Crack test on an annual basis, please.
I have the quote print on hand and would be happy to fax it to anyone that
has an interest. Just let me know.
It's pouring outside, wheres my surfboard.....
Chip
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