| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| GarryVH |
Posted - 10/29/2008 : 13:28:54
Greetings all,
I am considering trying to fabricate replacement sheet metal parts for B-series tractors which are NLA. To start, I am thinking that I would try something relatively simple, like the bright metal trim pieces on either side of the front grill of an AC B-10.
My brother-in-law works in a sheet metal shop and fabricated a set of exact replacement B-10 grill trim pieces out of stainless and they look great (I will post pics on this site soon). Before I approach him about making a production run, I would like to get a feel for approximately how many people might be interested. I would then have another discussion to figure out what he would have to get dollar-wide to make it worth his while.
If that effort were to be successful, I might try something more involved, like a sheet metal body trim panel, or maybe a hood, a grill piece for something like a Big-10, or maybe replacement deck belt guards for 42" mower decks. My brother-in-law has access to a CNC punch press that could spit out a Big-10 grill in no time.
In addition, I have a friend who operates a very well-equipped one-man machine shop. I was thinking I might ask him to figure out what it would cost to manufacture replacement hood hold-down B-10 wing nuts, which are NLA. Does anyone out there need replacement wing nuts?
I would like some ideas on other parts that people think would be good candidates for replacement manufacturing, both sheet metal and machined. It does not matter what the part is or how complicated it is, just let me know.
So everyone knows, I am not secretly in the business of fabricating replacement parts for Simplicity tractors, and I am not floating a subtle questionnaire that I can use as a tool to help me make a business decision. I am a Simplicity enthusiast who is frustrated that a growing number of parts are NLA and would like to try to do something to solve the problem. |
| 5 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| mjd |
Posted - 04/22/2009 : 20:36:14
Garry,
I am interested in the hood bolts. Toad on simpletractors recently quoted $50 for a set with wings and $45 without. Not sure if he is still making them. To be complete, I would like the whole setup -- spring, flat nut, nut ready to go with wings.
I hear you load and clear on the NLA stuff. I am also looking for a battery hold down setup for a 110. Originality isn't paramount to me, but it has to be functional and in character with the machine. I use my tractors as well as admire them.
Mike
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| 4xbill |
Posted - 10/31/2008 : 07:15:46
I guess I would be interested in the hood bolts. However, cost does matter. I wouldn't pay 10 bucks a bolt. Maybe $3 or $4. |
| B112 |
Posted - 10/30/2008 : 08:38:36
Garry, Definitely float this idea out and let's see what others think. |
| GarryVH |
Posted - 10/30/2008 : 06:20:49
Michael,
My friend with the machine shop has previously indicated a willingness to help me with parts - I just have never followed through. I am going to take one of my hood wing nuts and ask him: 1)is it something he could make without a huge up-front investment of time; 2) how much $; 3) can it be made in stainless; and 4) how much $ (over the years, I have developed a preference for stainless). Obviously cost is the bottom line - if it is prohibitively expensive, it doesn't matter how much in demand it is or how nice it is.
Years ago, my brother-in-law fabricated replicas of the two brackets that attach the 42" deck to the front axle - this was a one-off project and no money changed hands. It is anotherr matter entirely when you start talking about production runs. I will see him over the Thanksgiving hoiliday and seriously broach the subject. He is now in a shop where they do sheet metal work (from very thin gauge to over 1/2"), welding (spot, TIG and MIG)and some machining, so in theory, it would be possible to create replicas of more complex parts.
Like I said earlier, I am not looking to go into the reproduction parts business. I do not have the financial resources, business management skills, or energy to be successful. Having said that, I would be willing to do some upfront leg work to help an established business person (or persons) realize that there is a market for certain types of parts. |
| B112 |
Posted - 10/29/2008 : 17:49:08
Sounds great. We're all trying to help each other with this hobby.
re: Replacement wing nuts? At some point I hope to get to a restore worthy enough. Right now I'm a parts collector planning to do a restore and slowly assembling machines with only stock parts. I have a handful of those, but not really restoration worthy; more just classic original worthy.
I like hearing folks are trying to organize list and references on where to find them. Glad to hear interest here.
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