hi guys,
I packed up my prototype and documentation and paid a visit
to Rare Parts, in Stockton CA. My host was Marshall Giorgi,
with whom i've had several phone conversations about the R&P
conversion.
http://www.rareparts.com/index2.html
Marshall and I sat down and outlined what I hoped to learn from
my visit;
1. Are the three outer t/r part numbers available off the shelf?
If not, how hard would it be to make them?
2. Are the three inner part t/r numbers available in a longer
Length? if not, how hard would it be to make them?
Together we poured over my spreadsheets and Marshall double
checked a couple of parts numbers in their system. He agreed
with my conclusions that only three inner t/r and six outer
t/r part numbers would cover almost all of the Fords from
the early sixties to early seventies.
We were both stumped by the part number for the early Mustang
because of it's small .448" taper, and lack of application listing.
Taking the part number we went out to the warehouse and he
actually found one on the shelf. Rare Parts has an extensive
sample inventory. They claim to have one of everything, and it
sure looks like they do.
Marshall then took me on a tour of the rest of the plant. They are
certainly ready to back up their claim that if they can't get it,
they'll make it. They have an extensive inventory of every
suspension
part you can think of. And they have a huge inventory of components
to make anything you need. Their machine shop area is very clean
and well lighted. I saw lots of different parts being made, centerlinks
and ends, stainless sway bar links, and power steering eliminators.
We then went into the testing facility where Marshall introduced me
to Danny who's in charge of breaking things. They had a whole cabinet
filled with parts that had been stress tested to failure. We then reviewed
my design for the center link and tie rods for the conversion. They said
some nice things about my plans, it was great to have my ideas
acknowledged by folks who do this for a living.
Danny mentioned that it takes 6000# of force to pull the late 80's Ford
inner tie rod apart. By coincidence he had one of the part numbers I
had identified on the bench about to be tested. After going over my
earlier conversation with Marshall, Danny agreed that our next steps
are to answer the two issues above.
Finally as Marshall walked me out and he agreed that sourcing or making
the parts need for my R&P kit is definitely something they'd be interested
in. He said they would also be open to making the special studs, tubular
center link, and spacer block. I need to get him spec drawings so that
he can put together a complete bid.
This visit was a huge step toward making the kit available for purchase.
their design advice, their production capacity, and their enthusiasm will
ensure that the kit will be robust...