Repro Parts No Longer Available

[Flathead]

Originally Posted by Synchro909

I make my own water pumps that will never wear out - at least not my lifetime nor my children's. I looked into producing them but by the time I had patterns made, the castings made, then machined, the cost of the other components and shipping were considered, it wasn't going to be viable. Then came the clincher. To Americans, they would be foreign made so they would be reluctant to buy them, even though the quality would have been light years ahead of anything now on the market.
The number of sales I would need to break even was too high to be worth it. Given that there would not be any repeat sales because of the high quality, I gave up. Even if I sold one for every Model A powered by an original engine (or a Burtz engine), the market wouldn't be large enough.
I understand Terry's decision but I'm not sure enough of the owners of these cars do.

I have nothing but respect for you guys! I would not be deterred!

[Chris Haynes]

Originally Posted by JKY

Need a U-Joint or a radiator? Good luck. Front springs? Not available (the ones made in China can still be had). Hope it's just a supply chain thing and will correct itself.

Brass Works has radiators. Posies has American made springs.

[Pappabob]

Not sure what conclusion to come to but this problem doesn't appear to be confined to Model A parts. My son and I just about finished a major update on a 1957 Chevy using a 283 SBC motor. Even buying new parts that USED to be associated with factory level quality come with no guarantee of quality or dependability.
Had a Pertronix distributor we thought was causing issues so we wanted to try a original points style distributor as a troubleshooting test. Purchased a "Delco" set of points that turned out to not be able to hold a gap adjustment. Obviously, currently foreign made or totally lacking in quality control. Another aftermarket "performance" distributor that "killed" my idle speed oil pressure because the distributor housing was a few thousands undersize.
In a few years there's only going to be one gas station per county anyway so ??? does it really matter????

[ronn]

In a few years there's only going to be one gas station per county anyway so ??? does it really matter????
Pretty much what they are saying in France. I dont see it happening here for another 50 yrs........ electricity grids will never supply all of America. Juice still has to be produced.

[Russell Reay]

Originally Posted by Oldbluoval

Looks like yours are BW
Have they corrected 30-31 problems?

I have a new BW radiator for my 30. It seems to fit Ok, but I need to stretch the shell in a couple places to align the bolt holes, and I may need to cut ~1/4" off the support rods to fit. Not sure if this is a problem with the new rad, or with the original parts I am trying to fit to it. One of my greatest frustrations is determining when a fitment error is due to poor mfg quality, and when it is my lack of experience in confronting the issue at hand. You guys who have restored multiple cars can make that distinction fairly well, but this is my first, so I am learning on the fly

[Bob Bidonde]

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All electric cars will not come to pass in my opinion. Hybrids make sense, but not all electric cars.

[Oldbluoval]

There are numerous posts about the 30-31 BW radiator fit problem. It had to do with the lower outlet as I recall…but did not go search again.
It would be informative if Bratton or BW would address any modifications made to correct the fit problem. If theirs is the best available I’d like to know what to expect.
If someone has used one recently please let us know.

[JKY]

Originally Posted by Chris Haynes

Brass Works has radiators. Posies has American made springs.

My brother just bought a Brass Works. Supposed to be 6 weeks lead time. It took 6 months. Not complaining, they are doing the best they can, it's just a shortage of materials and labor issues. But we lost a whole touring season with the delay.

[Dale'45]

JKY,
We put a Brass Works Radiator in our '30 coupe last spring. Nothing but good to say about the fit and performance. Shipped in heavy a cardboard foam filled box. Hoses and holes lined up perfectly. Dale

[ronn]

All electric cars will not come to pass in my opinion. Hybrids make sense, but not all electric cars.


I agree with you Bob- only problem with hybrids is buying new batteries every 5 yrs and figuring how to dispose of the old ones? lithium doesnt bode well in the ground regarding water supply. costs are much higher on hybrids and negate any benefits.


Regarding Brass works, apparently their radiators have improved greatly over the last few yrs. I do remember reading posts of fitment issues in the past. Looks like they are on their game now.

[vulture]

I never understood the desire for aftermarket parts and restoration called for original parts to be “restored” . I understand the need for some parts but you can almost build a whole car now.
With so many other resources such a Model A clubs and its members, national meets, restoration shops restoring original parts , swapmeets and even friends parts hoard. Plus wonderful places like fordbarn and other early ford site will get you the parts needed.
I don’t remember growing up using or seeking aftermarket Chinese parts going to Hershey.


As far as going electric and think is neat not cost effective. So many other fuel alternatives such as natural gas or propane and more efficient and higher octane. In fact a Tesla fella came to me while filling my inefficient hemi powered 32 gas guzzler. He said. ” so what are you going to do when they get rid of gasoline “ with out hesitation I grinned and said corn and potatoes will always be grown then alcohol it will be..

[ronn]

I never understood the desire for aftermarket parts


all comes down to $
there is a reason JC Whitney kicked butt in their day and it certainly had nothing to do with quality.

[vulture]

Ronn love the old catalogs from them filled with cool chrome accessories and funny as most were made in the Midwest or Cali . Yeah Honest Charlie’s ,Almquist and F.E. zimmer all had neato accessory goodies.
We were a manufacturer in the 1960s and made a number of parts for those accessory companies. They were great to work with and new products and prints to quote on weekly. Unfortunately I doubt any are still in business...

[ronn]

wish they were still around Vulture...........everything was affordable- even if you were broke! lol

[vulture]

Lol Ron yes very affordable and so much to choose from the good old days

[vulture]

Goodies

[BeerInaBag]

And Now I come to Learn George Moir Antique auto parts in Edmonton AB is now no longer. :,(

[xmarine]

Jax are they from china?Any problems with fit on 1930? Cost?

[Jim M]

How do I get in touch with Bob??

[Oldbluoval]

Contact Bob at: (949) 310-4088 or 24292 Airporter Way, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

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