Not at all Alvin. Nothing wrong with pointing people toward a
shop that can fabricate parts that are no longer in production
and are in rapidly disappearing NOS. No different than steering
a member to Jim Carter or Novak or LeBaron Bonney.
As you've seen, when I had my shop up and running that's what I
really enjoyed doing the most, that is, making the parts that
ya just can't find anymore. I'm old and slow now so I've only
got the time to make stuff for myself. It's nice to know there
are people that still possess the skill and desire to make a
living at custom fabrication. The poor quality reproductions
that are coming to us from off shore are better than nothing
but very often need to be reworked to make them usable. I'd
like to see more small shops here in the states pickup the ball
and start reproducing parts here.
When I had a hard time finding an enclosed 3/4 ton U-joint for
the '50 I though about fabricating one. If I hadn't been able
to locate a couple new ones I might have delved into it further.
If you have access to a Mill, a lathe and a few other common shop
tools there isn't much in the way mechanical that you can't
reproduce on these old trucks.
The trunnion or cross and bushings are the only parts
that normally needs replacement in these ring and
trunnion style U-joints.
http://www.pbase.com/dennygraham/image/153506583 They're making the rebuild kits for the 1/2 ton but they won't
work in the 3/4 ton. The bushings would be easy but the
trunnion would have to be fabricated from a billet and of
course the parts would have to be made from an alloy and be
properly heat treated. To do it right, the way the factory made
them, they would need to be ground to size after heat treat.
Well, maybe some day,,,,, heck at $225 a pop for NOS it may be
profitable to fab new rebuild kits. Someone some day is bound
to see that void and jump in to fill it.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL
