Is it really that much extra effort to make it (reproduction parts) right?

[Richard R.]

Re: Is it really that much extra effort to make it (reproduction parts) right?

AK does make good parts, but as an example of my rant - I got the mastic/jute underlayment kit from them. Started to install on the rear deck yesterday and compared to my originals. There is a 7"x8" mostly square hole on the AK wheel well pieces. I called and they told me it was due to the tab on my convertible that holds the back side of the vinyl coated plastic at the rear of the door. the metal tab is about 2"x2" and the original parts just had a slit made in the material to accommodate the backing (and carpet). They didn't have to cut it out and probably throw it in the trash. So I have to fill in the hole with other material on the fear that it will show itself once the carpet is on it. Not to mention that it is a bit shorter in length and has this flap that I suppose is to help with fitment somehow.

wheel well padding from AK.JPGIMG_4667.JPGIMG_4661.JPGIMG_4668.JPG

I've been in the heat it, beat it and bend it industries my whole career so I understand the tooling issues, but these examples are what I am whining about.

I've offered to provide my originals on loan for future corrections but the vendors just don't seem interested in trying to correct it.

Oh well - I do enjoy this hobby and feel blessed that I can spend so much time on it now. Off to the garage to wrestle with carpet...

Rich

[Richard G.]

Re: Is it really that much extra effort to make it (reproduction parts) right?

I should have kept a list of the incorrect junk I purchased for my 63. It would have been as long a the 1963 production change listing.
My favorite was a set of door panels. Nothing lined up. Closer inspection indicated the alignment marks for stapling two of the backing pieces together were misaligned by 1/2 or more. All the work that went into these was junked by someone that didn't care enough to be sure the alignment marks actually aligned before hitting the staple it button. On the other end of the spectrum my reproduction bold on wheels are a work of art. Much safer than the originals. They are not used when judging but still a great design. Bet they have prints for them also.
Rick

[James G.]

Re: Is it really that much extra effort to make it (reproduction parts) right?

Joe
It isn't a direct replacement functionally, the pic will show it isn't judging material.
The solid ends of the housing are 1/2" diameter while the original is 3/8". The cable clamps are formed for the 3/8" and I doubt the retaining bolt would mate with the recess in the end if I spread it. The back cable clamp grabs the housing farther back and has a recess for the bolt accordingly. I suspect with all the pressure on these that the bolt is more responsible for keeping the housing fore/aft location than the clamp. The red arrow facing left in the pic is the back end of the cable and points out the recess. It's a good bit further back than the front location. Need to do some searching around.[ATTACH=CONFIG]98820[/ATTACH]

The originals appear to only have the spiral wind sheath to the end without the crimped on ferrule... am
I correct in my analysis? of your originals?
That could be corrected although not brain surgery it is delicate work - a dremel and a diamond wheel slice the crimped ferrule in down one side then the other and peel off.