Interest in reproduction fuel inlet fittings

[440ehigh]

I talked to a local machine shop today about getting some of the correct style fuel inlet fittings for six pack cars made.
And sounds like I could get a decent run of them made.

Seeing how much interest there is. If any members on the board would want to buy some of them if I decide to move forward with this.

[Floyd]

Wow, that's awesome.  Any idea what the cost per inlet would be?  I found originals for my two cars and had them replated.  I'd be in for a set of three for spares.

[440ehigh]

It depends how many I get made the more I get made and split up the cost the cheaper they get. The biggest cost is in designing them.

That's why seeing if there's much interest in them

[mtull]

I'd be in for a set of three.

[1970 cuda Joe]

Were those only used on six barrel cars? With all the times I've had my carbs off, I can see how that would help.
Thanks, Joe

[ec_co]

It would be great if you could order a bulk and resell them to a vendor to recoup your costs and then some

[mtull]

The biggest cost is in designing them

Will the "design" be in the form of a CAD drawing you can review before a prototype is made? Will you have the opportunity to install the prototype before the initial run?

[440ehigh]

It sounds like I could have as many made as I want to pay for.

That's a good point mtull to test fit the first one.

I luckily have 1 original that they are pulling all the measurements off of and using a die for all the threads.

Hope to get some quotes for it by the end of the week.

[mtull]

Hope to get some quotes for it by the end of the week.

I'm guessing they'll have some type of assembly line process where one or two steps are completed at a time on many parts rather than completing one part from start to finish at a time.  Hopefully they won't mind if you verify their work.   Other than verifying the fitting will physically screw into place, do you have the ability to perform real world tests (i.e. no leaks, adequate flow).  You may also want to verify their obligation to you if/when dimensions fall outside acceptable tolerances with regards to the pilot parts you approve.

[69BFan]

@440ehigh, As having been involved with the reproduction of the restoration parts for over 30 years, some very valid points have been brought up.  Hate to be a downer, but there has been a couple items that we have done on a limited basis for special request.  Guys will tell us that once they come available, they will buy them.  Then once they are available, they will decide that they will no longer need them.  Possibly once you get a solid quote, put them up for sale with a deposit to protect yourself and your dollar investment.  A good machinist can get a digital scan to assist in the machining and a seven axis CNC machine can expedite the process.  Will still have to send out to have them plated, unless ran in brass.

Also, make sure that you test fit as a final assembly to insure that everything functions as OEM.  Just because it looks good in your hand, once it is installed, does it fit properly and seals properly.  Test fit several of them and various runs for such a part.  You do not want  a leaking thread.

Also as mentioned earlier, reach out to a couple of the larger wholesalers/vendors to see if they might be interested in purchasing the entire production run.  You keep the tooling information and let them deal with the customers and shipping.  All that you will be responsible for would be getting them manufactured and shipped to your reseller. Will be less work for you in the end.

I would also suggest talking to the Holley Carb Restoration services to verify that the part is no longer available through them.  You would hate to dump your time and money into a project to find out that they might be available still.

Good luck with the project and I hope that it works out for you.  It is efforts like yourself that makes this hobby possible.  I know that I would buy a set once they become available.

[Mr Cuda]

I work with a machine shop, and have had parts made. That part looks very do-able.
Modern cnc machines are amazing.
 Now, cost per each? Better make 1000.
 And yes, I need some.

[Floyd]

And beware of similar offerings.  I say similar because these have an incorrect (for this application) 3/4" nut size.  They're also made out of brass.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/305168107143?

[440ehigh]

Just want to say thanks for all the advice all the members have given about this project. I've never done anything like this before.

Just lucky I have a local machine shop that does huge orders and has all the latest software and tooling.

When I get more updates and prices I'll post them