Manufacture of new Swivel Pins

Post by **Judge** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 12:55 pm

jonathon wrote:Its fine having high morals over the spares mess but I doubt very much that the manufactures will change their spots. If they do (hopefully listen) the I'd expect a rapid rise in costs, which will probably send more Minors to the scrap yard or only allow for well healed ownership.

I hope that this statement is made as a result of your own experiences, and that you have personally exhausted all of the avenues you have suggested.

I say hope, but in fact I hope that this is not the case. Because if what you say is true, a secure future for the Morris Minor is seriously in doubt

Post by **jonathon** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 1:08 pm

It is Bill unfortunately. BUt at least a few traders like Bull Motif and ESM whom we deal with are commissioning new parts to their specification, which is resulting in better parts. However their ability and indeed the general trade ability to raise the funds to take on such projects is very limited, given the large set up and Rand D costs.
Unfortunately this state of affairs was forecasted many years ago when I set up my business, and the likes of Henrics closing did little to alay the fears. The pace and unfortunate reliance of far eastern suppliers has now resulted in the products currently on sale.

Post by **aupickup** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 6:20 pm

and maybe even the home restorer will just not restore any more due to bad parts and then leave the scene all together

Post by **pauln** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 6:58 pm

I know it would be expensive but would it be possible to go around the problem and develop a full wishbone setup with a coil over based on for example locost parts. Or since Jonathon already has a lower wishbone carry on and develop the rest. Put an exchange for the old kingpins to create a supply to recondition for those who would not want to convert. (Waits to be blown out of water).

Post by **jonathon** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 7:43 pm

Would be great Paul, good idea, but really I think after this unfortunate 'blip' in the supply of Kingpins,things will settle down and we'll all be happy again.
For interest we are working on a double wishbone system, but are not yet sure that we will release this as a kit.

Post by **Onne** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 9:23 pm

For anyone interested, I have found the factory drawing for the swivel pin.

RHS side only though.

Any thoughts on how I can get an A2 sized piece of hardboard scanned in?

Post by **rayofleamington** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 9:27 pm

Any thoughts on how I can get an A2 sized piece of hardboard scanned in?

two scans on an A3 flatbed scanner should do it - then you can paste together in a picture package.

How does one stumble across an original Morris drawing?

Post by **Onne** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 6:51 am

Ebay

It was amongst a lot of 125 of these I picked up 2 years ago.
These include some 9X drawings as well...

Post by **M25VAN** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 7:34 am

One day the smoke may clear and we might find out the full story behind this whole sorry saga.......

Post by **alex_holden** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 11:32 am

jonathon wrote:We were told that sometime in Jan 09 would be the delivery date, so lets give them this at least.

Any news yet?

Post by **jonathon** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 11:49 am

Not ordered parts for a while, so not had an update. I'll make a few calls on monday.

Post by **Judge** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 5:00 pm

I think I must have misunderstood, I thought you were waiting for some yourself?

Post by **jonathon** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 5:10 pm

Me ? yes I am, but will probably purchase around ten pairs when they are available, so my supplier has yet to be decided.

Post by **Judge** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 5:14 pm

So you don't mind a bit of competition then, and having a choice of supplier

Post by **jonathon** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 5:19 pm

Supplier no, manufacturer (unless these new ones are no good) not necessary

Post by **Judge** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 5:23 pm

So the MMOC could be a supplier then

Post by **jonathon** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 5:26 pm

I'm not getting drawn into that one Bill, but I would rather that they kept to running a club well rather than entering into business.

Post by **Judge** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 5:30 pm

But it's already a Limited Company

Post by **jonathon** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 5:35 pm

But only for tax reasons. I think that the Minors owners are very well served by the current group of traders/suppliers.

Post by **Judge** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 5:43 pm

I would only say again that there has already been a shortage of swivel pins, and the club has previously discussed that if it became necessary, some of its funds could be used to overcome this kind of situation. Surely it would be in the best interests of all Minor owners, and show to the membership that their subscriptions are being put to good use?