Project Hub Cap-- Pakistan

ehsankiani · 03-06-07, 12:43 PM

Hello there
This would be a slowly updating thread. I recieved the hub cap that Mr. John Pradi so kindly sent me. We will now work on how to reproduce them. Here is the preliminary discussion I had with the local experts.
- Making these by hand is possible but will take too much effort and time making this way not feasable.
- We will have to hand this over to some die making experts who will then make a die and then make replicas.
- I am looking at 500 pieces made (as that would make it economically feasable). Thats enough for 100 vehicles. What in your opinion would be a good estimate of the total number of people wanting this?
- I will have to go to another city some 100 miles from here to get more clear idea on the costs and time required.
- Is there anyone here willing to get these in bulk?
I will post pictures of the cap I was sent in a day or 2
Thanks again
Ehsan

JohnnyC · 03-06-07, 12:46 PM

once the first bulk is made ...and sold...would further caps be made?

I am in a $$$ pickle right now...but...one day I would LOVE to buy a set.

ehsankiani · 03-06-07, 12:56 PM

If there is enough demand, we will get more made.
Ehsan

bull · 03-06-07, 12:57 PM

If you can get a price for bulk that would be great. I could get these in bulk and distribute them etc.

I will send you a mail later today.

ehsankiani · 03-06-07, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bull

If you can get a price for bulk that would be great. I could get these in bulk and distribute them etc.

I will send you a mail later today.

Ok. I wont know the estimated price until I get a firm quote from the manufacturing company here.
Ehsan

65swb45 · 03-07-07, 07:22 AM

Sounds like a good opportunity for a businessman to follow up on.

I have many opportunities on my plate already, but I would be game to get more info on this as well.

I don't want any preference over bull, and would be just as happy to help work out the logisitics for another cruiserhead to pull this off. but I'd just as soon not put out the 'confidence' it takes to get the ball rolling and then see another heritage handoff to one of the big guys. That is one of the problems of running with this in a public forum.

Suggestions?

ehsankiani · 04-08-07, 05:02 AM

Update:
Paid a visit to the die makers and spinners. This is a pretty tough piece to make because of the shape at the back for them but..... It is doable. As of now, we have two choices
1- Mild steel one piece cap which is later chrome plated
2- Stainless steel two piece hub caps with the outer and inner pieces spotwelded together... This will be polished.
Choice 1 is cheaper to make. Type 2 will require more time but the finish will be longer lasting.
Work on making the dies and the pieces will start in about 2 weeks time when we have shortlisted the experts. I will be getting 500 made for the first batch. Please comment on what you think of the two choices above..
Oh.. Happy Thanksgiving.

Ehsan

pardion · 04-08-07, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ehsankiani

Update:
Paid a visit to the die makers and spinners. This is a pretty tough piece to make because of the shape at the back for them but..... It is doable. As of now, we have two choices
1- Mild steel one piece cap which is later chrome plated
2- Stainless steel two piece hub caps with the outer and inner pieces spotwelded together... This will be polished.
Choice 1 is cheaper to make. Type 2 will require more time but the finish will be longer lasting.
Work on making the dies and the pieces will start in about 2 weeks time when we have shortlisted the experts. I will be getting 500 made for the first batch. Please comment on what you think of the two choices above..
Oh.. Happy Thanksgiving.

Ehsan

My choice would be #1 steel than chromed, should last many years. John

65swb45 · 04-08-07, 10:06 PM

Steel, definitely. 500 should get us a pretty good rate....hopefully.

nuclearlemon · 04-08-07, 11:17 PM

are these the early caps, or later caps?

ehsankiani · 04-09-07, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nuclearlemon

are these the early caps, or later caps?

John.. ?

ehsankiani · 04-09-07, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 65swb45

Steel, definitely. 500 should get us a pretty good rate....hopefully.

Even thought the steel ones are two pieced with spot welds holding them together?
Ehsan

pardion · 04-09-07, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ehsankiani

John.. ?

These are the early hub caps- pre 1968 baby moons with the embossed T. John

pardion · 04-09-07, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ehsankiani

Even thought the steel ones are two pieced with spot welds holding them together?
Ehsan

I think you said---mild steel one piece, and stainless steel two piece spot welded. John

cruiser_guy · 04-09-07, 11:34 AM

Will they all be solid caps or will we get some with the hub cutouts nicely rolled in?
Any rough price estimates? I have enough caps (2 solid and 2 with hub cutout) for my FJ45LV but they are not pretty and will need straightening and re-chroming. New ones, even though they are repros, may well be cheaper.

cruiser88 · 04-09-07, 11:42 AM

ok sorry for hijacking. but the other day i was at my buddies garage and [picked up a full set of hubcaps off the floor and ask him,(what the heck are you doing with toyota hubcaps?) he said they are not its dodge

they are just like yota. i will get with him again and ask make/model.but im sure its 60s era

nuclearlemon · 04-09-07, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pardion

These are the early hub caps- pre 1968 baby moons with the embossed T. John

sweet

fjwagon · 04-10-07, 03:57 PM

Can not wait to see them when they are done.

Goebeler · 04-12-07, 09:31 PM

I am in for a set or more... Steel would be fine and would last quite a long time in most areas. Keeping in mind that most of the older trucks they will go on won't be driven daily. Especially when the weather is real bad.
Not saying all of the oldies are garage rigs by the way, just making refference to all of my junk I guess!

Guessing if they are produced at a fair price, folks will scoop them up.

Goebs

Walton · 04-28-07, 08:29 AM

I'm in for a set....I'd rather have the 1 piece mild steel version....

Please keep me posted....

treerootCO · 05-08-07, 05:48 PM

post up some pictures as soon as you have something.

ehsankiani · 05-09-07, 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by treerootCO

post up some pictures as soon as you have something.

Working on it. It will take time though as it is being done by hand. I am keeping my fingers crossed.
Ehsan

pardion · 08-16-07, 05:45 PM

Hey Ehsan, Any progress report on the hub caps? Thank's, John Pardi

Chef · 09-16-07, 09:49 PM

??
thx

landcrusher909 · 09-17-07, 05:05 AM

after all the numbers are crunched who will be making the final price and can we mudders get a bulk rate ourselfs if we buy more than one set ?

67azcruizr · 09-23-07, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by landcrusher909

after all the numbers are crunched who will be making the final price and can we mudders get a bulk rate ourselfs if we buy more than one set ?

also curious to whether or not any will be produced with the cutouts for hubs?

ehsankiani · 09-23-07, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chef

??
thx

I have been having problems with the reproduction process. The shape of teh hub is such that it is extremely hard to make it in one piece. We have now decided on making it in two pieces, welding it together and then getting it chrome plated. Any suggestions?
Ehsan

JohnnyC · 09-23-07, 02:48 PM

i would say two pieces would be fine...for a reproduction hubcap...it will be the outside that is seen...as long as from the outside it looks to be original...it will still be worth it for just about everybody...keep wacking at it

you and your merry men do great work keep it up