Gauging intrest on producing FJ40 lower heater spring

[AATLAS1X]

The later model heaters 1974-84 have a weak lower door spring that gets light rust and then either breaks or just bends and then falls out. This door is what gives you defrost when the closed possition and floor heat when open.

I have recieved 20 or so emails asking if I sell these springs and I dont as they are impossible to find. This is why I have about 10 heaters that are fully restored awaiting springs. So I sent out one sample and got an estimate back and about fell over on the price of $15 each, but as the volume went up the price plumited to $2.50 each if I did a run of 1,000. Not sure if I could ever sell 1,000 springs, but 500 I might tackle selling them alone or in my heater kits. Thats a little rich for me..........So the question is who would want or buy a spring for $5-8 each?

Of course they are exact size wire and plated so they will not rust.

 

[projektdotnet]

I think a picture pointing where the part goes would help some of us who aren't sure WTF you're talking about

 

[subzali]

If it's the metal rod that attached to the flapper inside the heater then I need one. A picture would sure help.

 

[Zekester]

YES

the actuator rod on mine broke at the screw hole for the flapper..I welded it, and re-drilled and tapped it..but as you mentioned the spring broke...I'll take one...if you don't do the run, I'd still be interested...sticking finger in the heater hole to move the flapper is becoming a PITA ...

 

[lc69hunter]

Definitely. I've been known to stuff rags under the flap to hold it up so that I could get defrost.

 

[Cornbread]

Atlas, I have to say that you sell some cool stuff that not a lot of people have.
But I would think that someone has a spring that would work instead of making new ones. Wouldn't a company like Fastenall sell something that would work? As I ask this I'm also pretty sure that you have checked, but if mine broke I would just go find a new one. $2.50 sounds steep for a spring

P.S. I have to reach down and flip that diverter up to get defrost too

 

[1Fine40]

I'd buy the dang spring for the higher cost....my finger is tired of having to prod around the heater flap to get the defrost!! Count me in Aatlas1x!

 

[reservefj40]

I'm in. I'm tired of trying to hold that flapper up.

 

[Diesel42]

Need pic's.I might be interested

 

[AATLAS1X]

I think a picture pointing where the part goes would help some of us who aren't sure WTF you're talking about

Atlas, I have to say that you sell some cool stuff that not a lot of people have.
But I would think that someone has a spring that would work instead of making new ones. Wouldn't a company like Fastenall sell something that would work? As I ask this I'm also pretty sure that you have checked, but if mine broke I would just go find a new one. $2.50 sounds steep for a spring

P.S. I have to reach down and flip that diverter up to get defrost too

Some have something close, but the little thing has 6 bends and this is what costs so much. It is expensive for me as I have to buy 250 of the little bastards.

Need pic's.I might be interested

Here are the pics, rusty one is the one I am talking about.

EDIT they are for the 76-84 the 74 and 75 have a cantalever (sp) lever that puts the door into possition. The later rely on the spring.

The other pic is of the upper spring that is thicker and much stronger.

 

[apeterson]

I am soon to be going through my heater... I still have to buy your kits... but if I only had to spend 5-8 more to make it right it woud be well worth it..

Thank you for taking the time to figure this stuff out for us nobbs......

 

[Diesel42]

Thanks for the pic Atlasss. Count me in, i'll take one.

 

[trekker]

If you make it they will come! I don't need one (I have a'68) but I may buy a few, hoard them for a few years and then pimp them on ebay for $10.

 

[Roberto]

I'll take one shane!

 

[fjwagon]

I would take two. I usually have to reach underneath a push the flap up with my hand.

 

[FineWynsFJ40]

Wow, they came with a spring? I'm in!

 

[springman]

AATLAS1X,

If you are not in a hurry, I can probably make these for you when we have some free machine time. Would you consider making them out of stainless? This will avoid a minimum lot charge for plating and reduce the cost. Do you have a print for these? If not, I can pull a set out of one of my heaters and copy them. I would be happy to do it for you. Let me know.

Todd

 

[AATLAS1X]

PM sent

 

[mikedickbek]

I'm in for two!

 

[lbrillhart]

I could use one.