Midwest Performance Parts - reproduction parts for 4* series

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Working on it . Most likely , I'm going to have to stick to the early design on the clips - the later model examples I have are made from spring steel and that is not easy to deal with . I'd have to either use an annealed type alloy and destroy cutting tools to make the clips , or use a lesser malleable alloy and send them out for heat treating which would quadruple the end cost of the part , or worse . I'm working with a few metal suppliers / experts on the whole issue this week and probably into next week as well - but I'm working towards a solution one way or another . Someone has to make these parts - it's one of the best unique pieces of these Land Cruisers that makes them so attractive and honestly , fun to own .

Out of stock for the moment on front bumper guides , should have more done this weekend . They sold a lot faster than expected , I'm trying to keep up here ....

Sarge
 
Any specific reason ?
I ask since the weight of the steel in the late models lends itself to bending open over time - 2 out of the 3 I have here don't clamp on the starting handle as tight as they should in my opinion . Not sure if it would rattle or not but my concern is the dumb thing coming loose and hitting someone off-road . I want to stick to the oem shape/design but make it safe at the same time . Maybe I'm just overthinking as usual....? Maybe I just need an opinion from an owner that has actually had a model with these and can report any issues over the course of ownership ....??
Sarge
 
I'd prefer the earlier version clips because they're beefier, but will buy whatever you come up with Sarge ... aside from helping with setting the timing, the crank came with the truck and I'd like to have it mainly for that reason ...
 
Initial testing is done with the press die , works pretty well and of course needs some fine tuning . The sheet metal I sourced is a problem , it was an auto body replacement panel and way too soft of steel - read very flimsy at best and would never hold the starting handle correctly . Need to figure out a decent source for 20ga sheets , prefer not to have to use full size sheets due to shop space and for now I'm testing material alloys . Had surgery Monday so I'm out for a few days and it's driving me nuts I can't be in the shop . Hopefully next week as I need to restock the from bumper guides and get a few starter handles done as well .
Sorry for being MIA , been a rough couple weeks here .
Sarge
 
your health comes first ... looking forward to the handle (even though I have a Mazda handle) and the brackets ... question for you Sarge, that SprayOn stainless steel product you referred in a post doesn't seem to be available ... is there an alternative ...
 
The Sprayon is typically only available in case quantities and is tough to get . There are other brands but be careful as most aren't for outdoor use and do not have the high quality urethane clear base . The stuff I use is tough as nails - welding table still looks great despite burning the heck out of it lately , paint is fine ....lol .
I'll look into some suppliers later today .
Sarge
 
This is the paint -
http://www.cappusa.com/sprayon-425-s00738-welder-s-stainless-steel-protective-coatings

Looks like they will sell it per can , as I said most only sell it by the 12/can case minimum but the stuff is awesome . Just be sure to read the label and shake it like mad , constantly or the valve will clog . You MUST clear the valve tube ever time you store it by turning upside down and clearing it out , or it will clog and render the rest useless .

The clips are going to be a heavier metal , no choice due to alloy type . I've got an order in for some high carbon annealed steel that should work fine but I'll have to heat treat it and that process requires some time and testing . I had hoped for some easier results , but it is what it is ...
Still trying to heal up and get ready for summer construction work , slow road but I'm getting there . A buddy is going to help get a prototype starter handle bent soon as I can't pull that hard yet on the manual bender , need a bigger shop and hydraulics , lol .


Got another batch of bumper guides to finish up today - orders can ship tomorrow am for those that want them .

Sarge
 
Sarge - Great work on these!! Put me down for one. Looking forward to your complete kit. Nothing like getting stuck "up a hollar" with a dead battery. This ole' man ain't as spry as he used to be...You feeling ay better?
 
Sarge, I understand. That ole' 76 of mine has sixteen years on me.....
Good copy REF: "Conversation"...Sent payment this AM.Thanks-again.
 
Any updates on this?
 
Totally understand. Health comes first. Hope all works out well for you, regardless of ehether you get back to this project. We congregate because of our common love for vintage iron. But in the end, it's the people that make the 'regulars' come back.

Best

Mark
 
Will you be fab'ing all the parts yourself or will you leverage the availability and skill in Forristal's shop there in Ohio? Steve, and his dad before him, have been doing exceptional welding and fabrication work in Ohio for decades.
As Mark said, focus on your health and get well. Good luck
 
Steve is usually far too busy to tackle stuff like this and still be able to make enough coin to eat - the guy works way too cheap and I can't do that to him . I will be producing the parts myself , considering farming out the handles since I'm well past the limit on my bender , and at my age not willing to buy a hydraulic unit . His dad , Lyle , was a legend around here , guy could fix/weld anything on earth .

If you know the family well and the area/neighborhood - I live in the old Catholic school east of his shop in the next block .

Sarge
 
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