new lx 5 speed top plates

[Engineer8000]

PM sent

 

[ahiskydiver8]

replied

 

[orangefj45]

Thanks for the replies guys. I reached out to a friend about manufacturing these. We're scheduled to talk tonight, will post updates …..

Georg

Valley Hybrids

 

[ahiskydiver8]

Thanks for the replies guys. I reached out to a friend about manufacturing these. We're scheduled to talk tonight, will post updates …..

Georg

Valley Hybrids

@YoYoHo has offered to help as well


any updates?

 

[orangefj45]

Looks like my connection was a dead end. Cost would have been too high.

@YoYoHo would you mind contacting me?

Georg@cruiserbrothers.com

Thanks!

Georg @ Valley Hybrids & Cruiser Brothers

 

[Aviatorale]

Looks like my connection was a dead end. Cost would have been too high.

@YoYoHo would you mind contacting me?

Georg@cruiserbrothers.com

Thanks!

Georg @ Valley Hybrids & Cruiser Brothers

Georg, thanks for continuing to look into this! I hope it comes to fruition.

 

[billmc]

Yes, thanks Georg! Count me in if they become available.

Bill

 

[bottombracket]

I have a little bit more time and possibly some seed funds to help devote to this project. Let’s see if we can get this off the ground @ERNRAM @teleskier @orangefj45.

 

[ahiskydiver8]

I can pay upfront also to help fund.

 

[Aviatorale]

I can pay upfront also to help fund.

Does anybody know how much $ it will take ballpark to get this started?

 

[ERNRAM]

All,,

Let me ask a question.

I know for purist, the answer would be no, but in theory the top cover could be made out of a 50% Glass Filled PC/ABS resin but with internal brass bushing for the translating wear surfaces. Similar implementation are use for parts like intake manifold in newer vehicles. This would dramatically reduce the cost, but it would be a black part. The perimeter bolt location would also utilize brass inserts.

Resin could be tweaked with color to make it more gray, but in the end the part would be plastic.

Welcome the feedback if this would be an acceptable compromise.

Thanks
Ernie

 

[ERNRAM]

Heat Resistant Plastics For Better Products and Processes | DuPont

DuPont heat resistant plastics offer cost-effective, application-optimized choices to replace metal, ceramics and other polymers in a range of uses.

www.dupont.com

 

[ahiskydiver8]

I'm ok with resin. I always heard that transmissions get a little hot but if it holds up fine I prefer this to cutting the inspection tunnel

 

[Aviatorale]

I’d take a resin if it lasts for a bit. I guess to accurately compare, what would the ballpark cost be for a resin? Any thoughts?

 

[ERNRAM]

I'm ok with resin. I always heard that transmissions get a little hot but if it holds up fine I prefer this to cutting the inspection tunnel

I think in almost any case you will have to cut the inspection cover because of the height of the cover relative to the 4 speed. The shifted forward position just is a plus. There are many thread on this modification.

 

[ERNRAM]

I’d take a resin if it lasts for a bit. I guess to accurately compare, what would the ballpark cost be for a resin? Any thoughts?

I am just probing the acceptance of this path before I start asking seasoned tooling guys on the feasibility and cost structure. If most guys still want the cast AL and want to pay the premium versus plastic, then the volume for plastic decreases and the cost increase.

Let me talk to a few key stakeholders

Ernie

 

[Living in the Past]

I think in almost any case you will have to cut the inspection cover because of the height of the cover relative to the 4 speed. The shifted forward position just is a plus. There are many thread on this modification.

On the 79-82 City Racer sells a raised inspection cover to handle that. On my 79 plan a more extreme solution.

On a resin cover might worry about the forces on the narrow shift tower the shift cane fits in. A lot of leverage can be applied by the long shift cane.

 

[ERNRAM]

On the 79-82 City Racer sells a raised inspection cover to handle that. On my 79 plan a more extreme solution.
View attachment 2100212

On a resin cover might worry about the forces on the narrow shift tower the shift cane fits in. A lot of leverage can be applied by the long shift cane.

Agree. I think the current thin metal cross sections near the top would have to be thickened and ribbed/gussetted for strength, so the plastic version would not be 100% visual identical to the metal stock one. So more engineering would be needed.

 

[ERNRAM]

Here is an example of a plastic engine part exposed to high temp oil and underbody conditions.

 

[Living in the Past]

Agree. I think the current thin metal cross sections near the top would have to be thickened and ribbed/gussetted for strength, so the plastic version would not be 100% visual identical to the metal stock one. So more engineering would be needed.

I think for most the shifter location is a bigger deal than be 100% correct. I have a 4/85-7/87 60 series shift cane I have tried in my 78 FJ40 that is set up like 74-78 FJ40 as far as transmission/hump/seats. The cane is very awkward. If I had a 60 series top cover on the four speed it would be much worse. Personally it a properly treated aluminum cover was available would go that route. Seen to many things that suppose to last forever fail in the desert heat. People are looking for 40s from AZ for the interiors pieces.