Leonel95

Time will tell its all based on what is wanted. I can only work with the parts that i have... I for one my pillars are DEad.....sun toast crack.


So its up to getting a set of A pillars preferably Coupe....find the spots for the gauges then drill and change the shape accordingly. From there make sure it fits nice... And possibly do a Casting of it.

It all depends on the success of the first part that is going to be offered.

Brigdh

iTrader: (9)

Eh, would prefer a non-pod option. You can always drill your own. I dunno, gauge pods always look ricer-ish to me

Derekcat

iTrader: (8)

+1

Though the warning surround seems to be a more common issue than the A-pillars

Leonel95

It depends on the taste i suppose..

RRTEC

iTrader: (13)

I don't understand why you would waste your time with an aluminum warning surround when you can buy a NEW one from Mazdatrix for $41 and it should last another 20 years... People arent willing to drop $41 on one from them, they sure wont pay you to recoupe the cost of your tooling..

http://www.mazdatrix.com/in-dash.htm

JerryLH3

iTrader: (11)

I was going to mention the same thing. And for me, an aluminum A-pillar wouldn't look right, but that's just my tastes.

Leonel95

Just because its made of aluminum doesn't mean it has to remain looking like it.
It can be painted.

You know how i broke my warning light surround,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, with my hand pissed off at the blinking clock...

Here in Florida plastics do not last at all....

RRTEC

iTrader: (13)

More power too you Leonel, just don't assume this will be a business venture (saw you talk about group buys ect). If you are doing it for fun that is totally cool though.

Leonel95

Got ya i guess i used the group buy terminology the wrong way... Ive never done anything like this on this site.

RotaryEvolution

iTrader: (30)

don't dig yourself too deep of a hole with this unless you can get the parts made for next to nothing. most 2nd gen owners are broke, most will lowball you without hesitation and the very few leftovers are your customers. i would stick with the handles first and see how that goes.

Leonel95

GOTCHA.

Its just for ideas and to just see if such parts can be created or not.

Leonel95

They are still working on it. So while i was there i included another change to the part. This assures me no problem with violating patents. It will also give the part a heavier feel and a different grip to it.

I also ordered a few pins with e clips which i should be getting by the middle of next week. Ill probably look for tension springs soon too and maybe some nylon spacers.

This waiting has me anxious as hell. But due to the complexity of the part its something that will have to take time.

Leonel95

Aside from the ongoing project i started to think about the actual mechanism in the door.
This points to that plunger that the handle hammer pushes on. To be honest i have no idea what is the amount of force needed to push that plunger down.

I am thinking it might be in the range of about 5 to 6 pounds or more.
What exatly does age do to the latch mechanism wich in return increases the pushdown weight requirement on the plunger. Or perhaps it might be a way too heavy tension spring in there from the factory?

I understand though that door alignment matters alot too. But it still takes a bit of a push even when the door is open.


Anyone has opinions?

RotaryEvolution

iTrader: (30)

it's just a poor design, i've seen people break brand new complete handle assemblies within a year.

then again i've yet to break one.

HOZZMANRX7

iTrader: (43)

^ for conversations

Leonel95

Thanks to those who are voting. I really appreciate the input.

And yes i come by this thread often during the day while i work. I already submitted an image of the warning surround trim to the casting place to see what is possible.

I called them today and they are quite busy at the moment with jobs that were ahead of mine. So i am not sure exactly if at the moment the pattern is being created. So its just a matter of time until i get myself the first test piece.


Today i got the pin and E clips and as soon as i get home ill go ahead and just drill out the old pins and fit the new ones in ;do a test to see if i need nylon spacers etc.

Leonel95

So heres whats up. I drilled out the pins out of some old handles that i have so that i can test out the pin and E clip.

Also it will not be preventable you might have to file down some sections on the handle so that the new beefier version will go into its place. This will be described later on.

It might be possible that i will probably use some nylon spacers or bushings to make a nice even fit. There is intentional play on the connection between the Pin and handle base. So in order to correct that bushings might be needed on the side were the E clip locks to and under the spring itself.

I believe it will be better in the long run for there to bit a very very minimal play to the handle. I will probably use an over sized bushing with a notched end so that it holds against the posts. Therefore keeping the play minimal.

I provided some images so that it clarifies some questions.

Leonel95

I got info for you guys. I got emailed from the casting folks.. They are finally working on the tooling/pattern. About time right?

I will have a test piece early next week. Once i get that part ill finish fitment of the spacers and make sure its a nice tight fit;Install it onto the handle cup and put it in the car and begin testing it.


Thanks to the guys who have showed interest and voted on the poll.
Understand that this is simply a poll to see the amount of interest for a specific part.
After the poll is done i will start doing research and attempt to find the best method while trying to keep the price below what they are new.

There might be a few guys here on the thread who perhaps feel that such parts aren't worth casting. There's pros and cons i understand. But i rather let the poll numbers speak for themselves.


Thanks!

ROn

Leonel95

Man right now i feel like a cat who is looking under the refrigerator because he knows something is there.LMAO. Total agony for me hahaha. Ive been looking at my email like crazy. Just waiting for the first test piece announcement.
But hey this is the week when the plan comes together.

For some reason my mind is totally thinking of doing metal work.
In particular sheet metal stuff. Like bending and what not.

Leonel95

Better late than never. I got the first 2 test pieces today. I will upload some pics up today. Then ill get the test part on the cup and drill it.
Hook it to the car and testing begins..

walken

iTrader: (6)

sweet, I'll be inline for the group buy. My replacement handle lasted a month. The problem has haunted me on my last few FCs. Even my FDs couldn't escape either.

2nd gen owners may be broke, but a huge majority would gladly pay for the convenience of not having to climb through the passenger side.

Leonel95

Remember these are cast parts that i have to individually prep up and properly fit.
Right now they are porous from the casting process. So its dremel time.

Like i mentioned before the handles are beefed up a bit. And the design is changed slightly from the original.
The handle itself will need to be primed in order to have a smooth surface and to fill pores.

Heres some pics as promised.. It ain't vapor ware guys..

clokker

iTrader: (2)

Four shots of the back, none of the front.
C'mon, let's see it.

Leonel95

Front shots

Derekcat

iTrader: (8)

Nice!
I'm excited!