Kaiser Frazer Owners Club Forum

General Category => Henry J & Allstate Forum => Topic started by: BigDave LM6174 on August 26, 2016, 01:38:45 AM

Title: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: BigDave LM6174 on August 26, 2016, 01:38:45 AM
Forum Members, We have found a local manufacturer that sounds like he can reproduce the 90 degree elbows for the heater ducts for HJ and Darrin.  I have a excellent one that is soft rubber that will be used as mold.  (Pictures) 

We are looking for rough idea of how many would be interested in purchasing pair of elbows for their car.  No commitment, just trying to figure out a idea of a initial production run.  Hoping to keep cost reasonable depending on the quantity ordered on initial run.

Big Dave
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: kfnut on August 26, 2016, 06:01:20 AM
3 sets
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: Terry T on August 26, 2016, 06:10:57 AM
In the past, they were sold for $50/ by a fellow KF'er.
That seemed to be high but it was the only game in town.

Keep them below that and you'll probably sell a lot.
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: joefrazer on August 26, 2016, 06:39:01 AM
Both my J and Darrin could use new ones. I'm in.
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: Fid on August 26, 2016, 07:28:01 AM
I'd buy a set for sure!
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: Vagabond Russ on August 26, 2016, 03:47:46 PM
I'll take a set.
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: Fid on August 26, 2016, 10:00:14 PM
Quote
they were sold for $50/ by a fellow KF'er.
 

If I'm thinking of the same one, their last appearance were in his 2010 catalog and they were listed for $30 apiece. Even then I passed as I chose to fund other things. I'd gladly pay that now.
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: BigDave LM6174 on August 29, 2016, 10:28:02 AM
Thanks for the replies, we will be working on getting them produced.

Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: Terry T on August 29, 2016, 02:09:52 PM
i'll take 3 pair
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: joncon on August 30, 2016, 06:56:37 AM
I'll take a pair.
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: superk226 on August 30, 2016, 04:31:31 PM
I'll take two pairs.
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: BigDave LM6174 on September 18, 2016, 11:49:29 AM
Prototype is in the works, project has moved forward.  Will update soon on the project.
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: Fid on September 18, 2016, 01:46:46 PM
Thanks Dave!
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: njpatera on September 18, 2016, 08:25:00 PM
Yes please
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: Fid on October 20, 2016, 02:31:44 PM
Anything to report on this Dave?
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: shel on October 30, 2016, 09:54:21 PM
To all of those who responded to Big Dave's inquiry, and to those who might have an interest in replacement defrost elbows, the project is still active. Sorry I haven't been updating regularly, but the mold has been made and I am expecting parts in about 2 weeks. I did receive a 1st article and it did look nice. Price still not locked in until all of the costs are in, but shouldn't be more than $30 apiece.
Thanks for your patience.
Shel

ps: I want to mention that the mold is a temporary one (thus the reason I could afford to have the elbows made) and is only good for around 30 parts, so keep watching this tread for ordering info. I think they will go fast.
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: Fid on October 31, 2016, 08:16:36 AM
Thanks for keeping on this.  I'm sure I speak for others when I tell you that I appreciate it.
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: njpatera on October 31, 2016, 08:20:19 AM
Yes, Thank you!
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: darrin502 on November 10, 2016, 07:39:09 PM
I will buy at least 5 pair now.
Hope you can get it done.
Lee
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: darrin502 on November 10, 2016, 07:41:43 PM
Post on Darrin link might get some more orders.
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: darrin502 on November 14, 2016, 10:27:10 PM
Any news on the heater elbows?
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: shel on November 15, 2016, 10:04:37 PM
Just to clarify...I personally don't have any knowledge of what heaters were used in the Darrin cars, so I can't claim that this elbow I'm having reproduced will fit that cars heater. The heater in my HJ is the 100171 model and uses the elbows of concern. Of course, the part number/s in the parts book (there are 2) is for an elbow with flex ducting attached, and I don't know if there is a p/n for the elbow by itself. I don't have a Darrin parts book, so I don't know what heater/s were used.
Please advise/confirm that the Darrin did/didn't use the 100171 heater so that I'm, at least, straight.
Thanks,
Shel
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: Terry T on November 16, 2016, 07:12:03 AM
HJ and Darrin use same elbows
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: shel on November 16, 2016, 02:35:11 PM
Thanks, Terry, for the confirmation. 18 elbows are to be shipped to me today. Additional parts to follow ASAP. As soon as I receive them, I'll advise as to how much and how to order. Thanks, all, for your patience.
Shel
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: njpatera on November 17, 2016, 07:43:36 AM
thank you for the update!
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: darrin502 on November 17, 2016, 09:29:36 AM
Hope i am in the first group let me know.
leeabrahams@cox.net

Thanks
Lee
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: shel on November 23, 2016, 01:36:40 PM
The good news is I received 17 parts. The bad news is I only received 17 parts. Demand looks to be over 40. 5 pieces have been committed. 12 are left for dispersal. I've notified the 1st three interested parties of parts availability and await their reply. Price is $35 each and free shipping. I'm trying to reach Adam Harder (he runs the parts scheme) to see if the club would work with my supplier and order to stock for club members. No word yet.
Thanks all for the interest and patience.
Shel
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: darrin502 on November 25, 2016, 04:44:42 PM
I contacted Adam and he said the Mfg fund has interes in the elbows. If you wsnt to pass this to the Mfg fund let me know
leeabrahams@cox.net
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: BigDave LM6174 on November 27, 2016, 02:35:44 AM
Shel,
Wow, we were right when we predicted there would be a demand for them.  I hope the manufacturing fund can help and get this to be a regular product in inventory after the initial demand.
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: darrin502 on November 28, 2016, 11:00:21 AM
Adam said that it isn't practical with a mold that only lasts for 30 peices.
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: joefrazer on December 03, 2016, 11:21:40 AM
A pair of elbows arrived on my doorstep yesterday. They look great and fit perfectly.
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: Fid on December 08, 2016, 08:34:42 PM
Received mine today. They look great.
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: shel on December 09, 2016, 12:55:16 PM
Thanks, guys, for the testimonials. I have 8 elbows left of the 1st 17 parts received and checks promised for them. 13 parts are still due from the supplier. I've tried to get parts to those that expressed an interest when the survey was done, but not all of them have come forward with a check. Elbows are still $70/pair and shipping is free. It's going to be a first come, first serve basis from here on out until all parts are gone. A check in my hand will get parts shipped the next day. I will give a refund for what I can't supply.
Good luck and happy holidays,
Shel
sfgvega@juno.com

Sheldon Gee
3345 Drake Dr.
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: darrin502 on December 10, 2016, 11:32:56 PM
Do you take paypal?
Lee
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: kfnut on December 17, 2016, 05:49:15 PM
The elbows I ordered came the other day so I test fitted them today . FIT GREAT !!! I took a picture of them on the heater also sporting the heater decal from the manufacturing fund .
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: shel on December 26, 2016, 09:07:42 PM
Final report. All 30 of the re-pops have been distributed and I think everyone is happy with what they received.
Thanks to all and Happy New Year,
Shel
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: Fid on December 26, 2016, 10:58:27 PM
Thank you Shel.  Much appreciated.  I'm going to get a set installed as soon as the snow melts.  Here in MN, that might be July...
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: njpatera on December 27, 2016, 09:23:20 AM
Thank you once again for your efforts in reproducing these. Looking forward to pulling the box out and beginning the resurrection process on it.
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: BigDave LM6174 on January 21, 2017, 01:42:40 PM
Gentleman, Sounds like there is still a demand for the elbows.  So far, I know of 2 pairs that are needed.  Sheldon has done a great job with the lead he came upon using my original elbow. 

If you are interested in a pair of the defroster elbows, please let me know so I can start a interest list.  if there is enough of a interest, we will do another run.

David

aka2tal@msn.com

Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: Gordie on January 21, 2017, 04:57:26 PM
Thanks guys for providing a much needed and quality part.  There is much need for many more hard to find parts.
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: darrin502 on January 24, 2017, 08:02:45 PM
I am having 30 more made fom the same company if anyone else need them. My email is leeabrahams@cox.net
Same price $35.00 each.
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: BigDave LM6174 on January 29, 2017, 12:15:51 AM
Great Lee, I am not going to have anymore made if you are already working on it.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: darrin502 on January 30, 2017, 04:59:44 PM
Thank you
They should be ready soon.
Lee
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: Fid on April 13, 2017, 08:17:31 PM
Old thread but I'm resurrecting it just to comment on how much I appreciate the effort that went into making these.  I installed one in my '52 Henry J Vagabond tonight - glad to have it!  Look at the one I took out and it becomes very clear as to why I appreciate it.  Once again, great job gentlemen!
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: BigDave LM6174 on April 13, 2017, 10:57:10 PM
Yes, they are great.  Good job to all of us.

Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: 52 Muntz on February 23, 2019, 01:37:11 PM
Lee is anybody working on doing another batch of heater/defroster elbows?
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: darrin502 on March 02, 2019, 08:29:18 PM
The company that used to make them will not do anymore. I am trying to find another company to do them.
I will post when I find someone.
Lee
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: 52 Muntz on March 02, 2019, 09:10:04 PM
Sounds good. I'm in.
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: MarkH on March 12, 2019, 08:58:29 AM
Gates has an online catalog of every hose it currently produces, sorted by diameter. Even though they don't list any Aero hoses I found a full set of factory correct looking molded heater & engine hoses. I spent a couple hours one sunday scanning diameters that I could cut the bends & lengths from and got every hose I needed, as originally molded.

Just a guess, but a 90 that could be cut from a longer hose might be fairly easy to find.
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: kaiserfrazerlibrary on March 12, 2019, 09:41:18 AM
To get a better feel for demand, this really should appear in KFOCI MONTHLY BULLETIN so all members of the club can chime in if they want.  Less than 25% of the club's membership uses the forum at any level and most of these are interested in other type vehicles.
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: njpatera on March 12, 2019, 09:43:02 AM
unfortunately these have a fitted lip so you cannot just use a 90 that is cut from a Gates :-(
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: MarkH on March 12, 2019, 12:16:22 PM
Not having a J or Darrin I'm not sure how critical those outer ribs are, but that is an extremely tight 90.
I'm not sure one that tight could be found even from any of the various silicone hose suppliers.
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: joefrazer on March 12, 2019, 01:59:40 PM
The double ribbed end is important as it's the ribs that hold the hose in place. That end fits into the opening in the metal heater box. I supposed a slightly overside hose could work if a groove was cut or ground into it.
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: MarkH on March 12, 2019, 08:22:23 PM
If such an elbow could found, Loctite 495 would permanently bond rubber strips on for the rings. I can't recall ever seeing such a tight elbow though.
Title: Re: Defroster Elbows for Henry J and Darrin
Post by: Fid on March 12, 2019, 08:42:01 PM
Several pics are posted earlier in this thread. Check them out, pretty good examples of how they work.