> Linda
>
> To update, I received the ball joint prints and plastic sample model of the
> ball joint for our cars this past week from Rareparts. The model is for
> unloaded test fitting and measuring only as they are rather fragile. There
> will be actual metal samples later to do a full test fit on a car. A metal
> specification check is also planned to test the material composition as soon
> as the metal samples are received.
> The model lined up perfectly with sample ball joints I picked up from Skip
> Miller of Miller Sports Imports in Pasadena, CA on Friday. Skip has been a
> Datsun mechanic for many many years and knows the cars extremely well. He was
> nice enough to also loan me a control arm and spindle (?) for the test fit,
> measurements etc. I told him that I hope as many owners as possible will be
> back to see him with part in hand for the actual installation on their cars.
> He has some little tricks to make installation easier and faster and has lots
> of info to offer along with his service. I hope to bring my car to him at some
> point. He is also very friendly as most Roadster owners are!
>
> So far with preliminary checking, the model matches the print specifications
> provided by both Rareparts and the Taiwainese manufacturer. Yes, I got out my
> little digital caliper and measured the sample multiple times , as did a
> friend of mine, just for fun. Not the final word but I was curious about how
> close everything was. An additional engineering check is planned and I am
> hoping they can do the check quickly..
> I think the part looks good and am happy that there is progress being made.
> I will keep you all posted..
> Any questions, comments, from buyers are welcome, please email.
I hope that following the development of this project has helped others
realize how difficult, not to mention expensive, it can be to recreate
seemingly "small" parts for our toys. If we'd realized early in the life of
the cars, maybe we'd taken better car of them. :>)
Seriously, Linda, thanks for investing your time and effort to see this
project through.
Ron
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