Jack,
Yes, I understand and did understand your point. Metalurgy is a very tricky
thing and I don't think anyone could make a broad statement concerning British
steel, even a specific alloy of British steel or even a particular part, as it
would have been made over a period of years and the alloy might have changed
or the tolerances of the alloying elements and temperatures used may have
varied from batch to batch. That is one of the things that drives the business
which is part of my email address. We make marking machines, which are used
widely by the automotive and aircraft industries, to mark VIN numbers, but
also lot number, date codes and all sorts of other information on parts within
these vehicles. This helps them trace a faulty component back to its source
and batch etc. Our permanent marks also helped the FBI track the truck axles
used in the Oklahoma and world trade center bombings.
As a mechanical engineer, I see many designs of components on our cars which
scare me and others make me feel that somebody knew what they were doing, even
back then. But looking at a part's shape has nothing to do with the material
it was made of and how well that material will stand the test of time. Nothing
material is forever.
Roger
>>> <JWoesvra@aol.com> 11/28/00 10:33AM >>>
In a message dated 11/28/00 6:20:29 AM Pacific Standard Time,
Rogsie@telesistech.com writes:
<< . Is it
something common, similar in concept to the Alford & Aldor upright/ spindle
that was used on Standard 10's and adopted into Spitfires and Lotus and damn
near every small formula and sports racer from UK from the late 50 to 1970.
I'm sure it is not that particular part but is this perhaps the larger TR
parts or something off a Ford or large Austin? If memory serves me, the AC
used a transverse leaf spring at each end. Are these Fiat Topolina parts like
Cooper used? >>
I don't know the answer to that, Roger. I think the question is whether or
not some of these British parts were ever properly hardened or heat treated.
Are we seeing failures do to age problems? Does some of this steel or iron
have a life expectancy that we are exceeding. Is stress and constant flex
causing problems that weren't seen when the parts were new? Is new old stock
damaged just by shelf life? Do we need to get new parts made? Can we use
something newer that functions the same? Who will do all of this? Should I
stop now?
You see the problem now I think. Can anyone give us the insight we are
seeking?
jw
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