BUGA Community
Technical => Exteriors and Interiors => Topic started by: Gordon on August 05, 2014, 07:35:45 PM
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Some of you may have come across the very rare door hinge check spring that was factory fitted to the upper front door hinges. Most of these are long gone by now and have been replaced with blocks of wood that are jammed into the hinge opening to keep the doors open when doing work on your van. Well I've recently managed to find half of a spring and am investigating having a batch of replacements made up by a local spring manufacturer (luckily we can mirror the half of the spring that is left to replicate a full spring). I met with their Design Engineer earlier today who informed me that the bulk of the cost will be in the setup of the jig. The way to bring down the setup cost is to split it over a larger number of springs.
So this posting is just a preliminary one to see how many of you would be interested in sourcing a set of springs. I will have more detail over the coming days in terms of unit cost.
Please let me know if there is any interest. Postage costs would be minor as the springs are pretty compact and light.
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Hi Gordon,
Count me in for two set.
Greg
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Yeah im interested,
Depending on price and if they work ok.
They need to be hardened spring steel to work properly.
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If you think they will work I would be keen on a set. Just let us know cost once you have worked it out.
Thanks Dave
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im interested, have to check my doors though to see if i need a set
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What about mounting them?
I might have a loose complete one up in Auckland if you need a template to copy off, will be a few weeks before I go back up though
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Count me in for 2.
Mike
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Thanks for the replies to date everyone.
Busy, I'm looking into 3 possible mounting options to replace the factory original rivets. First option is to tap the existing holes in the hinge and to then use a small button head bolt to reattach the new spring. Second option is to use a stainless steel pop rivet. Last option is a button head bolt with a machined down (thinner nut) on the back so that we don't limit hinge throw.
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I'll have a look around the spares pile. I'm sure I remember seeing one around a year or two back.
Cheers,
Garry.
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god yes, count me in 2 sets, i can throw my skateboard wheels away! ;)
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Count me in as well. 1 set.
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Hi All, thanks for the interest shown. I'll get back to you soon with final costs and I'll also do some experimenting with the easiest way to fix the springs to the hinges.
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Thanks for the replies to date everyone.
Busy, I'm looking into 3 possible mounting options to replace the factory original rivets. First option is to tap the existing holes in the hinge and to then use a small button head bolt to reattach the new spring. Second option is to use a stainless steel pop rivet. Last option is a button head bolt with a machined down (thinner nut) on the back so that we don't limit hinge throw.
Rivnut could be another option,I'm in for two sets..or .(4) if they'r reversable
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count me in too
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Noted thanks Dano & Mezz. Dano they appear to be reversible, but we will be double checking final fit on a spare door hinge with the prototype before we use the jig in anger. Rivnut is a really good option too, thanks for that.
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Will follow up on the pricing early in the new week if I don't hear anything tomorrow
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Count me in Gordon.
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Will do Ray
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Put me down for a couple of sets as well Gordon. I'm sure there will also be plenty of interest around the other clubs as well.
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Will do Garry. I'm going to ask Bas to put the word out on the French Bedford website too. Its going to be too expensive to get a permanent jig made so the plan is to go for a once off single run using a temporary jig setup.
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Me to for 2.
Keep loosing my block `o`wood :-[ .
Cheers, Bob.
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All good Bob
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ill take 2 sets please
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Hi Gunning, so just confirming do you need enough for two vans or for two doors?
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Two vans please Gordon
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Noted, thanks Gunning.
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go Gordon i think i have a hinge with the clip still on it??? will have a look if you like
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G'day I'll be keen for a set too please!
My block of wood works great! (doubles as a gas filler jam opener!) but would love the doors to stay open on their own...
Cheers westy
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I am also interested as I also use the block of wood.
Dave
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Yes please, for 2 vans
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Thanks fellas.
Hi LS120, thanks for the offer, but we should be able to replicate from what I have. If not I'll let you know.
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Hi Gordon,
great idea, it will save me finding the right size clock/gramophone spring to make some!
Three sets for me (6 springs).
cheers,
AndrewOC
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All good thanks Andrew. I emailed the Design Engineer yesterday to see how he was getting on with the final pricing. No response yet, but I'll keep you all posted.
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Hi All, so far I have interest shown for a total of 54 door check springs. The manufacturers have come back with a price of NZ $30 per spring on a quantity of 50. For those outside of Auckland NZ there will be postage involved so this needs to be factored into your final decision. We can work out the best and cheapest approach once I have the springs in stock.
The sample spring that I provided was 1.4mm thick and this is not a material that they stock. Our options are to go for either 1.2mm or 1.6mm. so I'm keen to hear opinions back on the best option.
In terms of manufacturing lead time they reckon 3 weeks from order placement.
Since I'll need to put my neck on the block for the $1,500 I'd be keen to get final confirmations from each of you before I give them the go ahead. Preferred payment option is PayPal and I'll happily pass on my PayPal details if you PM me.
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gordon, i'd be keen to get a full kit for both front doors if possible ? and happy to pay for them with aus postage or whatever you need via paypal!
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Gordon, is it cheaper to get all the springs for Australia posted to one place here and then sent individually from here rather than 20 odd packets from Auckland?
Mike
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Good option Mike. Truck made the same suggestion when I was chatting to him earlier in the week. Would certainly make my life easier too. Any volunteers ?
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I've put you down for a set Sammy.
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Yes, I will.
Mike
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Been ages since ive been on . But this sounds like a dream come true .
Nearly killed my nephew once when a gust of high powered wind swung my front door forward ,
knocking him a few yards away .
Put me down for a pair please Gordon . Thanks Frank
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Sounds good Gordon. Still keen.
I would say the best bet thickness wise would be to go for 1.6mm. From my experience most springs seem to snap off and the remaining bit just falls apart. 1.2mm I feel would be too thin and would just snap off after a short period of time.
Cheers,
Garry.
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Done Frank.
Mike, thanks for offering to assist with distribution.
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Garry, I was also leaning towards 1.6 even if they are a bit stiff at first. Any other opinions anyone?
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I agree with the 1.6 mm. Just as a thought, what sort of extra cost would it be for 100 springs (or 80?).
AS we know, most of the cost is in the set-up and maybe extra's could be sold via ebay.
That way we might get some extra people hooked into the site.
As I said, just a thought.
Oh and I confirm 2 springs please.
Cheers
Russell
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Hi All, just a quick update on the springs. The plan is to test fit the first spring off the manufacturing line into a spare hinge to make sure that everything is as it should be. I'll be personallly on site to do this. All springs will be tempered and hardened. I will need to make full payment up front on placing of final order, so please could I seek final confirmation from each of you before I give them the go ahead as it is a significant chunk of cash that I need to outlay. I'm hoping to confirm the final order early next week so need responses pronto.
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Confirming one set for me please.
Send banking details and will arrange.
Cheers,
Mike
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I originally said 4 springs for 2 vans but Ill just take 2 springs for 1 van please. Cheers
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thanks for the update Gordon, i confirm two sets please (2 vans)
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Yeh Gordon 2 sets (4pcs) for me please. Also I can assist with distribution for all the WA BUGA's to combine postage.
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Thanks Atk1, Gunning and Truck and thanks also for the distribution offer Truck. It will help to keep postage costs to a minimum.
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So Truck and Vanwolf have both kindly offered to help with Aus distribution. Options are for me to get a single shipment across to a single Aus destination or the alternative is to ship to one destination per state. I'm not sure how local postage costs are worked out in Aus, so I'm looking for suggestions on the best way to go. Any thoughts ?
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Once the box arrives here, I have two shipping options for Australia:
1. Startrack 1kg satchel $15.00
2. Express Post 0.5kg satchel $10.00
I can arrange for Truck to get all of WA's stock and he can distribute if desired.
Mike
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Sounds like a bloody good option Mike. Thoughts everyone ?
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Gordon, as you know, will be in Perth from 15 Oct to 21st Oct, if ready by then can tuck them in the suitcase... ;) and drop them off to someone close to CBD or East Perth etc.
Yes better put me down for some... forgot to tell you the other day when you were here, my mind was on the fact you didn't come in the Bedford.... :D
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sounds good to me!
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Put me down for 2 sets(4 springs) Cheers
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Thanks Bas and Merlin. Bas, I's there space for me in your suitcase too ;D
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Thanks Bas and Merlin. Bas, I's there space for me in your suitcase too ;D
Next time you are over here (in the Van) you can try to fit in, but may need to lose a little weight, need to be under 23kg>>> ;)
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Sounds like a bloody good option Mike. Thoughts everyone ?
Pick -up from Mike Vanwolf would suit me perfect- I think we are nearly neighbours.
Maybe he would like to bring mine over in exchange for a rusty 1981 van shell??
AndrewOC
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Andrew, have more than enough rust of my own... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Rust - that little gift from Vauxhall that just keeps on giving and giving.. ;D ;D ;D
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Hi Gordon,
I'm just catching up on this thread and am in the market for two sets of springs.
Love your work!
Cheers
Phil
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All good Phil.
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put me down for one set please, I'm in WA.
Please pm your payment details.
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All good Mr Whippy. I'll add you to the list.
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Out of curiosity , why have so many Bedford vans lost three door checker straps things ,
As for your shipping network , im happy with it .
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Sorry spell mistake , meant to say there not three :o
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Can't really comment on other vans, but mine spent the first 20 years of its life as a delivery van. So plenty of short trips with countless door opening and closing that has led to badly worn back door and driver door hinges. The check springs must have taken an absolute pounding and would have been the first thing to fail.
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if theses are still going ahead put me down for a set as well
Cheers Gav
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All good Cords.
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Hi Gordon,
I'll still take 2 sets (4 springs) as I'm sure a spare set will come in handy. ;D ;D
I have your calendar here also so will give you a call in the next day or 2 and arrange a meet.
Cheers,
Garry.
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Cheers for that Garry. Hope Saturday's meeting went well. Sorry we weren't there.
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OK team, I'm placing our order tomorrow. Will keep you all posted on progress.
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OK, I handed over heaps of cash to the manufacturers earlier today. They will ring me when the prototype spring is ready and I will test fit it to both a right hand and left hand hinge to make sure that everything lines up correctly. I'm going to look into postage options over the next day or two for those who would prefer to have their springs delivered direct.
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Sound cool,
Im in for 4 sets
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So, 8 springs Mty ,,, just making doubly sure ?
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Yep 4 left n 4 right,
Will use 2 sets straight away and put 2 sets away for
A rainy day, :)
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Yea, Gordon, I need 2x :)
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Be great to throw away my blocks of wood, :)
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Thanks for confirming Mty and Bas.
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Hey Gordon , hope its not to late . But can l order an extra set of springs with my original order.
Thanks Frank
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Hi Frank, you are in luck. There are still a few spare sets. I'll put you down for an extra set.
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Hey Gordon,
How much are they per set? $
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Put it this way, you pay have to withdraw your life savings... :D
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Hi Mty
They have worked out to NZ$30 per spring.
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$60 a set?
2 springs
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Yep, correct Mty,
The last time these were commercially available was from a place in the UK a few years back priced at UK Pound 15.99 each, Sadly they are no longer obtainable.
Doing the conversion to NZ$ I didn't think that the quote I received of $30 each was way off the mark considering.
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Don't forget Gordon is talking kiwi $. Throwing it into my trusty currency convertor (thanks Mr Google) comes out just under $27 AUD each. and doing 14 BPS is just under $25, so not too bad at all.
Let me know Gordon when you want the $$ and how you want it transferred.
Cheers
Russell
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Thanks Russell. I'll be back in contact when I have them in my grubby little hands.
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Gordon,
My boss said it is all sweet to drop the springs off at work at East Tamiki when they're done.
They will arrange despatch to me in Sydney.
Cheers,
Mike
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Thanks for that Mike. I'll be in touch as soon as I take delivery. Can't wait to bin my wooden blocks ;D
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Hi All, just a quick update. There has been a delay in getting access to a fly press needed for one of the spring bends, but the good news is that we are now next in the queue so I'm hoping to get on site to test fit the prototype later this week. I'll provide an update after the test fit
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Thanks for keeping us updated.
Mike
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Much excitement today. I got the call just after morning smoko to say that the sample spring was ready for inspection, so I shot over with a spare door hinge and the spring slotted in to position perfectly. I then shot back home to test fit the hinge and to make sure that there was enough tension in the spring to hold the door.
So after quickly pulling off my drivers door, the first thing that I discovered is that there isn't sufficient clearance to mount the spring to the hinge with the nut and button head bolt combination that I was thinking of using. However Plan B which is using a 4.8mm blind rivet worked like a charm.
With the hinge fitted up I test mounted my door and then gave the check spring a test run .... what absolute bliss. It holds the door perfectly even on a steep incline.
So I've just given the green light for the production run. Happiness and Joy :) :)
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Hey Gordon , am i going to have to take the doors off to fit them ?
Thanks Frank
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looks good Gordon!!
and I would say if you want to do the rivets like in the picture then yes doors off!
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Yep fellas, the doors definitely have to come off and the upper hinge needs to be removed to fit the check spring. There is no way to do it in place. You may have heard horror stories about trying to realign yours doors after removing them from the hinges, but its a piece of cake. All you need to do is get a sharpie with a very fine point and draw around the heads of the bolts that hold the door to the hinge as well as the outer two bolt heads that hold the hinge to your door post. When you put everything back together, get the bolts in but not tight.Then just pop an axle stand or a few blocks of wood under the door until the bolts all sit back in the sharpie circles and then tighten everything up and you are good to go.
I'd never removed a door from my van until today. Took me about an hour to remove and re install. Hope this helps.
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Show me where to sign Gordon, i need 4
Cheers
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All good Mezz. Shouldn't take too long now. They have had all of the blanks cut and drilled and a bank of presses are all setup and ready to go. They did harden the prototype in house but the main batch will be sent elsewhere to go through the process, so that will probably take the most time.
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worth the wait :)
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;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
can you pm your bank details so I can send you the $$
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nice work Gordon
and as Rumax stated
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
can you pm your bank details so I can send you the $$
[/qu
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Hi All, don't worry about the cash for now. I've made a list of everyone who has booked springs and once I've received them I'll PM each of you to agree delivery options and we can settle up then.
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Great work Gordon, put me down for two
cheers
Graham
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Graham, according to my list I don't have any left, but there is a possibility that someone who has booked a set may change their mind. You are first on the reserve list, so all is not lost at this point. I'll keep you posted.
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Hi Gordon, if no one opts out, Graham can take 2 of mine as I've ordered 4 - 2 were for my bash car but as i only really drive that once a year i can survive without them.
cheers
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Hey Gordon
Let Graham have a set out of the 4 i reserved,
That way Mezz can still have his bash beddy set.
I still want the others, so that would be 3 sets instead of 4.
Ive got 2 vans that need them and 1 set spare then.
Cheers marty
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Thanks Mezzmo and Marty, you guys are legends,
Cheers
Graham
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Pleasure Graham, thanks to you too Marty -
Mezz
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Guys, this is what I love about the Bedford community. We all look after each other. Truly the "Bedford Brotherhood"
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Here is something I learnt from a good friend that will help to realign a door. Once you have it aligned use a drill bit that matches a pot rivet and drill two holes through the inner door skin into the flat hinge. When you put the door back on all you have to do is put the rivets into the holes tighten the bolts and remove the pot rivets. hope this helps. Always mark the hinges around the pillars. keep up the good work Gordon.
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That's a bloody good tip Ray. I wasn't looking forward to taking of my passenger side door as the alignment is spot on at the mo. I tried to convince my missus that she didn't need a check spring in her door, but she was having none of it ;D
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Hi All,
Just another quick update on the springs. The fabrication has all been done and they were handed over for hardening yesterday. Shouldn't be much longer now.
I've also done some investigation of postage options and I have been quoted NZ$8.50 for untracked postage from here to Australia in a bubble envelope. This is based on a weight of 200 grams which I'm hoping should cover a pair of springs. So the options are to get your springs posted directly to you from NZ or alternatively I have had offers from Vanwolf in NSW and Truck in WA to take delivery of batches. You would then need to make your own arrangements with either of them to get your springs.
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cool!
I'm up for truck to take delivery in WA .....thanks for your time and efforts Gordon in advance....waiting for your pm...Dano..
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hi, is it too late to put my name down for a set? :S if not would be great, David Tunzelmann 0211419733
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Hi David, I've got prelim orders for the number being produced, but not everyone may come through. I've noted your number and will make contact if there are any leftovers. Regards Gordon
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cool!
I'm up for truck to take delivery in WA .....thanks for your time and efforts Gordon in advance....waiting for your pm...Dano..
All good Dano. May even ask Bas to pop them in his suitcase when he visits Perth.
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Hi All
Just sending out a general note to say that I now have the door check springs in stock. I have tried to send PMs to most of those who showed interest and thanks to those who have already responded. Quantities are limited and they are selling like hot cakes, so if you haven't received a personal message from me and are still keen on some springs, please drop me an email or a PM.
No worries if you have changed your mind, just let me know so that I can move on to the next person on the waiting list
Regards
Gordon
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hi Gordon bit late but if you do end up with a spar set can you let me know please cheers Ian 0427979482
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G/ day Gordon,
Got my 6 springs in the post today thanx mate.
They look great, very good quality work.
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Cant wait to get them fitted in my 2 bedford vans.
So i can chuck the blocks of wood away, :)
Cheers marty
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Thanks for the update Marty.
Vanpyre, I'm hoping that there will be a few spare sets when the dust settles. I've put you on the reserve list and will keep you updated. Give me a few weeks to sort things out.
If not I can always get another run done if there is enough interest. Its the setup costs that are the killer.
Cheers Gordon
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cool!
I'm up for truck to take delivery in WA .....thanks for your time and efforts Gordon in advance....waiting for your pm...Dano..
All good Dano. May even ask Bas to pop them in his suitcase when he visits Perth.
Ok Guys, as Gordon has stated above, I will be in Perth from 15 Oct pm to 21 Oct midday, If you have not arranged anything yet with Gordon for postage, and are willing to pick them up from me ( as at this point, not sure if I have transport until I arrive) I am more than willing to bring them with me...
I will be in the East Perth area, 5 mins from CBD towards Belmont Racecourse, Goodwood Parade, Burswood WA 6100
So please let me know before the weekend and will pick them up from Gordon, BUT please run this past Gordon first, as payment would need to be made and cleared by him.... Bas
I have got mine, and I think it is going to make the Wife very happy... :D
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Hi All, I've still got a few sets of door check springs left, so let me know if you are keen.
I also got the following pic from Chevy 40 on how he kept his original door alignment true whilst removing the hinges to fit the springs.
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I am guessing those holes aren't normally there he drilled them ?
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yes please 0427979482
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Thanks vanpyre, I've sent you a PM.
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Great idea Chevy 40, constantly removing the doors at the moment, save a heap of time
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if there are any still available id like a set please 8)
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I've sent you a PM.
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Great idea Chevy 40, constantly removing the doors at the moment, save a heap of time
Yes good Idea, I need to remove mine again for painting, and at the moment I can close and open them with my little finger, which is great for the wife ho more complaints, it's like the van doors have moved into the 21st century ;)
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Hi Gordon,
whats the best way to fit the spring as originally it seemed to have had an old pressed rivet or something?
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Hi Mezz, I experimented with pop rivets, but they didn't last very long. I eventually used a small stainless steel bolt with a countersunk head mounted from the outside with a nyloc nut on the inner side. I found the original springs too hard for my liking as they gave the door a jerky movement and ended up cutting one of the ears off the spring. Seemed a bit of a waste considering how much each of them cost, but I am much happier with the action and the door stays open even when parked on a slope.
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hi there, I too found the spring too tight, so I lightly compressed both sides in a vice with it attached to hinge and now works beautifullt, I also used stainless screws and nylock nuts
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Good to hear John. These springs are slightly thicker than factory as that material was no longer available, so I'm guessing a bit of fine tuning like you did will do the trick. Certainly beats my method of hacking up a rather expensive spring.
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I suggest you grease the contact areas also as its metal scraping metal, this will ensure long life and smooth operation.
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and no screeching noises everytime you open and close the doors!
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After much searching FINALLY found a place to get solid flat top riverts for the door springs.......YEAH!!! ;) ;) ;)
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A very old post I know but, would love to get a couple of door hinge springs for the van.
Let me know.
Cheers
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Hey give Glenn a call he has parts
0429064034
Tell him wendy in the purple Bedford referred you
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Sorry for the late reply Wendy . I thought I was meant to get notified on comments
Thanks though
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Ahhh Glenn doesnt get on here much...busy persona with work and young family, all good ...give him a call nice bloke awesome van 😊