Reproduction Dator Airboxes

[ICCSF 108]

I guess I'm not so sure that Deere would be helping?? Some Employees maybe? & maybe you have asked? but it might not be a good idea to post there names without first asking them??
Deere & Company is kind of funny about there Copy Right's & LOGO,& I'm sure that both would be covered on those prints?
This tread probably should be moved down to the race sled section??
Just my $.0765 worth

Kenny

[atomc40]

I've edited the names. They didn't seem too concerned,but I don't want to ruffle any feathers. T

[atomc40]

Kenny,
Here's the deal with JD patents and copyrights. I spoke to them this morning.The following exceptions are allowed according to my source: Use of factory prints for reproduction/fabrication of obsolete JD parts,except for mass resale,is acceptable. I explained our purposes of 50 units for vintage collectors.They said, "No problem". As far as I'm concerned,they provided the prints and the blessing. I can't do much more than go right through JD WHQ and thier givin sources. So...we proceed. T

[ICCSF 108]

Oh OK, I just didn't know what the status was on using there prints??

Kenny

[vendbj]

I would take an airbox when they are completed. Timetable of completion? Has that already been mentioned?

[atomc40]

The timetable is still a little fuzzy. Thursday I'll be having a sit down with the guy that's working on this project. Mold material costs will be known at that time. This could possibly be the "make or break" point in the project. Mold cost with labor could run in the 5 digit range. As a school project I am told, I'll just pay material costs. We'll see.
The original run was a Rotational mold. Rotational molds(aluminum tooling) cost more than the vacuum type,so I am told.The original specs called for about a 3/16 wall thickness,mostly because of inferior plastics at the time. It's no wonder the boxes were ripped out and chucked,these things are heavy. You could loose about 8 or 10lbs.,just by getting rid of the box and puttin on foam pods. The schools vacuum can't pull 3/16,so... we'll have to go rotational or make a lighter weight box with the vacuum cast.We'll discuss it on Thursday and I'll post the results.
As a backup plan I am currently talking to someone from Deere to see if: "A" the original mold is cataloged in the warehouse. "B" if they will consign it out for a limited run of parts. Redtape...? plenty, I'm sure . It could certainly be done, if they will cooperate. Patients will be a virtue. This will probably take a little bit of work. T

[JoeRainville]

Hi Tom,

I've been watching this thread with interest. I have two NOS air boxes, and wanted to repop them. I didn't like the idea of going them in glass as they wanted to cut one in half. Having an aluminum mold made for roto-molding was crazy money a few years ago.

I could of had them done as a "pour-fill" 2-part plastic done on urathane tooling, but again, we need one opened up to make the center of the mold. So I never got it done.

Good luck, and keep us posted!
-Rainville

[Jack Frost]

Any update on the dator air boxes?

[340s]

I'd be in for a a dator airbox.

Craig

[JDCornFlakes]

Really curious to what the status is on this project. If you can provide some details I am sure there are quite a few patient fellows wanting so news for Christmas ?
I hope it is positive news.......

[deeredr]

Not to speak for Tom, but as with all projects, there are new hurdles coming up constantly.
No worries as of yet, he's working on it!
Greg

[JDCornFlakes]

Whew !!
I was starting to worry that my Christmas wish was not coming true.
I am already questioning the Santa bit......but I still believe in Santa.
Thanx so much Greg

[atomc40]

I just spent an hour typing a complete update and got kicked off at the preview. Lost everything...great. Here's an abbreviated update. I've been on 80 hr work weeks since Thanksgiving. That is the major reason for the update delay.
The school can do the work for around the $50.00 per unit budget except it won't look OEM. No Ribbing. NOT GOOD!
I can have the Chinese do it OEM much cheaper than the states. Short story is...the quality may be questionable and I'm not that crazy about sending more work to the Chinese to undercut American wages. Got a bad taste for the Chinese,living in the greater Detroit area (lost auto jobs) will do that to ya.
Still waiting for some info from Deere on the original mold. Have several people trying to get to someone in the know.
Feedback on OEM vs NON-OEM.(ribs/no ribs) Thanks,Tom

[deeredr]

Tom
Although we've talked about all this and you know my feelings, I'll go ahead and make it public

It's my opinion that to reproduce a part, it has to be made as the original. I know it's a lot more work and trouble and "foreign aid" maybe even to get the ribs but I think it has to be reproduced as closely as possible. So, what's this mean other than patronizing non-US suppliers distasteful though that may be? It means the price will go up more than likely. I know you're trying to help everyone out here but I myself personally think you're entitled to some compensation for all your time and trouble. In other words, you need to be able to make and keep something out of all this, however much is your call.

I've reproduced, and still do, quite a few different antique tractor parts so I know the troubles you've encountered, it's rarely as easy as it would first appear. As far as the price of $50 you mentioned goes, applying my "tractor sense" I would have expected this part, taking into account the fact that it's injection molded and a difficult piece and super low production to boot, to cost us in the $100 to $150 price range. To me that seems a perfectly fair price for a part I would be unable to locate otherwise.

Just my two cents worth, take it for what it's worth but at least the topic of price has now been broached.

Hope everyone's Xmas went well and have a safe New Year's!

Greg

[WinnipegStPaul9]

OK, I'll take the other side. Most Dator owners arent' showing in a concours but most importantly.......................why help the Chinese? Buy American!! ( or Canadian!!)