Reproduction Dator Airboxes

[atomc40]

FYI - I am in the process of having some injection mold work done,as a local college project. The Dean at this peticular school is a relative of mine. Consequently,he is willing to take this project on for the cost of materials. So...as long as the quality of the end product is correct and the price stays low, ($50.00 or so) hopefully. Is there anyone out there interested in a Dator airbox. I'm just taking a survey at this point to see if there is any interest. If a few people respond,I'll proceed with the project and keep you informed as to the progress. Let me know if it's worth doing. Tom

[robtan88]

Hi Tom. Sounds like a pretty cool project. Don,t take this the wrong way as its only a suggestion, but you would probabley get more interest if you were to reproduce 1980-up Liquifire air boxes as an injection mould project. Seems like someone is always looking for an airbox for one of these sleds. Might be a good oppertunity to finally have them. Personally don,t like paying primo dollar for one off of EVIL BAY. Just my .84cents worth, and I for sure would buy 1 or 2 from you. Thanks for the heads up, and good luck with you,re project.....Rob.

[rnp]

Hi Tom. I need two. When will they be ready? Lol Can not find originals anywhere....Bob

[Jack Frost]

I would be interested in one.

[ICCSF 108]

Rob, I really don't think the problem is a lack of 80-84 Liquifire air boxes, the problem is that everyone we have the screen ( Tube/air duct ) inside is rusted out, that is why I never respond to anyone's add that's looking for one. The last time I did a few years back the guy didn't want it because the screen was shot. I know we have at least 4 maybe 6 & everyone the screens is shot. I think Either the AM54792 tube or AM55314 air duct is what really needs to be repoped for the 80-84 Liquifires
Just my $.0765 worth
Kenny

Tom, I'll commit to at least 2 Dator boxes & if they come in at the price your projecting I'll probably take a couple more..
I have also looked into repoping the Rubber carb adapter for the Dator air box last winter but the quantity which reflected too the cost was to high for what boxes are now out there, so if you can get me numbers on your orders I'll look into repoping the rubber adapters ( or Boots as Ted referred to them ) again..
IF this project goes through you might ck on repoping 295/S & 340/S air boxes next
Kenny

[Dator76]

i would bet about 1/2 the dators out there are missing airboxes and I would guess there are 150 to 200 dators left maybe more. so if 75 are missing airboxes you could possible expect to sell up to 40 OVER TIME, so it might be a worthwhile venture. another item to consider might be the brake handle for the juice brake however that would require an aluminum insert. I have no interest in either as I have enough of both. the airboxes require boots and a tube to make them complete, the boots are non-transferrable from anything as far as i know, the tube could be made.

[lwb140]

id take 1 for prosperity purposes maybe if i buy one ill find a black and green birdnest in a barn that doesnt have one wade

[atomc40]

Hey Greg, Chime in, if you see this.
Greg,aka Deeredr is helping out with this project by providing a good original donor box to be copied. If this pans out,I want to give credit where it's due. If it doesn't, well...nothing ventured,nothing gained.
So far the response is looking promising. T

[atomc40]

Hey Wade,
Funny you should mention the birdnest. When I say : "I just get my kicks out of the chase".I mean it. Ask Greg where that birdsnest is today. It's settin in his warehouse. I find em,and send em on, to whoever wants them.
Oh... I occasionally keep a few select ones for my own personal use. I still like riding my old Sporty from time to time. T

[cooter]

I would take one for sure, maybe two.

[johnnycyclone]

Hey Tom,
I am interested in 1 for sure, possibly 2. If you don't mind me asking what college are you referring to? I live in Dundee, Mi which is only 20 minutes from Toledo.

Thanks...Terre

[deeredr]

Tom
Well one reason Tom isn't looking at the Liquifire airboxes is because both he and me need Dator boxes! Seriously!
I also think most people are, like the last time we talked about this, overlooking an important consideration.

Okay, so you have your Dator completely restored. Well how much better would it be with a pristine white airbox instead of the faded to ivory and possibly stained airbox now on it? That's what I told Tom, that even though I have two airboxes right now and need one I would probably buy three new ones so as to have fresh and clean appearing airboxes.

Just something else to consider.

So far as the tube goes, I hadn't talked to Tom but I was thinking about that and I bet my buddy would make us some of those too. If so, then all we need are the boots and if we had those then the boxes would be complete and that would one be one less problem part for the Dators.

If this all goes well, maybe Tom could take a look at other boxes, sure would be nice to quit worrying about the tough ones.

Greg
Tom was referring to the Liquidator I got from him a few years ago, nice appearing but with a Liquifire motor. I think I have the motor for it now. I will post a pic of the 3 dators soon as I finally got them all in one place. 1 from Tom, 1 from Ted that started all this mess for me (!), and 1 from a fellow in Iowa. Not much to look at but lots of potential!

[ICCSF 108]

Greg & Tom, As soon as you guys can come up with some possible air box total production numbers, I'll start Checking on the Boots/Rubbers whatever you want to call them again, to see what can be done..

Kenny

[atomc40]

Hey Greg,
Was that last Dator from Ron Johnson? Just curious. I had looked at it,considered it,then passed. Is it gonna be restorable (within reason)? T

[atomc40]

Terre,
Owens Community College T