Bumper rubbers

[phillpot]

Had a sample arrive yesterday from Little Port Boat Haven,part No. D5035. As the picture shows it is a simple D section but didn't look too bad when held in place on a bonnet, looked better when packed out about 6mm.


Cut a "slice" from a badly damaged original for comparison, hadn't realized what a complex (and non symmetrical) shape it is.

Did TVR have it custom made or did they "find" it somewhere?






A similar profile is available from Pheonix Trim but it is a much thinner wall. I suspect the thick stuff would hold its shape better when curved around the bodywork.




Looks smaller, that's an optical illusion, only about a mm difference if put end to end.

[Blue 30]

Assuming you're doing a replacement of these oh so well engineered inserts !
What are you doing about the top chrome trim. Or is that just sticky backed plastic trim ?
Or does it 'hook' behind the rubber ?.... Mine to be refurb'd in the spring. And if one has to buy a minimum length I'll go in with a common order (let me know). TerryB (new S3 owner & club member).

Edited by Blue 30 on Sunday 7th December 22:42

[magpies]

what have you used as the new metal insert?

[phillpot]

Blue 30 said:

is that just sticky backed plastic trim ?

Yes!

magpies said:

what have you used as the new metal insert?

I'm not actually replacing mine, this is more of an "out of curiosity" project. But I did replace my inserts with simple mild steel strips, was easier to braze the bolts into than stainless or aluminium. If they last 20+ years like the originals I can live with that

My rears didn't have inserts, just big fat self tappers through bodywork into the rubber.

[Griffinr]

magpies said:

what have you used as the new metal insert?

I used "heavy duty restraint strap" from the builders merchant. Try a google search. Its galvanised steel strip which you can cut to length and bend, and thick enough to take a thread.
Rob

[greymrj]

phillpot said:

I'm not actually replacing mine, this is more of an "out of curiosity" project. But I did replace my inserts with simple mild steel strips, was easier to braze the bolts into than stainless or aluminium. If they last 20+ years like the originals I can live with that

My rears didn't have inserts, just big fat self tappers through bodywork into the rubber.

Phillpot, I am shocked to the very core! Letting your standards drop like that! Mine have stainless inserts all round, fixed with special shouldered stainless self tapping bolts....so there!

Care though if anybody else tries this, stainless self tappers are not as strong and as it takes a great deal of force to self tap the stainless I used a steel self tapper first on each hole then replaced with the stainless screws. Should last more than the originals..by which time it will not be my problem!

[Adrian@]

Try Clifton rubber uk...I thought they made the original profile.
Adrian@

[phillpot]

greymrj said:

..by which time it will not be my problem!

My logic.... even with mild steel !!!!

Adrian@ said:

Try Clifton rubber uk...I thought they made the original profile.
Adrian@

Sample sent, thanks for the info. Chap I spoke to was very helpful but still in school 25 years ago



and if you ever wondered where to get some traction engine tyres ..... clicky

Edited by phillpot on Monday 8th December 16:19

[Bobhon]

phillpot said:

and if you ever wondered where to get some traction engine tyres ..... clicky

Edited by phillpot on Monday 8th December 16:19

That's a great link Mike. Get the new tyres fitted and take the old traction engine out for a blast this weekend. Does it come with a foam repair can in case you get a puncture.

Bob

[phillpot]

Full steam ahead Bob !!!! but not with the bumpers, tooling to make the extrusion no longer exists



..... but could be re-made, at a price but I suspect there is not enough interest to make it viable unless a TVR specialist was interested in taking some stock?

[Adrian@]

Fill us in on the story...who HAD the tooling.
Adrian@

[phillpot]

Adrian@ said:

Fill us in on the story...who HAD the tooling.
Adrian@

I have no idea, and I don't think the chap I've been speaking to has either?


My guess would be they had a tidy up,

"have we used this in the last ten years"?
"No".
"Bin it"


If you'd like to "pick this up" Adrian I'll gladly forward you the correspondence I have had with them. Been two days now and I have had no reply to my request for a "guesstimate" price on 20m of extrusion after tooling is sorted.

[Adrian@]

What I meant was who have you spoken to that are saying that they DID make it?

AND, If it is like my other rubber extrusions, people are talking 1000 Mtr runs!
Adrian@

[phillpot]

Adrian@ said:

What I meant was who have you spoken to that are saying that they DID make it?

Nobody, just followed up your suggestion and contacted Clifton Rubber Co.

Adrian@ said:

AND, If it is like my other rubber extrusions, people are talking 1000 Mtr runs!
Adrian@

I forget the exact conversation, but I made it quite clear I was an individual car enthusiast inquiring about a modest quantity (perhaps 20 metres) to share out amongst some fellow enthusiasts.


Tooling is estimated at £225 + vat = £270

The standard D section I mentioned earlier in this thread is £17 per metre so if we guess at £25 per metre, 20 metre = £500


Add it all up and divide by six (just over 3m per car) and its looking like, possibly, £130 per set.

From the limited queries on this Forum about "where can I get some" I think even trying to get six "definites" could be a no goer.

As I don't actually need any myself, (but had the guy said "we've got ten metres of old stock on the shelf gathering dust you can have it for a One-er I'd have bought it for "insurance" or to help someone else out one day) I'm dropping this one. If anyone would like the guys name I've been speaking to just let me know.

[Adrian@]

I PRESUME that availability of this in the market place is ZERO...or is that people have asked the question and it's deemed to be too rich! I am only asking so as I know where to price my stock...LOL (that was not serious by the way, I have none), and it is not something that I am likley to do, I'm just curious.
Adrian@

[phillpot]

Adrian@ said:

I PRESUME that availability of this in the market place is ZERO..
Adrian@

To the best of my knowledge ....... ?

[phillpot]

Had a price back from Cliftons, looks like my estimate was a bit too conservative!

£31 per metre, so with six cars/owners sharing the tooling cost it comes out at £170 inc. vat per car.


Time to sweep this one back under the carpet I think?


Now I wonder if they could do the targa top edge seals

[greymrj]

OK Phillpot, thanks for the link, a nuisance when two threads follow the same subject! I will ask the question again here!
Has anyone obtained a sample from Polymax to compare?
I believe it would possible to get a g.r.p. moulding of the original done at an appropriate price. Would members be interested in an exact replica but in g.r.p.. Could be filled with builders foam for some impact absorption.