Getting Parts Made

Getting Custom Parts Made

Some of the parts you have seen on this website are custom made; these parts such as the front wheel hubs and the front brake caliper brackets are my own original designs. But, that does not mean that I want to hold them exclusive, I just don't feel I want to be in the business of manufacturing them for other. Lets face it, I just won't get rich from such an endeavor - most likely it would become a nuisance and may end up having a totally negative effect on all of us. So, I felt compelled to come up with something different. I have posted drawings for some of the parts I have made. And, please feel free to use this information and share it - FREELY. But, in addition, I would like to also take a moment and introduce you to an additional resource that may be of interest to you in these efforts as well.

If you have suffered the dilemma of having parts made for you, as I have, you will know the absolute frustration that it can be. Finding competent and reliable machinists locally can be a very tedious task - and a very costly one if you don't. The latter actually drove me to learn how on my own; spending many hours and a lot of money in tooling and machines. Looking back, I sometimes wish I could have invested that time and money in other ways. And, as I have stated already, I really have no interest in making parts for others - sorry, but it is true.

However, you do NOT have to follow a similar path. I am always going to tell you that if you are a machinist or know one (friend or family member), it is probably a good idea for you to talk to them about getting parts made. This is not just to secure the part's fabrication, it is to expose you to the mystical world of machining - it's only mystical to those that have little knowledge of the industry. As you gain exposure to this industry, it just isn't so mystical. What your really trying to learning is not the technical processes, its the language of the machinist's world. Concepts such diameters vs. radii, dimensional tolerances, and metal types allow you to communicate with machinists. Also, you will find out that the base language of this industry is not the spoken word, it is blueprints, concept drawings, and CAD (Computer Aided Design) files. Remember those mechanical drawing classes you took in high school and possibly in college - well, this is where that stuff, or what you remember of it, my pay you big dividends.

Can You Draw Skippy?

Remember that little advertisement (Can you Draw Skippy?) for some degree-by-mail Art college? Well, if you are reasonably good at drawing or designing (as some call it) with your computer, then you actually may have a much easier time in the task of getting parts made - especially if you remember those concepts of mechanical drawing I touched on above. There are several software programs, usually known as CAD programs, that allow you to draw parts, and then render the dimensional information to allow there fabrication. Some of the most well known of these programs is AutoCad, and industry standard. But, there are other less costly such as VersaCAD, TurboCAD, and EasyCAD. All of these programs allow you to generate a computer file of a part's design. You can print this file or simply give it to a machinist or machine shop and they should be able to estimate the part's cost to manufacture and the time for its manufacture. But still, even with this, you must still go and search out the machinist and/or machine shop.

eMachineShop.com

eMachineShop is the remarkable new way to get the custom parts you need. Their website is: www.eMachineShop.com. Their website clearly explains how to use their services. Simply download their FREE design software program, install it on your computer, draw your part, and click to estimate a price and order it to be made and delivered to you - it's that easy! The hardest part is actually learning the software; if you have had exposure to any CAD design its a snap; if you have experience with using computer graphics and drawing programs, your probably looking at a couple of afternoons or evenings to get "the feel" of using this type of program. For those with no experience, its a bit tougher.

The eMachineShop software has some learning and demos that comes with it. Ultimately, you will just have to take the time to learn it - if you want to use it. This software is pretty simple, yet powerful too - it will actually allow you to see a 3D view of your part. Below is a sample 3D view of a part I designed:

So, the eMachineShop program will allow you to draw your part just as the other programs I discussed earlier. But, now you don't have to go in search of a machinist or machine shop. Instead, eMachineShop does that for you. Below is a screen shot of the eMachineShop's pricing to get a set of 2 of the bracket above manufactured and delivered to my door:

The above sates 2 parts mad and delivered in 22 business days (that is basically a normal business month) will cost $142.81 delivered to my door. One aspect you don't see in this estimation is the material used, which in the case above is mild steel. I could elect to have the parts made in 304 stainless steel, but this would increase the cost to $202.97 You might think these prices are steep; but, you have to understand what your asking for are custom made parts - and a very low volume of them. So, its not going to be cheap. And, I am sure everyone out there who has a friend or relative in the machinist's trades can get a better price quote. But, for those that do not, or those who want some professional path to having parts made, this is not a bad way to go. And, even if you do have a buddy making your parts, this program may still serve you well. See, the program does provide you with a cost to gauge your other estimates by. And, it will actually export the drawing to a 2-plane AutoCad file type - DFX file extension. The DFX file type is sort of a widely recognized format and can be imported by a wide array of other programs.

So, what are the pitfalls of using the above process to make parts? Well, yourself, actually! What I mean is that with this process you control your own fate. An example: In making the brake bracket I discuss above, I knew that this part, in this application, should be made from mild steel or could even be made from 304 stainless steel. My engineering skills, fabrication experience, and good old common sense allow me to understand that the part should not be made, at the given specifications, made from aluminum or plastic. The point is that I understand what a part needs to be made of and/or from. That is sometimes tricky for the novice to understand; and, the only way to know is to ask someone who does or research the answer yourself. But, what ever the path, you are still the master of the task - and will have to live with the result. So, be sure, because it is only the responsibility of the part's manufacturer to deliver parts to your specifications - what you do with them and any harm you may encounter as a result of your design is solely yours.

And, even with to considerations to designs I make and post here in this website, I will take no responsibility for how you use the information. Justly, when you put forth the effort to have parts made for you, by a design of your origin and/or approval, you are solely responsible for its safe use.

A final point on this topic is that it is my understanding that eMachineShop is focused on the US market, I am unsure if it will do work for international clients and to what extent - you folks will just have to determine that stuff on your own.

Custom JZR Parts I Have Drawn For Use With eMachineShop

To help folks, I have prepared the following files. These are eMachineShop file ready to use. If you do decide to use them you must download them and put in your personal information before generating your order - you will need to install the eMachineShop software on your own computer to make these changes. Please note I make no warranties or guarantees on these designs. I have drawn them to what I felt is the most economical configuration to have made. You may decide to make modification, before or after having the parts made, to suit your personal desires.

Wilwood Front Brake Caliper Bracket

This is a rendering of the front disc brake bracket I made to use with the Wilwood front disc brake calipers I am using. To download this file, right-click the illustration to left of this text and select SaveAs.

Front Bumper Upright/R&P Clamp

This is a rendering of the front bumper upright. This bracket replaces the typical rack & pinion clamps to allow you to use a hoop-style, tube bumper up front. Please note that this design is based on the rack and pinion mounts on my JZR, which are on a 34 degree angle as made from JZR. Also, I have not included the actual mounting holes, those will have to be added. To download this file, right-click the illustration to left of this text and select SaveAs.

Trailer Ball Hitch Plate

This is a rendering of the ball hitch plate I designed for use with the trailer hitch I made for my JZR. This design is for use with a very light capacity trailor - like those used by motorcycles. It is made to accept a 3/4 shanked, 1-7/8 ball. To download this file, right-click the illustration to left of this text and select SaveAs.

Chevette/Fiero Style Front Wheel Hub

This is a rendering of a wheel hub I designed. This wheel hub mounts to a Chevette or 4 cylinder Fiero spindles. It allows the use of a Moto Guzzi front wheel brake rotor and universal (undrilled) splined wire wheel adaptors. Please not that this design utilizes stock Chevette bearing and replacement bearing races (you usually get the races with the replacement bearings - if you are wondering). This design will utilize the Wilwood brakes caliper brackets shown above. To download this file, right-click the illustration to left of this text and select SaveAs.

Blank Style Front Wheel Hub

This is a rendering of a blank wheel hub similar to the one above. However, this design does not have the internal bearing cutouts; just a 1/2 inch center hole. And, it has a longer adaptor snout. This configuration may allow folks who wish to use "other" spindle types to use the Guzzi/Wilwood braking and splined wheel adaptor combination. You could modify this file to suit your needs or have the blank made and then have the needed modification done by another resource. To download this file, right-click the illustration to left of this text and select SaveAs.

All of the information above has been offered to you as general information and I hope it is of some use to you. But, you need to remember that getting custom parts made for you can be costly - VERY COSTLY! This is because of machine setup and operation time. One way you may be able to cut costs is through bulk ordering. A group of people may consolidate they purchases into a single transaction. I doubt that this will have a great impact unless you can gather a group that would allow for the ordering of 10 or more of a given part - say 5 people get together to order 5 sets (10 items total) of wheel hubs.

Finally, I should again mention that ultimately you control your own destiny in this creative avenue, just as you are in virtually every other avenue in building a JZR. I know this article is full of some pretty heavy concepts; so don't be afraid to email me with question - just don't ask me to make parts for you! And remember, just because its been done before, you don't have to settle for the same old thing - it's YOUR JZR - So, make it YOUR OWN!

RETURN

Wilwood Front Brake Caliper Bracket
	This is a rendering of the front disc brake bracket I made to use with the Wilwood front disc brake calipers I am using. To download this file, right-click the illustration to left of this text and select SaveAs.
Front Bumper Upright/R&P Clamp
	This is a rendering of the front bumper upright. This bracket replaces the typical rack & pinion clamps to allow you to use a hoop-style, tube bumper up front. Please note that this design is based on the rack and pinion mounts on my JZR, which are on a 34 degree angle as made from JZR. Also, I have not included the actual mounting holes, those will have to be added. To download this file, right-click the illustration to left of this text and select SaveAs.
Trailer Ball Hitch Plate
	This is a rendering of the ball hitch plate I designed for use with the trailer hitch I made for my JZR. This design is for use with a very light capacity trailor - like those used by motorcycles. It is made to accept a 3/4 shanked, 1-7/8 ball. To download this file, right-click the illustration to left of this text and select SaveAs.
Chevette/Fiero Style Front Wheel Hub
	This is a rendering of a wheel hub I designed. This wheel hub mounts to a Chevette or 4 cylinder Fiero spindles. It allows the use of a Moto Guzzi front wheel brake rotor and universal (undrilled) splined wire wheel adaptors. Please not that this design utilizes stock Chevette bearing and replacement bearing races (you usually get the races with the replacement bearings - if you are wondering). This design will utilize the Wilwood brakes caliper brackets shown above. To download this file, right-click the illustration to left of this text and select SaveAs.
Blank Style Front Wheel Hub
	This is a rendering of a blank wheel hub similar to the one above. However, this design does not have the internal bearing cutouts; just a 1/2 inch center hole. And, it has a longer adaptor snout. This configuration may allow folks who wish to use "other" spindle types to use the Guzzi/Wilwood braking and splined wheel adaptor combination. You could modify this file to suit your needs or have the blank made and then have the needed modification done by another resource. To download this file, right-click the illustration to left of this text and select SaveAs.