Questions On Uprights

I really did use the search feature, in fact I read every post going back some three years on the subject.

My question has to do with aluminum rear uprights, as i understand it, if I want to retain my drive flanges, etc. (early GTD) I can use either the Gardner Douglas T70 units (480 GBP fronts and rears) or the GTD Racing ones.

As I've tried for days to reach GTD Racing, with no luck, my questions are, how much are their aluminum uprights and how much other work is involved to make them work? Is fabricating new control arms and trailing arms needed or can the existing ones be modified (rose jointed) to make it work? Can some who have used these comment on their experience installing them? Do the rear pick up points need to be moved to accomodate any of the aluminum uprights mentioned? Do they use the same bearings as the GTD? How are both GD and GTD Racing to deal with (do they stock them? ship in a timely fashion, etc.)

Any information would be welcomed, Thanks in advance

Chris

Hi Chris

We have fitted the GTD alloy uprights to the rear of Roy Smart's monocoque which is still under construction. Dave Parker also has them fitted to his R42 so I can probably dig out some pictures of either fitment given time.

I'll give Ray a call at home tomorrow and query how he prefers to be contacted these days. Last time I saw him he had some sets in stock - I believe about £500UK a pair but I can confirm tomorrow.

They do require a bit of work but nothing too complex as I recall and I think they take Ford Escort Cosworth bearing sets. For Daves, we had to machine the ABS teeth off the driveshaft where it passes through the hub rear but this may have been resolved in later sets as Dave Parkers were quite an early set in production.

Malcolm MacAdam has used the GD fronts and can no doubt comment on them + also possibly on those now produced by John Wisher. I think Frank Catt is also in the process of producing some as has another club member whose name currently escapes me - If anyone can supply - speak up.

regards

Thank you Paul for your comments, I would very much like to here what Ray Christopher says, John Wisher is one that has escaped me (any conact info would be welcomed). I've yet to contact Frank Catt, but planned to (seems I dont have a phone number for Mr. Catt, but do have a email).
I have also talked with Mark Sibley about the ones MDA is selling but it seems a bit more engineering is needed to fit them to my older GTD.
I would really like to hear Malcolm's comments as he also runs a GTD (though in a much higher state of tune). Thanks again, I'll look forward to see who chimes in.

Chris

Hi again -

Spoke to Ray today and from the horse's mouth 'GTD Racing no longer exist'. He no longer has any alloy uprights in stock and "being realistic, they can only be produced in batches of say 10 pairs at approx £480 / pair."

Sorry - but if you are still interested - I would think either Mark Sibley or John Wisher are your best bet.

Frank can be reached on +44 (0)1323 843839 - but he's off to Monaco tomorrow so he won't be about for a few days..

Malc can probably email you John Wisher's details...

Hope that helps... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Thanks again Paul,

I'll either look to John Wisher, Frank Catt or do something out of the ordinary, such as convert the whole setup to C4 Corvette.

Chris

This may be something the company that employs me could assist with.

Ok so we are in the "Replacement Parts" business for Bulldozer spares and heavy diesel engines.

Our expertise is in "reverse engineering" where we take an OEM part and pull it to pieces and make a replacement to same specifications etc.

We deal with a number of casting shops that seem to be able to cast anything in any alloy to any size - normally alot bigger than that used on a 40.

Is this something that people want and if so is it commervially viable? If it is we would need a set of samples - they would be returned intact after moulds are made and then couldhave produced and stock these items.

If others are already going down this route fine no problem but we may have sources that would reduce costs considerably.

The more potential sources the better.

Ian