TeamSwift

Hi everybody,

if you look at the subject a few years ago I made two batches of these latch catches.
I will be making more and invested in a set of match plates to sand cast them, the price will be lower.
The first batch will be ready in 4-5 weeks.
I don't know the final price yet but I'm aiming for 70 dolllars for the pair. This is just a ball park, don't hold me to it yet.
But I'm doing my very best to offer them at the lowest price possible.
People who know me , know of my integrity.
Thanks for your attention.

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Less IS more.

I'd be in for a set, missed out the last time..........

Hi there Metro-Mike,

Thank you,
please be so kind as to send me your coordinates including phone number.

Thanks again.

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Less IS more.

Are you going to make them out of aluminum like before ?


Ken.........

Count me in!

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'91 Vert... Rebuilt 1.0, Clutch, KYB GR2 Shocks, Control Arms, Tie Rods, Motor Mounts, Wheel Bearings, Black Topper, 14" LuxAlloy Wheels, Bad Red Paint

Count me in for at least one set!

Yes please.

I will buy a set.

I am in for a set.

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Run with the big dogs

I would like to get a set also

I will take a set , POSSIBLY 2

count me in for two pairs....

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89 1.0 turbo firefly
2"exhaust,no cats/resonator
3 tech 6*gear
3 tech turbo grind cam
3 tech cylinder head/w/port,polish,blend,oversized s/s valves
gti brake swap
89 white gti twincam....need I say more?
92 metro aka ''blue lump of coal''
92 white metro lsi vert
91 blue chevy sprint (gas sipper)

I'm in for one set

Ditto for me!

Everybody who asked for a set or two has sent me their coordinates.
I thank you all, it shows your seriousness.
The molds will be ready in a few days, possibly early next week (June 16th).
Then we cast, hopefully there is no lineup at the foundry.
Thank you again everybody.
Frederick
(aka Manutea, white bird from the north in Maohi)

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Less IS more.

i believe i was the first to respond but did so by private messaging.

here to be counted.

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1991 Blue Geo Metro Convertible highly modified 1.0L Turbo3 5 spd. - 1991 Red Geo Metro Convertible customized with a Twincam 5 spd.

My Turbo3 Project
My Cardomain Page -Ol' Blue
My YouTube Channel
My Photo Gallery
SAAB Sonett II

I got a pair back when Manutea did the original batch. There is really nothing better. His communication was great, flip time for something custom made was not bad at all, and the product itself was outstanding. If you own a convertible do yourself a favor and buy some.

I am in for a set.

Thank you Jonathan.

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Less IS more.

The match plate is finally done. So is the core box for the void that is so complicated to include in the manufacturing process.

A core box is a mold in which you make a positive of a void.
In this case, you end up with a small block of sand that is hardened and installed with a dovetail in the "sand print" (also negative) of the match plate.
Here are pictures.
It is complicated to explain because the print is the negative in 3D of what you want in positive (aluminum) So if you want a void, a negative, you have to make a positive
that won't be cast.

A simple match plate also has to take into account the removal of said match plate ounce the sand is tamped and hardened.
It can't be just flat. It can in some cases....not here.
Perhaps the pictures will speak for themselves...
I hope so.
Anyway, next step is the foundry.

This is the core box in which the sand core for the latching plate "void" will be made.


Drag side, with slight inclination to remove sand box.


The dope side is less hasardous to remove.


Close up of the core that will be made in sand. This is a resin mock-up to test that everything fits.


This mold is the initial "imprint" mold,used to make the pattern plate.


We can see a sample resin core made with this mold, dovetailed so that it doesn't tip when tamping.


This core will be made in hardened sand and installed in the negative mold. Molten aluminum will flow around it.


This mold will not be used anymore. It will be stored as a reference, just in case.

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Less IS more.

Hi there everybody,

The foundry got back to me this morning.
Even though the mold is perfect, the small plug that will be inserted in the sand is time consuming to retract from it's mold, even if there are two small holes for air assisted removal.
The shape is thin and curved.
They will charge me 2 dollars more for each piece.

I do hope that you will keep your order.

Of course the dreaded "we are very busy" sentence was pronounced and I will get the lot 3 weeks from now.
This is a small order for them and I think that they will slip it between jobs.
When I get them, I will drill the holes, no plugs can be made for that and clean them up.
So, final price is $74 for the pair, plus economical shipping by post.
I thank you for your patience.
I will post a picture of the lot when finished.

All in all it is THE most economical way to produce them.
In order of cost:
CNC machining,(Inside void is very doubtful)
Die casting (we need big quantities)
Lost wax (like previous batches)
Sand cast.

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Less IS more.

Looking forward to getting mine............

As promised here are the pictures of the latches, they are gorgeous.
I tumbled polished them, all to do is drill the holes.

I will do this and call each and everyone.
IF you want them FAST, paypal will be okay if you pay the fee. Something like $4.00 on a total of $74 plus shipping.
Of course a good check or international money order is fully acceptable.
I'll package and weigh each pair for each buyer.
Thank you for your attention.



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Less IS more.

woohoo!

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1991 Blue Geo Metro Convertible highly modified 1.0L Turbo3 5 spd. - 1991 Red Geo Metro Convertible customized with a Twincam 5 spd.

My Turbo3 Project
My Cardomain Page -Ol' Blue
My YouTube Channel
My Photo Gallery
SAAB Sonett II

Wow these look great!

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Cars and Harleys