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Old 06-02-2014, 02:54 AM
Tom Bryant Tom Bryant is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Wiscasset, Maine
Vehicle: 1986 745 D24T
Posts: 11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tommy Two Stroke View Post
This effort is still alive. (snip) Perhaps a group buy could work, given enough interest.
The other Tom and I have been discussing this project on the D24 mailing list. The following is what I posted there on this subject:
(Begin Quote):

1. Neither the D24 nor the D24T P/S bracket is currently available from any known source.

2. The last time I purchased one of the P/S brackets was on 6/7/2012. At that time Volvo's List Price was $123.23.

3. I have located a foundry that can cast the parts for me at a cost of about $50.00 each, somewhat less in quantity.

4. The foundry would be using "Tenzaloy", Alloy Number 713.1. You can google it for yourself if you want to know more about it.

5. The foundry cannot cast the brackets directly from an existing part because of shrinkage and technical considerations dealing with configuration and casting methodology. A pattern will be required.

6. A pattern maker has quoted me "time and material" to make a pattern, and estimates the cost at about $2,000.00.

7. The pattern maker assures me that the Tenzaloy material would be inherently stronger than the OEM material, and the part itself would be considerably beefier, both across the mid-section, and especially at the bottom, where it fastens to the water pump, theoretically making breakage a thing of the past.

8. If we should decide to make both types of P/S brackets, a separate pattern would be required for each, at a cost of about $2,000.00 each, $4,000.00 total.

9. I estimate the cost of machining to finish each bracket to be about $50.00, but I have not consulted a machinist on this question, yet.

10. So, the total cost to manufacture each and every bracket will be about $100.00, and that does not include paying for the pattern(s).

11. The D24 bracket fits easily on the D24T engine, however, the D24T bracket does not work well on the D24 engine because of interference between the P/S adjustment bracket and the top radiator hose.

12. It seems therefore, that if we can only make one type of P/S bracket, it should be the D24 type.

13. At a price of $200.00 per bracket, I would have to sell about twenty of these brackets, just to break even.

If there is sufficient demand, I will have a pattern made and have some brackets cast and machined. But, *only* if there is sufficient demand.

So, anyone who might like to have one of these brackets, now or at any time in the future, here's your chance. Tell me how many you'd like of each type, and commit to paying up to $200.00 per each, plus shipping, for them.

Also, please state whether or not you'd accept a D24 bracket in lieu of a D24T bracket, in case there is insufficient demand to justify making some of each.

If I get orders for at least twenty of the same type, I'll proceed. Otherwise, I won't. So, if you're interested, you'd better speak *now*, because this offer is not likely to be repeated, at least not by me.

I repeat: Unless I get sufficient orders to at least break even, I will not proceed with this project.

I need to know within a week, or I will not proceed.

(End of quoted material from D24 Mailing List.)

Additional information:

In North America, the 240 got only the D24 engine and the 740 got only the D24T engine, but in other markets, the 740 also got either the D24 or the D24T engine. All 700-series, if they used the bracket at all, used the 740-style bracket. Therefore, what is referred to above as the "D24" bracket is more properly called the 240-style bracket, and the "D24T" bracket is more properly called the 740-style bracket.

The brackets would be cast solid, without ribs on the back side, making them very rugged. They would also be beefed up in breakage-prone areas, especially the tab that attaches to the water pump.

It appears likely that we will be making only the 240-style bracket, which will work well on either the D24 or the D24T engine.

If you're interested, please let me know how many brackets you'd like to buy. I require no money up front. The first batch will be sold at cost to the "subscribers." I will not proceed unless there are sufficient orders to bring the cost down to $200.00 each, or less. That means that I will have to get orders for at least 20 brackets before I will proceed. I currently have requests for 4 brackets.

If interested, please contact me at:
thosbryant@gmail.com
(email preferred)

Tom Bryant
32 JBS Way
Wiscasset, Maine 04578
207-443-6338

Additional background information may be found at:
http://thosbryant.wordpress.com/about/
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