Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: feeutfo on 07 February 2012, 20:22:54
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Emailed regal re polly donuts, no reply.
Rang them, we'll get back to you. That was two weeks ago.
Anyone know we're to get these from?
Ta :)
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Group buy might convince someone to make some?
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Group buy might convince someone to make some?
The guys over at ABS did get Superflex interested in a group buy for poly donuts at some point a few years back. Not sure if it ever came off though. :-\
Regards
Alan
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I'd settle for a supplier to start with, tbh. :-\
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I'm sure I've read on here that a member in Europe has sourced and fitted some...
IIRC his ID is Razzo or similar (just remember his avatar being a car covered in a lot of snow!!) :-\
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=806 (http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=806) :y
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Yep, awaiting his or Omegatoys replies, hopefully. :)
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Anyone got any pics and dimensions? I will see if anything in jap land would work (there are thousands of poly options for them, makes them cheap too)
In fact a friend of mine has some Nissan skyline water pump pulley wheels which are acting as locking collars on his mega ;D
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I'm sure I've read on here that a member in Europe has sourced and fitted some...
IIRC his ID is Razzo or similar (just remember his avatar being a car covered in a lot of snow!!) :-\
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=806 (http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=806) :y
A reply from Razzo to a similar question.
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=93681.msg1174993#msg1174993
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when i get the time will sort the pics out, mine came from oz though and are actually from a holden,
fairly certain calibra bushes are the same size though and poly bushes were available for them?
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been searching quickly cant find them at mo!!
here is a useful link though which may help and is worth searching!!
http://www.k-mac.com/index.html
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got mine from regal & have to say if they were any more laid back they would be in a coma. Have sent an e mail to K mac for a list of distributors & to see if we can order from them direct so when i hear something will let you know, also i think regal wait till they get a few orders together then place them all at once as opposed to ordering when the customer wants because they are shipped from OZ
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I did email kmack, presumed not available after their reply, pasted below. But I guess they fit the other models mentioned?
Hi Chris
We do not have the Omega B in Australia. So if you check out the Donut Busks (X number to frame bushs – one per side)
If same as Calibra, Cavalier, yes we do manufacture.
Part Number is 202527
Price is $210.00 US pair
UPS air is $60.00.
They come with packer springs to reduce flex and improve traction.
Quantity of 10 pair plus $150.00 per pair UPS (per unit $15.00)
Regards
Jasmine (on behalf of K-mac)
PLEASE DON’T REPLY TO THIS EMAIL. REPLY TO: sales@k-mac.com
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Ah, should have followed this up then, as the no. Quoted by k-mac is the number quoted by razzo.
As I recall, other stuff got in the way.
Not cheap are they. :o
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Ah, should have followed this up then, as the no. Quoted by k-mac is the number quoted by razzo.
As I recall, other stuff got in the way.
Not cheap are they. :o
£183.00 :o
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lol hence why mine have now been on 3 of my cars and are sitting in the shed waiting for me to fit them to the black estate!!
not a jot of wear on them either!!
however as im not sure whether to sell the miggy or sorn it they may have to wait a little longer
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Not cheap, are they
Dunno, is that Aussie $, in which case, not too bad. If yankie $, pricey.
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ONE DAY I WILL LEARN TO READ
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just emailed a very good friend of mine inAustralia to see if he can source some let you know when i get a reply :y
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Had a response from Regal.
These are £180(Sigh...) a pair when ordered on an individual basis when quoting Razzo's part number.
So when asked about the potential of a group buy they are asking what sort if numbers we are talking about?
One wonders if it would be cheaper to go direct to kmac in oz.
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Anyone good with conversion rates ?
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Anyone good with conversion rates ?
Just type it into google.. i.e. "300 AUD in GBP" will convert AU$300 to £...
[edit] I think it uses the current day's bank rate, so the 'real' conversion rate you get from a bank or card company will be skewed slightly against you.
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Anyone good with conversion rates ?
Just type it into google.. i.e. "300 AUD in GBP" will convert AU$300 to £...
[edit] I think it uses the current day's bank rate, so the 'real' conversion rate you get from a bank or card company will be skewed slightly against you.
So how much we talking a? I'm on me phone. :)
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Excuses! ;)
Based on these prices:
Price is $210.00 US pair
UPS air is $60.00.
They come with packer springs to reduce flex and improve traction.
Quantity of 10 pair plus $150.00 per pair UPS (per unit $15.00)
That's £133 ea plus £38 shipping (plus VAT + Duty once landed, if you get caught). W/out duty that'd be 171, w/ duty probably £220
For 10 pairs it'd be £104 including shipping each, or £135ish each including duty.
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Right, scratch all that. (sorry a)
Just got off the phone to Paul at Powerflex. He reckons they could make some with a lead time of about two or three months to make tooling etc for about £80 a pair retail.
Who's interested?
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Right, scratch all that. (sorry a)
Just got off the phone to Paul at Powerflex. He reckons they could make some with a lead time of about two or three months to make tooling etc for about £80 a pair retail.
Who's interested?
At that sort of lead time I probably am ;)
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Yes, I would be as well.
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Yes I would be as long as it's not for a couple of months.....
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count me in as well at that price :y :y
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So that's 5 so far....
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Ah what the heck, add me. Might as well. As long as I can get the expert (that's you, Chris) to fit 'em ;) ;D
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Ah what the heck, add me. Might as well. As long as I can get the expert (that's you, Chris) to fit 'em ;) ;D
Oh ffs, didn't think of that did I! ;D
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seems like you have created yourself a job opportunity there chris :y or a headache ;D
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it's about the only thing i haven't had changed yet, so if relevant to my MV6, the best put me down for a set....
(that's assuming the estate rear is the same as the saloon rear in this respect )
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it's about the only thing i haven't had changed yet, so if relevant to my MV6, the best put me down for a set....
(that's assuming the estate rear is the same as the saloon rear in this respect )
Yes they are the same across the range Max.
So thats 6 :y
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Should add, according to Paul at this stage, these will be two piece items per side. The bush itself that we are all familiar with, plus the pad that sits between subframe arm and chassis. So four parts per set. Two bushes, two pads. :)
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£80? I must be daft! Put me down please, only for 1 set for the elite. The mv6 had a pampered life before I got it. I only bloody changed the donuts last year. Never mind, I managed to poly the bones and arb for £55 so it's not that bad.
Will they be making exact numbers do you know? Will there be an excess that could be bought later?
Thanks
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Sounds like a good idea. :y jamesv6cdx is checking my car out this weekend hopefully. So if mine need replacing as you have suggested Chris then i will have a set aswell.
What sort of time scale are we looking at then? Will they be available by may? If not i will have to give them a miss as i need my suspension sorted by May for the mot. :'(
Hope they are available for May as i am guessing these would be better than stanard bushes ;D
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Put me down for a set for my Elite with that time scale :y
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Put me down for a set too, please. :y
I know I've only recently changed them, but they'll need doing again at some point, and if it's going to be a limited run... Besides, any excuse to see chrisgixer under my car cursing away. :P
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I know I've only recently changed them, but they'll need doing again at some point, and if it's going to be a limited run... Besides, any excuse to see chrisgixer under my car cursing away. :P
You don't want me to suggest doing them here over the pit, then? ;D
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I know I've only recently changed them, but they'll need doing again at some point, and if it's going to be a limited run... Besides, any excuse to see chrisgixer under my car cursing away. :P
You don't want me to suggest doing them here over the pit, then? ;D
Ahh. A "drink tea and eat bacon butties while chrisgixer replaces untold numbers of bushes" party? Sounds like a winner. :y
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Jeoff and Danny. At this stage Paul is asking to gauge interest. His "in head figure" was "say for instance, 20 sets..? " I replied I fealt sure we would have demand for 10 sets almost immediately, as a guess. With that he seemed happy, they'll want to cover tooling costs at the very least, what ever that figure is I'm not sure.
Time scale is a crystal ball area, but at the time of the call lead times where 2 or 3 months "and getting longer by the day" I presume as demand increases. So I read that as, the sooner we show interest, confirm decent numbers etc, the sooner we get them made for us.
But we should note, this is just a 5 minute conversation on the phone so far. Nothing is set in stone. Sounds very do-able though. :)
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I know I've only recently changed them, but they'll need doing again at some point, and if it's going to be a limited run... Besides, any excuse to see chrisgixer under my car cursing away. :P
You don't want me to suggest doing them here over the pit, then? ;D
Ahh. A "drink tea and eat bacon butties while chrisgixer replaces untold numbers of bushes" party? Sounds like a winner. :y
... I think perhaps an advisory roll this time. All this talk of work is making my back ache. ;D
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So that's 10 so far. :)
Any more?
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... I think perhaps an advisory roll this time. All this talk of work is making my back ache. ;D
Don't worry, I can get a big 80 pack of Ibuprofen in! ;D
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Put me down for a set.
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Me too :y pleasethankyouverymuchalrightthen :-*
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£80 fully fitted? Sounds like a bargain :P
TBE is gonna need something to keep the arse steady soon, reckon the MV6 is still pretty tight at the back, so just 1 set, as long as timescales mean it can be done before TBE finishes eating the current ones...
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Just buy a VX220 and save on all the aggro. :D ;D
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If its a viable proposition could well be worth an investment and I would be in for a set.
But I suggest that non refundable deposits of a reasonable amount be paid in advance, pending probable disappearance of some folks never to reappear again.
Anyone remember the tax disc holders?? :-X
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14 and counting. :)
Yep, point very much taken H21.
At this stage, as powerflex don't actually make them yet, just gauging interest. :)
Retail price may, I suppose, go up or down between now and then.
But given k-mac want £180 delivered, the projected retail price suggests a significant saving from powerflex if they go ahead.
The possibility, if at all, of a group buy will come later on, all being well.
I think there seems to be the required level of interest at the retail price already. :y
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Having had them replaced by Chris just last year ... I'm now in a quandry .... the "old" ones lasted 100,000 miles .... so the "new" ones should do similar ...??? will the car still be running/viable in another 100,000 miles ?? and far more importantly ..... will Chris still be around to fit them ??? :)
Do I join the purchase group or not ... decisions, decisions .... :(
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Having had them replaced by Chris just last year ... I'm now in a quandry .... the "old" ones lasted 100,000 miles .... so the "new" ones should do similar ...??? will the car still be running/viable in another 100,000 miles ?? and far more importantly ..... will Chris still be around to fit them ??? :)
Do I join the purchase group or not ... decisions, decisions .... :(
iirc yours where past it well before 100k. But if your happy with the feal of the car at the back I'd say not...?
But there will be a noticeable tightening up at the back. My issue is the void holes and the play at the back.
Ie, your in a corner, and the back feels vague or it move slightly. Now, is the the back sliding, is it tram lining, or is it play in the void holes. It's un nerving. Both at the limit and actually more so just pootling around as there's less force taking up the play.
It's also noticeable in cross winds, the front on mine, which is pollyed, never moves. But I often have to correct the back when windy. It's irritating at low speeds and annoying when cracking on as the back feels disconnected.
Having said that, some people never notice.
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Having had them replaced by Chris just last year ... I'm now in a quandry .... the "old" ones lasted 100,000 miles .... so the "new" ones should do similar ...??? will the car still be running/viable in another 100,000 miles ?? and far more importantly ..... will Chris still be around to fit them ??? :)
Do I join the purchase group or not ... decisions, decisions .... :(
Ditto! :-\
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Jeoff and Danny. At this stage Paul is asking to gauge interest. His "in head figure" was "say for instance, 20 sets..? " I replied I fealt sure we would have demand for 10 sets almost immediately, as a guess. With that he seemed happy, they'll want to cover tooling costs at the very least, what ever that figure is I'm not sure.
Time scale is a crystal ball area, but at the time of the call lead times where 2 or 3 months "and getting longer by the day" I presume as demand increases. So I read that as, the sooner we show interest, confirm decent numbers etc, the sooner we get them made for us.
But we should note, this is just a 5 minute conversation on the phone so far. Nothing is set in stone. Sounds very do-able though. :)
Well still gotta be worth doing so if i have to come to you twice chris then thats what i will do so long as thats ok with you :y
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Jeoff and Danny. At this stage Paul is asking to gauge interest. His "in head figure" was "say for instance, 20 sets..? " I replied I fealt sure we would have demand for 10 sets almost immediately, as a guess. With that he seemed happy, they'll want to cover tooling costs at the very least, what ever that figure is I'm not sure.
Time scale is a crystal ball area, but at the time of the call lead times where 2 or 3 months "and getting longer by the day" I presume as demand increases. So I read that as, the sooner we show interest, confirm decent numbers etc, the sooner we get them made for us.
But we should note, this is just a 5 minute conversation on the phone so far. Nothing is set in stone. Sounds very do-able though. :)
Well still gotta be worth doing so if i have to come to you twice chris then thats what i will do so long as thats ok with you :y
Let's hope it's only once aye. ;)
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Add me to the list please Chris, as TB says, £80 fitted, bargain ;) ;D
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Add me to the list please Chris, as TB says, £80 fitted, bargain ;) ;D
Don't forget the complementary tea and bacon butties. :D
He might even do you a poly crankshaft to replace your inferior rubber one. :D
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Fitting? Now let me see... (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-think004.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)
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Add me to the list as well please....
I'm sure i recall a 'Paul' from Powerflex as their office/unit is in Uxbridge right next door to Power Engineering where i get my car mapped :y
Not wanting to add fuel to the fire, but what about the rest of the bushes on the car? Are there any further bushes that cause issues and could be made into polyurathane? I have the partial front end done already....
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Well, there's the front wishbone rearward bush.
The two two diff block bushes to chassis which separate quite badly
Rear trailing arm bushes x4. (no idea how these degrade though :-\ )
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Also roll bar bushes, they do fronts, not sure if they fit the rear as well. Rear also has very squidgy eyelet bushes in the rear drop links.
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Put me down for a set Chris, I`ll fit my own so that`ll save you some ibuprofen lol
rear wishbone bush would be good too as this ones a common failure.
Diff mounts would also be good, be a shame to do the donuts but still have wandering diff mounts.
I think deposits would be a good idea too, if they`re gonna do the tooling then they don`t want messing around.
I can cross post on ABS if you want too, might get some more numbers up.
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More the better Gav. :)
Visited Paul at Pollyflex today, he took some pics of the bushes in question plus dif blocks and trailing arm bushes, plus an interesting conversation re rearward front wb bushes and a similar example they have work in progress for another car. Consists of a polly ball joint pressed in to the WB basically.
But he seems confident our donuts will go ahead. There are some production meetings to get through and sales need to have a say, but once through that next week they'll get hold of a subframe from a breaker and get busy afaict.
Fingers crossed. They do have alot of projects on though, and those that will yield the best turn over for them will get priority by the sound of it.
We'll see. :y
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I`ve posted a thread on ABS so hopefully we can get a few more numbers, incidentally a few years back we did a group buy direct with K-Mac for some Carlton/Senator donuts and these worked out at £112 with 25 sets ordered.
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Should mention at this stage, Carlton bushes are NOT the same as omega, just in case that old tale is still doing the rounds.
I'm sure Paul is open to ideas on other models. :y
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Should mention at this stage, Carlton bushes are NOT the same as omega, just in case that old tale is still doing the rounds.
I'm sure Paul is open to ideas on other models. :y
Yeah I knew that ;) the post on ABS is for Omega Bushes :y
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Should mention at this stage, Carlton bushes are NOT the same as omega, just in case that old tale is still doing the rounds.
I'm sure Paul is open to ideas on other models. :y
Yeah I knew that ;) the post on ABS is for Omega Bushes :y
Better safe. :y
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Should mention at this stage, Carlton bushes are NOT the same as omega, just in case that old tale is still doing the rounds.
I'm sure Paul is open to ideas on other models. :y
Yeah I knew that ;) the post on ABS is for Omega-B Bushes :y
Just in case ABS has euro members ;)
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Should mention at this stage, Carlton bushes are NOT the same as omega, just in case that old tale is still doing the rounds.
I'm sure Paul is open to ideas on other models. :y
Yeah I knew that ;) the post on ABS is for Omega-B Bushes :y
Just in case ABS has euro members ;)
They do......Me!!! LOL
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Should mention at this stage, Carlton bushes are NOT the same as omega, just in case that old tale is still doing the rounds.
I'm sure Paul is open to ideas on other models. :y
Yeah I knew that ;) the post on ABS is for Omega-B Bushes :y
Just in case ABS has euro members ;)
They do......Me!!! LOL
thats two of us then!!! :y
but yet to find anywhere out here that will allow me to use me tradeclub card!!! :-X
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Should mention at this stage, Carlton bushes are NOT the same as omega, just in case that old tale is still doing the rounds.
I'm sure Paul is open to ideas on other models. :y
Yeah I knew that ;) the post on ABS is for Omega-B Bushes :y
Just in case ABS has euro members ;)
They do......Me!!! LOL
thats two of us then!!! :y
but yet to find anywhere out here that will allow me to use me tradeclub card!!! :-X
Sell it for £20 to someone in the UK! ;D
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Should mention at this stage, Carlton bushes are NOT the same as omega, just in case that old tale is still doing the rounds.
I'm sure Paul is open to ideas on other models. :y
Yeah I knew that ;) the post on ABS is for Omega-B Bushes :y
Just in case ABS has euro members ;)
They do......Me!!! LOL
thats two of us then!!! :y
but yet to find anywhere out here that will allow me to use me tradeclub card!!! :-X
Sell it for £20 to someone in the UK! ;D
quite happily send it to someone if they could use it,but ive been a member so long couldnt send me card only the paper stick on renewal bit!!! ::)
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ide defo be interested!! :y :y :y
just found this thread after posting somthing similar!!!
How about supplying them a full standard set of rubber bushes & get them to make a full set!!!
for everything required on the suspension, wishbones, antiroll bar "both" rear donuts, diff mountings, antirollbar link rubbers etc etc
would be great if you could get everything made in poly!! stiffen them up nicely :y
well atleast chris you'll be able to do them with your eyes closed after fitting 20 rear sets!!
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I'll take a set :y :y :y
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ide defo be interested!! :y :y :y
just found this thread after posting somthing similar!!!
How about supplying them a full standard set of rubber bushes & get them to make a full set!!!
for everything required on the suspension, wishbones, antiroll bar "both" rear donuts, diff mountings, antirollbar link rubbers etc etc
would be great if you could get everything made in poly!! stiffen them up nicely :y
well atleast chris you'll be able to do them with your eyes closed after fitting 20 rear sets!!
Initial approach was regarding Donut bushes as these are the most common failure. Paul did take several photographs of various other possibilitys. But he did comment that the rear diff blocks where not so straightforward to make for them. These don't fail as often either, so perhaps may not justify production costs.
They did mention the German Market was good for the omega so it may be a case of wait and see. I can't see rear roll bar bushes being too awkward to make, I guess they may have similar sized eyelet bushes for other models.
But donuts are the main issue at the rear. Let's see how that goes. :)
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But donuts are the main issue at the rear. Let's see how that goes. :)
Probably the biggest benefit to the car too along with the front wishbone bush.
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But donuts are the main issue at the rear. Let's see how that goes. :)
Probably the biggest benefit to the car too along with the front wishbone bush.
Yep, and poly the troublesome bushes and I reckon you have eliminated a few common failures and tightened up the handling significantly with little adverse effect on ride comfort.
Poly everything is going to be a route few will want to take, IMHO, because I expect it will compromise the ride more, for a diminishing return in handling.
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Put me down for a set please Chris, just notice this after coming off holiday.
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Put me down for a set please chris :y
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Sorry, came to this late, put me down for a set please Chris. You did my TD Estate last year, but I'll take a set for the Elite 3.2. :y
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I make that 23 definates. And 2 possibles. :y
Spoke To Paul at powerflex today. Sadly we are not on the list of confirmed projects in progress yet. He's asked me to ring again mid week for an update.
Bit disapointing tbh, but there are numerous more profitable projects that financially they can't ignore. Can't argue with that really. Just hope we don't slide too far down the list. Fingers crossed. :)
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Can ya stick moi down for a pair Mr Gix please? (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/43954633/rofl.gif)
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24 and one possible then Seth. :)
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Update. Spoke to Paul at Powerflex recently, we are on the project list. :y
BUT as said, they are following far more profitable lines for other cars first. So likelyhood is production won't be for another 6 months or so. :(
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Bu66er, I was hoping it would be sooner rather than later :(
My donuts are shot but I did`t want to do them twice.
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Hope my brother's get past the MoT in may then or will have to use normal one's oh well ???
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Bu66er, I was hoping it would be sooner rather than later :(
My donuts are shot but I did`t want to do them twice.
Hope my brother's get past the MoT in may then or will have to use normal one's oh well ???
As above hope mine gets through mot in may aswell as i dont really want to do mine twice if it fails then standard ones it is. :'(
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Guys I think you need to proceed on the assumption we "may" not get them made at all. It was never guaranteed these would go into production.
If you know your bushes are past it, replace them (IMO). If you then have an issue or imbalance in feel front to back lets hope we have a solution from powerflex to fix that. If we don't get them made, we've lost nothing. If we do get them made, fantastic. :)
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Im about to buy a set for my calibra, been told they are the same as the omega ones. when they turn up ill have a look and see how much work is in them. Might be able to come up with a way to make them.
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If you can put some dimensions up of the calibra ones when you get them i have the dimensions of the omega ones already. I'm currently in contact with SuperPro through work with regards to having all rear bushes made for my own car. Once i have details i will advise what they can do.
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Should point out these are available from k-mac in Australia. But by the time they are imported to the uk we're looking at between £120 and £180 quid.
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It's also worth pointing out that these will be very hard unless they have voids drilled in them like the group buy done before on ABS (which were by K-Mac in Oz as chrisgixer has named).
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I'd be interested in them if it ever came to fruition :y
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It's also worth pointing out that these will be very hard unless they have voids drilled in them like the group buy done before on ABS (which were by K-Mac in Oz as chrisgixer has named).
Must ask Paul what grade poly he's planning on using, and see if we can compare to the K-mac grade/spec.
Although ride is a bit of a personal thing. I did ask Paul if poly could drilled once moulded. He said its not very successfull, even if frozen. It tends to grab and tear.
I tried Carlton bushes, which absolutely do not fit btw, as they work out no matter what you do. But they have no void holes at all, and while they stayed in, the ride and precision was fantastic, for me anyway.
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Actually, I have a paper drill that would work, provided it doesn't get too hot.
(paper drill bit has no flutes in it, it's essentially a metal tube sharpened on the inside edge)
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It's also worth pointing out that these will be very hard unless they have voids drilled in them like the group buy done before on ABS (which were by K-Mac in Oz as chrisgixer has named).
Ian Marsh has mentioned the possibility of another group buy and also including some Monza bushes and getting them by shipping as opposed to air freight which would reduce the cost by quite a margin, the last ones we got were £112 so if it worked out at less than £100 I think it would be a good deal.
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Although ride is a bit of a personal thing. I did ask Paul if poly could drilled once moulded. He said its not very successfull, even if frozen. It tends to grab and tear.
Interesting.. a friend of mine (and many others in the US) have drilled poly engine mounts on the MR2 with no problems; six 3mm holes made with a regular HSS bit took all the harshness out of them nicely - didn't need enormous holes.
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Although ride is a bit of a personal thing. I did ask Paul if poly could drilled once moulded. He said its not very successfull, even if frozen. It tends to grab and tear.
Interesting.. a friend of mine (and many others in the US) have drilled poly engine mounts on the MR2 with no problems; six 3mm holes made with a regular HSS bit took all the harshness out of them nicely - didn't need enormous holes.
Would drilling be harder on a softer grade poly? Might imply powerflex use a softer grade :-\
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Although ride is a bit of a personal thing. I did ask Paul if poly could drilled once moulded. He said its not very successfull, even if frozen. It tends to grab and tear.
Interesting.. a friend of mine (and many others in the US) have drilled poly engine mounts on the MR2 with no problems; six 3mm holes made with a regular HSS bit took all the harshness out of them nicely - didn't need enormous holes.
Would drilling be harder on a softer grade poly? Might imply powerflex use a softer grade :-\
I was thinking the same, will be interesting to see what they say.
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Although ride is a bit of a personal thing. I did ask Paul if poly could drilled once moulded. He said its not very successfull, even if frozen. It tends to grab and tear.
Interesting.. a friend of mine (and many others in the US) have drilled poly engine mounts on the MR2 with no problems; six 3mm holes made with a regular HSS bit took all the harshness out of them nicely - didn't need enormous holes.
Would drilling be harder on a softer grade poly? Might imply powerflex use a softer grade :-\
Maybe, but a 3mm drill is so small ..I can't see it tearing even soft poly :-\
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Put me down for a set Chris :)
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Ok, I have been in touch with K-Mac as well.
Now this is all very tentative and may not happen at all, but he has quoted me a price of $AU120 per kit for a group buy of 20. Thats around 77 GB pounds.
So, not a bad price really. I know a lot of potential customers have been put off by the price of shipping and tax etc, so, I might have a solution to keep all those costs down.
It's a distinct possibility that the rig I work on might have a contract to drill offshore Oz land for a couple of years. if that is indeed the case, than as far as I am aware that contract will start half way through next year.
My plan would be to bring the said items back in my hold bags (paid for by the company) maybe 10 at a time after buying the set of 20 (I would have secure storage to leave them behind) then bring them over to the UK every time I fly over to visit. These would be on the drip so to speak as I only have cabin bags when I fly to UK.
This way, there would be no shipping charges and no tax as they would all be personal import for me!
My work schedule is 28/28 and every time I'm on field break I take a trip to Scotland to visit my delightful granddaughter.
As far as I am concerned this will be eminantly do-able, providing, a. The rig gets the contract and b. We can organise payments in advance.
There may be additional charges for freight from where they are to where we might crew change out of, e.g. freight to Darwin would be $AU60 for the 20 kits, that tells me they are not very heavy, $AU3 for each set is an expense that most can absorb I would think.
It might take a bit of time to get started but if it does come off, it would definitley be a 'not for profit' deal. All the major expenses, shipping and taxes being negated by my use of company flights.
Does all that make sense, I'm kinda typing this on the fly....
Your thoughts...
Jon
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That sounds like a good plan Jon :y
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That sounds like a really really good plan Jon. :y
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Hmmm... Limited responses to the kind offer from Jon.
Might there be concerns on, at the risk of sounding exceptionally rude, not seeing ones £77 again?
My apologies, but you see my point, I hope...? :-\
Not sure how to approach this without causing offence, but paying money to a member that lives in Spain, visits Aus, potentially, on a monthly basis etc... might not, on the face of it, appear to be the most sensible thing to do...?
While on the other hand, I wouldn't consider it fair that anyone should have to front the money on our behalf either. Wouldn't be fair if we didn't stump up to cover Jons layout, leaving him stuck with a load of bushes.
:-\
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TBH, I read his post that it won't be until next year at the earliest, which may be fine for me but I think we're hoping it would be sooner :-\
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It's a kind offer, just wondering why less interest?
Can't help the timing of it, let's hope Jon gets the work. Or are we saying there's a chance powerflex might make theirs first?
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It's a kind offer, just wondering why less interest?
Can't help the timing of it, let's hope Jon gets the work. Or are we saying there's a chance powerflex might make theirs first?
It's a possibility ;) I suppose we should keep both options open really ;) Thanks Jon :y
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It's a kind offer, just wondering why less interest?
Some of us were just watching and, er, may have not thought about replying in the affirmative :-[ :-[
Assuming Jon gets the work out in Aus, that is :y
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Well it seems as if the majority were right not replying in the affirmative. >:(
Contract went to another company, their rig had more deck space but a lesser technical specification..... I guess if truth be known (which it never will) our company was probably a mite too greedy with the asking price for day rate!
Anyhoo, the down side is we will not be going to Australia! So sorry for getting your hopes up.
Jon
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Bugger, thats a shame Jon :'(
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No worries Jon, a very kind offer non the less.
Hope work comes up soon. :y
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Oh, no worries, I am still employed....just bored.
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Has anybody got the mesurements for the rear bushes because mine are now compleatly shagged & have 4wheel steer!! great on bends nightmare on the straights!! :o a local 4x4 specialist has loads in a bucket :D if i know the dimentions i may find something to fit?? if i do this may solve other peoples issues.... :)
i maybe able 2 souce some polly blocks hard enuf to be machiened in a laythe maybe... :-\ just need the dimentions of bush width circumfrance center bore for a coller & the fixing bolt can anybody find out?? ??? also has anybody got a spair pair of rear arms to tide me over till i can souce new bushes or get some made/found in polly..... cheers :'(
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I may be able to supply some dimensions later, but I would have to say, before hand, any poly bush hard enough to be machined, is not something I'd want to fit as chassis bush to a car, personally.
As an idea, I wouldn't want to go much firmer than a Carlton bush. Or more specifically, an omega bush with no void holes. Yes Polly is firmer, but a similar grade of Polly used in the front wishbone bush is planned ifaict. A material that is actually quite compliant, and too soft to machine, even when frozen, according to power flex. And having seen the material planned, I can see why.
If things are that urgent, I guess the only immediate option would be kmac(?) in oz. But then we are back the the rather elevated price.
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For those who are members, a group buy thread for K-mac bushes has appeared on the Autobahnstormers forum. ???
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At what cost Kevin? :y
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Just a very speculative "who would potentially be interested?" at the moment.
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Width.( showing the top, as fitted to the car)
(http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p326/chrisgixer/3cb5f485.jpg)
Recess depth
(http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p326/chrisgixer/4aa20315.jpg)
Spacer length(gauge isn't touching but trust me that's the measurement)
(http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p326/chrisgixer/5f7bf80e.jpg)
Over all width. Void holes are the nuisance with these IMO. See the start of the split thats more obvious from the top.
(http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p326/chrisgixer/eb3adf1a.jpg)
Spacer protrudes 15 mill at the top(as fitted to the car) and 15 mill from the bottom when measured from the deepest section of the flange(not including reseses or knobbly bump stop bits.)
While I'm here, some common failure points.
Part no, 90 447 156, and general corrosion and separation from the alloy spacer
(http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p326/chrisgixer/af14d1fc.jpg)
What you cant see until its removed
(http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p326/chrisgixer/c65d78d0.jpg)
A more common view, knobbly pushed aside reveals rust and separation, from the metal cup thats moulded into the bush itself.
(http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p326/chrisgixer/3347f0bc.jpg)
This one isn't too bad compared to some I've seen. Aye Jimbob. ;D
If your look like this, change them, before the rust eats the metal cup loosing the structural strength and they just collapse when a baring puller, or other leverage tools are applied.
Hth.
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At what cost Kevin? :y
Individually from K-Mac there about £200 but if enough people are interested Ian thinks he could possibly half that, I`ve put myself down for a set and hopefully if enough people are interested then it`ll go ahead 8)
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For those who are members, a group buy thread for K-mac bushes has appeared on the Autobahnstormers forum. ???
Any chance of a link Kevin?
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Here you go (http://www.autobahnstormers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=23362) :y
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Just a gentle nudge to remind people of the possible group buy of K-Mac poly donuts by Ian marsh on the ABS forum.
Without numbers it isn`t going to happen so there has to be enough interest to make it viable, anyone wanting to put their name forward and i`ll cross post it to the ABS thread.
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Here you go (http://www.autobahnstormers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=23362) :y
Tried looking and joining the forum but you have to be an active member to even join the forum - Rubbish!
Interested but can't see any details about the deal going ::)
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Here you go (http://www.autobahnstormers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=23362) :y
Tried looking and joining the forum but you have to be an active member to even join the forum - Rubbish!
Interested but can't see any details about the deal going ::)
The extract below is from the post on the ABS Forum. The guy concerned has had dealings with K-Mac before so is familiar with them. :y The main point of Gavin posting was to see if members on here wanted to join forces on a group order to make it a viable proposition.
I suspect that because Chris has got the ball rolling this end, it is awkward for people to suddenly jump ship to the K-Mac camp, which would leave Chris in an embarrassing position of contacting Powerflex and saying 'forget it, we're sorted'. :-\
Perhaps Chris could give his feelings on this joint venture, as the guys on ABS have done this before so it not a pipe dream from their point of view. :y
I appreciate that non-forum members of ABS can not read the ABS Forum but I don't mind keeping people up to date if there is genuine interest. I won't use their quotes though as it is a locked forum. :y
This doesn't affect me either way as I didn't order any from either camp. ;D I just sensed that ABS members were surprised that there was so little interest in taking another avenue.
Extract from the ABS post below.
Admins: Please edit or delete if this is not appropriate. I have removed any personal reference.
IF I did a group buy on
A - K-Mac - Poly Donuts for Carlton/Senator B and LC/LO - to the original spec of the last buy
B - K-Mac - Poly Donuts for Omega - modified version of above which correct bush height to the original poly spec of the last buy
C - K-Mac - Poly Donuts for Monza/Senator A/Bitter to the spec on my car
What would be the take up??
<snip>..........(I've been trialling a prototype set for 3 years and they've been excellent)
Just a feeler
Current price for the Senator/Carlton LC/LO ones would be Just shy of £200 for a pair if ordered individually direct from K-Mac
I reckon I could get close to half that price on a group buy again if I had a reasonable qty to order
No commitment required other than a Yes - Qty - Set A or B
Less than 10 sets and it's not worth the effort <snip>.....
Regards
Alan
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If members need bushes, go for it. Don't let commitments here get in the way. In fact there are no commitments here, as we don't have a definate confermation these will ever be made at all.
Yes they (powerflex) have accepted they can be made, but for all we know there may always be a more profitable line in the way of production for the omega. No orders have been accepted or money changed hands, so if anyone feels they need to fit kmac pollys, fire away of course :y
I wouldn't pay £100 personally. But that's our choice entirely.
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If members need bushes, go for it. Don't let commitments here get in the way. In fact there are no commitments here, as we don't have a definate confermation these will ever be made at all.
Yes they (powerflex) have accepted they can be made, but for all we know there may always be a more profitable line in the way of production for the omega. No orders have been accepted or money changed hands, so if anyone feels they need to fit kmac pollys, fire away of course :y
I wouldn't pay £100 personally. But that's our choice entirely.
Me neither. I'll take a chance and go the Lemforder route when I change mine.
Thanks for the input Chris. :y
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Just thinking aloud...
But would there be any ground to be gained if both Abs and OOF approached Powerflex...?
Combined numbers might swing it for us. ESP if the various models are broadly similar, they might be able to combine the tooling somehow... :-\
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Just thinking aloud...
But would there be any ground to be gained if both Abs and OOF approached Powerflex...?
Combined numbers might swing it for us. ESP if the various models are broadly similar, they might be able to combine the tooling somehow... :-\
I don`t think there are enough interested members on ABS to make a difference Chris unfortunately which is a shame.
Personally though after having a set of K-Mac bushes on my Senator I think they are worth £100 after all thats only about £20-£30 more than the Powerflex and thats even IF they make it into production.
The way I see it is the K-Macs could be definite and the more people go for it then the cheaper they would be, the Powerflex bushes are only a maybe and then it`s probably going to be six to twelve months away, I`d hate to wait twelve months only for them not to make it into production and then have not have the choice of K-Macs to fall back on.
Also the K-Macs are tried and tested for the Carltons and Omega which swings it K-Macs way for me.
Either way is going to need numbers to make it happen, it would be interesting to hear from other members who have put their name down to see what their opinions are :y
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I'd happilly pay the £100 for the K-Macs as like you say its only ifs, buts and maybes for the Powerflex bushes and 'if' they do happen its a year or so away!
But i'll have to join ABS first :D
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Just thinking aloud...
But would there be any ground to be gained if both Abs and OOF approached Powerflex...?
Combined numbers might swing it for us. ESP if the various models are broadly similar, they might be able to combine the tooling somehow... :-\
I don`t think there are enough interested members on ABS to make a difference Chris unfortunately which is a shame.
Personally though after having a set of K-Mac bushes on my Senator I think they are worth £100 after all thats only about £20-£30 more than the Powerflex and thats even IF they make it into production.
The way I see it is the K-Macs could be definite and the more people go for it then the cheaper they would be, the Powerflex bushes are only a maybe and then it`s probably going to be six to twelve months away, I`d hate to wait twelve months only for them not to make it into production and then have not have the choice of K-Macs to fall back on.
Also the K-Macs are tried and tested for the Carltons and Omega which swings it K-Macs way for me.
Either way is going to need numbers to make it happen, it would be interesting to hear from other members who have put their name down to see what their opinions are :y
Can't be put much clearer than that can it. :y There appeared to be a lot of interest on the preceding pages but it could die a death and come to nothing. I did say I was not interested but I can't help wondering what they would be like for towing. :-\
My comment regarding the price was not intended to sound derogatory Gav. :y
As said, perhaps others could give their opinion to keep it alive.
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I am still interested so put me down :y
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But i'll have to join ABS first :D
Not if you don`t want to, I can act as a go between and post up any news or links from the thread :y
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My comment regarding the price was not intended to sound derogatory Gav. :y
Don`t worry, I didn`t take it that way ;) everyone has their own budget and some people may think that £100 is too much and thats fine and I respect that :y
I think that they`ll be fine for towing, my own experience of the bushes is that they give the back end a more precise feel without any compromise to comfort and that was on my Senator which used solid donuts as standard ( no voids in the Carlton and Senator bushes ) so i think the difference on the Omega will be even better.
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Omegatoy has polly donuts. Wonder if he'll comment...
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got poly doughnuts fitted to both our cars & can't fault them. Can't believe they cost so much now days, fitted them to first car about 3 years ago & the other about 6 months later & have never looked back, huge improvement in handling & cornering & feels much more sure footed. In my car i travel about 25,000 miles a year & the boot is always full of photo stuff for work or dive stuff when not at work so there is always plenty of weight in the rear & car is still fun to drive, also living & working in London it copes with speed humps & crap roads very well. SWMBO's car is always empty so sometimes i just take it out for a blast just for the fun of it. If i bought another Omega i would fit poly doughnuts again without a doubt & so far its been fit, forget & enjoy.
I would also say i have been machining 80 sure poly for some custom bushes & noticed the K mac bushes seemed softer but had no voids in them, so in answer to another post on here yes poly can be drilled, sanded, cut, chamfered & so on
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa297/razzo_photo/NO2Z0023.jpg)
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa297/razzo_photo/NO2Z0021.jpg)
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa297/razzo_photo/NO2Z0005.jpg)
:y :y
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Right, I asked Ian how many sets we need to make this a viable `group buy`
20 sets for the Omega ones
20 Sets for the original (minimal drilled) LC/LO
No minimum for the off the shelf Senator/Carlton (might be the other way round - need to find out)
20 Sets for the Monza Donuts but I've got that one covered I think/hope....
As we only need to worry about the Omega ones thats the target we need to hit and judging by the responses so far I think we`d be lucky to get half that amount.
If people are serious about this then can we start getting a few names up then we can judge if it`s a goer or not.
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REARS WANTED ASAP!! Mine are just holding together & mot in nov & need to sort before then as ive already polybushed the fronts just rear donuts left to do!! So defo count me in for some rears!!!
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24 and one possible then Seth. :)
I make that four and a half more than twenty :y not counting Zippy twice ::)
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My interest will be purely based on price at the moment... Not a lot of "spare" cash floating about :-[
But I'm definitely interested and one of the 24 counted in the post above ;)
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My interest will be purely based on price at the moment... Not a lot of "spare" cash floating about :-[
But I'm definitely interested and one of the 24 counted in the post above ;)
+1 :y
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I would be interested in a set :y
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ok im desperate for 2 now! my car over last few days has been rear steering on motorway took it in2 mates garage yesterday & have excessive movement in the 2 subframe donuts n/s the worst!! im guessing we wont get any made in next week or 2 so can anybody letme know the best option for replacements & where from?? somewhere on this thread was said about some poly ones from abroad but i calnt see it..?? where can i get them from??? cheers bit of an emergancy now :'(
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Parts are mentioned in the guide iirc.
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Zippy, I replaced my knackered ones with a pair of Febi Bilstein rear mount block dampers from Vauxhall Parts World. They are fine.
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Parts are mentioned in the guide iirc.
[/glow]
sorry to be dumb but what is the iirc???
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Parts are mentioned in the guide iirc.
[/glow]
sorry to be dumb but what is the iirc???
If I recall Correctly. ;)
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I would also say i have been machining 80 sure poly for some custom bushes & noticed the K mac bushes seemed softer but had no voids in them, so in answer to another post on here yes poly can be drilled, sanded, cut, chamfered & so on
time to throw me tuppance in, there is/was a company in retford in nottinghamshire called PPL who make produce any thing in poly that you want in any shore. or as razzo has said must be someone on this forum who could machine the stuff in a lathe and make the bolt sleeves out of stainless.
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Pedders may have a solution for us on this. Link below.
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=108843.0
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Pedders may have a solution for us on this. Link below.
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=108843.0
At risk of repeating myself ::) these bushes are worth every penny :y
They are a piece of cake to fit, they last indefinitely and transform the level of control at the rear suspension. They are compliant, not firming up the ride too much, but they do really locate the rear wheels :y
Don't forget, with poly bushes, they don't wear out, so no more changing crappy pattern parts every five minutes :y
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Any more news on these bushes..??? my car passed mot on rear bushes but only just!!
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Any more news on these bushes..??? my car passed mot on rear bushes but only just!!
Read here ..
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=108843.0
and if interested get your name on the list ... quickish as the order will go in fairly soon I suspect .. :)
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Had to stop myself from putting my name down ::)
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Had to stop myself from putting my name down ::)
Go on you knew you wanted too. ;D
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Had to stop myself from putting my name down ::)
Go on you knew you wanted too. ;D
I did, I did, I did ;D
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Fitted steering idler. Weapon of choice for removal...?
Chipping hammer. 1 second blast and the idler leapt of and ran for cover under a bush. No it really did. ;D
Also good for digging up concrete floors when your central heating pipes leak. ::)
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Fitted steering idler. Weapon of choice for removal...?
Chipping hammer. 1 second blast and the idler leapt of and ran for cover under a bush. No it really did. ;D
Also good for digging up concrete floors when your central heating pipes leak. ::)
Bah, fat fingers posted on the wrong thread. Was meant to be on what have you done to your car. ::)
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Fitted mud flaps - oops, thought this was what have you done to your car...... ::)
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Come on, you haven't got far finger cyndrome... Unless you got a gayphone?
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Come on, you haven't got far finger cyndrome... Unless you got a gayphone?
Wouldn't be seen dead with one....if your not careful I'll tell Kurtz all about you ;)
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Fat finger, should read fat finger syndrome. ;D
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maybe someone still interesting in donut`s?
in me town are company who can make it, and can make other poly bush parts.
mate was order from them few poly bushes (rear, front) and has put it in his omega, years time and any trouble
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maybe someone still interesting in donut`s?
in me town are company who can make it, and can make other poly bush parts.
mate was order from them few poly bushes (rear, front) and has put it in his omega, years time and any trouble
Interesting. Can they make these?
(http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p326/chrisgixer/282C1D29-2D1C-4952-82FB-397B61A3601A_zpsus6mbhlw.jpg)
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For rear subframe mounts.
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We are taking names on ABS for some donuts. Order is for three differant types
Keith B
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We are taking names on ABS for some donuts. Order is for three differant types
Keith B
Why 3 Keith?
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We are taking names on ABS for some donuts. Order is for three differant types
Keith B
Why 3 Keith?
I believe they are for Carlton/Senator, Monza and Omega. :y
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I've just fitted my Pedders doughnuts I got off of Twiglet, fitted in under 20min and well worth every penny!
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Can you get Polly bushes from Parrot?