mk1-forum.net

Hi guys, I use this forum very frequently, however rarely do I post.

I have just started a sub-business with my father in the CNC production of mini bits. We currently have two CNC mills, one being 4th axis, along with a CNC lathe.
The Current Business manufactures for many differnet sources, such as JCB and the M.O.D.

Wesson Racing Ltd. will be manufacturing many different parts in Aluminium and titanium, to sell on the mini market.

Currently we are designing the following in titanium:

Swivel Hub.
Steering Arm.
Drive Flanges.
Con Rods for the A series.

We are also looking to manufacture 4 pot 7.5 calipers in aluminium.

I am looking for peoples oppinions as to any products they would like to see being made, and or any comments/feedback in general.

Many thanks.

Will Wesson.

wil

my only advice would be to make sure that your business insurance covers you for the manufacture / useage of safety critical suspension & braking parts and that you have a rigerous testing procedure to back you up should anything go wrong!

with things like calipers you really have to dot the 'i's and cross the 't's!

sometimes, the designing and making of parts is the easy bit, its all the hassles that come later that can catch you out!

Thanks Guru, We already have pretty full on liability insurance to cover work for the MOD, however I will make sure to check that we are fully insured and everything is sorted.

I am wondering how many people would want to buy these parts. As I understand there are strick regulations for FIA K appendix on non-original parts, however I feel the market is a little more widespread in terms of the sales of parts, despite the fact they are predominantly for a motorsport application.

Will

Appendix K is very very restricted & practically no parts of the type you are talking about would be acceptable. However there is a much bigger market for such items in non Appendix K applications. Hillclimbing, Sprinting, Drag Racing etc. Not to mention the large number of people who just love to put snazzy stuff on their road cars.

There is only Force racing offering similar Titanium items currently.

Not a massive market, but definately worth looking into.

Good luck.

I thought this may be the case with Appendix K, however I have had a look at some of the bits Karl at force racing is making and they are very impressive indeed. Our designs would be different, obviously, but Karl has the credentials to back up his parts with his two cars. That said his stuff does seem very expensive, not that it isn't worth it, but were hoping to bring the cost down much more, without compromise on quality. All early days yet though.

Cheers

Will.