Quote Originally Posted by Les View Post
Last year we made over 800 parts, we take a chance on every part that we make , we invest thousands of dollars sometimes tens of thousands of dollar in making parts , why would we want to increase the risks with legal problems that may occur .

If you or anyone else wishes to take the chance on making the thin spoke wheel go ahead but be aware of the possible legal problems that may occur.
Thanks Les (whomever you are) for taking the time to put some info on here about what Rares sees the issues as being. I don't think the issue was the thin spoke wheels, just that fact that Rares have made a decision that leaves the HQ-HJ Monaro, SS, Sandman etc owners out in the cold when trying to build an accurate restoration, ie; the request to for Rares to look at a remake of the 5mm wheel in addition to the 3mm one you've done. Apart from maybe the jig, what extra work would be involved? The CNC part of the production would be the same.

The issue of product liability for the incorrect use of a 5mm wheel might be reasonably easy to address in so far as product labelling/stamping. I am aware of the US laws are/were a bit over the top in the late 90's but that has swung back the other way and now places more onus back on the person fitting the device/part to the vehicle (where the onus should be) that they are fitting the correct part that complies with the design rules as applicable for that vehicle. Design rules these days are still orientated to the application or intended use of the part being produced, not as claimed to comply with current legislation for vehicles produced now. An example of this would be metal door handles, widow winders etc for use in passenger vehicles. If the rules were as claimed you wouldn't be able to manufacture, let alone market, these items as they no longer comply with intrusion standards - but because they will only fit certain vehicles they can still be manufactured/marketted and sold to the end user.

Might be worthwhile talking to your legal team as I believe there is certainly viability in even a limited run of 5mm wheels (I'd like the first one or the product tester please!!!!)... wink wink... :single_eye:

Another option might be a refurbishment service where a client supplies their own 5mm wheel and for the associated cost has the old wheel x-rayed/magnafluxed or dye penned for cracks, the old worn-out outer rim veneer stripped-off and a new one put on? I reckon you'll find a pretty interested market for that one! The obvious issue there would be any defect noted in the customer's 5mm wheel. If your 3mm wheels are that close to original the 5mm wheel should be able to be refurbed as I suggest.

Thanks again for taking the time to both reproduce a wheel that is a dead ringer for an original and for taking the time to reply here.

Regards

Dave.