Well, I met with the fabricators today to go over some details.
First of all, I must say that I was very pleased with the attention to detail and the lengths they went to keep it true to the original design. They are even replicating the rear blade support brackets, which totally amazed me! I guess you would have to have actually seen the underside of a #40 up close to understand what I am referring to. Bottom line is that I was thoroughly impressed.
Now for the bad news...
To keep the cost of each box blade at an affordable price point, it does not look like I will be able to have them powder coated as I had hoped. The raw finished blade is already at that mark, and due to set-up costs, it would just be cost prohibitive to have it done.
The few of you guys that want one of these will have the option of receiving the box blade in raw steel form, or with a coat of primer that I can apply myself.
The one thing that I am not completely sold on is the gauge of plate steel that is currently spec'd. The original IH #40 box was constructed of 13 ga. steel. The unit that I am having made is 11 ga., which is a 25% improvement in thickness. When compared side be side on thickness, the 11 ga. is quite obviously much heavier. However, I am still wondering if it will be heavy enough to accomplish what I wanted to with this reproduction.
I requested a quote on some heavier gauge plate. However, much to my disappointment, I do know that 1/4" plate is probably out of the question due to cost. Not saying that it cannot be done if you want one like that. I just think it is too expensive.
Anyway, we are down to brass tacks at this point. There is still time to make adjustments, but I intend to have the box blades into production at the end of next week. Several of the box blades that will be produced have been spoken for. There will be four or five extras available. Should anyone be
seriously interested in having one, please PM me, or email me at
nashcub1@yahoo.com
I'm open to any questions, comments, and/or suggestions.
Thanks!
Steven
