Small metal trim fabricator
 

Hi, all...

I am contemplating approaching a fabricator to reproduce the power antenna adapter for the 63 (and 64?) full size cars, as these are absolutely unobtanium (unless coming with a replacement antenna). Mine is pitted something awful (it's just plated pot metal, after all), but should serve as a template for a mold.

Any recommendations for work like this in small runs of perhaps 50-100, with or without triple plating?

It will all depend on two things:

1. What process you need to use, ie. die casting, cnc machining, metal 3d printing etc.

2. What drawings/files you have.

2a. How many you want made.

Do a search on "Low volume casting" to find services that could probably work from your original part.


https://www.xometry.com/ (places like this do mostly additive or subtractive manufacturing, although they do offer die casting, they would probably want CAD models of your product.)

https://precisecast.com/ (places like this offer low volume casting and could probably work from your original part)

Thanks for the tips and the links. I also found:

https://cwmdiecast.com/

I'll put together a proposal. I might invest in a 3D scanner (I've been wanting to look at 3D printing small plastic parts). This might also help narrow things down without me having to send my only example around.

following
I would like to do the same for 68-9 convertible....

FWIW, here are some pics of my antenna adapter for the '63 FS. On the long side, it's about 1". Hopefully, the tape measure will give some more perspective. As you can see, mine is severely pitted. (And the car is in dire need of a wash...LOL)

I'll keep everyone posted on my progress.

Scott, I guess yours is similar, unless it goes straight up (don't recall '68-9 offhand).

Are you thinking just the base or are you also after the flange/gasket and nut?

Have you considered getting it repaired? It appears to be solid except for the pitting. I just clicked a little and found a shop that does this work... but I have no idea what they charge nor how well it works. I suspect there are others...

https://www.smittyschromeshop.com/services

My thoughts exactly.

With little to no demand for such a part as far as I know I’m thinking you’re going to end up with 50 to 100 parts that you’d have a difficult time selling and likely end up keeping the majority of.

Even if a shop that specializes in pitted chrome pot metal restoration wants a couple hundred dollars to fix yours you’ll be way ahead both time and money wise.

A skilled machinist may be able to duplicate it in stainless steel as well.

Let me clarify a bit:

The nut is already reproduced. The gasket is already reproduced. My adapter can easily be fixed (fill the pits with zinc and replate) and my local chromer can do that for me.

All of that having been said, this part (the adapter) is not being reproduced as far as I know. I don't mind holding 50-100, depending upon cost, of course, and selling them out over the next 10 years (or more).

Surely, my immediate problem is solvable as my adapter is structurally sound (not rotted through anywhere). I was thinking of the bigger picture and from there, perhaps other small, rarely seen parts.

Now, if I could do with only having 10-20 made, that would be even better, I 'spose.

Have you contacted anyone that does low pressure castings such as emblems?
wonder if Bill Pelenski sp in New York still does this
edit
just looked,hes no longer in business but surely someone is still doing this

I have been in something of a holding pattern on this, as I received a PM from someone who thought he might have had a nice one on hand (better sample than mine). I hadn't thought of more specifics (low pressure castings vs just low volume production), so as time permits, I'll narrow my search. Due to time constraints from work, I probably won't be able to look at this again until after October 15, but it will surely stay on my to-do list.

Nice one on hand
 

Lewis,
Thanks for the pictures. I will check my stock tonight and get back with you.
sorry for the delay.
I have a million things going on.

Russ

No worries, Russ, and thanks!

did this ever get off the ground?