Yoke centerpieces

[flybikefarm]

Re: Yoke centerpieces

I don't think they would work for a mold. George

[Robert Lees]

Re: Yoke centerpieces

Thanks George..just wondered.

Rob

[N96337]

Re: Yoke centerpieces

Rob, I have one that's pretty good...sitting here looking at me.... if you're serious about a pattern... I'm interested. I'd think that a "badge" company could repop the center emblem...
JH

[mulwyk]

Re: Yoke centerpieces

George:

I could use both centerpiece and glove box door. I'd use them as patterns to make new and could return them when I'm done. Contact me on the Private Message function. Thanks!

Bob Gustafson

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Yoke centerpieces

Tom has said he will OK my passing the turned wood master on to someone with the time to cast new plastic centers. I have the parts and even a litho negative to silkscreen the logo on the button. (This is really THREE different projects, the ball, the buttons and silkscreening the logos). The cast will require an inside and outside mold or a layup in a female mold. If it is cast you could drill down into the cast "land" on the inside of the front ball half for the threaded insert and just Epoxy a RivNut in the hole (using the back half to hold it in alignment while the Epoxy cures). If it is made with a layup of resin and chop glass you would need a fixture to hold the RivNut in the right position while the resin cures.
Who wants to sign up to make the parts? I would recommend we all agree to share the cost BEFORE the lucky volunteer takes the master. He will need to know how many to make and you can bet we will need to share the cost of a few unacceptable ones. Who's ready to be committed (Uh, I really mean, who's ready to commit?).
Hank

[Pearson]

Re: Yoke centerpieces

I sure hope someone steps up to the plate here. I just don't have the time right now or I would do it myself. I would be interested in several pairs, if someone wants to take on the project. When I did the instrument panels a few years ago my biggest regret was that I didn't make another couple of dozen.

[mulwyk]

Re: Yoke centerpieces

Well, I'll look at it. I might be able or do it or not be able to do it. I have 20 years experience in plastic molding...so I know real well what I can't do.

Hank send me a PM and we can set up something.

Bob Gustafson

[mulwyk]

Re: Yoke centerpieces

Just an update. I wasn't able to get the stuff from Hank, but I found a yoke with centerpiece on eBay and ordered that intending to use the centerpiece to make a mold. Of course, when it arrived I found the centerpiece plastic was warped and deformed and useless for making a mold.

So, I ended up using a Christmas ornament and a broomstick to make a fiberglass mold from scratch. The resulting centerpieces turned out rather nice and will surely last another 60 years. Photos and details click here, then find the "Yoke Centerpiece" link at the bottom of the page.

I think anyone could make their own mold following the procedure on the link, or send me a PM if you'd like to use my mold.

Next, I want to try making some Taylorcraft logo decals to decorate the center of the centerpieces.

Bob Gustafson

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Yoke centerpieces

Bob G
Missed your communications somehow. How about we try this again with a phone and mail address. I am at 757-420-7698. Hate to list it in the open but I guess anybody that really wanted it could figure it out. Try hjarrettatcox.net (not a real original way to hide it, is it?. Maybe it willl only fool the automated address programs).
I still have the molds and Tom seems OK with sending them. Want to re-light this thing? The ones you made look GREAT. Call, or write.
Hank Jarrett
805 Kings Creek Dr
Virginia Beach, VA 23464