Gauging interest for Nadella overhauling kits

[Olivier]

Hello!

From several threads here over the years, it seems that there could be some interest for a Nadella driveshaft "overhauling kit".

This kit would contain parts to replace a pair of U joints:

• 2 Brand new Universal Joints
• 8 Needle bearings, including the wavy retaining washer
• 8 seals (used against the bearings)

The U joints would be a brand new forging, with a faithfull look to the originals, correctly heat treated on the needle races.

Bearings could be original Nadellas or quality aftermarket identical bearings (depending on the prices)

The seals may be industrial grade seals not 100% correct, or, a perfect reproduction of the original ones (depending on prices)

A first estimate would put the kits arround 300€ each plus shipping to your door.

An option for the other bearings (12 to complete a pair of shafts) can be offered. But these bearings are expensives...

The company doing the forgings requires a minimum command. So this project would require at least 20 persons to make it happen.


What are your thought?

All opinions are welcome

Thanks!

Olivier

[John912]

Oliver:

Unable to find original-dimension u-joints, I just went thru great expense of having them machined. Not sure how big of a market there is or will be, but at the price-point you're proposing it sounds like a good deal to me. Not sure if you'll find 20, but will be interesting to see the response you get. Also, my sense is that many of the axles shafts out there have been bored out to accept the Spicer joint, which will add additional machining cost to end user.

[356rider]

I am interested in rebuild parts for the nadellas on my ‘65. I have not looked into this in detail yet but from what I gather the bearings are available from nadella and the problem is the spider/joint and seals, correct? It would seem easier to find a spider close in size to the original but slightly larger and machine/heat treat it. Maybe this is what Joris is looking into on this thread? http://www.early911sregistry.org/for...hlight=Nadella . Admittedly I have not researched the options so maybe there is nothing close.

[Olivier]

Actually I have checked if there was something available off the shelf.
Of course i haven't checked all the ujoints on the market but it seems that the nadella part is smaller than what you can find.
Making it not worthy to have something re machined.

I talked with Joris. He will probably chime in but I think we got to the same conclusion.

Regarding the bearings yes they're available but unit price at retailer (at least here in europe) is arround 17€ each.

Bundle purchase is more cost effective...

Olivier

[Phil Planck]

Oliver

I would post this on the 912bbs also

[356rider]

Just so I understand, your kit is for the two complete outer U-joints including bearings and seals, correct? The inner bearings are available (but expensive) as long as the inner offset spiders are not pitted/damaged? Price estimate sounds good to me.

[Jim Breazeale]

Actually I have checked if there was something available off the shelf.
Of course i haven't checked all the ujoints on the market but it seems that the nadella part is smaller than what you can find.
Making it not worthy to have something re machined.

I talked with Joris. He will probably chime in but I think we got to the same conclusion.

Regarding the bearings yes they're available but unit price at retailer (at least here in europe) is arround 17€ each.

Bundle purchase is more cost effective...

Olivier

Most ,if not all the Nadella axles that I have seen in the last 50 years have needed more than a simple "rebuild kit"

Regards

Jim

[John912]

Jim, others:

Do you have any procedures for balancing Nadellas?

[Brad Davis]

Hi Guys,

I am in for a rebuild kit.

Chris Flavell did a fantastic rebuild on a set of Nadellas a couple years ago for me. He had a process and the results were great. I am sure we will have some learning curve to overcome on the assembly and balancing process.

Best regards,

Brad

[John Straub]

Wow! Those are really nice, Brad!

John