gasket

ebiggs1 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-16-2006, 03:14 PM

In another life I was a "die maker". I had a hard time finding a gasket for the header to side pipe flange, so I made a die to cut them out. See pic in my gallery. I did find a set for $25 bucks but these only cost me $12.

lineslinger · #2 (**permalink**) 12-16-2006, 04:47 PM

Interesting design on the die, how do you set up to cut with it, I assume it will not work on copper sheeting, also good pics of your build, are you happy with the B@B?

Clois Harlan · #3 (**permalink**) 12-16-2006, 07:40 PM

Nice job and looks like you are doing a great job on the engine too. What material are you using for your gasket?

Clois

ebiggs1 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-17-2006, 10:42 AM

The easiest way to die cut any material is with a small press called a Clicker.
With this type die cut die you could cut thin copper, probably not heavy enough for exhaust material, however.
I found some gasket material at NAPA that is supposed to be good to 2000 degrees. It looks as if it will work well even on uneven surfaces because it is about an 1/8th inch thick and semi pliable. We'll see!

ebiggs1 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-17-2006, 10:51 AM

I attended two of Factory 5's "Two Day Build"s, but other than that the only involvement with kit cars was at shows. I have been a Mustang gear head for 30 years. The kit itself seems to be of good quality, mostly. There are some "fit" issues. The manual is a disgrace for a major kit builder. It isn't even a good companion, let alone instructional. The Factory 5 manual is much better but on the other hand neither of the Two Day builds yeilded a running car as was promised. So my conclusion is no kit is perfect so just make yours work and do the best you can. Karen at B&B is great but they still owe me my seats!?!

496fe · #6 (**permalink**) 12-17-2006, 08:36 PM

Every time I see a B&B build, I am amazed at how much friggen steel they use!

I saw a picture of one that had just been broadsided by an Explorer. The driver and his son were plenty bruised up, but the only things broken were the sidepipes and one wheel.

Kinda reminded me of those Tpyota commercials where the truck gets hit with a meteor and drives away.

Sorry to digress.

Brian

RedSnake351 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-17-2006, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebiggs1

In another life I was a "die maker". I had a hard time finding a gasket for the header to side pipe flange, so I made a die to cut them out. See pic in my gallery. I did find a set for $25 bucks but these only cost me $12.

I guess only time will tell whether they will stand up to the pressure and heat. I bought a set of the gaskets from Finishline about a year ago and tonight after disassembling the collector flange I noticed that those gaskets have started to break down again. I made sure I tightened the hell out of the bolts and nuts at the sealing joint, there was still evidence of the gasket going bad after about 1500 miles. I am thinking of contacting a gasket manufacturer and having them make them out of a fairly thick copper sheeting.
Any thoughts?
Ralph

Excaliber · #8 (**permalink**) 12-17-2006, 09:30 PM

I just used a ball peen hammer and 'tapped them out' of some gasket material using the shorty side pipe collector as a template. Standard shop method used for making a lot of misc gaskets.

RedSnake351 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-17-2006, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Excaliber

I just used a ball peen hammer and 'tapped them out' of some gasket material using the shorty side pipe collector as a template. Standard shop method used for making a lot of misc gaskets.

Excaliber, the material for the gaskets that Finishline sells seems to be pretty good quality. Before I bought those gaskets a year ago I looked at gasket material and all I could find was the thick paper type stuff and I didn't think it would hold up. If I remember correctly I think it was only good for around 700 degrees. That was the reason I went with the ones from Finishline.
Ralph

ebiggs1 · #10 (**permalink**) 12-18-2006, 03:04 PM

If my little die works and you guys would like to have a set of gaskets, I would be delighted to cut some for you. The guy at NAPA said this bulk gasket material was good to 2000 degrees. I have not cut them yet but I may get to the press this weekend.

496fe · #11 (**permalink**) 12-18-2006, 03:14 PM

I'm in for two sets... one to go and one to show. You the man.

Brian

BeasleyRB · #12 (**permalink**) 12-18-2006, 06:13 PM

When I picked my kit up at B&B last week I mentioned to Bryan that he gets a lot of heat for the assembly manual. He admitted he did but said it had a lot of pictures, etc.. Bottom line is I don't think kit decisions are made on assembly manuals so he isn't investing in printing another one. I'm going to have to rely on other owners to keep me out of trouble I think.

RedSnake351 · #13 (**permalink**) 12-18-2006, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebiggs1

If my little die works and you guys would like to have a set of gaskets, I would be delighted to cut some for you. The guy at NAPA said this bulk gasket material was good to 2000 degrees. I have not cut them yet but I may get to the press this weekend.

ebiggs, take a look at the site from finishline and see if they are of the same dimensions.
http://www.finishlineaccessories.com...ge.php?pID=423
But you know what, I just realized there are no dimensions in their add. Please take a measurement of your gaskets and publish them.
Thanks, Ralph

pmfranke · #14 (**permalink**) 12-18-2006, 09:53 PM

me too, me two.

lnfletcher · #15 (**permalink**) 12-19-2006, 03:48 AM

I made mine out of the same material from NAPA and it seems to be pretty good. I haven't put any miles on it to really test it though. I did the poor man's method and traced an outline on plywood then sandwiched the material between the wood and used a hole saw to cut the holes. Then I was able to trim the edges from the outside with a razor blade fairly easily.

ebiggs1 · #16 (**permalink**) 12-19-2006, 02:50 PM

I am sorry I got wraped up in this Cobra stuff, I just love it, and forgot this weekend is Christmas, so I probably will not be able to get to the press. Next weekend is New Years' but maybe I can get it done. You see I have a wife maybe some of you do, too!
I got another peice of bulk gasket material from Mr. Gasket #77A. It is 9" x 24" and about $10 bucks.
I made the CAD drawing right from the side pipe itself and had a laser cut the die board out. The steel rule was bent on a CAD driven bending machine.
So, if the side pipes are all alike, the gaskets should fit perfectly. I suppose there could be some slight variations from pipe to pipe but it should be small.

pmfranke · #17 (**permalink**) 01-23-2007, 01:18 PM

start your own gasket company. my copper gasket does'nt seem to be thick enough and has started to leak.

RedSnake351 · #18 (**permalink**) 01-23-2007, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmfranke

start your own gasket company. my copper gasket does'nt seem to be thick enough and has started to leak.

I talked to a factory rep and I believe what he said, if the gaskets keep blowing after you tightened your bolts well, then the flange plates aren't mating properly. Somehow both flanges have to be resurfaced to make an even, tight fitting joint.
Ralph

ebiggs1 · #19 (**permalink**) 01-24-2007, 07:15 AM

I talked to Barrry and he said they just use high temp silicone. I don't like that answer so I made the die cut die. We have had such awful weather around here I have not gotten a chance to try it out (or even work on the kit), but I will soon.
Also ther has to be flex at that joint. So that is another problem we need to consider.