31 replies to this topic

[Mini Manannán]

 

 

New product incoming  at Alps Café Racers !

 

Hi guys ! I hope you are doing well, just wanted to let you know we are working on a range of gear knobs for classic minis: 

standard thread specs and premium local grown wood.

 

this first instance is old alps oak with a warm brown and black rib. 

 

 

119932481_170378887978318_3200623198127893865_n.jpg

 

stay tuned for proper pictures ! :)

 

Benoit, would we be able to get them in a thread suitable for the KAD quickshifter?  i can't remember what it is, it's one of those funny modern metric threads

 

Sure I can. however I don't know the KAD thread. :)

 

 

I'll find out 

[Mini Manannán]

Benoit, I emailed KAD, they are M14x1.25 pitch, can you do that size?

[Benoit_Dupont]

Benoit, I emailed KAD, they are M14x1.25 pitch, can you do that size?

let me check :)

[Benoit_Dupont]

Benoit, I emailed KAD, they are M14x1.25 pitch, can you do that size?

Hi,

 

So: I've checked. I can do it. however I'll have to see if the pitch is not too find for wood: right now what we do is direct threading in wood, and the 1.25mm, I'm not sure if it's not too fine. but let me give it a try and we will see. in the mean time, next week, we should release the various shapes that will be available. 

[Benoit_Dupont]

Speaking of shapes,

 

this is the model currently on my car: also oak but with 2 laser burned lined on the side of it.

 

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[Benoit_Dupont]

Hi guys ! 

 

A short post to say we have new stuff ! :)

 

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we have put out a collection of new gearknobs. Unfortunately, one is already sold-out! 

more variants will come with the new batch with some models with engraving. 

 

 

And also something completely different and surprisingly affordable to make:

I've read here and there people having problems with the installation of new door handles, as they do not fit always well the curvature of the door panel (minis being minis, parts being parts...).

As most of you, I relied on classic "paper-like" gaskets for my doors and I always thought it did not fit well anyway. especially the smaller end was never long enough.

 

So... I decided to make my own: I make a CAD version of it and we have now a digital machine cutter that will help me form any gasket shape I want now. So I started with this one:

 

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I made it in 1mm and 1.5mm each and we sell them as a whole set.

 

check out what we have now here: https://alpscaferace...ns/all-products

 

 

I use industrial grade rubber for that with decent specs for automotive industry, oil, fuel resistant, etc. 

 

if you have difficulties to find some gaskets here and there, drop me a line, maybe I can also make it for you ?

 

cheers !!!

 

 

 

 

[Benoit_Dupont]

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Hi everyone !

 

A short message to say that we have published our first story on Alps Café Racers. it's a start and you will discover on this first post our humble Mini story:

it's the one you see all over our website. she's been in the family for 14 years now:

 

check it out here : https://alpscaferace...rs-a-mini-story

 

Cheers !!! 

 

 

[Chris1275gt]

Great read Benoit.

[Benoit_Dupont]

Great read Benoit.

thanks ! 

[Benoit_Dupont]

Hi Guys,

 

some news from our little company:

 

here is a work in progress fuel-bib, custom ordered.

 

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we have started developing this product actually a while ago: I was looking for leather that could be used outdoor with extreme tolerance to weather conditions, primarily to develop custom bonnet straps.

 

after a winter of testing cold, rain and freezing in our montains conditions, I selected a leather with a dual tanning process:

it starts with chrome tanning to get a good color from it.

then it is plunged into oil tanning which basically saturate the fibers and gives it a very soft and mellow finish while being strongly water resistant.

 

this is a prototype, edges still have to be burnished as well and sealed of course.

 

This leather is not available in many colors: black; dark brown and light brown for sure. I'll see if I can get my hand on some red but it's not certain and as always, I don't compromise on material. stay tuned ! :) 

Edited by Benoit_Dupont, 03 March 2021 - 03:56 PM.

[pete l]

Bonjour Benoit,

 

Any plans to make the boot hinge gaskets ???

 

Pete.

[Benoit_Dupont]

Bonjour Benoit,

 

Any plans to make the boot hinge gaskets ???

 

Pete.

 

Actually, for Some reason, I did not think of that. I'll make some and let you know ! :)

[paulrockliffe]

The KAD thread for the gear knob you could do with a bonded in insert thingy, would look nice with a brass insert, though you'll not see it once fitted.

[pete l]

 

Bonjour Benoit,

 

Any plans to make the boot hinge gaskets ???

 

Pete.

 

Actually, for Some reason, I did not think of that. I'll make some and let you know ! :)

 

 

Benoit,

 

I could test them for you if you like ? I'm not too far from you 

 

             

[Benoit_Dupont]

The KAD thread for the gear knob you could do with a bonded in insert thingy, would look nice with a brass insert, though you'll not see it once fitted.

true but I've most difficulties ot find threaded inserts, both synthetics or brass. it's surprisingly difficult to find for some reason.