XKS Jaguar Wheels Saga

Metspin's Advanced Forming Technology and Expertise Restores Dejected Customers Confidence.

After parting with several thousands of pounds, Simon Dunford of Classic Jaguar Racing Limited waited anxiously for the first supply of the promised batch of centre hubs. Despite various promises in respect of deliveries, the promised dates had passed by. At the same time he is receiving many phone calls and faxes from all over the world, from many of his valued customers. By now many customers patience was beginning to run out. Despite various visits and phone conversations with the commissioned sub-contractors, confidence was now deteriorating at an alarming pace. Finally, several months down the line, great joy was to be experienced - the hubs were ready for collection along with their tooling.

Many further hours of work was required to complete the final machining of the hubs prior to them being fitted into the rims, which necessitated working around the clock and throughout weekends, enabling several sets of wheels to be completed.

"DISASTER STRIKES!" During testing it is discovered thet the centre hub was cracking up, and on dismantling a wheel, the hub was then cut into two halves. All was too clear to see - the wall thickness in the most crucial area had been reduced by more than 70%. Despite frantic phone calls and being at his wit's end, our customer is then informed that what he has taken delivery of is the best they can achieve, and to make matters worse, refuses to pay any form of compensation whatsoever.

Now faced with a major problem, our customer heads for home. He is now oblivious to what is around him as he is faced with a financial disaster, and having customers to contact and to explain the position to, the immediate future looks extremely grim indeed.

By a stroke of Luck, Simon is informed of our existance, "What have I to lose" he thinks, "I will make contact with Metspin Ltd". Arrangements are made for a visit to our works where tools and component parts are brought for inspection. Having been severely burnt, and with confidence totally shattered and virtually financially brassic, Metspin's Nigel Cousins listens tentatively as the tales of woe unfold, and being a keen vintage car man himself, primarily with American muscle cars, Mustangs, Corvettes, Hot Rods and Dragsters, along with being a sponsor involved with the manufacture of Richard Nobles Andy Green land speed record breaking vehicle, (Metspin's aerospace cell manufactured the jet engine air intakes).

After examining the entire tooling laid around on the floor, along with various cut-up segments, Simon Dunford asks "What can you do for me", bearing in mind we have very limited funds and no time scale left to manufacture them in. At this stage the racing season is now well under way and many owners of various racing Jaguars are now becoming very keen to have some wheels to put on their cars.

"OPERATION IMPOSSIBLE" After evaluation of the situation, and to the great relief of the customer, we informed him that all was not lost. Having considerable experience of manufacturing similar types of components, we confirmed that we could possibly salvage tooling, modifications and material changes made, the forming process was soon established. Within several weeks finished component parts were available for our customers inspection and to take delivery of.

This has been just another example of where Metspin's technical and superior knowledge in metal spinning has proven that our capabilities to succeed where others have tried and failed. and By working in joint partnership with our new customer, we have now enabled him to regain and restore the respect and confidence of his customers, enabling many XKS enthusiasts to enjoy and re-live the thrills and excitement in the driving of their beloved vehicles.

Further Enquiries Welcomed.

Technical Info:

All tooling C.N.C. machined downloaded from DXF data file so that all radious and contours are formed correctly. Component formed from pre heat treated alluminium, power formed at hi-speed to reduce tension, final exterior profile C.N.C. machined by customer.

 

Please Visit Our Customers Website:

http://www.classic-jaguar-racing.co.uk/

 

Return to previous page