Singer Heel Mat

[Danish]

Finally, I have found some time to create a CAD model that will be used to 3D print an ABS mould to cast up some Singer rubber heel mats. While it's has been really tempting to insert a 'winged' singer badge-I have resisted the urge for authenticity. The SINGER" typeface I have used mirrors the font found within a period brochure; so should be close enough. Hopefully, the mould will arrive on Friday just in time for some test casting over the weekend. Each mat will be 300mm x 200mm x 4mm. Cast using 60 shore flexible polyurethane for durability and the same density used for current car rubber mats. Expressions of interest welcomed at this stage to determine a final cost price.

[ColinB]

Already added my name on Facebook. Its great idea.

[Danish]

3D printed mould completed...hopefully casting up this weekend.

[ColinB]

That looks really good David.

[cdk84]

Hello David,

I second Colin's comment: these look as though they will be Great.

Should have guessed that you would be up to something interesting.

I would be interested in two, possibly three, price dependent.

Very best wishes and, as usual, thank you for the initiative you've taken!

Cheers,

David

[Phillip]

Hi David,

Any news on this project?

I'm in for three!

[casadecabra]

David

Do you know if your heel mat would have been original equipment on my early 1934 Le Mans 9?

I wonder if you have ever considered putting your talents to reproducing the Ashby steering wheel? There must be a significant demand for these and I did superficially look into this a while ago.

Making the metal frame seemed reasonable feasible although, if one seeks absolute authenticity a sticking point might be the diameter of the spokes. The diameter of the originals is 9 SWG (3.66 mm) but I was unable to find this size in a carbon or stainless steel. Wire wheel spokes, nominally 9 and 10 gauge, were actually 4.0 mm and 3.2 mm diameter. The nearest I found was 3.5 mm diameter music (piano) wire. However, I don’t have the expertise or equipment to make a mould and cast the rubber rim.

What do you think David?

David B

[Danish]

I think they are available here?
http://www.austinrepro.com/steering-wheels.htm

[mikeyr]

Ashby ? my 34 LM came with a destroyed Bluemels, not ashby. Is that the incorrect wheel for my car ?

[Peter McKercher]

Both my '34s have Ashbys. The Bluemels came later.

[casadecabra]

Unfortunately AustinRepro only produce a 16in diameter Ashby steering wheel; the Le Mans wheel was 17in diameter.
They do list a 17in diameter Bluemels wheel.

David B

[Phillip]

Hey Mike,

All the Singer sports cars came with an Ashby "Brooklands" steering wheel. Bluemels actually took a license out to produce the Ashby wheel.

The differences are in construction, materials and finish. Bluemels somewhat improved on the Ashby design.

More info on this here:

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=47&p=8606&hilit=Ash ... heel#p8606

I'm sure there are other threads on the topic somewhere on the board...

[casadecabra]

Could any one please help with my original query please: Do you know if this heel mat would have been original equipment on my early 1934 Le Mans 9?

David B

[Phillip]

Hi David

Based on rhe fact the design appears to have been used in the 1933 and 1934 Sport I believe it would be the same in the Le Mans. This is based on photos from the handbooks for both those cars. I can re-post the photos if you'd like.

[casadecabra]

Thanks Phillip.
'Danish' David - please put me down for one on your heel mat list.

David B