Rootleib

CWPASADENA

CWPASADENA

Well-known member
Is Rootleib still making hoods? I want to purchase a hood and they do not answer their phone of their emails.

Does anyone know if they are still making hoods?

Thanks,
Chris W.
 
CWPASADENA said:
Is Rootleib still making hoods? I want to purchase a hood and they do not answer their phone of their emails.

Does anyone know if they are still making hoods?

Thanks,
Chris W.
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ModelA29 said:
For the RIGHT answer - (209) 632-2203
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Chris, is this the number you have been trying?


You know, this is a little off of the original question, but Bill Underwood and I were talking about something similar before Covid. You never really know when a supplier is going to call it 'the end' and close their doors. In the case of Rootlieb, Tom has retired and moved to Ohio ...and as I understand it basically told the office manager and the foreman to continue on until they are done then lock the doors. There are so many others such as Stipe, Brattons, Burtz Roof Mouldings, et/al that have done the same where items we took for granted are just no longer going to be available.

To complicate this scenario, there is a guy who purchased several retiring Model T reproduction parts manufacturers' tooling and businesses however he has not re-opened them or started reproducing any of their parts to-date. Everyone is royally PO-ed at this guy. I see the issue from both sides, -and being in this hobby as a service provider, I also feel the impact firsthand on almost a daily basis. Like many things, you never appreciate something until that thing becomes unavailable.
 
BRENT in 10-uh-C said:
there is a guy who purchased several retiring Model T reproduction parts manufacturers' tooling and businesses however he has not re-opened them or started reproducing any of their parts to-date.
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Probably had his dreams of becoming a supplier dashed when he found out the price to manufacture the pieces would eat up any meager profits. A lot of these guys bailed out not just due to age but because the cost of continuing became too high.
 
I’ve “heard thru authoritative sources” that the last family member stepped out. The operation was left to the remaining staff to carry on as they wished. When they no longer “wished” to shut it down…..maybe that is where they are!
Steve Becker or Don Snyder would know the truth skinny in them I’d think

Or, maybe they’re just on a sabbatical!!!
 
ModelA29 said:
Probably had his dreams of becoming a supplier dashed when he found out the price to manufacture the pieces would eat up any meager profits. A lot of these guys bailed out not just due to age but because the cost of continuing became too high.
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Yeah, I get your point however not the case in several instances that I know of. In this particular instance, the purchaser wanted to make sure the tooling stay around so he purchased on of the biggest suppliers and is sitting on it because he has too many irons in the fire at the moment. I believe his comment when I spoke with him in person was, maybe when I am retired from my day job.

The cost of continuing is moot if you are the only one doing the manufacturing. The difference is the new guy changes his business model. For example, the manufacturer raises the retail price where his ROI is covered in 30 units. Then put the word out that this run will be the last. If he manufactures 50 units and they are still selling like hotcakes, then produce another 25 units where he continues to fill orders. Then take a couple year sabbatical on manufacturing those items. When I know there is a possibility an item is going out of production, I will try to stock up at whatever the cost. Look at items such as Roof Mouldings, or Worms & Sectors. Those prices could have doubled or tripled, and there would be some that will pay those prices just to get them.
 
Neglecting the business aspects for a moment and concentrating on the technology. Aluminum sheet metal products would be nice to have, being much lighter than the steel equivalents. One example is the aluminum hood for an early Model T. 6061-T6 aluminum is strong. It can be purchased as 6061-0 which is soft and easily molded. It can them be tempered to the T6 hardness. I think there is a market for aluminum body parts at a premium price.
 
I have received parts from them within the last 30 days. However the email answering has been spotty for the last couple of years and the best time to call seems to be 10:00 am to 4:00 pm pacific time. Another consideration is the Turlock area can be VERY hot in August and early September and their buildings are not air conditioned so they may tend to work short and early days when hot.
 
In support of Neil's comments about 6061-T6 aluminum alloy as a substitute material I have used this material almost exclusively for manufacturing automated system components. It is strong, dimensionally stable, easy to machine, and form.
 
6061 magnesium alloy is the one alloy that is weldable and have good results but still have strength and notch resistance. In aviation, it has been the go to for engine shrouds and intercylinder baffles due to it's ability to take vibration fairly well. It eventually cracks so it's not perfect but can last the life of several engine overhaul periods before it gives out. I've patched a lot of shroud and baffle pieces over the years.

2024 copper alloy is the go to for aircraft skin due to it's higher strength but it has to be annealed for forming and then heat treated for strength. It's not really weldable but certain processes allow it to be spot welded to join pieces together for more strength and rigidity. The equipment to work it is very expensive but then aircraft are expensive too. I've patched more 2024 parts than I can count. All the aluminum alloys fatigue over time so it's to be accepted that it won't last forever.
 
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