My Willys 3A and 3B Community
3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations => Topic started by: stony on August 13, 2013, 01:22:32 PM
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Hey folks, time for another project.� I have noticed on this and a couple of other forums that there seems to be a need for the windshield vent handle ratchet stops, and they do not seem to be readily available.� Mine is in pretty good shape but I can see where it could be easily broken and lost.� �Making one seemed like an interesting challenge, so here goes.� This is not a how to article, because in order to write one you should actually know how to.�..� This is just how I am tackling the project.� I was going to wait until I had actually made one, but I thought it might be more fun to follow along.� So this is what I am going to try to duplicate.
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There are 7 bends and 2 "feet" to do, so I am figuring it out one step at a time.� The first is getting the correct spacing in the end of the stop and the correct shape of the end.� Correct width, not too bad, found a hunk of angle close to the right width, but first couple were a few thousandths to wide, so I ground it down a little and it is pretty close now.� Second is the flat section in the inside of the the bend, was able to come pretty close by forging the end against the squared off end of the angle.� Just have too work a little on getting the correct flattened outside shape, should be able to either forge it or just grind it a little flatter.� Next thing to tackle is building a little bending jig to do the two side bend.� First bend will be easy, just a round mandrel, the second will need a square mandrel which will be a little more of a pain.� Some pix of the progress. So far so good.
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Cool! If you built a jig, could you make all of the bends at one time with only one heating?
Just 2�.... ;)
Zeke
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Nope, have to do them one at a time in sequence otherwise the mandrels get in the way.� The first bend is done on a separate piece then on the jig I need to do the inside bends (mandrel on outside) then insert the mandrel for the outside bends, otherwise they get in each others way.� The down bends will be done on a different mandrel, then will have to build a jig to forge the feet.� Once that is done it will be easy LOL.� I have things set up temporarily to make the first one, just clamped things in place to figure out what I need.� Got the first few bends done, seem to look OK, not quite symmetrical, but will fix that.� Going to work on the final setup for the jig.� So far so good.
Update:� Am considering a different jig for the third bend to get everything shaped correctly.� So will probably be doing 4 different simple jigs (and making a couple of tools), for bending and a fifth for forging the feet.� Doing it that way should be able to get close to an exact match.� Takes a little more time but should give better results.� I knew this would happen LOL.
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Did a little work on this today, spent some time making a couple of jigs to get the bends correct. Going pretty well. So far three jigs have been made, the initial forming is around the end of a piece of angle iron, then made a little jig to hold the wire and make the second bends. The third form is to properly make the outside bends on the wire. All are working well and so far it matches the original nicely. still getting a few too many tool marks, but those can be taken care of. Left to do is come up with a jig to make the final bend, and a jig to hold the stop when the feet are forged, maybe tomorrow, having a beer now. Here are some pix of the jigs and the results.
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Took a break from mowing the lawn and fooled around a little this afternoon.� Got the first prototype done, there is a lot wrong with it, tool marks all over and the feet are a little uneven (did it freehand), the slot is too long and the bends are not quite right, but there is enough right with it that I can finish making the two jigs that are needed to get everything correct with the next one.� Could actually probably use this one and only two people would ever know it is not correct, me (because I made it) and Bob W (because he is, well....... Bob W ;)).
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only two people would ever know it is not correct, me (because I made it) and Bob W (because he is, well....... Bob W ).
And all the people here who follow you!
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I am not so sure anyone should be following me ;). Anyway what I thought would take 3 hours wound up taking about 3 days, but I finally have all the tools made to make these dang things. Here is the result, it is about #5, but is production(?) run #1, unit #1, I think it worked out pretty well, so will be making about 10 which should be enough to supply what I expect to be an underwhelming demand LOL. All of the mandrels and jigs to so the various bends. Each bend has its special problems, but by welding on stops and guides it worked out pretty well, and they should come out as reasonable facsimiles the original.
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I like it! Have you decided on a price yet?
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I will import one here and i do expect to pay more for shipping! Lol ;D ;D
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Great write up!
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I am thinking $10 plus $2 shipping US, Guessing $4 to the Great North.� That will get me up to minimum wage :D �
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Nicely done!! 8-)
There may be more demand than you think. You might call Carl Walck to see if he would like to carry them.
Tim
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Nicely done!!� 8-)
There may be more demand than you think.� You might call Carl Walck to see if he would like to carry them.�
Tim
My nephew made the same suggestion, so I explained to him that if I started making them for someone, then that would involve obligations, and when you have obligations your pursuits change from fun hobby to job drudgery, so for the time being I plan to make a few for the folks on this forum that need em. ;)
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If you already taking reservations then please add my name on your list.
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I need one. Let me know what form of payment you like and where to send it.
Thanks!
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I have "obligations" ;) to go striper fishing this week, so should be able to make a few by mid-next week. Will let everyone know when I have some.
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Just got back and decided� that the stops were just not quite right so reworked the jigs a little and worked on getting the right shape for the "feet".� Got the bends about right and determined the right overall length so that when the feet were forged it would be the correct shape.� So will finish making a few in the next day or two, so if you need one drop me a PM.
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Just received my vent stop today. Sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks so much for reproducing these. Unfortunately I won't have a chance to install it on my 3A until this winter when things calm down a bit. I'm thinking the best way to attach it would be to drill holes in the flat sections and then plug weld it to the windshield frame.
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Yeah, I am assuming they were spot welded on originally. If the windshield frame is painted you could probably drill and thread holes in the feet a and use a small pan head screw (from the outside in) to attach, grind off the screw flush with the feet and then a couple of dabs of paint for touch up and you should be good. Tried to get the feet close to the right angle, but if you need to change it a bit, stick the feet in a vice and a couple of taps with a hammer should do it.
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Thanks you very much! I've got mine.
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If there are anymore available, I will take one. :) Well I will gladly pay for one. ;D
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I would be interested in buying one if any left.
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New to the CJ3A world, reading this thread I just realized that this part is missing from my Jeep. I wondered how the vent stop was supposed to work! If you ever fab up more of these, I would be interested in buying one from you.
Steve
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I have one, just send me a PM with your adress. $12 including postage. Check out post #20 above. Shows you how it goes together. Do you have the handle and spring like in the photo? You can get a handle and spring from Walck's. If you need a spring I can make you one for $3. If you can, post a photo of what you have, and will get you fixed up.
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Here is mine installed. Thank you Terry!
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I need one and a spring. Just let me know how to get the $ to you.
I am in California.
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Hey guys:� Since I have had a huge surge in orders, well two anyway, thought I would do some work on figuring out a good way to attach these things without welding, for anyone with a painted windshield frame.� Putting a stud on each of the feet seemed to be the way to go.� �Settled on drilling and tapping for a 8-32 screw.� Next was securing the stud.� Wanted a method that anyone could do, since not everyone has a welder or ox/ac torches for brazing.� Thought about JB Weld or red Loctite on the threads, would probably work but decided to try soldering.� The photos show my procedure:� Took one of my rejects (of which I have many) and drilled and tapped the "feet" (yeah the holes are off center, no excuses ;))� Polished and cleaned (you want clean shiny metal showing on the top) the foot and coated the screw and foot with paste flux.� Used a butane torch applied to the stop about 1/2 inch away to indirectly heat the area around the screw to allow the solder to melt and flow (takes some time to cool and solidify).� If the threads are clean and fluxed the solder will flow down into the tapped hole.� Cut the screws off with the Dremel, and ground down the excess.� Mixed up a little JB Kwik to fill in the marks, sanded and painted.� Should be able to just drill a couple of holes for the studs and secure with nuts and lock washers.� If you cut the studs to the correct length you could use SS acorn nuts for a clean instillation.� Anyway hope this is a help to anyone replacing the stop.
p.s. I used 50/50 solder, but the new stuff should work, may need a little more heat to get it to flow, make sure it is clean and well fluxed.
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Okay.. where's the bicycle... Interesting JB application tool. Or is that a motorcycle spoke?
A spot of mig weld where you soldered would be far quicker...and probably stronger. Or just nut and bolt it.
Just my 2 cents.. Thanks for making this part available!
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Yeah if it were mine I would use the mig, but am assuming that not everyone has access to a welder, but should have a torch and some solder.� Strength should not be an issue as the solder just keeps the stud from turning when you tighten the nuts.� Should be plenty strong to hold the stop. Wanted to make it so that it could be pre-painted before instillation. Then you would only have to touch up paint a couple of nuts on the outside or not if you used ss.
Most people would not know what that was, it was left over from making a vent handle spring and just happened to be within reach when I needed a stir stick� ;).
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Just received the parts. Look great.
Appreciate your installation suggestions.
I have a mig so I will likely weld some studs.
Haven't decided whether to try to remove the old spot welded feet or bolt the new one right over the top.
Of course the windshield frame is already finish painted. Purchased the jeep "restored" less a few minor (or major) yet to be completed issues.
Thanks for saving me all the time and effort manufacturing these parts.
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Are you making any more of these?? I will take one if you are. Thanks for making these :) I have wanted a functional vent for years now
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I am. Sending a PM.
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I am.� Sending a PM.�
Just sent you money. Thanks for making these great looking pieces. Can't wait to have functional vent!!
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Just thought I'd bump this back up front to make it a little easier to find ;).
P.S. If any more of you have them installed, how about some pix :D
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I found this post and joined so I could find out if you are making these vent stops any longer? We have a CJ3A and the vent is screwed shut. I want to open it and have the handle just not the stop. If not, do you know where I could find one? Salvage yards in middle TN do not have vehicles this age. Thanks in advance for your hard work
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CJ3A and the vent is screwed shut.
Could it be that you have an M-38 windshield frame? They were screwed shut... From the other thread I saw that you have an M-38 tailgate
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No it has the vent and it has hinges on the front. It is screwed shut and the handle has been removed. The previous owner said he had the handle in the box of spare parts that he gave us but the stop had broke off. He never bothered to find a stop and removed the handle. Thanks we are still learning what we have and what we need!
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Thanks Stony! The stop and spring look great. Two less items on my "find and replace" list. I will post photos just as soon as we get them welded on.
Now my next search is for the clip that keeps the tool box closed. [smiley=cool.gif]
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Hi. I could use a vent stop.� My vent door just "flops" the opening.� I have the handle, but no latch.� Hopefully, you haven't stopped making them yet.� Thanks.
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Just sent a stop to Jim.� Put a couple of 8-32 studs on the feet.� Will see how it works out, the holes for the studs will be behind the vent, so hoping nothing will bind.� We'll see.
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Looking for a vent stop and spring, do you still make them?
Thanks...
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I do!� I will try to make some this week.� Will send a PM.
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Are they still available? Doing a restoration on a '53 and this is one part I can't find anywhere...
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I am out at the moment ( of restoration quality), but will try to get a couple made this weekend.� In the middle of corn harvest, so things are kinda crazy busy right now. PM sent.
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We just got our jeep back and one of the repairs was having the vent latch welded on that Stony made. I am so glad that we were able to restore this part of our Willys rather than having the vent screwed shut. Thanks again Stony we appreciate your hard work!
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Trish: You are welcome, and thanks for the kind words.
Terry
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And just as an observation....that vent is very useful if you happen to have a full enclosure for your jeep....a great source of cooling air and air to defrost the window....
I often wondered why it was there....but now I know.....
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The shop we had our Willys at, took it for a drive today to make sure it was still shifting correctly with our new transmission and clutch, and Ryan called and said "your air conditioning is still working at 100% cold". Funny since it was 37�. He just wanted to drive the Willys! :D
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Ok, I'll start off 2015 with a vent stop request.
Stony, I'll send you a PM. Thank you for providing these for our 3A's.
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Well the vent stop Stony made is on our jeep and just needs a little tweaking to be perfect. The spring he made for the vent handle also works great. With a few patching areas where the po screwed the vent shut and new seals we finally have our vent fully functional. Thanks again Stony! Great job and we appreciate it!
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Thanks Trish! Looks great!
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I needed an excuse to bump this thread back up to the front page ;), so I am adding a link back to my how to make a vent handle spring thread http://www.cj3apage.com/cgi-bin/3Ayabb26/YaBB.pl?num=1379097845/6#6 Cuz nobody makes those either. They seem to be working out OK, for the folks that I sent them to.
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Hi Stoney
You have a PM
Thanks
VicJ
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Very cool, sending a PM
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Hey boys and girls, l am kinda going out of the stop business for a while. Bacame snowbirds so will not have access to my tools till April. But I do have a bunch of "not quite good enough" stops. Mostly the "feet" are not quite right or they are not quite symmetrical (that was before it occurred to me that once it is installed you can only see one side at a time LOL). Anyway they should work just fine (and they are cheap) just not quite up to my standards. Thanks to everyone that got one and thanks to everyone that took the time to look at this thread, pushing 8000 views is pretty amazing!
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Hey Stoney!
Thanks for remaking this very important part for us! Our "not so perfect" stop works just fine. A tiny bit of filing before we welded it on and it is perfect. We appreciate your time and dedication to keep these pieces of history together and looking great!
Trish
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Wow! Lots of views, hope this has helped. Just thought I would bump this to make it easier to find in case someone needs one before I get busy with harvest and then head south for the winter.
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Hi Stoney!
Went to a car and tractor show yesterday and showed a bunch of people your stop and spring and just how well it works! Gosh it sure makes a difference in the air flow of our jeep in this hot weather. We told everyone how important it was to find authentic parts or new stock that is almost impossible to find because it's so small it's not remade. You have made it possible to open and close our vent on our CJ3A. Thanks again! Trish :)
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I hope you are still making these, I would like to get one.
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Hey folks: just got my crops in a couple of weeks ago and headed south for the winter. Will not be back till April. I will make some stops when I get back for anyone that still wants one. If you have a painted windshield frame and don't want to weld it on, I can put studs on it. see ya in the spring.
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PM sent
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PM sent as well!
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I am back, will try to get a few of these things pounded out.
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Too wet to plant, and I did not have anything better to do today, so I pounded a few out. If you need one p.m. Me.
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PM sent. You are awesome. I would love one of these!
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I've received mine today. This guy is doing a very great job. It's perfect.
Thank you Stony
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Hey everyone, just sold my last one. Just in time, heading home from FL in a few days, will have some more in a couple of weeks (sooner if you REALLY need one).� Thanks everyone, 24,000 views indicates that there is still some interest out there.
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I too need one. Waiting for the new stock.
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Give me a week or so, and I�ll drop you a PM.
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Sending a PM, I need two of these...
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I got a few made so they are available again.� Got corn and beans to plant so am pretty busy, but will do my best to get them out. Dinesh, pm sent
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PM sent
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I could use one of these as well. PM sent.
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Hello Sir, hopefully you have some more of these made up as I could use one as well! PM sent
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Got busy today and made a few While I am waiting for my beans to dry.� Just need to do a little finish work on them. If you need one send a PM.
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stony are you still offering the springs?
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I can make a spring.� $6.50 (3+3.5 shipping).� They are pretty easy to make from an old bike spoke, but I can make one for you if you like. http://www.cj3apage.com/cgi-bin/3Ayabb26/YaBB.pl?num=1379097845/6#6%C2%A0
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Just saw that you make these. Sure would like to get my hands on one. Do you still take orders?
Thanks
Mark
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I do, I have 5 left, that�s it till I get back north in the spring. I sent you a pm.
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Must say, you certainly have done a very fine job filling the needs of those on this group. Thank you for your efforts !! I'll drop in a picture once it is in place.
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Hi,
If there's still one if those five available I would like to get one too. Just PM me with the details. Thanks for meeting the need for a part like this. The vent on mine has been sealed up as long as I have had it. Would be nice to make it functional again.
John
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Hello Sir
I'm in need of both the spring and the vent stop.
PM sent
Thank you
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Hello, New to the forum, and excited about what I have read and learned so far. Building a 49 3A from basically parts. its near done, and just finishing up the details. I am looking for the vent stop as well, and wondered if there might be one avaialble for purchase. Thanks in advance, Matt
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Hey guys and gals, getting toward time to head south, so if you need one let me know. Just bumping this up a bit so folks can find it.
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Terry,
Are you still making the vent stops? I have someone who would like to purchase one. Let me know and I will send you his email address.
Thanks,
Bob W
52cj3a@gmail.com
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Bob, yeah, Jay is getting my last one, but will be making some more in May when I get back up north.
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Terry, please check your PMs.
Thanks,
Bob
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Hi, I'm interest in a vent stop and hoping you still have them. Please let me know, thanks
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I also am in need of the vent stop. Are they still available?
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Yes I have some stops ready to send.
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Hello. Are you still making these stops by any chance? I’ve recently bought a 3A and noticed that the stop has broken off.
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Yes, I need to make a few. Send me a pm.
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Alright, I believe I sent you a PM. It said it was successfully sent, but I don’t see anything in my sent messages. I’m new the forums so I’m still learning how to use the site. Anyway, thanks for getting back with me.
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Hey, I'm looking for one of these - are you still making them?
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Yes, I will be making more in May.
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I am wanting to get a message to Stony about getting a CJ3A Windshield Vent Stop Fits 49-53 CJ-3A.