odyssey Posted November 20, 2012 Share Posted November 20, 2012 I have been asked several times recently for a source for the 1-1/2" wide x 3/16" cotton webbing for the Stabilators. Restoration Supply had it, but can no longer get it. Anybody run across a source?I wonder if one could sew together 2 layers of 3/32" heavy-duty cotton webbing from McMaster Carr. www.mcmastercarr.com part #3531T52?any thoughts...?Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidMc Posted November 20, 2012 Share Posted November 20, 2012 You could try using safety belt webbing. David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f147pu Posted November 22, 2012 Share Posted November 22, 2012 Tom, As you probably remember I have been involved with Stabilator webbing for a long time. I checked the M.C. material, it has anylon core and a breaking strength of 2200 lbs/inch. 1-1/2 inch weould be 3300 lbs. The original webbing was very similar to 4 ply Solid Woven Cotton Belting in the yarns used and the construction of the product. I dug out Recommended Standards sheets put out many years ago when SWCB was an industry standard product. 4 ply belting has a thickness of 3/16' and a breaking strength of 1000 lbs/inch. The m.c. product at 1.5" width and doubled would be 6600 lbs. I don't know how they can make this strength in this width without having a solid, not yarn, core anddon't know how they can do that. Love to see a bit of it.Stabilator straps came in a range of widths. Obviously it would have been more cost efficient to produce all Stabilators the same width. I think the width range was related to the weight of the car used on and the strap was designed as the weak link in the system so that it would break before damage was done to the Stabilator body or maybe a car spring. I would be very leery of using anything stronger including seatbelt webbing as suggested by David.The last time I supplied straps, about 10 years ago, I obtained the last stock of 1.5' 4 ply SWCB that the only remaining manufacturer had. The word was no more would be made unless they received a "large" order. I take that to mean 1000s of feet.I don't know what is the answer to the supply problem. I believe the critical factors are strength, width and non-ravelling edges. Thickness is not. Thhere may be some construction out there in webbing land that meets those requirements that we just haven't found. Another possiblity is slit to width rubberized belting of the proper strength where the rubber would bond the textile reinforcement in place.A lot of searching needs to be done.Gordon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
odyssey Posted November 22, 2012 Author Share Posted November 22, 2012 Hi Gordon - Yes, it seems there could be a rubberized belting that could work and perhaps that is the best place to look. Jeff has a contact (his dad's old conveyor business) and said he could look into it. I always prefer a stock appearance, yet in the end function is more critical. I'll get a sample of the MC webbing...Happy Thanksgiving!Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
odat Posted December 5, 2012 Share Posted December 5, 2012 Should we look at the club projects haveing a min run of the webbing made? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluetaxi Posted December 5, 2012 Share Posted December 5, 2012 If you are starting a list, sign me up. I need webbing for four. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
odyssey Posted December 5, 2012 Author Share Posted December 5, 2012 I was told the minimum run was prohibitive in price, but no definition of that price. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f147pu Posted December 6, 2012 Share Posted December 6, 2012 In 2002 when I bought the last stock the mfgr had it was very near $1.50 a foot. No telling what inflation has done to that figure. Gordon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Franklinguy Posted January 16, 2013 Share Posted January 16, 2013 Tom,I am another Franklin owner needing Stabilator webbing for my 10B. I suspect that there is a lot of demand for these straps. My car is 90 years old and it is not surprising that the straps are broken. This year at the Trek, I plan to ask around to find out how many other Franklin owners have broken Stabilator straps.Surprisingly, the car rides pretty well with all four Stabilator straps broken, but I want to make it right by fixing the Stabilators. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
odyssey Posted January 17, 2013 Author Share Posted January 17, 2013 Stay tuned as I believe a special source will be available to Franklin owners in the near future. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluetaxi Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 Keep me on your list! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Braverman Posted January 21, 2013 Share Posted January 21, 2013 I'll need enough to do two cars also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
odat Posted January 24, 2013 Share Posted January 24, 2013 Will this be the same strap for my 32? if so I will need 2 sets worth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
odyssey Posted January 24, 2013 Author Share Posted January 24, 2013 You're off the hook, the '32 does not use them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Franklin25 Posted March 4, 2013 Share Posted March 4, 2013 Need a full set for the 12A in France Tom,André Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
odyssey Posted March 4, 2013 Author Share Posted March 4, 2013 Need a full set for the 12A in France Tom,AndréAs I understand, production is underway and it will be available soon. When it is, buy it while you can....Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Franklinguy Posted June 21, 2013 Share Posted June 21, 2013 Is there anything news about Stabilator Webbing? Nothing has been posted for several months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott12180 Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 Is there anything news about Stabilator Webbing? Nothing has been posted for several months.I'll second that motion. I'd like to get a set for my 10-B. --Scott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Braverman Posted July 1, 2013 Share Posted July 1, 2013 While cleaning out my barn today, I found a roll of webbing labeled "Watson Stabilator." It looks like the right stuff, and I'd like to try it out in Dad's 10C touring. Where can I find some instructions on replacing the straps and setting up the stabilators? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest richentee Posted July 1, 2013 Share Posted July 1, 2013 John Strawway did a tech session on these a couple of years ago at the Trek. He might be able to send you the info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seldenguy Posted July 1, 2013 Share Posted July 1, 2013 I believe there was an article a few years ago in the restorers magazine "Skinned Knuckles" that showed the steps in restoration. --Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Franklinguy Posted July 1, 2013 Share Posted July 1, 2013 If you go to the Franklin Club site, go to Tech and then Questions and Answers, there is a description of how to disassemble and reassemble Stabilators dated 6/25/05, instructions by Paul Fitz. Also look at http://www.franklincar.org/FAQ/watson5.htm for articles on Stabilators. The real problem is if you need replacement webbing; I don't know where to get it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f147pu Posted November 2, 2013 Share Posted November 2, 2013 Just a reminder that these are now available, see post in buy/sell. G.H. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Lawson Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Hello Folk on this forum I have a Dodge Brothers Senior 6 that has Watson Stabilators fitted When I restored them I used a 1 1/2" wide nylon strap that I had saved from a job 18 years ago This strapping is white in coulor and has a 5 ton breaking capacity The restoration of my car is not completed so they have not been road tested During the cleaning up process I dug out of the brake bands what I thought to be 80 odd years of crud. I have now discovered that these little bits of what I assumed the be dirt are actually a lubricating insert that should not have been removed Can any one tell me if these little discs are available Thanks in advance Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f147pu Posted February 12, 2014 Share Posted February 12, 2014 Ron, I believe the discs are graphite, I know of no source for them. See my 11/22/13 post for my reasoning for my choice of strap material. GH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Lawson Posted February 12, 2014 Share Posted February 12, 2014 Hi GH Thank you for your reply I thought along the same lines that they were some sort of graphite mixture Have to work out how to make some replacements now Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f147pu Posted December 10, 2014 Share Posted December 10, 2014 Ron, Have you come up with anything on this project? GH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Lawson Posted December 10, 2014 Share Posted December 10, 2014 Hi GH I have had the task of clearing out my father-in -laws garage as he is now in aged care and among'st the stuff that I found is some graphite impregnated carbon rod Only about 12 inches of it so that's what I intend using It has not been lab tested but looks and feels the same as the original material Where my f-i-l got this from God knows He never tossed any thing away I did try looking on the net for a supplier here in Australia without much luck so I recon I am lucky to have found what the piece in Pops old stash I wish you luck and have a Happy Christmas Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now