Jupiter Rack and Pinion Bellows

[SC970]

I have found a solid resource for rack and pinion bellows for the Jupiter (I have an SC model) here in the states. They are custom made to order and aren't cheap......likely around $60-per boot. Price goes down @ 10+ ordered......I'll be placing an order asap...if anyone out there needs any.....?? Speak up now.....

[Keith Clements]

I thought the bellows were still available as they are similar to another car. Have you tried Jowett Car Spares or Catmint JOAC?

[Chris Spencer]

Readily available via JCS for a realistic price - they are just shipping a set to me within a larger order of parts

[SC970]

Thanks Keith and Chris....I look into it, get some specs and see what they're made of....

[Keith Clements]

Why not just purchase them?

[Srenner]

t is very difficult to source quality parts for old cars and even more so for more obscure marques such as Jowett. In spite of the good job the Spares team does in attempting to support all Jowett models.

Because I have restored quite a few British sports cars, several Jupiters and a Javelin, I have a healthy skepticism of both the quality and the fit of items I source from many different suppliers and clubs, not to mention how close to original the part appears. Some of you may have heard me rant about how "close enough" is not correct, particularly when starting from scratch to have the part made.

KC, you know first hand my experiences with things that were drilled wrong, too short, too long, etc. Not all these things came from JCC, but the cost to return makes no economic sense and I was left at square one, minus some cash. Or worse, spending time to make something work that should have fit from the start if it had been made correctly.

We all know the feeling of disappointment when your expectations are not met. I don't fault the poster for wanting some details, I would also like to know more about what I'm buying before paying for it to land in the USA.

[Keith Clements]

Jeremy is not a Club member, and anyway the specification of such an off the shelf part is not something the club spares guys would know.
I realise that we all have issues sourcing parts for our classics. My Aston was serviced by THE most respected Aston service guys and they were supplied the wrong O ring for a petrol union. It took two visits back to them to fix.
If you want a better service from the volunteers at JCS then why not become one of them?

[Chris Spencer]

The Jupiter rack gators that JCS supply are perfectly adequate for the job - fit readily & without issues - I've already fitted 2 sets without issue / comeback or problems and as previously mentioned have a third set enroute to me for another clients car - the sets previously fitted have been on the cars for a few years now without any problems or early signs of degrading

[SC970]

Chris....Thanks for the photo. Think you could measure the bellow diameter ( O.D. rib diameter); I'd much appreciate it!
Thanks
JG

[PAUL BEAUMONT]

As has been reported JCS supplies a rack boot kit for the Jupiter. These, however, are a generic part and should be fairly available from a good auto parts centre in the USA. I am not sure why the major diameter is questioned. The important dimensions are the diameter of the rack end and the diameter of the steering shaft. No one will be at JCS for several days but I will gladly measure the o/d of a JCS boot next time I am there.

[SC970]

Thanks Paul!.....much appreciated. I happen to have an exception. My car has some interesting modifications. One being a nut keeper flange with a 2 inch clearance at the end of the rack, just north of the oiler. I need an OD boot diameter of around 3 1/2 inches to operate smoothly. Yes, I have scoured the states/internet/manufacturers for such a one but cannot find the large body diameter.....thanks for your time and help!
JG

[PAUL BEAUMONT]

Have you visited info@dynatect.de? They manufacture a comprehensive range of bellows for industrial purposes.

[SC970]

Yeah....Dynatect is who I was generating a quote with, hence my original post.....and the chiding which followed. I thought it best to first check the Jowett Car Spares though (per Keith's advice).....as my quote came in at $165- per bellow....ouch!

[PAUL BEAUMONT]

The problem seems to be that you need non standard gaiters. I doubt if the product that you propose making would have universal appeal. Try hunting through agricultural parts suppliers. Someone somewhere probably makes something that will serve. Why can't your car be converted back to standard?

[PJGD]

Is there anything in the Car Builders Solutions catalogue found here: https://www.carbuilder.com/uk/ that might work?

I note that on page 41 they have a couple of "universal" steering rack gaiters.