Brief question from a new poster. I'm curious how the average old
engine restorer get discontinued cast parts made. For the quantities
involved, a one-of pattern can be very expensive.

There are a couple of ways.

1. Can you fabricate the casting as a good look alike.
2. find a few others that need the same part as you to reduce the cost.
3. find another engine that has the bit, preferably a scrap engine beyond 
repair.
4. Accept the cost as a one off but keep the pattern for future use.
5. Make from cheaper material.

Martin P

"1501"  wrote in message 
news:da02f307-58f8-434b-aa2a-13cf8660d5e9@g31g2000yqc.googlegroups.com...
> Brief question from a new poster. I'm curious how the average old
> engine restorer get discontinued cast parts made. For the quantities
> involved, a one-of pattern can be very expensive.

On 9 Sep, 08:42, 1501  wrote:
> Brief question from a new poster. I'm curious how the average old
> engine restorer get discontinued cast parts made. For the quantities
> involved, a one-of pattern can be very expensive.

http://groups.google.co.uk/group/uk.d-i-y/browse_thread/thread/37da20e1f81e66ae?tvc=2&q=angle+grinder

As welding and grinding is now relatively cheaper than casting or
forging, this approach makes sense. For non-ferrous stuff I do it
myself, using either lost-foam (yellow insulation foam) or petrobond
sand.  If you can live with more shaping work on a one-off, you can
also make the pattern making aspect very simple in comparison to an
original.

I'm also curious just what pattern making and casting do cost these
days. Anyone have favourite places and rough prices?  Seeking a quote
is a painful process and the few small job foundries that are stilll
around range between arrogant artists and unhelpful tossers, IMHE.
Isn't there a guy just started in Bedminster though - Kim, know
anything?