Ball Joint Tool -- Jim Tidwell
 

This is a tribute to Jim Tidwell and his magnificent ball-joint tool!

I can't imagine any way to put sufficient torque on the threaded ring that secures the ball-joint, other than Jim's special socket. The Bentley book specifies 180+ ft lb. Even with Jim's tool, my strength gave out at 160 ft lbs!

Pelican lists two similar tools from Baum and Sir Tools. I ordered the Sir Tools version months ago and it seems to be on permanent back-order. Can't speak to the Baum version, but at $120 -- I don't want to.

Jim's tool is so well made and so beautifully finished that it will be the prettiest thing in your box. So gorgeous, in fact, that you'll probably want to keep it on your desk as a paperweight and conversation piece!

When I contacted Jim, he replied in less than a day. He is possibly the nicest gentleman I have ever worked with. He had tools available, but they needed plating. Not a problem. Jim kept me informed of where the parts were in the plating process and shipped mine express mail.

And he didn't charge me! Jim explained he didn't want to take my money until I was satisfied with his work. The tool arrived at my front door, on that basis. Satisfied?! It's the most beautiful, bloody, thing I own! I paid his very modest charges immediately and happily!

O.K. , I'm inclined to hyperbole... but I'm not far off! Well done, Jim! The world needs more people like you!

Jim Tidwell == jim AT tidwell DOT org


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Another bump for Mr. Tidwell. I have his external thermostat hex caps and they are beautiful. Fantastic person to deal with too.

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i like the tool for the ball joint but how do i get it..anybody has some connection to Jim?
thanx

Ivan

Search Pelican user JimmyT

i tried but no luck anybody should have the email for him , right maybe the OP?piscator??

Ivan

Ivan, I included Jim's email addy in my original post, but it was suppressed by the Pelican software.

Jim Tidwell j-i-m AT tidwell DOT org

Remove the dashes and substitute symbols for AT and DOT -- but I'm sure you knew that!

Jim doesn't spend a lot of time here. He's easier to reach at the 911Registry which is how I first contacted him. Try him there if you have a problem with the email address I posted.

ok i got it ..but just those 3 letters, not the full name right?

thanx

Ivan

I bought one. I'm 100% satisfied and the guy is so nice, you want to buy more. So I did. He makes a super nice aluminum ignition bezel. Looks like jewelry.

I keep mine on my home office desk and admire it while I’m on conference calls. And as Mark said, JimT is an unbelievably nice guy...and an artist in metal.

got today Jim`s tool ..what a work of art ..it is so nice i might not even use it--just kidding..It took 6 days from CA to Czech Republic ...thanx Jimmy....

Ivan
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Ivan,

Welcome to the exclusive club of Tidwell Tool owners!

"I almost don't want to use it" -- is exactly how I felt when mine arrived! It's such a pretty thing; but, of course, it's also tough as nails!

Another satisfied customer of the awesome Tidwell ball joint tool!

Love mine as well. Loaned out to a buddy for his ‘76. Will wipe it down and pit it back on my desk!