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Registered
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: New England
Posts: 850
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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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Robert ----------------------------------------- "A man must consider what a rich realm he abdicates when he becomes a conformist." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~ (thanks to Pat Keefe) Last edited by piscator; 05-17-2019 at 04:33 AM.. |
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05-16-2019, 06:13 AM
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Perpetual Reassembler
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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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Jose - 1983 911SC Coupe Instagram: @joe_engineer 911 D I Y Blog: joe-engineer d o t c o m D I Y Vids: https://www.youtube.com/joeengineer |
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05-16-2019, 06:38 AM
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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
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1985 911 with original 501 587 miles...807 226 km "The difference between genius and stupidity is that, genius has its limits". Albert Einstein. |
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05-16-2019, 06:46 AM
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Search Pelican user JimmyT
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05-16-2019, 07:25 AM
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i tried but no luck anybody should have the email for him , right maybe the OP?piscator??
Ivan
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1985 911 with original 501 587 miles...807 226 km "The difference between genius and stupidity is that, genius has its limits". Albert Einstein. |
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05-16-2019, 07:53 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: New England
Posts: 850
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Quote:
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.
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Robert ----------------------------------------- "A man must consider what a rich realm he abdicates when he becomes a conformist." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~ (thanks to Pat Keefe) |
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05-16-2019, 08:00 AM
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ok i got it ..but just those 3 letters, not the full name right?
thanx Ivan
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1985 911 with original 501 587 miles...807 226 km "The difference between genius and stupidity is that, genius has its limits". Albert Einstein. |
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05-16-2019, 08:10 AM
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The 9 Store
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Wilmington, DE
Posts: 5,317
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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.
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All used parts sold as is. |
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05-16-2019, 10:32 AM
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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.
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05-16-2019, 03:16 PM
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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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1985 911 with original 501 587 miles...807 226 km "The difference between genius and stupidity is that, genius has its limits". Albert Einstein. |
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06-12-2019, 12:22 PM
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Registered
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: New England
Posts: 850
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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!
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Robert ----------------------------------------- "A man must consider what a rich realm he abdicates when he becomes a conformist." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~ (thanks to Pat Keefe) |
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06-13-2019, 04:48 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: North Bay, ON
Posts: 472
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Another satisfied customer of the awesome Tidwell ball joint tool!
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1986 3.2 to 3.4 conversion |
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09-13-2023, 06:55 PM
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Love mine as well. Loaned out to a buddy for his ‘76. Will wipe it down and pit it back on my desk!
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09-13-2023, 07:52 PM
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TBD
P912E 3.0
