Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Austin
Indeed, I wonder what the minimum number needed to do a small run might be?
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Not too many I believe, possibly as little as 20 units. However the problem is the mould, as they're not kept indefinitely. Odd sizes like 8.25 or 10.50 x 18 may no longer be in existence, and it costs around $30K to make a new mould. Basically a complete new tyre has to be developed, ideally using an old one in good condition as a pattern. You'd have pre-sell quite a few tyres to defray costs, for example 300 tyres at $100 premium. Generally that will be prohibitive, but as Lynn says we have the internet these days, so if we got our act together globally it may well pay in some cases, as the unit cost would be less with a bulk order. One obvious candidate would be original pattern 10.50 x 20 chevrons.