Buckle washers (waffle washers) for early Plymouth fabric U-joints

[TodFitch]

I don't know about other makes, but Plymouth started using the ball and trunnion style U-Joints with the 1931 PA models. If recollection serves, they used the ball and trunnion style into the early 1960s on at least some cars.

I am pretty sure I have seen washers like those in your photo in use elsewhere on fairly modern products. I suspect they are still available if one can figure out what the official name of that style is. My guesses of spring and wave did not come up with the correct ones but that shouldn't stop the search.

[kimmc]

Hi Tod.  It appears to me that "spring washers" and "wave washers" referenced in your link are different than the waffle washers and buckle washers used in early Plymouth fabric disc U-joints.  Do you know what year Plymouth (and other marques) stopped using the fabric disc U-joint?  Picture of washer waffle attached.  Kim

[Soup]

Kim I never got that far but 2K sounds like a lot for the dies.

[TodFitch]

Are "buckle washers" the same or similar to "spring washers" or "wave washers"?

https://www.mcmaster.com/wave-washers/

[kimmc]

Thanks Soup.  Do you have a recommendation for die makers or metal stamping vendors?  I received one estimate of $2000 for just the two dies.  That was more than I had hoped and could make a finished washer too costly.  Thanks for your feedback.  Kim

[Soup]

Plymouth was not the only car using fabric U-joints so I am sure there would be a market for them.  I've scavenged some over the years but to my knowledge there is no ready source for them.  They don't wear out but many of them seem to have been lost or corroded.  I think all you would need is a set of dies and a good arbor press.  At one point I thought about doing it but, as I mentioned above, I was able to scrounge up what I needed so I never followed through and moved on to another project.  Hope it works out for you!

[kimmc]

I am considering having "Buckle washers" re-manufactured for the early Plymouth fabric U-joints.  Is there a current source for these NOS, used, or re-manufactured washers?  I believe the market is probably limited but are restorers of these cars shopping for a source of these washers?  All thoughts and replies are appreciated.  Thanks.  Kim Mc