Is anyone still making offy dp heat plates?

 

i'm working on burning some plates out of 1/4" plate. i cut out a few last week. seemed to come out ok. i dont plan on welding them up with fittings, just the plates cut with holes drilled for mounting whatever fittings and also fixing it to the manifold.

 

I was just wondering what size pipe? Are you planning on tapping them as well?

 

i wasnt planning on tapping the center holes...as there are several different ways to plumb the lines. each fella has their own preferences. i ended up cutting out 10 plates that look like they'll work great. i was gonna run a gentle grit flap wheel across all the faces and edges to smooth it out. mount holes and plumbing holes are already cut out of the plate. if any are interested, or have suggestions, please shoot me a PM.

 

Probably good to end up with 5/8" hose barbs since that is the usual size of the heater hose.

 

agreed. i have gone thru and drilled the holes in prep for 5/8 fittings. they're just a tick undersized just in case. easier to ream/drill one more pass than to add material back onto the plate cause the hole is too big.

 

The water holes should be about 3/8", which is the ID of the heater hose. Atop the holes weld a 3/8" galvanized plumbing elbow, grind first, angling the pipes to the corner bolt holes. Attach an 8" 3/8" nipple to the elbow and weld it prior to welding the elbow to the plate. Cut off the threads on the opposite end. Weld a couple of bumps to the pipe end that the hose can slip over and be clamped on the far side of the bump. The hose will now slide over the 3/8 pipe without using nor paying $8 per for the hose barbs at Napa.

Welding galvanized creates toxic fumes. No joke, so take precautions like a fan/respirator if you do, or switch to steel tube and elbows. Steel elbows are expensive. You have to weld it all with ... what is it called, with Argon gas ... is that mig? Welded fittings don't loosen. I've used the system w/o barbs for 4+ years, without issue. Keep the tubes long for easy connection/disconnection of the hoses, and to clear heat.

Oh, and while you're making one, remember the famous words of the forum member who said he could make one in half an hour! (It takes me an hour just to clean/grind the tube welds.)

 

all very valid recommendations. thanks addressing the toxicity of the fumes too. metal fever is very real, and a potential hazard without using a sealed welding hood and/or ample ventilation. i steer clear of the galvi-fittings. i'll gladly pay the extra few bucks for mild steel fittings any day. its not worth the risk just to save a couple $$$. i generally use 75/25 shielding gas when running hardwire. 75% argon 25% CO2. it allows me decent penetration and shielding.

 

Did these plates ever become a reality? Just curious.

 

Contact a co. called Hollisterroadco.com. He is on ebay, but for the plates you need to contact him, call or email, or send a message via ebay.

 

i've got about a dozen plates burned out here at the house. shoot me a PM if interested.

 

I mailed the guy at Hollister Rd and it looks like it will be April before he has some for sale - pricing sounded very reasonable and he is planning on 5/8" fittings to match the heater hoses. Nice guy and very quick to respond.

 

I mentioned to Dave at Hollisterroad.com, about there being a need for someone to make the Offy heat plate. Today I got an email with this photo:



He makes them of stainless steel, with 5/8 hose bibs, and they sell for iirc $120 shipped. You can get them as shown or painted black.

I'm not selling these or making any money from them.

 

looks like a quality piece, plus the longevity and bling factor of stainless. its good that he's making them available for folks that either cant or would rather not try welding one up. uff da though...i'm a cheapskate...i'll keep the one i stuck together. they sure do look purdy though.

 

Did you ever have any luck on this? I am in the market for the same device.
Contacted Hollister Road Company and they are still making them. Ordered one. Total with shipping and tax was $118.96.