I have a backorder at IPD for their new sway bars, and today I received the announcement below. It looks like having a backorder was a worthwhile thing to do-I wonder how much more they will be in the catalog for new buyers?
*******************************************
This letter is to update you on the status of our re-design of the rear
anti- sway bar for 850 and 70 series Volvos up to model year 2000 (all
wheel
drive models excluded).
Earlier this year we had estimated that we would have the newly
designed bar
available by the end of July. Extensive testing this spring and summer
has
revealed further complications with the newly proposed design.
In the past, we have done all of our design work in-house, but the
unusual
"Delta-Link" semi-independent rear suspension used in these models has
been
a real challenge for us. To further ensure that we develop a design
that
provides the performance and durability our bars are known for, we have
enlisted the services of a mechanical engineering firm with expertise
in
metallurgy and heat treating (Schaefer Engineering). At this time, we
are
awaiting the results of finite element analysis (FEA) testing that will
provide us with the critical data that we have been missing. The FEA
testing
is scheduled to be complete by September 16th. If the results are what
we
expect, we will be able to finalize testing by the end of September and
begin production. Typically once production is started we can begin
shipping
within 40 days, so if everything goes according to this conservative
plan,
we should begin shipping by mid-November.
To thank you for your patience, we will be providing all existing
orders
with the old kit pricing, as the price of this new design is
significantly
higher.
It is our goal to provide you with a safety anti-sway bar system that
is of
the highest quality and performance that will reasonably last the life
of
the car.
If your circumstances have changed and you wish to cancel your order,
we
certainly understand. Simply give our customer service staff a call and
they
will be glad to assist you. Otherwise, keep your fingers crossed and
look
for your kit before the end of the year. (We'll keep you posted if
there are
any further delays.)
Again, Thanks for your patience.
*******************************************
This letter is to update you on the status of our re-design of the rear
anti- sway bar for 850 and 70 series Volvos up to model year 2000 (all
wheel
drive models excluded).
Earlier this year we had estimated that we would have the newly
designed bar
available by the end of July. Extensive testing this spring and summer
has
revealed further complications with the newly proposed design.
In the past, we have done all of our design work in-house, but the
unusual
"Delta-Link" semi-independent rear suspension used in these models has
been
a real challenge for us. To further ensure that we develop a design
that
provides the performance and durability our bars are known for, we have
enlisted the services of a mechanical engineering firm with expertise
in
metallurgy and heat treating (Schaefer Engineering). At this time, we
are
awaiting the results of finite element analysis (FEA) testing that will
provide us with the critical data that we have been missing. The FEA
testing
is scheduled to be complete by September 16th. If the results are what
we
expect, we will be able to finalize testing by the end of September and
begin production. Typically once production is started we can begin
shipping
within 40 days, so if everything goes according to this conservative
plan,
we should begin shipping by mid-November.
To thank you for your patience, we will be providing all existing
orders
with the old kit pricing, as the price of this new design is
significantly
higher.
It is our goal to provide you with a safety anti-sway bar system that
is of
the highest quality and performance that will reasonably last the life
of
the car.
If your circumstances have changed and you wish to cancel your order,
we
certainly understand. Simply give our customer service staff a call and
they
will be glad to assist you. Otherwise, keep your fingers crossed and
look
for your kit before the end of the year. (We'll keep you posted if
there are
any further delays.)
Again, Thanks for your patience.
