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This thread is easily the most exciting one on the forum right now. Plastics technology has moved exponentially in the past few years. It's neat to see us already reaping the benefits.
Thanks! We're glad everyone is a excited as we are.
Originally Posted by Halfbridge
Thanks for doing that, Chris!
This thread is easily the most exciting one on the forum right now. Plastics technology has moved exponentially in the past few years. It's neat to see us already reaping the benefits.
The thing about RHD is that there are 7 more years of production than LHD - so there's no shortage of (used) replacement bits.
What do you need Marf?
Originally Posted by Heedlessone
That's a good question - I'm not sure. We don't have access to many RHD drive pieces, but it appears they are essentially the same but mirrored imaged, which would be easy to do. It might be something we look into if the demand is there.
Yep I figured it'd just be a case of reversing the parts
Me personally the gearstick/switchgear panell, and perhaps the gauge mount. There could be some interest in whatever can be produced despite the RHD cars running til 2002, good condition spares are still relatively hard to come by, and as you guys mention having more modern plastics would be nice.
I'll throw up a link to the thread on the UK forum and see if there's any interest
Realistically, how much demand would you be looking for to put in the time to do a RHD production run?
Generally, if we can sell 50 units we would consider it worth the time. The generated revenue from the item isn't a huge concern, we just want to make sure people will want them before putting in the R&D for a batch of parts.
Originally Posted by Marf
Yep I figured it'd just be a case of reversing the parts
Me personally the gearstick/switchgear panell, and perhaps the gauge mount. There could be some interest in whatever can be produced despite the RHD cars running til 2002, good condition spares are still relatively hard to come by, and as you guys mention having more modern plastics would be nice.
I'll throw up a link to the thread on the UK forum and see if there's any interest
Realistically, how much demand would you be looking for to put in the time to do a RHD production run?
I have some NIB OEM 93 finish dash parts (AC Panel, Shifter console) I purchased a few years ago out of fear they would become extinct when I finally wanted them. None installed so I would be willing to let you borrow them for scanning purposes.
I have a clean cluster hood, also 93 finish too, but not new.
I think that it would be great to have the 3D/CAD images of the plastic parts for future use. At some point, clean, new, old stock won't be available to replicate from.
Prices on the new parts are not outrageous, so it may be just as cost effective to buy new parts from Ray Crowe as it would be to ship mine to/from MN -- cluster hood excluded.
In the future I may take you up on that offer, especially if you're willing to let me borrow the cluster hood.
Originally Posted by technomentor
I have some NIB OEM 93 finish dash parts (AC Panel, Shifter console) I purchased a few years ago out of fear they would become extinct when I finally wanted them. None installed so I would be willing to let you borrow them for scanning purposes.
I have a clean cluster hood, also 93 finish too, but not new.
I think that it would be great to have the 3D/CAD images of the plastic parts for future use. At some point, clean, new, old stock won't be available to replicate from.
Prices on the new parts are not outrageous, so it may be just as cost effective to buy new parts from Ray Crowe as it would be to ship mine to/from MN -- cluster hood excluded.
I've been away for a few days, but here are some updates:
Chris gave me a generous deal on a bezel so that we can test fit the cruise blank in house and roll out a product with little delay. That should arrive Monday, so in the meantime we started work on the little door triangles. I've received quite a few messages and emails about them, so why not give them a shot.
Raw scan data
Raw scan data, back
Scanning the Dorito looking thing
Current projects<br/>
We have quite a few smaller things lined up for now, we hope to start working on the larger parts in the upcoming months.
This, just made for the LHD cars, not the RHD. The RHD version fits 80%, but it would rock to get a 3D printet base that fits the LHD version 100%. It would of course require som modding by the buyer swapping the lid over, but thats ok for me.
In the future I may take you up on that offer, especially if you're willing to let me borrow the cluster hood.
Certainly. No current plans to install in my car any time soon. So if they are still uninstalled when you need them, I'm willing to contribute to help out all FD owner's.
Having looked at scanner's and MakerBot type printer's myself, I would be interested in seeing/knowing more about the setup you are using. I saw you posted a picture of your 3D scanner. How about your printer, CAD software for cleaning up the files, etc.
Not asking you to give away any secrets, just fascinated by the technology.
Heedlesone I'd be happy to help you scan some things if you would like some help. Not sure what you all have access to program wise but I have a program here at work where you can compare the 3D printed/modeled part to the actual scan and it will give you a heat map of the entire part showing where the part is different and whatnot.
We're using Solidworks and a few other programs for handling all of the data.
Originally Posted by streetlegal?
Heedlesone I'd be happy to help you scan some things if you would like some help. Not sure what you all have access to program wise but I have a program here at work where you can compare the 3D printed/modeled part to the actual scan and it will give you a heat map of the entire part showing where the part is different and whatnot.
We're using Solidworks and a few other programs for handling all of the data.
Sounds good. I have CATIA for my solid modeling software and I believe we use DesignX along with some other programs for the comparison in the scanner.
You know what would be nice a snap in replacement for the sunvisor dowl? Where the clip attaches. I'm sure a lot of cars have that piece broken, so it wiggles or doesn't snap into place anymore.
You know what would be nice a snap in replacement for the sunvisor dowl? Where the clip attaches. I'm sure a lot of cars have that piece broken, so it wiggles or doesn't snap into place anymore.
Oh wow. Genius. I would have never thought of this - but you found a good one that need replacement.
Two piece design with a little superglue for good measure!
You know what would be nice a snap in replacement for the sunvisor dowl? Where the clip attaches. I'm sure a lot of cars have that piece broken, so it wiggles or doesn't snap into place anymore.
USPS *finally* delivered the bezel that Chris sent to us, and what a life saver he is! Not only is the bezel in good condition, but he included the cruise and headlight switches.
We'll have a final part by the end of the day. Stay tuned!
Also, if anybody wants to measure the inside diameter, or little rod, and outside diameter of the visor dowels, along with the length, we could easily crank 100 sets out in a day. It's an simple item and we could just print them in halves you could glue together. Does that appealing to everybody?
08-24-15, 09:32 AM
