3rd Gen Plastic Part Development
#1
Full Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Bozeman, MT
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
3rd Gen Plastic Part Development
Hello all,
My name is Jon with Niche Motoring. We're a small company based in Bozeman, MT that works on developing and manufacturing plastic interior parts. We have an in-house 3d Scanner and 3d Printer that allows us to rapidly prototype parts and roll them into production.
I wanted to gauge some interest for interior parts, or any parts, really, that people are looking for in the FD3S. I've noticed a lot of interest in the cluster hood - is this something that people would like to see available for purchase, and if so, what are you willing to pay for one?
Here's our website: Niche Motoring
And here's some work we have done recently for the BMW MCoupe:
If this isn't the correct way to go about posting could a moderator let me know?
My name is Jon with Niche Motoring. We're a small company based in Bozeman, MT that works on developing and manufacturing plastic interior parts. We have an in-house 3d Scanner and 3d Printer that allows us to rapidly prototype parts and roll them into production.
I wanted to gauge some interest for interior parts, or any parts, really, that people are looking for in the FD3S. I've noticed a lot of interest in the cluster hood - is this something that people would like to see available for purchase, and if so, what are you willing to pay for one?
Here's our website: Niche Motoring
And here's some work we have done recently for the BMW MCoupe:
If this isn't the correct way to go about posting could a moderator let me know?
#2
Junior Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'd definitely be interested in this. The RX7 is in bad need of some higher quality replacement pieces at a decent price.
The cluster hood is definitely a piece that is in high demand but I would assume judging from my interior the door plastics would also be a popular piece.
I'm not real sure on price. I think there is a chinese company selling a whole carbon fiber dash kit for around $600 or so. So for just the cluster hood, I don't know $125-$150 sound reasonable?
The cluster hood is definitely a piece that is in high demand but I would assume judging from my interior the door plastics would also be a popular piece.
I'm not real sure on price. I think there is a chinese company selling a whole carbon fiber dash kit for around $600 or so. So for just the cluster hood, I don't know $125-$150 sound reasonable?
The following users liked this post:
SRTx781 (06-25-20)
#5
Ding King
iTrader: (4)
If you could get you're hands of one, recreating Mazda part FD01-61-150B would surely be a good seller. It's no longer in production, and it allows the blower motor to connect with the heater core when the evaporator core is removed. Great for track oriented FDs looking to shave weight.
Another piece on the FD that would be a strong seller is the R1/R2 cruise control blank button in the dash. These are also unavailable and ppl are always looking for them.
Another piece on the FD that would be a strong seller is the R1/R2 cruise control blank button in the dash. These are also unavailable and ppl are always looking for them.
The following users liked this post:
ptrhahn (04-11-24)
#7
Form > Function
iTrader: (108)
How funny, I was *just* thinking about this the other day. This is the EXACT project the FD community needs moving forward. We don't need more bodykits, we need quality replacement OEM products.
I'll echo what Narfie said. Cluster hood/bezel, HAVC, shifter console, door plastics... center speaker grill on the dash and dash vent are a good idea since they are always punished by the sun.
FWIW - I just paid $250 for a used cluster hood/bezel with 94 texture. If you haven't realized yet, 93 finish on these panels is different from 94+. If you want/need more info, let us know.
Not to confuse matters, but perhaps "blank" versions would also be an idea. Here is a recent project that was interesting:
https://www.rx7club.com/build-thread...1009458/page8/
-M
I'll echo what Narfie said. Cluster hood/bezel, HAVC, shifter console, door plastics... center speaker grill on the dash and dash vent are a good idea since they are always punished by the sun.
FWIW - I just paid $250 for a used cluster hood/bezel with 94 texture. If you haven't realized yet, 93 finish on these panels is different from 94+. If you want/need more info, let us know.
Not to confuse matters, but perhaps "blank" versions would also be an idea. Here is a recent project that was interesting:
https://www.rx7club.com/build-thread...1009458/page8/
-M
Trending Topics
#8
Rx7 Wagon
iTrader: (16)
If you could get you're hands of one, recreating Mazda part FD01-61-150B would surely be a good seller. It's no longer in production, and it allows the blower motor to connect with the heater core when the evaporator core is removed. Great for track oriented FDs looking to shave weight.
Another piece on the FD that would be a strong seller is the R1/R2 cruise control blank button in the dash. These are also unavailable and ppl are always looking for them.
Another piece on the FD that would be a strong seller is the R1/R2 cruise control blank button in the dash. These are also unavailable and ppl are always looking for them.
Where'd you find it? I just learned the hard way that LHD and RHD cluster hoods are not the same. The search continues...
#10
Full Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Bozeman, MT
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wow, thank you for the responses.
The hard part will be acquiring some of the plastics we need to re-engineer everything. What we will most likely start off with is a run of the cruise control blanks - they seem to be popular enough and we can have those shipping out relatively quickly compared to what it will take to get the cluster hoods and other parts ready.
I don't have any '94 finished parts, so I'm not sure how the texture differs from '93. I would love to see some examples.
If the cruise blanks go well and we get a good response, we will start work on other parts! I'll keep this thread updated with the progress. We'll get started on the cruise blanks today!
The hard part will be acquiring some of the plastics we need to re-engineer everything. What we will most likely start off with is a run of the cruise control blanks - they seem to be popular enough and we can have those shipping out relatively quickly compared to what it will take to get the cluster hoods and other parts ready.
I don't have any '94 finished parts, so I'm not sure how the texture differs from '93. I would love to see some examples.
If the cruise blanks go well and we get a good response, we will start work on other parts! I'll keep this thread updated with the progress. We'll get started on the cruise blanks today!
#14
Form > Function
iTrader: (108)
Wow, thank you for the responses.
The hard part will be acquiring some of the plastics we need to re-engineer everything. What we will most likely start off with is a run of the cruise control blanks - they seem to be popular enough and we can have those shipping out relatively quickly compared to what it will take to get the cluster hoods and other parts ready.
I don't have any '94 finished parts, so I'm not sure how the texture differs from '93. I would love to see some examples.
If the cruise blanks go well and we get a good response, we will start work on other parts! I'll keep this thread updated with the progress. We'll get started on the cruise blanks today!
The hard part will be acquiring some of the plastics we need to re-engineer everything. What we will most likely start off with is a run of the cruise control blanks - they seem to be popular enough and we can have those shipping out relatively quickly compared to what it will take to get the cluster hoods and other parts ready.
I don't have any '94 finished parts, so I'm not sure how the texture differs from '93. I would love to see some examples.
If the cruise blanks go well and we get a good response, we will start work on other parts! I'll keep this thread updated with the progress. We'll get started on the cruise blanks today!
Some of the stuff is actually still available new from Mazda - so that might be an option. The biggest problem with this route for an owner however is the finish doesn't match the 93 or 94+ panels.
Which brings me to; the difference between the 93 and 94+ panels is only in finish - not in structure or mounting. 93s had a smooth plastic coating which peeled after it got worn. 94+ had more of a textured finish that seemed to be more part of the mold - not a coating. I have some RHD (right hand drive) pieces that I could probably send you just to get an idea of what we're talking about.
I think the cruise blanks are a good idea. But perhaps an option on the cluster to delete it altogether would go over well (again, check that thread I mentioned before). However, I also understand not wanting to produce 10 different versions of everything.
#15
Full Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Bozeman, MT
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you for the photos.
The biggest issue we'll run into is having unmolested plastics that are still intact to model from. A lot of the plastics on my car are missing or broken. Like I said, we can start with cruise blanks - and we'll have to send some out for test fitting so if you're interested in that we can work something out - and if the community likes them we will move onto larger, more complex objects like the hood and bezel.
The biggest issue we'll run into is having unmolested plastics that are still intact to model from. A lot of the plastics on my car are missing or broken. Like I said, we can start with cruise blanks - and we'll have to send some out for test fitting so if you're interested in that we can work something out - and if the community likes them we will move onto larger, more complex objects like the hood and bezel.
#17
Rotary Enthusiast
iTrader: (3)
The 95 door plastics are still available from mazda. I just purchased both side that I am detexturing and painting to match the 93 finish professionally. Drivers side and Passenger side door cups are available along with the Hvac and the center console from mazda. I bought all of these items brand new. At a high cost but it is oem and a perfect fit.
#20
Form > Function
iTrader: (108)
I like Benny as much as the next guy... but I think if you making these - make all of it. Hell, if you can IMPROVE upon the design to avoid the issues the lids have from the factory - even better.
I don't think the potential for upsetting another vendor is a reason not to do anything. Another RX-7 shop was making aluminum replacement map lids before Benny - but who cares? /rant
I don't think the potential for upsetting another vendor is a reason not to do anything. Another RX-7 shop was making aluminum replacement map lids before Benny - but who cares? /rant
#23
Form > Function
iTrader: (108)
I don't want this to go off on a tangent. But you're just not correct. Benny made race door panels, radiators cooling plates & trans spacers - all of which were made by other vendors before (and after) him. Nothing nefarious. It's just how it is.
If Heedlessone is trying to make everything to replace interior plastics... why WOULDN'T he make the map pocket? What if Heedlessone has everything ready to go, but Benny is backed up in production? What if one piece is a little different and Benny's doesn't work? God forbid Benny doesn't fully recover from the shop fire and decides to move on from making RX-7 parts? I mean, it just doesn't make sense for one vendor to make a decision based on maybe, possibly, hurting another vendor in someway.
LMS and SBG both make AEM coil kits. They're ok.
SBG and Turblown both made EWP kits. They're ok.
Turblown and IRP both make turbo kits. They're ok.
It's just the way things are. No need to NOT make something because it may cause competition.
#24
Full Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Bozeman, MT
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mirrored the headlight switch and printed out a base to make sure the curve and fitment is correct - it kind of looks like a baby carrot.
Button and mirrored baby carrot
Button and mirrored baby carrot