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Hey all, this is a bit of a new one for me but I've got a simple product offering I've just wrapped up working on.
On both the passenger panel on the car when I bought it, and the replacement I purchased off the forums a year ago I was missing the little cap for the screw access hole. Minor, but annoying. I couldn't find it anywhere - maybe they're sold somewhere, but I certainly couldn't find a replacement - so I decided to fire up solidworks and just DIY it.
I've gotten the shapes and contours how I want them, and figured others might be in the same boat and interested. Since I did all the sampling and the 'final product' production via Shapeways, I figured I'd just throw it up for sale there. Though its 3D printed the quality is solid and consistent, and the part itself is pretty robust. I'd say the only thing you might want to do is sand down the outer face to your desired texture finish, or paint it since they only offer white/black (or a few strange colors). I know I personally have tan panels so I'm hunting for paint now :P
Considering the 'mostly finished' nature and production method I set the price pretty low, just to cover some of my prototyping and time. After looking at other small parts people have sold I think its pretty darn low.. but I'm open to feedback!
Anywho, pictures below (more on the product listing). Hopefully this is helpful to at least a few people!
I would like to see a blank cover for the center console switches(fog light, defroster). Something that I could modify to add a USB port or similar. There used to be a company that made them but it doesn’t look like they are available anymore.
I'm on my second round of prototypes for the door handle 'cup' trim covers, hopefully done in a week or two and have them up.
Looking for other suggestions for little plastic parts people need, I may discover more I didn't know I was missing!
Not sure if it is a cover or not, but the center console has screw holes behind the seats to attach it to the trans tunnel. Looks like it could be similar to the door card plastic screw cover.
Looking into the other suggestions provided, I'll update when I make progress. Thanks for the ideas guys
The door handle cup screw covers are almost done - I have a real nice part that works and fits perfectly, but is made of the more expensive plastic Shapeways offers, so it costs $14 with a small markup. I'm not happy with that, so I'm tweaking some more to get the cheaper stuff working (it isn't quite as flexible so its tougher to design locking tabs). It'll look just as good, but only cost ~$9. The expensive part is available in the meantime.
Not sure if it is a cover or not, but the center console has screw holes behind the seats to attach it to the trans tunnel. Looks like it could be similar to the door card plastic screw cover.
Can you send a pic of this? I'm not seeing anything on my '94 that looks like it would secure a cover for the screws.
I think I'll do a cruise control blank next - I need one for myself, and see the only one available is.. pricey. I'm thinking I'll probably be able to get it to $15.
Just installed the door screw cap the other day. It fits quite well without any modification. Looks so much better than the hole that was there before. Thank you!
Just installed the door screw cap the other day. It fits quite well without any modification. Looks so much better than the hole that was there before. Thank you!
You're welcome! Glad my little project helped!
Final (I hope) door cup screw covers are on the way to me now to test. Next project will be a cruise control blank since I need one of those.
Done for now and available on shapeways here. This shape was really tough to get, and there's still a small raised section that isn't quite flush. It's impossible to see or photograph, but you can feel it in person. Still, it looks pretty solid and I'm happy with it.
Notes on this one
- Cost is a little higher than I wanted because it's more complex and larger than the previous two parts. Not too bad though..
- You'll need to do some clean-up sanding to smooth out the surface, and maybe hit it with a coat of textured paint to mimic the other plastics. Truck bed liner and a dab from a microfiber cloth to create texture has worked well for me before.
Looking for a new part to work on if anyone has suggestions
Some other ideas
- Seat belt triangle panel trim (extremely hard to find)
- Cigarette lighter blank
- Updated looking HVAC dials (was thinking something like the first gen IS300 ones)
