355 WTB: Radio Faceplate Surround

Here’s mine if anyone is wondering the clips Rick is referencing.


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Here are a couple more I have on my phone. On the desk the top one is original, bottom is the print. In my hand is the faceplate with the printed plate.
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There is a random company out in Portugal I was made aware of that has produced a few units. I’m not exactly sure how it is made, but it does not come with any finished coating. However, it is smooth in its original plastic state. They want 370 euros each for it.

Someone was supposed to fly into Portugal to check it out before buying, but I’m not sure what has come of it.


Thoughts?



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Can't really tell from the pic but it seems like a decent reproduction. Honestly this is such a trivial piece that anyone with modeling skills can reproduce it.

I think you could make it from castable resins but I'm not set up for that so I didn't try. I think a bit of careful work on the parting line and you'd get a nice pull, though.

If someone were trying to do injection molding then they'd be into it for several thousand dollars for the mold. If they'd invested that much I'd expect wed see them for sale, even if they artificially restricted availability to keep prices up.

I like printing because there is no tooling cost and you don't have to care for molds. Anytime you need a replacement you just crank one out.

I've got several other unobtanium parts I'm working on for my manual conversion. I'm trying to make a habit of modeling all the parts I get for this car because things are very hard to replace.

 

My only concern would be the time/cost invested in finishing them nicely, so it is important to start off with a decent piece that will somewhat last. Doesn’t have to be the greatest piece, but can’t be too cheap either. I also don’t see alot of removal efforts risking damage. Once it’s on, owners will leave it alone.

 

@DanRC30 So when are you getting one printed?

 

I agree, but it's also an area where subjectivity comes into play. Some guys would be happy with a part right off the printer, some will want to go farther. The one I printed looks bad because 1) cheap resin I was trying to use up and the pigment had settled out a bit too much, and 2) my IPA wash wasn't clean so it left some schmoo on it (white smudges). I also didn't sand off the support interface stubble... that's what you're seeing on the inside left of the print.

My goal is just to help myself and others keep these cars in good repair. I like it too much to see owners get forced into bad decisions.

Working to model this up tonight. My cover was missing and I managed to find one on EuroSpares. Making a digital backup before installing.
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You'll have to ask Rick.

 

I'll send it with the seat potentiometer parts.

 

I sent someone a link to your file and he says he’s going to work on cleaning it up a bit more. Particularly the clip area.



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Is he comparing a scan? Why is the surface texture so rough? Did I upload the wrong thing?

 

Oh crap, I uploaded that from my phone and it looks like it grabbed the base 3d scan and not the model. FML. My power is out right now but I'll upload again when power is back and put the actual CAD file up there. Tell your friend to hold off a bit and I'll get it fixed.

 

Ok, this should all be correct now. Sorry for the error. Don't do CAD things on your phone.

Part 65409000 - Car Stereo Plate | 3D CAD Model Library | GrabCAD

 

Buddy will print one using an FDM printer. Should have results tomorrow.

 

Cool. I recommend a 0.2mm nozzle and the lowest layer height possible. It will require sanding and filling, and the tabs are unlikely to be usable because they'll only be a couple walls thick and in the wrong orientation.

If you don't get a usable part I'd recommend looking at this option:

https://www.shapeways.com/materials/multi-jet-fusion-pa12

 

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Cool, I've got a few Bambu machines... it should come out nicely. He did a good job orienting the part to maximize strength.

 

Needs primer.

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Very nice! How does it compare to your original?

 

These are pics from my buddy. Part is not with me.

 

My buddy also used PETG, not PLA.

 

Good. PLA is not suitable for for this.

 

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On his car.

He made another and will post to me. He’s in another country .

 

Fantastic! If he has any suggestions for improvement, let me know. Looks like it worked really well though.