1/7
Needed the latch of the beige center console bucket, but the size of the black console bucket for a center console swap in the Silverado. Little bit of CAD, cut, and ABS printing leads to a brand new feeling in an old truck.
I mean... I think someone should start a wiki and upload scans regardless.
Absolutely - that or recreations for parts lost to time. I'm in favor.
My dad has an electric turkey carving knife that's 50 years old. The little plastic pieces to release the blades to clean them broke, and it was very satisfying to print him some replacements and keep it working.
I didn't even know you could buy electric turkeys!
I'm shocked.
Wait a minute, it isn’t thanksgiving any time soon
I love this!
every time i need a part i spend a bit of time in fusion. more complex things generally take a prototype or two before its there but with in a day i can generally make a decent replica
this concept gets me real warm inside.
Well we know many vehicle parts are designed in the computer now. All we need is lawmakers insisting that those files are released after production stops (typically 10 years).
I agree with you, but for safety sake, as long as those parts can be safely printed at home.
(But not let that evaluation for the manufacturers...)
Would be kinda fun if it would happen and they would need to release the Engine design too.
For as much I would love to see Solidworks on Linux, I think that would be expecting too much. Possibly we can all agree on: release files on step format please.
I promise you, they would release them in the most useless filetype possible.
A csv of the extrusions and a separate csv of the cuts.... shutter
If conveniently loobied the available format/s could be mandated.
And it would be low resolution and there would be 1 file for the whole car so it would take hours(or longer) to even find the right part.
Can I print an LS3 with PLA? Or should I use ABS?
/s
Use whatever this guy used.
Docent help if file format is extinct because software can't read it correctly anymore. Same shit Microsoft does with office software.
Which file format are you referring to? If you're talking about the format to store the model, STL file format has been a thing since 1987 and I am pretty sure will continue to be used for a long time to come
Honestly, I would prefer STEP. I found that is more "friendly" for "import and modify".
Parasolid is even better
As far as I know, Parasolid is not open
see https://forum.freecad.org/viewtopic.php?t=48583 that would have a negative impact on the users causing them to rely on proprietary software (it can be free, but I consider that as free as the first drug doses).
That's true, but it is a more accurate representation of the solid. Step does some translation that is both more complex and has the potential to lose or incorrectly define features. Every time you import a step in solidworks it will ask if you want to repair the model. That doesn't happen with parasolid.
is both more complex and has the potential to lose or incorrectly define features
I will not dispute that. But for reasons unrelated to the discussion, I would like to have a reference.
Every time you import a step in solidworks it will ask if you want to repair the model.
By the way, I'm under the impression that the import operation is handled on a single core and faster on "low core count, high clock" than in "more cores than a supercomputer but not so high clock speed". Do you confirm my observation?
Step internally gives each feature a reference number and it defines features by referencing related feature IDs. But within the file, the related feature can be defined before or after the referencing feature. It also takes a lot of features to represent even very simple geometry. And there's no standardization to how it decomposes the solid into features, there's multiple ways for it to represent the same geometry, so it just picks one and isn't consistent. You could make the same exact model twice and the step file could be different.
Yeah, solidworks overall is predominantly a single core program. Modeling is always single core because parametric modeling is dependent (it has to render features in the order they are created because later features are referenced to earlier ones), so multiple threads/cores can't help. It can technically use more cores for things like simulation, or even rendering multiple views on a drawing. But mostly single core. It still is better to have more cores than fewer, but it's better to prioritize higher clock than more cores.
Just using it as an example of how file formats don't always get chucked to the wayside
I own a almost 20 year old Toyota. Had a piece of plastic trim that covers the mounting point of my luggage rack break. I called a Toyota dealership asked for that part and they said each piece of plastic cost $185. wtf. Amazon has a 4 pack for $20. If I had a 3d printer I’d much rather just print the part. It’d be great if files were released. It will only get better with time and more technology available
Check your local junkyard. Might even be able to search their inventory of cars online before going.
I did check a local pick and pull. One of the pieces was broken the pics looked like a wreck. So I just went ahead and ordered that cheap set of 4 off of Amazon. I do plan to go to that pick and pull to grab a rear driver side seatbelt. Mine is stuck at full extension
Don't forget to grab some fuses too. If you don't leave a pick and pull with a pocket full of fuses, did you really go to a pick and pull?
Correct. Pockets always full of fuses 😂
Imagine being able to search the manufacturer part # and... Download a car.
Turns out I would do that.
That platform right there is how you get elected sir. Not even car manufacturers would put up a stink about it
Either that or we just start a wiki and upload 3D scans.
3D printing scanned parts - potential side hustle for a pick and pull?
Except automakers rarely make something “in-house”. Sure they have assembly plants but it’s very rare for an automaker to design, test and produce its own part. Nine times out of ten they pawn that off to a tier I supplier and all the IP belongs to the supplier. So even if that OEM plastic insert for the center console is sold by GM, it was probably designed and produced by a different company that supplied GM with the part. Yes, GM would give specs and probably receive a CAD drawing for it, but the supplier isn’t going to hand over the 3D CAD file.
I’m pretty sure the contracts can be worked out if legislators told them they had to.
We are talking 10 year old discontinued parts.
A lot of times designs are recycled and branched from 1st gen design. The suppliers could argue that the 1st gen designs are still in use in current model year products. Additionally, they could also double dip into aftermarket sales after contract with OEM has expired on specific vehicle platform. So even if the a GM 2004 Chevy was out of production for 20 years, the supplier could still be actively using a design.
i love how you just described my entire view on retro game piracy
Eh…I think whoever does the work should own it. If you want CAD files then learn CAD. Besides, designs for injection molding are often not great for FDM.
They can be tweaked from there, and at some point we have to have consideration for "environmental sustainability responsibilities" while also considering "muh capitalism above all else". Take the classic "this little plastic piece on a dishwasher that the manufacturer refuses to make, stock, or sell, but renders the whole thing garbage". Refusing to provide parts should not be a valid method of pushing consumerism. Right to repair is a valid concept and complete denial of this is simply short-sighted and frankly a societal detriment.
I read lawmakers as lawnmowers and was really confused
I can see why lawn mowers are busy workhorses and lawmakers belong at the glue factory.
If the company would not want the files to get shared could they not just make it always in production and just mark it on hold or something to bypass such a law?
One of the reasons laws take more than a single page is to deal with the small details and obvious ways to try to circumvent the law.
I wonder if there even could be a part on a modern caf that is not designed on a computer. 🤔
If it’s not, you know they’ve at least 3D scanned it and made it into one.
Isn't that called thingiverse
All due respect to Bre, and utilimaker, but I’m thinking more of TPB for models.
I like both of these ideas!
They'll stop selling parts and start selling 3D files for the same price.
I would think that’s already in their plans. At least maybe a print on demand service for stuff that’s too old for mass production.
Alternately they hope cars missing volume knobs and trim pieces are unattractive enough people won’t bother caring for them.
At least maybe a print on demand service for stuff that’s too old for mass production.
This is a thing for classic cars, like really old and rare ones, where the demand is like one piece a year.
I just hope that it won't become standard for all older vehicles.
Planned obsolescence is a problem though, car manufacturers really don't want you holding on to a car for 20 years anymore. They're not going to willingly support cheap parts to extend that out, and many manufacturers make cars extremely difficult to work on nowadays on purpose to make more money off service (BMW being the most guilty).
Planned obsolescence is one of the worst environmental disasters in history.
I would 100% be in favor of this....my 2007 toyota corrola was broken into a while back and my whole change drawer was stolen for the $5 that was in it. It would cost me like $30-$50 to get a replacement drawer.....so yeah, It's just an exposed hole at this point. If I could even buy the STL for a reasonable price I would have bought and printed it in a heartbeat. I don't know autocad well enough to measure out and create a new one either, so i guess no one wins here.
WORSE CASE SCENARIO they could just sell the models for cheap
you start a wiki and upload 3d scans is the answer folks
I feel like that's unfair for aftermarket companies that have built factories around making parts.
They can suck an egg. Why do we care about Chinese factories anyways?
Not all of them are Chinese. There are American companies that do aftermarket. If it's just foreign countries, sure - gotta do that nationalism competition. But we probably shouldn't bankrupt in-country companies.
Well, the wiki owner would still need to earn money somehow. To keep the repo running. And that’s the hard part.
Parts in some industry can provide up to 30-35% revenue of the company. That in turn pays your bread and butter sweethearts. Unless you work for free no one would want to release that IP and go bankrupt.
I’m, that’s why we would need lawmakers to demand it. I don’t mind companies selling parts, I’m talking abandoned parts. I also didn’t say politely request it.
Would you agree if you designed that part and still working for the company that is making parts and sending you monthly paychecks?
You mean if I designed a part that was no longer in production and my company no longer generates revenue from?
many vehicle parts are designed in the computer now
big, if true
There are lots of companies that sell spare parts for old cars. It makes them go bankrupt.
With that argument we can never have progress. One of the problems in our environment is overproduction, making models available and on demand production reduces that problem.
everyone doesnt have or will ever own a 3D printer, I doubt those will go out of business
Let those small businesses switch to the model of supporting those who need the parts but don't have a way to make them.
They will be fine with producing the commercially viable larger parts or stuff that simply can’t be printed.
I’m not printing myself a car door or a window motor.
They can always convert to "make on demand".
Instead the law should be that any part they make NLA or functionally NLA due to being perpetually out of stock or unreasonably priced has to have the technical data package and cad models released. So when they’re no longer interested in selling the part we can keep making them.
That’s the real way to help save the planet. Keeping old cars on the road to reduce the amount of new cars we buy reduces carbon emissions more than boring brand new electric cars.
You wouldn’t download a car!
You bet your sweet ass I would.
Hell yeah. That's what it's all about 😁👍
Came here for this comment 😆
I would!!!!
Yes I would. And I'd download a video game.
Nah, don't feel like cheating. These bastards expect premium prices for worse quality. 😂
I was gonna say "cheating on who?!"
Maybe some day I will be brave enough to try and print some parts for my c4.
Woah buddy, I know it has plastic in the name, but you don't need to ask the CIA to be under surveillance.
I wouldn't go that far buddy.
Haha we're talking about the Citroën right
Probably a corvette
Bingo
I reproduce parts that are in demand but not made anymore and sell them on eBay. Original parts get brittle and snap when taken apart, so it's a good niche market to fill.
Where do you get the stl files from?
I do all the CAD myself. Rarely will I find a part online that I need.
ASA for car parts. Prints the same as ABS, but UV resistant.
Manufacturers "cheat" all the time like this. They make awesome products and start overcharging for parts. This isn't cheating, it's you doing the work and making what you deserve.
A lot of companies way overcharge plastic parts. A completely unrelated company that comes to mind is Moccamaster. One of the simplest replacement parts in it, the water reservoir lid, costs the buyer 15 dollars to replace, and probably costs a few cents to manufacture.
You could design and finish printing that part in 30 minutes.
Should check out old BMW parts! Trying to get a simple plastic speaker grill for a 1999 for door panel, $185 2nd hand used part! No one makes them anymore period for this car and it's mostly plastic!
Sheesh and I though a $300 master window switch for my 2000 hyundai was bad.
yea, and that's just the grill, no speakers! Something that should be easy to replicate on a 3d printer (working on it). Jut recently picked up a 3d printer for this very reason! $300 for a switch is nutz...
I can smell your car
It's my main reason for buying a printer😋
When I was younger, we had to make our own car mods things like taking parts and modding them to hold gauges. If 3D printing was around back then, you bet your ass I'd would have used it. I'm sure there are car modders in this subreddit that drool over that thought.
How do I get started with this stuff I've been wanting to 3d print a bottom car cover since they're pretty pricey
Grab ya some caliper gages, grab a free CAD program and off ya go!
Looks really nice! Good job. I’ve 3d printed a few parts to go in my car. Not as complex as yours, but 3D printed nonetheless…. I have found that summer temperatures inside the car, in the sun, warped my 3D prints.
Maybe you used a different filament that is more resistant to heat?
He said he used ABS, which is one of the best filaments for things like this.
I think I used ABS too…. Maybe it’s just Texas summer, but it totally warped my print.
Texas, yes.
I printed a "temporary" housing for a gas-pump skimmer scanner out of PLA because I didn't have any ABS filament on hand. It's been sitting on my dashboard for nearly six years now (no garage) and hasn't deformed at all - which I attribute to the facts that I printed it in white, and that Chicago doesn't get that bad in the summer.
I made a little cubby for my dash and it deformed within a week in the summer in Ohio. Did you do 100% infill or just have really good luck?
According to the comments Cura left in the gcode file, I used gyroid 50% infill, 0.12mm layers.
Thank you! I’m gonna give that a shot. I was disappointed but not surprised when mine basically melted because it was my print I actually designed myself.
I'd definitely recommend printing it in white, so it'll reflect as much sunlight as possible.
I designed and printed a phone dock for my car and printed it in PLA, after a week it shrunk from the heat and I couldn't even get my phone in it anymore. I read ASA is best for automobile application especially if in the engine compartment.
Out of curiosity, what color did you print your phone dock in? (I printed mine in white to cut down on the amount of sunlight it would absorb.)
Yeah probably didn't help printing it in black, used Inland PLA+ I believe.
ABS for engine bay, ASA for interior part which will see UV.
As in to skim credit cards from the gas pump?
As in to scan for the things that skim credit cards.
I designed a custom rearview-mirror adapter, learned that PETG definitely won't work. Having good luck with ASA though, save for the part where it's really hard to adhere a heavy, poorly-balanced mirror to the glass.
I tried making the base bigger and using jbweld, but it cracked the windshield last week from thermal whatever :( I only had 50 miles on that windshield from the last attempt.
Next I'll try using polyurethane adhesive but man, this is my fourth windshield at $550 a pop. Who knew it would be this difficult?
Jesus, I would have bought a moped windscreen and some goggles after 2
Lmao. The overall project is retrofitting lane-assist and autohighbeams to my car. It was never a factory option, so there is no windshield with the proper bracket, nor can I just pull the bracket off a different model.
Ford had three lane camera styles in use -- two small standalone models, and a big heavy one integrated in the rearview mirror. Of course only the big heavy mirror-based one works with my vehicle's architecture.
Use windshield adhesive it's crazy stuff super sticky but won't ever ruin it and I'm pretty sure it's silicone based so easy to clean up.
Which adhesive do you mean? The black stuff for attaching the glass to the body? That's the polyurethane stuff i mentioned. I'm guessing it can act more like a decoupling membrane compared to jbweld.
It has to be an expansion thing. The glass cracked just on the inside layer in a U all around where I epoxied.
I run a business 3d printing car parts, mostly trim fasteners and small brackets and such.
ASA is the only commonly affordable material I've found that works good for the interior of a car during a hot summer, or inside an engine bay (provided its not next to a heat source)
The thing is my 3d printer is in an enclosure that vents outside through a dryer vent type design. Those fumes aren't safe.
OP, I’m curious about your phone mount in that empty cut out on the dash. I have a similar space in my truck I’d love to use for a mount location for my phone. Care to share those plans?
Just uploaded it to thingiverse for ya.
Awesome! Thank you!
Totally into this especially for what you used it for. A lot of the abs plastic in cars die in the south from heat and I’d love to fix a lot of things in a working vehicle than buying a new one.
There are some unobtanium parts for my (55+ y/o) classic car that I'm just going to print, because it's the only way to have them.
"would you download a car?"
most if the times the cost of shipping is higher than the cost of the part itself. It's the shipping companies that will suffer the most from having a parts-wiki.
companies that reply on parts sale can offer regional small-scale production facilities were you can let your parts be produced. There is no commercial value in mass-producing carparts of cars that are out of production for 10+ years, or even to keep them in a warehouse for all these years.
Most of the ducting in my defender is 3d printed. I have a 1985 Land Rover 90, which is a defender in shape but not name. When I restored it, I fitted all new parts from the 2016 model, including the bulkhead and dash. but as I had a different engine and air box, I couldn’t used the original ducting for the newer version. So printed my own ducts with control flaps, so I could still direct the air to the various vents with the controls!
What printer did u used for abs printing?
Used a Vivedino Troodon, fully enclosed. The enclosure is necessary, but I think the big secret is Inland ABS filament and a textured bed sheet. Best and easiest to use ABS I've come across.
Vivedino Troodon
"cool, maybe I'll pick one up.... oh. $1,600 for a $5 pick-n-pull part, lol"
Thankfully i didnt pay full price for this printer lol. You can print this on a $400 creality k1. Also, not a standard part, I had to modify the original with a printed wall to make it work. But you're right on one thing, I wouldn't buy a $1k+ 3d printer to print a single part 😂
oh I know, mostly just joking. I honestly didn't expect $1600 though, jeez.
Highly would net recommend it, especially with all the new printers out for significantly less. The Troodon 2.0 looks like a good value pre assembled voron, though.
Downvotes for stating that you’d prefer your time and effort to be paid. Classic classy Reddit.
My hobby 3d printing business makes about $12k/yr producing out of manufacture car parts like fasteners, brackets, and trim pieces.
As a car enthusiast I wholly support people making out of manufacture parts, or upgrades and what not. Just don't put manufacturer brand logos on things and you're typically fine. Honda really hates when people use their logo on reproduced parts.
Even if they loved people selling reproduction parts with their logo, they have a legal obligation to their millions of shareholders to actively defend the trademark.
The main issue from the cease and desist letter I got was they don't want to be associated with things they didn't make. Something with their logo could be made of any quality. If its a knock off car part that falls off and kills someone they don't want to get sued or be associated with the problem. Which I would consider fair.
True, but they are also happy to license the logo far and wide to companies who pay for it.
For example: Plasticolor makes cheap, licensed floor mats (and other accessories) with the Honda "H". I'm pretty sure Honda Motor Co. has zero say in the functional design or manufacturing. And if these mats were to slip under the pedals in such a way to cause an accident, I doubt Honda would be found liable in any courtroom.
Now I have the 90s DVD anti piracy ad song stuck in my head. "You wouldn't download a car..."
I totally would download a car if given the opportunity
Use ASA not ABS
It's not in direct sunlight, I'm sure it'll be fine.
Moderator removed comment
11d
This comment was removed as a part of our spam prevention mechanisms because you are posting from either a very new account or an account with negative karma (comment karma, post karma or both). Please read the guidelines on reddiquette, self promotion, and spam. After your account is older than 2 hours or if you obtain positive comment and post karma, your comments will no longer be auto-removed.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
Lol your part installed looks like stairs in a pool
The ~original~ parts look like stairs in a pool lol
Yeah that must be right
It should be made law for manufacturers to maintain 3D models for abandoned components.
If you have to cheat at something might as well be something neat like this
The fact that you kept the little CD Jewel case tabs is killing me.
One of the first things I 3d printed was a car part
My wife had a 2003 vw new beetle. The interior looked felt and smelled like old crayon. By the time a drunk totaled it in 2017 3/4 of the dash and instrumentation had broken and I 3D printed replacement parts. All on a shitty Anet A8.
This will probably evolve to a subscription based data platform maintenence companies can access and print on demand. At least for a bunch of stuff.
Polycarbonate is ideal for this. My goal is to print using PC but that will mean moving the printer to the shed
I need an cupholder insert replacement for my 2017 hrv… are you my guy?
I might be able to if you really want. Shoot me a message if you want.
Wait until we get at home injection molding that’ll change shape to whatever we need it to be. It’s coming one day
Feels more like winning.
Cheating? Wait till you see this...
*yOu WoUldN't dOwNloAD a cAR*
Yep I absolutely would.
"3D printing car parts feels like cheating". - Tell me you own a Dealership without telling me you own a Dealership...
What are the slots for? To hold 8 tracks?
It's the original rubber insert to the center console, meant for CDs. It polishes off the bottom of the cubby, so I kept it.
Tons of JDM optional interior pieces could use this treatment like the "optional audio console" on 92-95 civics.
Wife's actuator broke in her car. I took out the problem part, saw that it was just a gear with some missing teeth, and printed a new gear.
Saved $30 on the part, $100 for labor repair bill.
I am slowly working on a charging mat for my MK6 GTI. The iPhone 15 sits perfectly horizontally in the compartment area just under the radio and with the cigarette lighter port is there. I just have to finish designing the 45° mount to fit in the compartment.
I mean, we pay way too much for most shit as a society anyway, I will support 3d printing and self creation for your own needs until I'm 6ft down. Money fuckin sucks anyway.
Better than getting cheated by the parts manufacturer
Been helping out a buddy of mine with stuff he needs for cars and his garage and I’m having a blast. I’m just charging him material costs and a cup of coffee when I bring stuff over lol. Anyway, yes, having the ability to make things out of hardy materials like ABS/ASA/PET is wonderful and can even save some serious cash long run!
Looks like an excellent quality print you did for your centre console!
I'm going to be restoring a 1953 Chevy..... 3d printing is deff in the plan for some parts
About time i see someone using a printer for somthing useful for once lol
Now do the engine block
But first, PEEK.
Off topic but how do you feel about the aftermarket radio? My mom has a Tahoe that she’d like to connect her phone to without an FM transmitter but swears that aftermarket radios cause more trouble than they’re worth. Had very few issues personally, but an older GM vehicle is a whole different beast
100% a necessary upgrade. This one has wireless android auto and carplay, hooks right up and starts automatically everytime
🙏🏻 good to know. Another off-topic: Any chance you have rear A/C control? Seems like actuators/blend doors are broken and currently perusing repair options
That is so awesome!
Exactly why I bought mine, they are a godsend for crappy BMW plastic and the reason I needed a machine to print ABS. Just a handy coincidence that it's a sim racers best friend too.
Just remember to get the filament that you can heat treat for those summers
Feels like winning you mean
Go ahead and cheat, just don't let the 3D cops in when they knock.
It won't seem like cheating if you have used something like PLA or PETG. First hot day and it will be a shriveled blob. Just a heads up.
Dealerships hate this one simple trick
This was my main reason for buying a 3D printer
4 missing replies
Well we know many vehicle parts are designed in the computer now. All we need is lawmakers insisting that those files are released after production stops (typically 10 years).
I totally understand their desire to generate revenue from parts, but once they abandon that process people should be able to make their own.
Either that or we just start a wiki and upload 3D scans.