3D printing – Build Ninja new part

[VRSenator065Participant Adelaide SAVR Senator LSx454 1960 Kombi (project) 1921 Nash Hot Rod (future project) View build HERE Member since: February 17, 2015 Posts: 5 777]

Hi all, I am working on a new product to add to my little side business, and thought it might be interesting to some to follow the process.  I have already designed up a 3 gauge plate for the pocket under the radio on mine like below.

The VR Senator is based on a Berlina so the pocket is vinyl lined,  The plate fits perfectly for that.  But on Executives etc, the pocket is the natural plastic.  Not only does it mean its a little bigger, but it is also has quite a contoured shape on each side that has to be accommodated.  Adding to that is they are different each side, I think you should be able to see what I mean here;

So the challenge is designing it to fit them.  The issue with prototyping I have found on a 3D printing is it takes a long time for a print so it means it slows the process.  It takes about 4 hours to print my current plate.

So the idea I came up with was modelling up side blocks to get the contours right.  At first I did just the left side.  Once I had perfected that after 3 goes, unfortunately it is a bit of an iterative process. I then did the right side, and it took another two to get that. These is the model of the block;

Then I widened the block to full size but at present have put a huge hole in the middle to cu down the print time, once I have that right I will add the gauge holes etc.  I aslo had to add a chamfer for relief on the top edge to clear the edges of switches if fitted.

So far I have been using some red plastic I had in the printer.  Right now I have just loaded up some black, will post once that’s finished printing so you can follow the process.

As i say just thought some of you might find it interesting, hopefully it is.

 

 

 

 

 

[sands vsParticipant vs commodore View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 619]

Very interesting didnt realise there was so much involved. Keen to see the finished results.. Its good to see the second gen cars getting some new stuff along the way too. Hope this business does well

[VRSenator065Participant Adelaide SAVR Senator LSx454 1960 Kombi (project) 1921 Nash Hot Rod (future project) View build HERE Member since: February 17, 2015 Posts: 5 777]

Thanks, yea its really a bit of a hobby really.  If you work out the time to perfect stuff you really need to sell a few to make up for it.  But if I can at least get enough to pay for the materials and slowly pay off the printer I will be happy, and also get to make parts for mine

[VRSenator065Participant Adelaide SAVR Senator LSx454 1960 Kombi (project) 1921 Nash Hot Rod (future project) View build HERE Member since: February 17, 2015 Posts: 5 777]

So got the size sorted, fits beautiful, really happy with that.  Turns out quite a bit more work and detail than the one for mine.  So now have designed the full plate with the gauge holes and am currently printing the first prototype which is set for about 4 hours printing time.  Will post up a pic once that’s done

 

[VRSenator065Participant Adelaide SAVR Senator LSx454 1960 Kombi (project) 1921 Nash Hot Rod (future project) View build HERE Member since: February 17, 2015 Posts: 5 777]

So just about there

[HDN05LParticipant Canberra ACTVS Olympic Edt 383 stroker Ute View build HERE Member since: March 2, 2015 Posts: 289]

Your a bloody genius Gary. Looks great im sure they will definitely sell.

[VRSenator065Participant Adelaide SAVR Senator LSx454 1960 Kombi (project) 1921 Nash Hot Rod (future project) View build HERE Member since: February 17, 2015 Posts: 5 777]

Cheers mate.

[sands vsParticipant vs commodore View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 619]

Looks close even colour wise. When are these going on the site?

[VRSenator065Participant Adelaide SAVR Senator LSx454 1960 Kombi (project) 1921 Nash Hot Rod (future project) View build HERE Member since: February 17, 2015 Posts: 5 777]

Very soon, last night I tried a trick on the printer settings and printed probably the best quality one I have done so far.  They do have a texture on the face though, its just how it is with the printing.  I actually like it, and in mine used it as is.  But if you wanted to match it perfectly to the colour of your interior plastics its easy as to lightly sand and paint.

[cava454Moderator 93 VR BT1 View build HERE Member since: February 20, 2015 Posts: 2 390]

Need a photo with a gauge in it ASAP.

[VRSenator065Participant Adelaide SAVR Senator LSx454 1960 Kombi (project) 1921 Nash Hot Rod (future project) View build HERE Member since: February 17, 2015 Posts: 5 777]

What do you mean Cav, it will look basically the same as the first pic in this thread?  What else you want to see?

[VRSenator065Participant Adelaide SAVR Senator LSx454 1960 Kombi (project) 1921 Nash Hot Rod (future project) View build HERE Member since: February 17, 2015 Posts: 5 777]

And the finished article, have to say I am really happy with how its turned out.  These will be up on the website soon to anyone interested, and come with the 3 custom gauge clamps as well.  And mention you are  a member on here and I reckon these has to be a 10% discount in it too   Be nice to see these on some of your cars on here;

• This reply was modified 7 years, 7 months ago by  VRSenator065.

[cava454Moderator 93 VR BT1 View build HERE Member since: February 20, 2015 Posts: 2 390]

I missed the first pick lol

But it they look mint dude Plans to still do the speed alert ones?

• This reply was modified 7 years, 7 months ago by  cava454.

[VRSenator065Participant Adelaide SAVR Senator LSx454 1960 Kombi (project) 1921 Nash Hot Rod (future project) View build HERE Member since: February 17, 2015 Posts: 5 777]

Yes mate, already sold some

VR/S Commodore Trip Computer Replacement 2-1/16″ Gauge Mount

[VRSenator065Participant Adelaide SAVR Senator LSx454 1960 Kombi (project) 1921 Nash Hot Rod (future project) View build HERE Member since: February 17, 2015 Posts: 5 777]

New 3 gauge cluster up on the site https://buildninja.com.au/product/vnprs-commodore-under-radio-contoured-gauge-mount-executive/

[[TUFFVQ]Participant Melbourne1991 VQ 304 View build HERE Member since: March 2, 2015 Posts: 171]

Numpty question: Can you print them in the same/similar colour plastic to the factory surround? (i.e. soul crushing grey?)

[VRSenator065Participant Adelaide SAVR Senator LSx454 1960 Kombi (project) 1921 Nash Hot Rod (future project) View build HERE Member since: February 17, 2015 Posts: 5 777]

Can get lots of different colours, but haven’t seen that actual colour, is very straight forward to paint though.  Not a numpty question btw, part of what this thread is about.

[[TUFFVQ]Participant Melbourne1991 VQ 304 View build HERE Member since: March 2, 2015 Posts: 171]

Cool – Will keep this in mind for the VN!

[BTS666.0Participant rockhamptonVZ SS stroked, turbo, t400...... View build HERE Member since: March 12, 2015 Posts: 78]

would love something similar for the radio spot in my vz ss.

...so I said "orange ya glad I didn't say banana?"........hahahaha.....hhhmmmm...pffft.....

[VRSenator065Participant Adelaide SAVR Senator LSx454 1960 Kombi (project) 1921 Nash Hot Rod (future project) View build HERE Member since: February 17, 2015 Posts: 5 777]

I am working on this one at the moment to replace the single din pocket.  Will have built in clips each side so it snaps in like the pocket.  Is that what you mean?

[Author]

Posts