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06-14-2018, 08:58 AM | #1 |
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Location: Chicago
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3-D printed hard-to-find parts
Hi all,
I recently took a tour of a company here in Chicago that has a 3-D printing division. They're able to do a lot with 3-D printing these days, especially with more rigid, steel-like materials. Nothing that could support suspension or drivetrain, but door handles, latches, etc. I had a conversation with the head of the company after the tour, and mentioned the classic car connection. He said he'd be willing to absorb the cost of scanning a hard-to-find part, something that isn't reproduced, and putting it in their archive so it could be created on a one-off basis. So, here's my question: Do you all have a part in mind that's extremely hard to find and not reproduced? It wouldn't even necessarily have to be a Ford - just something that's kind of the "holy grail" for car guys. And if so, is there anyone out there who would be willing to let this company scan it and return it? Let me know what you think. This seems to me to be a good resource for that one elusive car part a lot of people need but no one can seem to find. And from what I've seen, the parts can be fairly complex. I've posted this in the Early V8 forum as well. Thanks, Nick |
06-14-2018, 10:44 AM | #2 |
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Re: 3-D printed hard-to-find parts
That might be good for a rare car, but doubtful on Fords because of general availability?
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06-14-2018, 11:04 AM | #3 |
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Re: 3-D printed hard-to-find parts
Original parts are not generally available. Repros are usually very inferior in quality and fit, and often different in appearance. If original parts can be found in good condition, they could be scanned to provide accurate dimensional data for parts manufacturers, if not directly printed.
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06-14-2018, 12:56 PM | #4 |
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Re: 3-D printed hard-to-find parts
Here a couple of ideas.
VE-28 On-Off-Dim steel light switch 400A ash trays |
06-14-2018, 12:57 PM | #5 |
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Re: 3-D printed hard-to-find parts
Long Model AA mirror arms are a pain to find. How durable is durable? Lotta wind resistance and flexing on that part tho...
I cant think of much that isnt already reproduced or could even be made out of something 3d printed...
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1929 Model AA - Need long splash aprons! |
06-14-2018, 01:33 PM | #6 |
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Re: 3-D printed hard-to-find parts
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This isn't model A, but I know there are a number of rocker and tower components that are hard to find for after market Model T OHV heads. These would be easy to print, but would need a little finish machining. The picture is a printed steel radiator cap ornament on my A speedster. |
06-14-2018, 01:52 PM | #7 |
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Re: 3-D printed hard-to-find parts
How about 'C' shaped metal plates with detents/ grooves to replicate the worn flat areas at the steering column spark and throttle rods. They could be glued over the existing plates after filing down the areas smooth . Most A owners could use these after being produced in quantities at hopefully reasonable cost. There should be enough slack in the lower springs to place these with a little added material thickness.
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06-14-2018, 02:19 PM | #8 |
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Re: 3-D printed hard-to-find parts
Duke36's idea is excellent.
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06-14-2018, 03:08 PM | #9 |
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Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: SoCal
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Re: 3-D printed hard-to-find parts
Wiper motors all years and all models. That should keep him busy.
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06-14-2018, 05:45 PM | #10 |
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Location: Durango CO
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Re: 3-D printed hard-to-find parts
Jay Leno did a very interesting you tube video on this subject. He has one in his shop. Worth watching.
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06-14-2018, 05:45 PM | #11 |
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Re: 3-D printed hard-to-find parts
Trim pieces for the 49A top...
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06-14-2018, 08:42 PM | #12 | |
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Re: 3-D printed hard-to-find parts
Quote:
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1929 Model AA - Need long splash aprons! |
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06-14-2018, 09:26 PM | #13 |
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Re: 3-D printed hard-to-find parts
Town Car windshield crank knob.
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06-14-2018, 09:36 PM | #14 |
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Re: 3-D printed hard-to-find parts
A car restoration business here in Australia was recently given the task of restoring the sole Delage Grand Prix car in the world. Delage only competed in the GP one year, won and never bothered again. This car is the sole survivor of the championship cars and so is priceless but the engine block was cracked beyond saving. A new one had to be made. The restoration shop used 3D printing to create the core for waterways etc for casting a new block. The first one was cut up the verify all was well, then the final one was cast, machined and the car restored. It was an expensive undertaking but small by comparison to the value of the car.
New technology has great potential even for we old farts. I’d post a link to the story if I could on this pad but I don’t know how.
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I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood. Last edited by Synchro909; 06-15-2018 at 08:57 AM. |
06-14-2018, 09:48 PM | #15 | |
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Re: 3-D printed hard-to-find parts
Quote:
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1929 Model AA - Need long splash aprons! |
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06-14-2018, 10:00 PM | #16 |
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Location: Southern California
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Re: 3-D printed hard-to-find parts
If I'm not mistaken, the shift forks in the transmission are not reproduced. You can still find some good ones - I got some from Bert's. But that might be a possibility for the 3D printing?
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06-15-2018, 09:25 AM | #17 | |
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Re: 3-D printed hard-to-find parts
Quote:
If an aluminum one works, then the steel one will for sure. The surface has a bit of the "wood grain" look from the layering, so the final polish and plate will be quite a job. |
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06-15-2018, 10:12 AM | #18 |
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Re: 3-D printed hard-to-find parts
GREAT IDEA! can you use the OEM Drawings? We have a 3D printer to produce prototype plastic parts.
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06-15-2018, 12:42 PM | #19 |
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Re: 3-D printed hard-to-find parts
yea the AA arm was cast iron painted black so could easily sand the 3D part down and if you have to use a filler primer and paint black.
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1929 Model AA - Need long splash aprons! |
06-15-2018, 01:06 PM | #20 | ||
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Re: 3-D printed hard-to-find parts
Quote:
These have been reproduced. Pretty sure I have an extra. Quote:
This is not as easy as it might sound. Please allow me to interject some personal experience. The 3D printer is not that high-tech any longer, and even my shop will likely have a 12"x12"x12" by yearend. The only thing that a printer can do is assist with prototyping, and producing casting patterns. Printers are fairly cheap now however what most people do not realize is those printers must have a CAD Modeling program to have the part drawn in, and a separate program to write G-code which tells the printer the shape it needs to make. The expense of SolidWorks software which is a good modeling program runs about the same cost as a entry-level Tudor sedan. Then you must take the time to learn to use the program. That typically makes this endeavor cost prohibitive for the hobbyist. Next, using the original drawings is a great starting point however the original prints do not take into consideration of the shrinkage factor (usually 6% on alloy and about half that with iron) which means everything must be drawn exponentially larger. This also does not factor in for material that will be machined. Therefore it may take 6-8 hours to draw a carburetor, then about that time again to re-draw it for patterns. At $100 an hour for average seat time while the item is being drawn, you can see how expensive this is getting already and the item has not even been to the foundry yet. Ken mentioned the A-7230 Fork about being reproduced. The issue with the reproduction unit was the cost to restore an original back to factory specifications is less than the cost to manufacture a new one. The same thing applies to many others parts such as gas tanks, etc. . . |
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