The Ford Barn

deuce_roadster · 11-12-2020, 10:48 PM

That handle looks small enough it could be cast in stainless and polished. I have had a number of parts made that way starting by making a wax copy and then cast, the molten stainless makes the wax disappear. One of my friends apprenticed as a mold maker but did avionic work on the 787 flight deck. He has made large complex parts like the winged emblem on a 40 COE grille. I had one for mine before I sold the truck.
I don't think he is doing it anymore as he has his own projects but many folks can do the lost wax process.

fordor41 · 11-12-2020, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merc Cruzer

Could you list a few please? I would like to get a few quotes to have a back up convertible top handle made. They are pot metal and do break easily, and rarely come up on e-bay.

Thank you.

Get a piece of aluminum and start grinding, sawing. I imagine you could duplicate that piece fairly close. who cares if the backside isn't hollowed out as no one will see it. polish or have it plated

Tinker · 11-13-2020, 02:35 AM

3D printing will be easier to have done. In reality it's very close, but expensive and will for now be for who can afford it. It is getting better everyday for small parts. Don't expect 3d printed parts for mass at nickels on the dime. It's come a long way. Has a way to go. 5 axis milling could do the same thing with a scan of the part. But you can do the same with a little work on a small part with a file. If you choose. Very promising technology.

Merc Cruzer · 11-13-2020, 10:33 AM

Thank you all for your input. As deuce_roadster pointed out, it appears that having the part cast, is the most direct and simplest way to go, at this time, not to mention the most cost effective way.

3D printing, has come a long way but, is still a bit out of reach, for the masses.

11-12-2020, 10:48 PM	#21
deuce_roadster Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Shelton, WA Posts: 3,800	Re: We live in truly amazing times! That handle looks small enough it could be cast in stainless and polished. I have had a number of parts made that way starting by making a wax copy and then cast, the molten stainless makes the wax disappear. One of my friends apprenticed as a mold maker but did avionic work on the 787 flight deck. He has made large complex parts like the winged emblem on a 40 COE grille. I had one for mine before I sold the truck. I don't think he is doing it anymore as he has his own projects but many folks can do the lost wax process.

11-13-2020, 02:35 AM	#23
Tinker Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: MN Posts: 7,053	Re: We live in truly amazing times! 3D printing will be easier to have done. In reality it's very close, but expensive and will for now be for who can afford it. It is getting better everyday for small parts. Don't expect 3d printed parts for mass at nickels on the dime. It's come a long way. Has a way to go. 5 axis milling could do the same thing with a scan of the part. But you can do the same with a little work on a small part with a file. If you choose. Very promising technology. Last edited by Tinker; 11-13-2020 at 02:42 AM.

11-13-2020, 10:33 AM	#24
Merc Cruzer Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Conifer, Colorado Posts: 2,429	Re: We live in truly amazing times! Thank you all for your input. As deuce_roadster pointed out, it appears that having the part cast, is the most direct and simplest way to go, at this time, not to mention the most cost effective way. 3D printing, has come a long way but, is still a bit out of reach, for the masses.