No, I didn't get a 3D printer for Christmas. But, I'm actively watching them as the prices come down and the capabilities go up. And, one aspect of "capabilities" is the max size of the finished product. Most of the more reasonably-priced units have a max size of about 9" x 6" x 6", and while that would make the radio trim bezel Ron has been talking about in this thread, it wouldn't allow for making some of the things I've thought of. So, one question I need to answer is what max build size would work for what I want to do.

And, that's where y'all come in. I'd like your ideas on what items a 3D printer could make for our trucks. But, before we go there let's talk, briefly, about what such a printer can do. First, at the current time all of the printers available for consumer use build with plastic. However, there are several kinds of plastic, including rigid ones like ABS, more flexible ones that can even be used for hinges, and even one that dissolves in limonene. Plus, there are several colors available, including black, white, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and gray. And, of course, the plastic can be painted. Also, the minimum layer size is .004" (100 microns) for most printers, so the detail can be pretty precise but not perfectly smooth.

Now, for a few of my ideas to use to prime your creative processes:

• New radio/HVAC bezel that would include places for gauges. This could be in place of the clock, in place of the radio, or in place of the spot where the badge goes
• A panel to go in the "pocket" to the right of the steering column to hold 2 small gauges. I've already made one of those on the mill and it is going to go in Dad's truck. But, it was a pain to make.
• Gauge pod/sleeve to replace the sleeve that covers the steering column, but will house one or more gauges
• Add-on switch housing that replicates the fog-light switch housing used on the Free Wheeling trucks
• Replacement headlight and wiper *****
• Shift *****
• Trim rings for shift lever boots
• A completely new instrument panel that incorporates real gauges in place of the NORMAL ones
• Underhood tool box. Not sure how well the plastic would like the heat under the hood, but if the printer were large enough....

So, what ideas do you have? I'm not looking for well-thought-out ones but ideas. And your idea might trigger a thought with someone else.

 

Emblems. Like the plastic ones found on the dash, that say XLT, or Ranger, etc.

 

Yes, a 3D printer could do that. And a silver marker could put the paint on. Here's Ron's, and in looking it over it appears that a 3D scanner would sure be helpful for something like emblems as copying the font wouldn't be easy.

 

Dash speaker area...

 

How about a dash speaker grill that could replace those broken/dried out foam speaker areas so common to these trucks. The trim could sit slightly proud of the dash surface while the grill area with the perforations could be slightly recessed. Designed properly and painted to match the dash it could look "stock".

 

So, the insert would be slightly "U" shaped, with a lip that lays on top of the dash and the part with the holes sitting a bit below? The user would cut the cover just inside some template, and then drop the piece in.

 

Ahhh Memories of the Dash-Patch. Made this from sheetmetal last summer.
Darn! Waaaay too much drilling and time on the drill press to mass produce..

 

So, just put a raised lip around that? Do you have any drawings? Plans?

 

dash photo, made of steel, not feasible to mass produce

 

Exactly! You could also vacuum form the part but then you would be into drilling a lot of speaker grill holes.

 

Subscribing,

 

Yeah, wouldn't want to have to drill all of those holes. Just not printing in those spots would be lots, LOTS easier. With CAD I can tell it to give me X holes of Y diameter spaced Z apart and it is done.

 

Speaker grille ford Lariat doors.

 

Good idea, Ron. Which reminded me of my own need for similar panels, as shown below.

And, while I was looking at that panel I remembered the slide lock bezels for the 80/81 trucks. Was just talking to a young man, Cash Billups, about them the other day. We both need them but don't know where to find them. But, I'm not sure how to add the grain, as shown in the second pic.

 

I'd suggest anything that isn't subject to big loads or tensile force. Unless they are bonded onto a strong backing.

Small trim parts are ideal, the final finish with a light sand might look like that grain. Smooth finish will likely require a fair bit of sanding and hi-fill prior to painting.

I think they might have great application in making composite structures, printing both sides and the honeycomb core in one go.

The drop in grille sounds like a nice start.