I am finally back to working on my car after a 3-4 year break because life happens but I picked up a new hobby, 3D printing. Anyway, I tried to do this something like 8 years ago with colored transparency paper and a regular printer but it never came out well. With a 3Dprinter, I can make any shape I want so I tried my hand at an old project. I tried to update it to a more modern look and I think I did an alright job. Looking for critiques that I could change to make it better.
The panel is made with 3 colored plastics since I have a color changer on my printer. Main body is black and 6 layers thick. 2 layers of white for the icons and 4 layers of clear under the icons. All the plastic is ABS so I wont have to worry about it melting in the heat of summer but I haven't tested that yet either. It is made so I can change the bulb to any color led I want and it would shine through that color and I obviously like blue.
There were many trial runs to get it right but I think it came out good in the end.
[This message has been edited by Riddick85 (edited 10-12-2023).]
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Probably the best critique I will receive in this post That was not a thing when I posted last on this forum so that is sweet! I edited the original post.
Got the panel installed today before work and I think it turned out pretty good.
The one with the stock light bulb looks pretty yellow so if I want to go that way, a white led is a must.
I think the arc near the fan control is a little close to the knob so I will probably change that but I like it so far. I just got to get in some driving before it gets to cold and I have to put it away.
I appreciate all the kind words. I personally love it. Since it was the only thing in the interior that was hard to change the color of to something other than red, it definitely makes it feel more complete.
On another note, someone at work suggested I see if anyone else would be interested in them. I am not sure if it would be up to the standard of anyone else and I haven't tested it in the summer heat yet but who knows.
I appreciate all the kind words. I personally love it. Since it was the only thing in the interior that was hard to change the color of to something other than red, it definitely makes it feel more complete.
On another note, someone at work suggested I see if anyone else would be interested in them. I am not sure if it would be up to the standard of anyone else and I haven't tested it in the summer heat yet but who knows.
Hi Riddick, I would definitely be interested in one. If I recall, it was just a piece of plastic flexible sheething that would slide in there. I assume yours is a bit thicker. Does it require me to cut / modify anything, or does it slip in like the original?
The stock one is just a thin sheet about .5mm thick. Mine is about 1mm thick but it fits just the same. There is a clear plastic piece behind it that has an orange spot that needs to be removed with some acetone but then just throw an LED in and its the new color.
Clear plastic inside the climate control Orange spot is just paint on the plastic in the hole and the LED sits there
I am finally back to working on my car after a 3-4 year break because life happens but I picked up a new hobby, 3D printing. Anyway, I tried to do this something like 8 years ago with colored transparency paper and a regular printer but it never came out well. With a 3Dprinter, I can make any shape I want so I tried my hand at an old project. I tried to update it to a more modern look and I think I did an alright job. Looking for critiques that I could change to make it better.
The panel is made with 3 colored plastics since I have a color changer on my printer. Main body is black and 6 layers thick. 2 layers of white for the icons and 4 layers of clear under the icons. All the plastic is ABS so I wont have to worry about it melting in the heat of summer but I haven't tested that yet either. It is made so I can change the bulb to any color led I want and it would shine through that color and I obviously like blue.
There were many trial runs to get it right but I think it came out good in the end.
Did this project go anywhere? I'm looking to change mine to blue too. We're you going to sell these? If not, would you mind sharing the stl so I could print one for myself?
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That was not a thing when I posted last on this forum so that is sweet! I edited the original post.
