3D Printed parts for the Excel?

Body parts, seats, dash, headlining, windows and stuff!

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Qwertyco
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3D Printed parts for the Excel?

Post by Qwertyco »

Mrs.Q kindly bought me a 3D printer for christmas, and I've been playing with it and learning since then.
I happen to do 3D CAD for a living, so the software isn't exactly difficult for me.
My first bash at parts for my old narrow body excel are the door mirror shrouds which seem to biodegrade.
Work in progress is here if you care to take a look: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3508737
Click on the 'Thingiview' button for a 3D look at it.
"Life is like a Dancing Monkey, - Pretty amusing, until it starts to lob faeces at you"

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Phantasm
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Re: 3D Printed parts for the Excel?

Post by Phantasm »

That's pretty cool that you have those talents.
I suspect it might make you some money here as well!!
-Bill
1991-92ish Lotus Excel SE Silk Red
2009 Jeep Wrangler X Unlimited 4X4
2015.5 Volvo V60 T5
Previous: 2005 Toyota Prius, 2002 Nissan Maxima SE 6 speed, 1988 Toyota 4Runner, 1989 Toyota 4Runner, 1995 Dodge Neon, 1986 Ford Mustang

soldave
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Re: 3D Printed parts for the Excel?

Post by soldave »

Very cool and good skills. You could definitely make a bit of money commissioning parts that are no longer made for Excels/Eclats/Elites.

Alex_76
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Re: 3D Printed parts for the Excel?

Post by Alex_76 »

Maybe a 3D print of the seat release bezel would be great. Those things break al the time, none of them left in the market. 2 please. Also 2 mirror mount covers for me please... ;-)

soldave
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Re: 3D Printed parts for the Excel?

Post by soldave »

I think the big step is going to be when 3d scanners come down in price a little more. You'll then be able to get a pretty much perfect replica of trim pieces that are no longer made and difficult to get hold of used.

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Mauro200
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Re: 3D Printed parts for the Excel?

Post by Mauro200 »

Qwertyco wrote:Mrs.Q kindly bought me a 3D printer for christmas, and I've been playing with it and learning since then.
I happen to do 3D CAD for a living, so the software isn't exactly difficult for me.
My first bash at parts for my old narrow body excel are the door mirror shrouds which seem to biodegrade.
Work in progress is here if you care to take a look: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3508737
Click on the 'Thingiview' button for a 3D look at it.
Hi. I tried to print it, it's not so bad, just that the drawing on the file is a little bit shorter. I had to extend it by almost 10 mm.

Image

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Cappies85Lotus
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Re: 3D Printed parts for the Excel?

Post by Cappies85Lotus »

Hi Mauro
Being an old fashioned engineering draughtsman (16-65) I am well impressed with your skills. Only wish that I had got involved in CAD drawing during my working life but didn't have the time to learn new skills, besides I always thought I could draw better myself with my ink Rotering Pens!!!!
Will these be the same for the 1985 Excel??
Well done. I concur with the comment that there must be an opportunity for you with parts that are scarce or not available across the Lotus range.
Brian

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