Reproduction of VN/VP "C" pillar trims.

[vlad01]

Just wondering if there would be interest in crowd funding a small run of CNC'd aluminium repro lower C pillar trims for VN/VP cars as we all know they have virtually never been available as a spare, no NOS exists and part numbers return nothing when searching.

The biggest issue is the factory ones are plastic unlike the latter VR onward die cast alloy and are virtually impossible to remove without breaking and finding good ones to begin with is hard.

Wouldn't it be nice when you are doing a respray and can just rip off the plastic junk and then once painting is done stick on a brand new and reusable aluminium one that looks the part? I reckon it would

This is the trim I am talking about. This is the only one I have even managed to get off without breaking and even more crazy not breaking the pins








So I found a mob that specializes in 3D scanning, modeling, designing, printing, prototyping, moulds etc...

I had them quote me $750 for 3D scanning, generation of CAD/CAM files for both side based on that sample and mirroring to produce the left, other tweaks of the design to make it better and suit machining. I thought that's not too bad but then there is cost of getting an engineer to machine up the parts too. So I figured it could be a good opportunity to get a good number made to really bring the cost down where it would benefit everyone involved. Having the files for it you can have who ever you want make the parts, so outsourcing to the states for example might be cheaper than doing it here.

I personally need 2 pairs myself.

Anyone else interested?

[psyolent]

VSH -

Could you not get these made out of China vastly cheaper?
Could you not 3D print one of these jiggers as well?

[psyolent]

let me ask a friend VSH and see what he reckons, he has things made.

[vlad01]

yes I can 3D print them as a test sample but hell wont do that on a final product, additive manufacturing just isn't good enough for sure a part, besides I want metal like the later model have so painting, longevity, dimensional stability and reusable are all improved on.

Yes china is an option though I would prefer Taiwan as they have better mentality and capability about manufacturing that mainland china.

[psyolent]

yah.
ok so said friend mentioned if no volume, then, not worthwhile ie: wouldn't pay off.
what about fiverr or someone with a CNC mill?

[Macca97]

get a mould, than someone to make some dies, than another someone to press them out, there would defiantly be a market for them, as vn's are starting to get up there in the cool/muscle car status

[vlad01]

to make die moulds run out into many 10s of $1000.

5 axis CNC is the way to go for producing metal parts with the required results and is very cost effective.

The market for them would be small, I doubt any more than 50 people are willing to pay for quality billet part.

What ever the number of people say they would be interested, 10% would actually come through. I have seen how it all works with repro projects like this before so I wont be making the mistake of going the tooling path or larger runs, 2nd runs etc..

Thats why a CAD/CAM file for them would be so useful as once the design is done and dusted its not subject to maintenance, minimum large runs, maximum life cycle, damage or casting industry changes like dies do.

You have the files, you whip them out as needed and when needed and have the flexibility to produce in other materials and manufacturing methods to boot.

[HQ355]

Buy a 3D printer, make your own parts

[vlad01]

You missed my point of not wanting plastic crap though.

[HQ355]

Once on you never take them off, if you do just print another ! You can print in alloy as well, not just plastic