got another quote from a NC company in Moorsville, $200 for prep and chrome, process is vacuum metalizing, anyone saw this process or results of it before?
Yes, vacuum metalized was what I mentioned early on as an option. We used that finishing process on all of the plastic parts I used to design. In my opinion, that is what is on the current repro dash housings and radio bezels. Troy
What about that new paint that looks exactly like chrome? Or a chrome vinyl wrap just around the part that shows? 95% of that chrome trim ring is hidden. You only see the thin ring
So, maybe I need to create a POLL. Would you pay $200+ for an ABS plastic 3D printed and polished part that is vacuum metalized? Would you pay $250+ for an ABS injected molded repro part that is vacuum metalized? Would you pay $300+ for a die cast and plated repro part? I am just trying to understand if there is perceived value in getting a repro part made materials most like the original items and is there perceived value in having an injection mold made to have a better repro part if it were plastic over 3D printing. What do you think is the best way to reproduce this part in a way the customer will be almost satisfied with the expense? None of the options are good because of the lack of quantities. Troy
TROY... I really like the POLL idea! A good process to identify the 'serious' peeps vs the 'sorta-kinda interested' peeps. Hopefully in the end you will have a better idea on which way to move forward. I had great success with my N25 Stainless Steel tips asking for a 50% DEPOSIT to help with startup funding! I would think just about everyone with a Buick Manual Consolette 65-72 needs these trim rings!!! Meanwhile, I am working with an idea that may offer a permament solution to the THREE MOUNTING PINs delimma. Been conferring and working with an engineer for over a year to come up with a few options... At this point, one design looks promising! NEED CONSOLETTE BOOT RETAINER RINGS??? LET THE POLLS BEGIN!!! Wheelz, Tampa Bay
hhm. lookie what I just came across: http://www.ebay.com/itm/351645507381?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT Wheelz, Tampa bay
That parts looks like a flat part, hard to tell. I would add cnc machined billet aluminum and the same but chrome plating added to the poll for the upper ring.
I would think the upper ring if it were aluminum can be polished enough to mimic chrome. Again, so little of it is seen that I don't think it would be even noticeable that it was polished aluminum instead of chrome
TPP stamping part I posted above would be the LOWER boot ring... Altho the BOOT wouldnt get much inside the edge boot support, flat would prolly be ok. gnome say'n? Wheelz, Tampa Bay
Or make it in two pieces.... the chrome trim ring (or polished ss or alum) would just be an insert into a larger molded/cast/printed retainer. The ring could be sliced from a piece of ss tubing and polished... IF it's avail in the correct diameter. Vacuum metallized 'Chrome' is actually vaporized aluminum. I do hi-tech optical coatings for a living, which is done with that process. Parts go into a chamber, the air is evacuated so they are in a vacuum, then aluminum is heated until it melts/vaporizes. The 'cloud' of aluminum will coat everything inside the chamber. The vacuum is required to remove contaminates (air), and it also reduces the temperature required to melt/vaporize the aluminum or whatever. We rarely use aluminum in our processes however. We do vaporize chrome, nickle, copper, and gold to apply electrical contacts to optical parts. Someday I hope to sneak in some speedometer cover plastic and apply an 'anti-reflection' coating. It would make the clear plastic almost invisible.
Billet aluminum unfinished $175.00 I'd go this route . You could polish that small area that's exposed on your own . DL
Actually it was this: "Aluminum type 3d printed part unfinished: $175 same sanded and polished: $350" How does 'aluminum type 3d printed' compare to real billet aluminum? Sounds like a good option.
I only have the capability to print plastic here so I cannot speak for the aluminum. I have saw steel 3d printed parts and they look somewhat like a casting.
Have you guys seen these on ebay, I know they don't look like the original one but for $19. !! Bay item number:351645507381 Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing.
The PROBLEM is.... if your consolette does NOT have all three pins, any retainer, new or otherwise will simply NOT hold the boot on securely... I am however, working on a permanent solution for that as we speak. GOOD News to come soon! Raise your right and and VOTE FOR ME!!!.... My name is Wheelz and I approve this message. :laugh: Wheelz, Tampa Bay