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Wouldn't be best to try prototyping the "Full" option version? I mean with sensors and doors/cutout for the tow hook.
May be, considering the quote I just got!
The sensor holders I plan to attach to the "standard" grille. On the tow hook, also thinking of making a jig and drilling the hole and gluing on the trim ring to the "standard grille as well". The cost of the molds is very high, so keeping to a single mold will be the most economical for everyone. Making 3-4 molds it out of the question unless there are 20+ people interested in every version (which by the count so far is NOT the case...).
First 3D print is done and everything looks great!
Only one problem... It's a touch too small:
But now that it's done, I have ordered a full size print. It will be delivered July 10. Judging by the price, I should be able to beat both the cost and delivery estimates I posted originally if the part fits well.
If this solves for the parking sensor attachments, I'm in. I've been on the fence re: the Aliexpress surround with the e-pace grill, as I didn't want to have to fabricate something myself for the sensors.
Printing company sent me update photos. Remember this is just for fit, not finish. Real parts will have much better surface finish and will be a single piece for the mesh.
Probably a stupid question, but would shifting the pattern in some way solve the hook problem? I mean that you could then screw the towing hook just thru an aligned pattern. But I guess the hole in the pattern is too small to fit right?
The mesh will be attached to the grille surround with 6 screws and double sided tape. The grille is "outside" the front fascia, so the speed should not be an issue.
As for the mesh, it may be possible to redo the mesh to make it line up with the tow hook, but I'm not willing to put in another 120 hours of CAD work to see. I think a hole and a "trim ring" will look good and "intentional". I do still need to get my d@mn car back to test the fit of everything. The dealer has had it 5+ weeks!
One of the OEM mesh patterns is "off" from the mesh, maybe for the tow hook, but I thought it was on the other side. Since I didn't have my car I haven't been able to check. If a simple modification to the mesh can accommodate the tow hook I will do that.
Nice! Is there a way to test how sensors and tow would fit?
Yes, working on it!
Originally Posted by JagFR
Is carbon fiber the only option or do they come in black?
Currently only carbon fiber (I think it's fake, but it is very convincing), but the part is easily painted if you want black. The finish is excellent and a light scuff should be all you need to shoot it with gloss black and potentially a clear coat. If there is enough demand I can look in to bulk processing getting them painted black, but would need at least 5 people that would want it that way.
Currently only carbon fiber (I think it's fake, but it is very convincing), but the part is easily painted if you want black. The finish is excellent and a light scuff should be all you need to shoot it with gloss black and potentially a clear coat. If there is enough demand I can look in to bulk processing getting them painted black, but would need at least 5 people that would want it that way.
I would be interested in bulk pricing for paint if it results in a cheaper cost. In the event that we are unable to gather enough people, I am willing to take on the task of painting myself.
