Does anyone have a 3D printer for dash vents?

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#21

03-17-2017, 01:11 PM

LoudHogRider

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean W

Thanks. The picture were simply to provide Dave with context as he hasn't purchased his XK yet. I know more detailed measurements are necessary

I've thought about injection molding, carbon fiber, Fiber reinforced panels, (laminate is a new one). All share the same issue. Custom made = cost prohibitive.

I've tried contacting JLR to find out who makes the part to see if I can buy from them directly. No response. Jaguar only sells them with the dash.

Please keep the ideas coming.

My world won't end if this isn't doable and I'm picking nits, but anyone who's attempted dash repairs know these parts are as brittle as potato chips so we're all going to encounter it sooner or later.

Thanks for leading the charge on this one, Sean. I've been kicking this effort down the road for a while now based on not wanting to bust up the vent pieces. My "interim solution" was to order a dash cover from eBay. I'll admit I've grown accustomed to the look - and the reduced glare for my dash cam - but the leather dash is one of the very appealing elements of the cabin experience and it would be great to have it restored to "like new" condition without forking over a metric shyte ton of money to do so.

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#22

03-18-2017, 10:59 AM

Sean W

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OK so this is a big fat no from me. I am unable to remove the vents with the windscreen installed. They are making too many cracking sounds and I'm not willing to risk it. Sorry if I got anyone's hopes up.

Dave, thanks for volunteering. AJ as well.

Sorry guys.

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#23

03-18-2017, 11:38 AM

jagtoes

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Just some out of the box thinking ,how about a group of folks chipping in and buying a used dash. Then extract the vents and who ever has the 3D printer could make up multiple sets. It sounds like based on the dash shrinkage issues that pop up maybe some would like to have an extra set.

Back in the Ferrari group we had a guy that started a small business on Ferrari 308 parts that were NLA. He called his company "Unobtainum Supply Co."Look up his web site. This is something/someone who we might need. Just thinking out loud.

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#24

03-18-2017, 11:43 AM

Sean W

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Not a bad idea. Dave mentioned he was a month or so out from getting his XK. Perhaps he can re-address it when he has one in his hands, assuming he's willing and more successful that I am at pulling it.

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#25

03-19-2017, 10:30 AM

LoudHogRider

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jagtoes

He called his company "Unobtainum Supply Co."

Now THAT is a clever man. Awesome name.

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#26

05-25-2018, 03:34 PM

Sean W

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Ridicrick, I'm reviving this thread as you mentioned in your thread that you might be able to do this.

Do you have any thoughts on it?

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#27

05-25-2018, 04:47 PM

dsd

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I have a quality FDM Printer that can print ABS. I also have a spool of black ABS on hand.

I can print a few to see if I can get a model (STL File). Probably would want it post processed though.

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