I decided that it was probably best to have a single thread in relation to all the parts I am currently redesigning and upgrading and printing for my car. This is either due to obscelecence and no physical stock anywhere or costing.

The first item was the bracket for the rear quarter glass to replace the die cast one that breaks. These are made out of carbon fibre reinforced filament with flanged M5 threaded inserts that use the existing bolts.

The second is the deflectors that mount underneath the nose cone with handed foam. After printing the final version and the test fit being successful I am now going to run the final set off that will be fitted to the car. These will be out of a carbon fibre reinforced filament also.

The third part are the inner abs vents that cover the lights access in the trunk. I found them online second hand however, the prices were ridiculous. As one of mine is broken and the other also split I decided to remake them.

The first test print is done and I will check fitment today. I have beefed it up, it's printed in some basic pla filament as it's cheap. The vent will be slimmed down a little to reduce the amount used and also printed out of the matte black carbon fibre reinforced filament.

There are other items I am working on and I will update as I move along.

Will I be selling these items? I will be sending some out for review first and then make any recommended alterations. Once everything is finalised then hopefully yes.

Rear quarter glass carbon fibre reinforced brackets


Damaged deflector

Deflector with foam attached, the foam is handed whereas the bracket fits both left and right sides of the car




Clean slightly textured surface


First test print of the inner vent for the trunk.

 

Here is the finished test print of the vent, it's a basic size and fitment check before I refine it. I also am working on a different design of a hex type vent rather than the louvres of the standard one.

 

@unklebuck
Those are amazing.
Ill have AI scan the forums for a list of the most commonly broken parts and DM you the list if you’re interested.
You can also scan eBay for overpriced bits of plastic that are no longer available new.

I am missing the Convertible Top Access Cover 2006-2014 and the eBay folks know it is popular and hard to find. So they overprice it.
I luckily found a place in the UK that had a few under $60 all in. But $70-80+ bucks for a used piece of plastic??

 

I did the test fit of the vent, it all fits but it can be better.

I am going to have a sliding ear on the one side to lock it in place rather than the original hook part. Also extend the two ears that slot in the other side and recess them slightly so the frame sits over the opening on that side.

Other than that it all looked good, just odd in white!!

 

Like Circumnavigator, I too am in need of that tiny convertible release access hole cover.

 

The advantage of the louvres is that you can route a battery maintainer cable through the left one to the charging post, and leave it permanently connected.

 

The OEM cover works fine to do that. Here's mine with my CTEK pigtail.



The negative (ground) pigtail runs under the removable floor to the factory provided ground post in the spare tire well.


I've had no problems using the CTEK alligator clips.

 

Great job! I need 2 of the inner vent for the trunk and have never been able to find any. Happy to contribute if you want to share the file.
The Convertible Top Access Cover on my car "lost" the springy bits that kept it in place so I made them out of sheet metal and used double sided tape to stick them on - a bit clunky , so being able to print a new one would be good

 

Per ​​​​@kj07xk ’s comment and @Stuart S ’s photo example, if you change up the louvres maybe add in a 1/2” access hole in the lower rear edge for maintainers.
Ugh, has to fit the connector.
Stuart how wide is that connector at its widest point?

 

Would you consider selling the STL files so some of us and print our own?

 

It's easier for the car owner to drill or cut an opening in that plastic cover, if necessary, as the size of electrical connectors vary by battery maintainer manufacturer. Not everyone uses CTEK. You might not have to modify that cover, as the wires may be able to slip under it as mine did as shown in the above photo.

 

It is an easy job to modify it to have a small blanking plate that clips in and out, it can also have a slot in that you can push the cable through with a rubber grommet and a cable tie clip on the rear to keep it in place. You then just clip it back into the vent where it fits. Not a problem for me to do that.

Also there is no reason not to have a different style of vent which makes this simpler, also a cheaper print.

I will design a modified version with a clip in and out part for a in place trickle charger cable to route through.

 

I am going to have a discussion with a few people about what I am going to do. I haven't decided yet.

 

Here we go again. Terminology matters.

You don't ever want to use a "trickle charger". That's a "dumb" device that charges constantly, with no electronics to determine the rate and level of charge. It can overcharge a battery and cause the electrolyte to boil out and destroy a battery.

You want to use a Battery Maintainer because it's a smart device that includes electronics that constantly monitors the battery to determine the rate and level of charge. When fully charged, it will go into "float mode" and deliver a "pulsed" charge to keep the battery topped off and fully charged. I recommend the CTEK brand of battery maintainer. I have two, and leave them connected to my XKR and XJ whenever parked in my garage.

Note that a battery maintainer won't jump start a dead battery because that's not what it was designed to do. Battery maintainers produce only around 4 amperes, and you'll need at least 10 amps to jump start a dead battery. For that you'll need a real Battery Charger.

Note that for 5.0L models, the negative battery maintainer pigtail MUST be connected to a chassis ground and not directly to the battery negative terminal. Otherwise, damage can occur to the Battery Monitoring System Module that is attached to the negative battery terminal.

For more information, search this Forum. There are lots of threads and many different ways to hook up a battery maintainer.

See Post #4.

 

I couldn't think of "c-tek" at that precise moment typing that.
I am sure most people know what I meant.

Thanks though as some may not.

So as explained by Stuart, yes a c-tek connector through panel point.

 

I also need the convertible latch cover plastic piece.

Also need the tow-hook cover for the front bumper.

And the center speaker cover for the front dash.

Please message me if/when they are available for sale.

Thanks

 

I have designed a printed a number of parts for Jag and Ferrari over the years. I have them for free at Printables and Makerworld.

I have not done a complicated design like the vents, but I chose to give the design away as printing, shipping, etc would be a hassle for the 10 units I’d sell.

Not to discourage you from selling but just sharing my thought process when I did similar.

These look great and I wish you the best!