As part of my ongoing seat rebuild project I found that the screw area of the seat release trim was cracked. Not broken yet, but I suspect it would be if I put it back as is.

I think this is a common problem, time takes its toll on plastic bits, so I 3D printed a custom washer for the screw. 1mm thick and fits under the AIRBAG cover with no issues.

Since printers are increasingly common, I thought I would share in case anyone else finds it useful.

STL Model:
SeatReleaseTrimWasher.zip

 

I am thinking that parts printing may be our salvation for some of these parts. Perhaps printing complete plastic parts coul be a business mosel for someone that wants to invest in a 3 d scanner and printer.
Good work

 

Nice I did the same but went old school, used a plastic reusable food storage container for the material and a razor blade!

 

Your next challenge is to build a 3D printer with the remainder of the storage container. You are allowed to use the razor blade.

Graham

 

I love the notion of using 3D printing for this stuff. Are you using your own or a printing service?

Great work!

 

Using my own. It came at a reasonable cost but is not the fastest or most accurate one out there so I wouldn't be using it to make parts that were prominently visible.

Printers are not yet to the point where they can produce injection mold like smooth surfaces, but are headed that way. I would agree that 3D printing is going to play an increasingly important role in keeping our "old" cars functional.