PINTO CAR CLUB of AMERICA
Shiny is Good! => Your Project => Topic started by: Pintopower on February 25, 2015, 03:17:59 PM
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Hey guys, I am working on 3D printing the stock Pinto Dome light lenses. I have made a few prototypes but thanks to the miserable plastics on the dome light housings, I have seen way to much variation in the mold to make something with the tolerances I am used to on my Japanese or Italian cars. I have just about finished the final design and submitted it for printing. Price is way higher than I hoped but it looks great. I was shooting for the $15 range but thanks to the better materials I have used, it will be in the $25 range. Ill keep you all posted. In the mean time, here is the prototype:
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8659/16461251829_9884dd0a14_z.jpg)
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8683/16647414495_148566bc0a_z.jpg)
Here is the 3D model I designed:
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8628/16440148447_6cc8a22362_z.jpg)
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8561/16646445072_c9f59ecaa7_z.jpg)
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8634/16027540903_1cf304927e_z.jpg)
Ill keep you posted.
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Is it brittle? I tried a 3D printer to make buttons for a system I make at work but they were too brittle to use.
How flexible is it?
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"Is it brittle?"
With the bulb generating heat the problem may go the other way. The filament has to have a low enough temperature melt point to be printable. That said, there are all kinds of filaments available for printing. So, some may work better with heat than others. My son has an Ulitmaker 2 Printer. Last time he brought it over he was making stuff with bamboo imbedded in the plastic.
While I find them intriguing my first impression is that they sure are slow. It doesn't spit out parts like an injection mold.
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Most of the ones have (spares included) have a small burn spot in them from the door being left open a lot , got a LED light in it now , so it will last longer , but still have the burn spot in it though ???
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Well, I guess it's coming around honestly.
We'll see!
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Is it brittle? I tried a 3D printer to make buttons for a system I make at work but they were too brittle to use.
How flexible is it?
This particular material is fairly brittle as you can see the cracks It has developed from about 50 fitments. However, when compared to the originals, it is like butter. The originals crack when looking at the the wrong way. I have to agree that a worse problem is heat. Under normal usage, it wont burn but leaving your car door open a while will make it look like the originals I suspect. The better route is to install an LED replacement bulb like I did. None of my Pintos (or Fiats or Toyotas or cars at all for that mater) have a since incandescent bulb in them. All my cars are LED driven now. Low power consumption and next to no heat when compared with the standard bulb; heat is the reason the dash housing sockets disintegrate. My dome lights are now much brighter than stock. Still, even with a standard bulb, they will never burn if you don't leave your door open over night or sit in the car reading in the dark.
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Version 2.0 has arrived! Tested, installed, and dropped on the floor (oops). This version has been installed and removed 20 times from a few dome light enclosures I have. This guy is ready to hit the road!
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8740/16396590563_d7d3cf3b90_b.jpg)
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8714/16828954438_331b79b7c5_b.jpg)
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8722/17016720905_e445cbaed4_b.jpg)
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8743/17016719325_6982af1ba1_b.jpg)
And let there be light:
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7617/16828954098_8042e22782_b.jpg)
These can be purchased on shapeways here:
https://www.shapeways.com/product/MUMKXTFJ9/ford-pinto-and-mustang-ii-standard-dome-light-lens (https://www.shapeways.com/product/MUMKXTFJ9/ford-pinto-and-mustang-ii-standard-dome-light-lens)
These will take a month to print and send over to you.[/size]What ever you have heard about 3D printed parts being weak or substandard was only true a decade ago. Very soon, 3D printing will replace most forms of manufacturing. Trust me, I am in the industry and see it already. email me at pintopower@hotmail.com for any questions.
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this is cool - but with a total of $30.00 shipped ?
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this is cool - but with a total of $30.00 shipped ?
Eh. I get what you mean, it's a lot for a piece of plastic. But it's not a factory with injection molders pumping them out. It's someone who took the time to fill a need for a part that, from what I understand, is not available new anymore. Seems reasonable to me, in that context.
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So true! And it's the people who take the time to address these needs and fulfill them that will ultimately help perpetuate the old car hobby... and it's the reason that the car hobby is expensive, whether it be classic, exotic, antique, or whatever!
Dwayne :)
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;D just wanted to say THANKS!!!! I have never been able to find a dome lens this easy in my life. Shut up and take my money. already ordered in like 5 seconds after seeing this post. You sir may have single handedly saved my sanity! thanks!
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For the time it'll take to search a junkyard for these if your lucky enough to find a pinto it's worth spending the 30 for a new one
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May I DEFEND Pintocrazed here? I worked for 1.5 years for a plastic injection mold company. Sure, I thought about doing a LOT of different parts until I realized what the costs would be.
I'll tell you what this would take to do an injection mold:
1) A 37 ton press. The mold size would be roughly 10x10, be made of P20 steel, and be built in China.
2) The COST of the mold would be around $5000+. The cost to ship the mold would be about $500.
3) It would take roughly 8 weeks to get this mold done.
OK, now you ship it off to an injection molder. EVERY TIME they load the mold on a machine, your going to pay for a batch of resin, AND a setup charge. Then they'll want to punch out a minimum number so as not to waste their time.
If he sold 100 of these at $30, he still hasn't paid for his mold. It would take 167 of them at $30 JUST to pay for the mold. How about shipping? How about the setup charge?
ANYONE who can make parts at reasonable prices (and this is damn reasonable) should be commended. It's easy to complain about parts cost, but you have to remember:
1) Back in the day they punched out MILLIONS, easily amortizing their tooling costs
2) Tell me there's 167 people who are gonna buy this. I guarantee it won't happen
So Pintocrazed, I CONGRATULATE YOU for making this effort. I'm gonna get one myself. THANK YOU for doing this!!!
Chris
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Amen!
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May I DEFEND Pintocrazed here? I worked for 1.5 years for a plastic injection mold company. Sure, I thought about doing a LOT of different parts until I realized what the costs would be.
I'll tell you what this would take to do an injection mold:
1) A 37 ton press. The mold size would be roughly 10x10, be made of P20 steel, and be built in China.
2) The COST of the mold would be around $5000+. The cost to ship the mold would be about $500.
3) It would take roughly 8 weeks to get this mold done.
OK, now you ship it off to an injection molder. EVERY TIME they load the mold on a machine, your going to pay for a batch of resin, AND a setup charge. Then they'll want to punch out a minimum number so as not to waste their time.
If he sold 100 of these at $30, he still hasn't paid for his mold. It would take 167 of them at $30 JUST to pay for the mold. How about shipping? How about the setup charge?
ANYONE who can make parts at reasonable prices (and this is damn reasonable) should be commended. It's easy to complain about parts cost, but you have to remember:
1) Back in the day they punched out MILLIONS, easily amortizing their tooling costs
2) Tell me there's 167 people who are gonna buy this. I guarantee it won't happen
So Pintocrazed, I CONGRATULATE YOU for making this effort. I'm gonna get one myself. THANK YOU for doing this!!!
Chris
Yeah! I'm setting up CNC plasma cutters and milling machines here. I gotta tell you, the cost is expensive and I have people who want parts. The design on the CAD/CAM system is expensive and then programming the systems. Just the labor is gonna kill me. Doing custom bike wheels for a shop near me, they will cost around $2,500 each and the billet aluminium alone is like 500 to 800.
It ain't cheap making these parts.
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IF ONLY IT WASNT SO EXPENSIVE AND TROUBLE DIANNE COULD MAKE US SOME CUSTOM WHEELS
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IF ONLY IT WASNT SO EXPENSIVE AND TROUBLE DIANNE COULD MAKE US SOME CUSTOM WHEELS
Honestly, if there is a demand for parts in the market for a Pinto, I would make them.
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Purchased 2 of these lenses and they arrived this week. They look fantastic! Thank you much Alberto! I also have a led replacement bulb to go in the car... Hopefully I can install next week!
They really look good in person!! The price was great too...
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Hi everyone. I wanted to give my own quick review of these 3D printed dome lenses. I was thrilled (as above) to see that there was an effort being made to do these. I received mine yesterday, and upon inspection, I was absolutely LESS than thrilled about the quality.
3D printing technology is still really a process that is in infancy. Because if the way it "grows" parts, SMOOTH surfaces are impossible to create. Immediate inspection of my unit revealed not only a VISIBLE (wood/knot-like) grain pattern on it, but running my fingers across it, it was also extremely noticeable.
The only way that this could possibly be "fixed" is to spend some time and several grits of sandpaper and polish to make it smooth, which I will probably NOT do.
I do not fault the company for making an effort but IMHO this is NOT a finished product, and it wasn't worth $30.
You can only choose for yourself. If others got good ones, that's great; mine was pretty bad.
Chris
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Do these fit all years/models?
Thanks,
Russ
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Hi
I would love to print this out on my 3D printer. My light lens is discolored and I've been wanting to replace it.
It would be nice if the STL file was posted somewhere on this site.
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after reading Chris's (popbumper) post i am glad i have not spent my money on this part -
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Hi
I would love to print this out on my 3D printer. My light lens is discolored and I've been wanting to replace it.
It would be nice if the STL file was posted somewhere on this site.
I wouldn't post it to be honest. After spending all the time on designing and then coding it to the STL file, it would be kinda hard to do that if it were me. The hours were more than likely a labor of love. But some compensation would be in order.
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I understand.
Personally, I enjoy doing things for others. I would post it for free if it's of help to anyone. But, that's just me.
(Please don't thrash me for having a different opinion.) :-[
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I understand.
Personally, I enjoy doing things for others. I would post it for free if it's of help to anyone. But, that's just me.
(Please don't thrash me for having a different opinion.) :-[
Sure you would. Is that your Ferrari in your garage? Why not pay the $30.00 instead of looking for it for free? It's not just a different opinion Sir, it means you see no value in the time the person spend in putting it together. You see that as nothing more than something to amuse yourself to print yourself so you wouldn't have to pay anything except for the amount of plastic used to print to replace your burnt one in your car.
Shame on you. I've run into this many many times in the open source community. Just pay the $30.00 Sir.
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Sure you would. Is that your Ferrari in your garage? Why not pay the $30.00 instead of looking for it for free? It's not just a different opinion Sir, it means you see no value in the time the person spend in putting it together. You see that as nothing more than something to amuse yourself to print yourself so you wouldn't have to pay anything except for the amount of plastic used to print to replace your burnt one in your car.
Shame on you. I've run into this many many times in the open source community. Just pay the $30.00 Sir.
Gotta agree. If you think $30 is too much for a piece of plastic, try looking around a toy store these days. Their not giving away barbie blueprints these days either. The guy went to the trouble of ACTUALLY DOING the leg work to make this piece, when nobody else did. And for just the price of a burger and a few drinks, you can own one without having to design it yourself, and print it yourself (how many times do you think it took till it was right?). I find that the fact that this is even a topic of discussion, is pretty lame.
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Gotta agree. If you think $30 is too much for a piece of plastic, try looking around a toy store these days. Their not giving away barbie blueprints these days either. The guy went to the trouble of ACTUALLY DOING the leg work to make this piece, when nobody else did. And for just the price of a burger and a few drinks, you can own one without having to design it yourself, and print it yourself (how many times do you think it took till it was right?). I find that the fact that this is even a topic of discussion, is pretty lame.
Yeah, my thoughts! If I needed one, I'd buy it! I don't though. The problem of the lines is an issue, but it would be better than on with a big burn in it or none at all. You could always get sandpaper and wet sand it I guess.
Good job for making the part!
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FYI: Kevinwi deleted his PCCA membership Sunday morning.
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I see, the one with the Ferrari since his post is gone. Is that a bad thing Dwayne?
You have Art who is not returning due to a member who continues to hammer and badger with comments. Kevin wanted something free, I don't think my comments were off base, now were they? And I believe I was nice in those as were everyone else.
I can leave if you feel I am a problem here and delete my membership. There must be some reason you posted that he deleted his account.
I would like to wait, if you do, until I get the 2.3 in my Pinto.
Dianne
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I see, the one with the Ferrari since his post is gone. Is that a bad thing Dwayne?
You have Art who is not returning due to a member who continues to hammer and badger with comments. Kevin wanted something free, I don't think my comments were off base, now were they? And I believe I was nice in those as were everyone else.
I can leave if you feel I am a problem here and delete my membership. There must be some reason you posted that he deleted his account.
I would like to wait, if you do, until I get the 2.3 in my Pinto.
Dianne
Dianne,
There are many people of different opinions and Bias (Myself included) , and some people just have the inability to proofread their comments and fire away with blazin hot keystrokes. I personally have taken the time to correct myself and (in a PM) Tto caution others on the tone of an exchange . It's true that car clubs can bring out the Zeal and the Jaded nature of it's members. In the over 10 years with this club, and similar venues, I've given my dentist fits about my grinding of the teeth for many different reasons .
A diplomatic approach when taken to the same theme over and over again, makes you want to "METAPHORICALLY, NUKE 'EM". It's not the answer, and never will be, as I've learned. You have done no such thing, and those who have (you know who you are) will be eventually ignored.
Now that I've exhausted my prototype Moderator status, I'll go back to writing Politically Incorrect Sci Fi car pulp, and tend to my imaginary Bar. Those voices in my subconscious are kickin the door in AGAIN! ;D
Pintosopher, a tiny piece of a endless stack of hotcakes :o
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I see, the one with the Ferrari since his post is gone. Is that a bad thing Dwayne?
You have Art who is not returning due to a member who continues to hammer and badger with comments. Kevin wanted something free, I don't think my comments were off base, now were they? And I believe I was nice in those as were everyone else.
I can leave if you feel I am a problem here and delete my membership. There must be some reason you posted that he deleted his account.
I would like to wait, if you do, until I get the 2.3 in my Pinto.
Dianne
C'mon now lady... That would be the most polite outburst I've ever seen, if you're looking at it like that. You should check out the 4m crowd! I personally wouldn't have taken offence to that, had it been directed to me. Chalk it up to the obama "bucket" mentality.
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".....So Pintocrazed, I CONGRATULATE YOU for making this effort. I'm gonna get one myself. THANK YOU for doing this!!!...."
i think it was pintopower who has spearheaded this endevor
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I only posted that Kevinwi had deleted his account so everyone here would know there was no longer any reason to belabor the point. NOTHING I read in that thread was out of line other than his assertion that all of Alberto's work invested in reproducing the lens should be made available free of charge. I had already made my position clear when someone earlier balked at the price so I didn't call him out on it; quite frankly, I figured some others would... and they did. I am very proud of the members who spoke up and pointed out the error of his ways. I never dreamed that he would be so thin skinned he would remove himself from the site altogether, but that was his decision. I do not find any posts, made in response to his, offensive in any way... you stepped up and supported and acknowledged the time, investment, and talent that goes into developing something like this lens and called out someone who clearly had no regard for that. This site is dedicated to the preservation of Ford Pintos and I can think of no way to better fulfill that mission than the developing of new resources for parts. That's what Alberto has done here and I applaud his efforts.
A personal note to Dianne: I know this should go in a PM rather than a public post, but I feel so strongly about it that I decided to put it here so anyone and everyone can read it. In no way whatsoever, do I want you to leave... and if that's the impression you got, I truly apologize. Re-read the next to last sentence I wrote above. You are uniquely positioned with the resources at your disposal to be a major factor in the preservation of Ford Pintos, if you so desire. Your vast knowledge and understanding of technology, coupled with your ownership of shops, and your employment of mechanics who sound like real "car guys", could be the most valuable resource available to members of the PCCA. I'm afraid that the future of quite a few Pintos died along with Fred Morgan, but even he could only harvest and supply existing parts. The folks who have the capability to innovate and reproduce viable new parts will ultimately be the lifeblood of our hobby. And, even if you do not choose to get involved in any of that, I like your energy, your enthusiasm, and your love of the hobby; and bottom line, I like you. I think you'd find many of the other members here feel the same way.
Dwayne :)
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Thanks Dwayne. I will reproduce parts people want if I can at Nampa Machines, we officially open on the 1st of May. I have to make some spindles for stock cars after the milling machine is operational. The main focus of that shop is to manufacture CNC Plasma Cutters and milling machines for sale. But, of course, I will be using one of each for other products such as the spindles and custom bike wheels and have partnered with a great chrome shop.
Thanks about my mechanics, there are three there now and me part time. That shop, just opened in December, is now 3 weeks of work out. We have gotten quite the reputation. Monday a woman comes in with a quote for brakes from a large chain here in the west. It was for over $400, including the front only. So Vinny puts the car up on the lift and looks at the brakes and sees that they are pretty much new. Mics the rotors and they are pretty much new. We got another care with almost a quote for $800 and we fixed it for $77. Some shops around are just crooks. Seems the chains are much more also. I can't, and won't do business that way and my guys won't either. We'd rather make our money honestly and with integrity. No Pintos in our shops, but there are 2 to 3 engine rebuilds going at any given time there along with transmission rebuilds. We are one of the only full service shops where I am, even alignments, on the car brake lathes, and so on. Many shops are sending their alignments to us. We have a great rep now and I'm pretty excited about it. Just want to sell my tech company faster LOL
Thanks for the kind words. I saw the Ferrari next to his Pinto and it really kind of set me off to be honest.
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I only posted that Kevinwi had deleted his account so everyone here would know there was no longer any reason to belabor the point. NOTHING I read in that thread was out of line other than his assertion that all of Alberto's work invested in reproducing the lens should be made available free of charge. I had already made my position clear when someone earlier balked at the price so I didn't call him out on it; quite frankly, I figured some others would... and they did. I am very proud of the members who spoke up and pointed out the error of his ways. I never dreamed that he would be so thin skinned he would remove himself from the site altogether, but that was his decision. I do not find any posts, made in response to his, offensive in any way... you stepped up and supported and acknowledged the time, investment, and talent that goes into developing something like this lens and called out someone who clearly had no regard for that. This site is dedicated to the preservation of Ford Pintos and I can think of no way to better fulfill that mission than the developing of new resources for parts. That's what Alberto has done here and I applaud his efforts.
A personal note to Dianne: I know this should go in a PM rather than a public post, but I feel so strongly about it that I decided to put it here so anyone and everyone can read it. In no way whatsoever, do I want you to leave... and if that's the impression you got, I truly apologize. Re-read the next to last sentence I wrote above. You are uniquely positioned with the resources at your disposal to be a major factor in the preservation of Ford Pintos, if you so desire. Your vast knowledge and understanding of technology, coupled with your ownership of shops, and your employment of mechanics who sound like real "car guys", could be the most valuable resource available to members of the PCCA. I'm afraid that the future of quite a few Pintos died along with Fred Morgan, but even he could only harvest and supply existing parts. The folks who have the capability to innovate and reproduce viable new parts will ultimately be the lifeblood of our hobby. And, even if you do not choose to get involved in any of that, I like your energy, your enthusiasm, and your love of the hobby; and bottom line, I like you. I think you'd find many of the other members here feel the same way.
Dwayne :)
That's a Big Ditto , Dwayne....
BTW , I have a 3D Dome light, but it's the light reflecting off my missing hair patch ;D It's not dimmable so, I wear a hat a lot! :o
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Dianne, Ditto from me too, you offer a unique perspective which I enjoy.
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You guys are too kind actually.
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You guys are too kind actually.
What's that supposed to mean?! Now I'm offended! How rude!
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What's that supposed to mean?! Now I'm offended! How rude!
Huh? Hope that was a joke. What it meant, if you're serious, is that I'm nothing really when it comes to these comments and my experiences. I do what I can, with the assistance of many here, so I'm not an expert or anything else. Do you understand what that comment means, or was it to be funny?
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Huh? Hope that was a joke. What it meant, if you're serious, is that I'm nothing really when it comes to these comments and my experiences. I do what I can, with the assistance of many here, so I'm not an expert or anything else. Do you understand what that comment means, or was it to be funny?
It's too early to be serious. It's always too early to be that serious. Insert smiley face here.
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It's too early to be serious. It's always too early to be that serious. Insert smiley face here.
Whew LOL
I didn't know LOL Thanks for that, I needed the laugh this morning. I may be letting a mechanic go today and hiring another. Not in the best of moods :(
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Whew LOL
I didn't know LOL Thanks for that, I needed the laugh this morning. I may be letting a mechanic go today and hiring another. Not in the best of moods :(
Well then, insert smile there instead. Wish I could stand to be that from the ocean, I'd come apply.
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Well then, insert smile there instead. Wish I could stand to be that from the ocean, I'd come apply.
I grew up on the water and used to miss it. But mountains, high plains desert, and lakes with the best river/stream fishing around and hunting make the ocean seem not as good :D Less population also!
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I grew up on the water and used to miss it. But mountains, high plains desert, and lakes with the best river/stream fishing around and hunting make the ocean seem not as good :D Less population also!
I'm a surfer. I loved living in twin falls, as a youngster. I would spend all my time in the canyons.
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Ok...for those complaining about the price of this item, let me tell you how things work with the company that's producing them from the perspective of someone who has some products of his own up on the website. The way it works with Shapeways is you submit the file of your part and then choose from materials ranging from different grades and colors of plastic all the way up to platinum. Their software then gives you a cost to produce the part based on volume/print time and material, at which point you get to specify how much you would like to mark up that price. The only money you, as the designer, receive for the sale is that markup. In the case of these lenses, and based on my experience, I doubt *very* much if Pintopower is making more than $5 on each one of them and I think that is incredibly fair. I'm assuming he's got at least a couple hours in the design of these and that means that he'd have to sell between 20-40 of them before he even broke even with the time he's got invested. I can promise you, he didn't create this part or the gauge cluster with the intention of getting rich. He did it as a labor of love and everybody who wants to gets to benefit from it.
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Ok...for those complaining about the price of this item, let me tell you how things work with the company that's producing them from the perspective of someone who has some products of his own up on the website. The way it works with Shapeways is you submit the file of your part and then choose from materials ranging from different grades and colors of plastic all the way up to platinum. Their software then gives you a cost to produce the part based on volume/print time and material, at which point you get to specify how much you would like to mark up that price. The only money you, as the designer, receive for the sale is that markup. In the case of these lenses, and based on my experience, I doubt *very* much if Pintopower is making more than $5 on each one of them and I think that is incredibly fair. I'm assuming he's got at least a couple hours in the design of these and that means that he'd have to sell between 20-40 of them before he even broke even with the time he's got invested. I can promise you, he didn't create this part or the gauge cluster with the intention of getting rich. He did it as a labor of love and everybody who wants to gets to benefit from it.
I agree, the time and effort in design and development is murder to be honest. Same in my high-tech industry to be honest.
He did a great job for something needed badly by some people, regardless of the 3D printing lines on the end result.
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My only concern about the price was the QUALITY of this part and after reading popbumpers post I am certain i would have been very upset about the look and quality of the lens. I do realize the time it takes to create the files and cost of machines and material - but if i pay a premium price i would think i would be receiving the same in the part - a premium quality part!! but for those who need one now and not looking for a oem look and just need one for a daily driver this is great!! just not for me!!
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My only concern about the price was the QUALITY of this part and after reading popbumpers post I am certain i would have been very upset about the look and quality of the lens. I do realize the time it takes to create the files and cost of machines and material - but if i pay a premium price i would think i would be receiving the same in the part - a premium quality part!! but for those who need one now and not looking for a oem look and just need one for a daily driver this is great!! just not for me!!
If a part isn't perfect, from what I've seen of 3D printing and what was described here, it's still a technology that needs work. This is something a little wet sanding can correct though if you want that injection molded look. That though would mean more time on a part you spent $30.00 on. I don't think you can get these new anywhere and if I needed one, I certainly would purchase one and wet sand it. I'm thinking that the Maverick light is the same, I will check when and if I ever get my car back.
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I don't need a lens for my car, but I'm considering purchasing one anyway; just to see it up close and personal. The photos look fine to me. Chris bought one and is not impressed with the quality. Scott bought two and says they look fantastic. I really can't see why one person's opinion would outweigh another's, but from what I know about Chris and Scott, I believe both are being 100% truthful in their analysis. I guess everyone has their own expectations. Has anyone else here purchased a lens and, if so, can you post your thoughts on it?
Thanks,
Dwayne :)
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I think you'll like it. Remember when a 3D printer prints, it's lays a line to build on top of each other and why I think one is not impressed and the other is. It's not injection moulding, but sure it's fine. Again, sand it down you want it perfect. It's the only source for the part also :)
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I do realize the time it takes to create the files and cost of machines and material - but if i pay a premium price i would think i would be receiving the same in the part - a premium quality part!! but for those who need one now and not looking for a oem look and just need one for a daily driver this is great!! just not for me!!
What you don't realize is that it's not a premium price, especially since new ones aren't available anywhere else. I could CNC them out of whatever plastic I want, but if you thought $30 is a lot....
Just five years ago if you had a Mustang SVO with a broken front passenger corner lens, you would be faced with paying $250+ for a good used one. Now good, but still not premium repops are "only' $200 from a single source.
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3D printers are like television/monitors. They can be set to print in various lines of resolutions. The "cost" of a higher resolution part is the time it takes to print. When my son comes home he usually brings his Ultimaker. Seems like even a small part (case/holder for a Go-Pro camera) can take hours upon hours to print. So, cranking out the dome light cover isn't something that happens in 5 minutes.
Would I pay $25 for for one? No, I'm too cheap. But knowing what the printer cost (2K-3K range) and the times spent to design, print, package, ship the item it is not unreasonable.
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I think it's a case of unrealistic expectations. It is not an injection molded part. It will never *look* like an injection molded part any more than a cast object will look like a billet object. If you absolutely *must* have a smooth, glossy finish for whatever reason, you may be able to achieve it by a combination of acetone vapor bath (Google it...) and polishing. As for me, I like the texture and it helps diffuse the light. If my car had a dome light, instead of a rollcage, I'd buy one... ;-)
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Guys, I don't know what has gone on with this thread. I did not intend this to become some discussion on socioeconomics . Fact of the mater is, if you need a dome light, I spent the time to make one for myself and offered it up to the community that I share a common passion with and I make a massive few cents on every sale. The price for this has to do with the smoothness of the part. This is printed with a high quality material that gives the fine details to the lens versus the cheaper versions that look terrible. I know some of you do not care for the smoothness of the lens on the 3D printed part. Here is my solution. In many cases, I like to color sand and clear coat my 3D printed parts. In the case of the lens, install it and see how it looks with out looking at it through a magnifying lens.
Guys, If you want it better, please front the $10000 for the press, the molds, the material and the shipping and I ill gladly have one injection molded for you. I shall continue to 3D print parts for the community because that is what I enjoy doing. If you expect perfect injection molded parts, please call Doc Brown, jump in the Delorean and he will get you some nice ones, though you will need to source some plutonium.
For those that have purchased them and liked them (I have received many emails thanking me), I am glad that I was able to help you out. That was my goal. I know what it is like to have a missing or damaged parts in my car and how much i loved getting replacements. I hope this spurs others to 3D print parts. We just got a 3D scanner at the office so I have big plans for the back of the instrument clusters.
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Guys, I don't know what has gone on with this thread. I did not intend this to become some discussion on socioeconomics . Fact of the mater is, if you need a dome light, I spent the time to make one for myself and offered it up to the community that I share a common passion with and I make a massive few cents on every sale. The price for this has to do with the smoothness of the part. This is printed with a high quality material that gives the fine details to the lens versus the cheaper versions that look terrible. I know some of you do not care for the smoothness of the lens on the 3D printed part. Here is my solution. In many cases, I like to color sand and clear coat my 3D printed parts. In the case of the lens, install it and see how it looks with out looking at it through a magnifying lens.
Guys, If you want it better, please front the $10000 for the press, the molds, the material and the shipping and I ill gladly have one injection molded for you. I shall continue to 3D print parts for the community because that is what I enjoy doing. If you expect perfect injection molded parts, please call Doc Brown, jump in the Delorean and he will get you some nice ones, though you will need to source some plutonium.
For those that have purchased them and liked them (I have received many emails thanking me), I am glad that I was able to help you out. That was my goal. I know what it is like to have a missing or damaged parts in my car and how much i loved getting replacements. I hope this spurs others to 3D print parts. We just got a 3D scanner at the office so I have big plans for the back of the instrument clusters.
You go!!!! Awesome on creating a part people need!
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I'd buy one in a new York minute.
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Guys, I don't know what has gone on with this thread. I did not intend this to become some discussion on socioeconomics . Fact of the mater is, if you need a dome light, I spent the time to make one for myself and offered it up to the community that I share a common passion with and I make a massive few cents on every sale. The price for this has to do with the smoothness of the part. This is printed with a high quality material that gives the fine details to the lens versus the cheaper versions that look terrible. I know some of you do not care for the smoothness of the lens on the 3D printed part. Here is my solution. In many cases, I like to color sand and clear coat my 3D printed parts. In the case of the lens, install it and see how it looks with out looking at it through a magnifying lens.
Guys, If you want it better, please front the $10000 for the press, the molds, the material and the shipping and I ill gladly have one injection molded for you. I shall continue to 3D print parts for the community because that is what I enjoy doing. If you expect perfect injection molded parts, please call Doc Brown, jump in the Delorean and he will get you some nice ones, though you will need to source some plutonium.
For those that have purchased them and liked them (I have received many emails thanking me), I am glad that I was able to help you out. That was my goal. I know what it is like to have a missing or damaged parts in my car and how much i loved getting replacements. I hope this spurs others to 3D print parts. We just got a 3D scanner at the office so I have big plans for the back of the instrument clusters.
And a great big "THANK YOU" to you!
Dwayne :)
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So an update, Shapeways has removed the material that I used to print these with. It was a lower resolution version of what they have now (called ultra detailed plastic). The good news is that the part looks awesome. The bad news is that it is now $30. I had a bunch of people email me asking why I removed it from my shop but the reason was I had the lower res stuff as the only version for sale. When they pulled that it removed it from the shop. Sorry for the inconvenience!
https://www.shapeways.com/product/MUMKXTFJ9/ford-pinto-and-mustang-ii-standard-dome-light-lens
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That looks awesome actually! At $30 it seems like a deal. I don't need one, but if I ever need one I'll order it from you :)
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Dome light cover on E-gay (ford pinto nos) new for $74. Makes $30 look like a real deal.
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That looks awesome actually! At $30 it seems like a deal. I don't need one, but if I ever need one I'll order it from you :)
Same here!
Dwayne :)