Attention 3D print gurus

[WVJeep304]

I'm in need of a couple of parts. While I was given a 3D printer several months ago, I'm not great with stuff like that and haven't taken the time to figure it out, or even unbox it. That won't be changing anytime soon.

I need a couple of parts. If any of you already have something designed or could do so easily, let me know how much you'd charge to send me the following:

A flat(ish) plate to replace the airbag switch. I made this one from kydex to get me by a couple years ago, but it's starting to aggravate me. I'd like something that locks in more like the airbag switch did instead of just laying in that slot.

Also, I'd like a plate to fit this slot where I removed the ashtray. No holes or switch mounting points needed. Just something that fits and looks as close to factory as is reasonable. I, again, made a flat panel with the appropriate bend in it out of kydex and adhered it with double sided tape. That lasted about 2 years. Would like something more permanent.

Anyone have anything or know where I can find solutions for the above? I looked and found some stuff close to what I wanted, but it was almost always purpose built for a gauge or switch set that I don't have or need. Thanks in advance!

 

[Steel City 06]

Thingiverse and Printables have a surprising amount of TJ parts. The problem is the search feature isn't great and you need to try a billion terms to get what you want. But often you get lucky.

Some of the more niche items it may literally be faster to draw it in CAD than it is to find it online.

 

[WVJeep304]

Thingiverse and Printables have a surprising amount of TJ parts. The problem is the search feature isn't great and you need to try a billion terms to get what you want. But often you get lucky.

Some of the more niche items it may literally be faster to draw it in CAD than it is to find it online.

Yeah, that search function is dreadful. I've spent many hours on those sites looking for what I need, but nothing is exact. Another reason I'm not in a hurry to try to learn the 3d printer is I have zero clue how to use a CAD program. I was super proud of myself for learning to use a vinyl plotter & software. I admittedly can only do a fraction of what it's capable of, but that's enough to fill my needs for now. The 3d printing stuff is a bit more out of reach for my current level of patience and brain power lol.

 

[Steel City 06]

CAD can be learned with some time investment. Some programs are easier than others, but they all function the same basic way. Make a 2D sketch and then stretch it into a 3D form. Rinse and repeat.

A good one to start is Autodesk Fusion 360. It's free and fairly simple, and you can find many tutorials online for how to use it. It's often taught in middle and high schools. Not as heavily featured as some other paid programs, but enough to do 99% of whatever you would want to do if you're persistent.

You probably won't be making super complex shapes like convoluted trim panels at first, but you can certainly easily sketch up simpler geometry and iterate from there.

It's a useful skill to have and something that stands out on a resume depending on your career path.


Another thing is if you have a 3D printer while learning CAD, you can iterate your designs. Take some measurements, sketch up a part, print it fast at low quality in the cheapest materials possible. See how well it fits. Make a few slight adjustments to your model, print it again. Fine tune it, and then print it in high quality with good plastic, install and forget.

 

[Hacker412]

The easy start for 3d printing is TinkerCad. Everything I have uploaded to Thingiverse was made in this program. Get a micrometer from Amazon, and you are set.
https://www.tinkercad.com/dashboard
https://www.thingiverse.com/hacker411/designs

I recommend PETG for nearly everything.

 

[Steel City 06]

The easy start for 3d printing is TinkerCad. Everything I have uploaded to Thingiverse was made in this program. Get a micrometer from Amazon, and you are set.
https://www.tinkercad.com/dashboard
https://www.thingiverse.com/hacker411/designs

I recommend PETG for nearly everything.

I've never really looked at TinkerCAD but that does seem like a fairly interesting one to start on. Seems like it would be fairly easy for someone with no knowledge to grasp. (Also did not know it was an Autodesk product.)

FreeCAD is another option, but the UI is reminiscent of CAD programs from the early 00s, so maybe not the easiest to learn. But it certainly has more features than most other free programs.

Solidworks offers a hobbyist license for fairly cheap, and I mostly use that as it is one of the programs I am most familiar with. They usually have an annual deal every December. It's fairly similar to Autodesk Inventor.

 

[k1n3k]

I'd like a plate to fit this slot where I removed the ashtray. No holes or switch mounting points needed. Just something that fits and looks as close to factory as is reasonable.

Just a dumb question, but why not just put the ash tray back in? If you don't need any additional slots or anything, it seems like the easiest answer and as close to factory as possible. I do get the desire for the airbag switch thing.

 

[WVJeep304]

Just a dumb question, but why not just put the ash tray back in? If you don't need any additional slots or anything, it seems like the easiest answer and as close to factory as possible. I do get the desire for the airbag switch thing.

At some point, I'll probably end up mounting stuff to it, and I can't do that with the ashtray. Also, the ashtray doesn't stay closed all the way and it drives my ocd nuts

 

[Steel City 06]

The easy start for 3d printing is TinkerCad. Everything I have uploaded to Thingiverse was made in this program. Get a micrometer from Amazon, and you are set.
https://www.tinkercad.com/dashboard
https://www.thingiverse.com/hacker411/designs

I recommend PETG for nearly everything.

PETG is a fairly good starter material. Only problem is it's not very UV or heat resistant. It'll work for parts that don't see significant heat or direct sunlight.

If the printer is capable I'd recommend ASA for most finished parts in the interior and exterior, except under the hood. More heat resistant and very UV resistant. So it won't fade or become brittle in the sun. ASA also happens to be stronger.

I print polycarbonate almost exclusively (both blends and pure PC) but that's probably overkill for most parts. Though it can be necessary for parts under the hood for heat reasons. PC, although way stronger, is also more brittle than PETG or ASA so it can be finicky to work with.

For draft parts, PLA is the cheapest and easiest material to print. That said I'd never permanently install a part printed in PLA on a car.

 

[Obi-Wan]

While I was given a 3D printer several months ago, I'm not great with stuff like that and haven't taken the time to figure it out, or even unbox it.

What printer were you given?

 

[WVJeep304]

What printer were you given?

Couldn't even tell you. Haven't even taken it out of the box. My nephews used it for school for a year, then were given money to upgrade. I think it's a pretty decent one, but idk. I'll try to look for a make/model here in a bit.


Edit: Realized the box was right behind me. It's a Creality Ender 3 Pro.

 

[Rut Row]

air bag plate https://makerworld.com/en/models/93...eplacement-plate?from=search#profileId-896275

where are you in WV? I'm 7 miles east of Shepherdstown. The ashtray would need some design work.

 

[rasband]

Just pointing out this other thread:

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/what-have-you-3d-printed-for-your-tj.55555/

 

[WVJeep304]

air bag plate https://makerworld.com/en/models/93...eplacement-plate?from=search#profileId-896275

where are you in WV? I'm 7 miles east of Shepherdstown. The ashtray would need some design work.

Thanks! That can definitely work! I can probably get my nephew to print that for me. I'm in Charleston.