3D printing of door window cheaters?

[donsladek]

Has anyone attempted to make door window cheaters by 3D printing? These are Lotus P/N D100V0058F DOOR CHEATER PANEL R/H, and D100V0059F DOOR CHEATER PANEL L/H, the triangular caps that fit inside of the wing mirrors.

I know little of this process, but with the price of 3D printers coming down, and companies like Shapeways producing parts to order, I'm wondering if this is feasible? It also looks like the supply of Lotus supplied cheaters is drying up.

Cheers, and Happy Holidays!

[markv]

Creating the 3D model would be the challenge. I have a 3D printer arriving early in 2018, so would be happy to try printing if someone supplies the model. Otherwise, I'll add it to my growing list of 3D models I will try to create.

[clemo]

I have a 3D printer arriving early in 2018, so would be happy to try printing if someone supplies the model.

Markv's list . He is a good chap isn't he !.

Rear light covers x2 ..

[dapinky]

This is as far as my 3D printing skills and knowledge stretch, so i can't help at all.....

3d-printing.png

[markv]

I have a 3D printer arriving early in 2018, so would be happy to try printing if someone supplies the model.

Markv's list . He is a good chap isn't he !.

Rear light covers x2 ..

Thanks Clemo, Just adding it to the complete list:-

1. 3D Benchy
2. Fence Clip
3. CTRLV Benchmark
4. Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (not to scale)
5. Apollo 11 Command Module (not to scale)
:
:
37. DOOR CHEATER PANEL R/H (awaiting 3D Data Model)
38. DOOR CHEATER PANEL L/H (awaiting 3D Data Model)
39. Rear light covers x2 (awaiting 3D Data Model)

[markv]

This is as far as my 3D printing skills and knowledge stretch, so i can't help at all.....

Believe me Dave, your 3D printing skills and knowledge are on a par (if not more advanced) than mine!

[Giniw]

Creating the 3D model would be the challenge

Not really, it's a basic shape if I remember correctly.
However the surface roughness would probably be very average, that's probably the main issue.

[markv]

Creating the 3D model would be the challenge

Not really, it's a basic shape if I remember correctly.
However the surface roughness would probably be very average, that's probably the main issue.

You'd be surprised how complex a Basic Shape is to construct when you have to build it by adding and subtracting cuboids and conic sections! Yes, the surface finish might well be even worse than average, particularly bearing in mind I will have a bottom of the range 3D printer.

Are you volunteering to create the 3D model?

[Giniw]

Are you volunteering to create the 3D model?

Well if it helps, yes I am

[Giniw]

And here it is:

cheater.png

It's just made from these few photos of the CF version, I don't have my cheaters here to take the measurements.
https://forum.lotuselancentral.com/down ... &mode=view
https://forum.lotuselancentral.com/down ... &mode=view
https://forum.lotuselancentral.com/down ... &mode=view
https://forum.lotuselancentral.com/down ... &mode=view
https://forum.lotuselancentral.com/down ... &mode=view

[Giniw]

Just smoothed the edge at the top of the triangle by adding another fillet, not sure if it has to be done:

cheater2.png

(and changed the main fillet radius too, not sure either. There are obviously some details I am missing.)



Here is an STL to download but keep in mind it's just a draft, not a single dimension is OK so far (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MeshLab can be used to view it for instance, it's a free software):
https://www.mirari.fr/d5gb.stl

[Brit-Car-Nut]

I will crank up the DaVinci and print one so the grain will be visible and you all can decide if it is worth it.

[Giniw]

I just had a look at their website, I didn't know 3D printers can now print in colour!

[clemo]

Doesn't wayne already make the corner wing mirror bits ?

[Brit-Car-Nut]

No, just "B" Post covers, escutcheons, door window parts, sill covers and headlamp rebuild parts.

Wayne's Web Store

[clemo]

Maybe it was Darren then .... i know somebody did they ages ago .

[wayne]

ChrisP had them remade in carbon fibre. And they look really good.

Which reminds me. I never did fit them.

cheaters.jpg

[chrisP]

Just so you are aware, the ones I made are a slightly different shape to the originals, one to fill the gap in the door cards better, two to be a uniform shape and three to clear the front window riser . The later is the reason the the originals fell to pieces. Also you will need to engineer an internal 'tang' for the fitting to the door.

Best Regards
Chris

[Giniw]

(as for the CAD, I have not had the time/opportunity to look after mines yet — they are not at my place, so no originals to be measured. I am sure I have them though)