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[Stephen_D_Huff]

Is it possible to have an entire grill made for a classic car? Also how would I go about getting the file to get it printed? Is there anyone who does this? Do I need the grill first to have it copied. Sorry guys I am completely new to this and need info on if I should peruse this way of getting the grill no one makes anymore.

[clintfrancica]

It is possible to create this part but it will be a long process. First you must have the exact blueprint of the grill then you will have to model the grill using 3D software after which you will have to split into multiple parts to be able to print them on a normal sized 3D printer. After all the printing is done you will have to assamble all the parts using some type of glue and then tou need to sand down the entire print and then you can start spraying the base primer and then paint and clear.

So it is possible but you need the full blueprint and a lot of time ?.

[omicron]

As someone who works in the classic car industry…

If a 3D model doesn’t exist, you have to create the model, or pay someone to create the model for you. They will need a sample or a dimensioned engineers drawing, ideally both, but a sample is the ideal one. It doesn’t matter if its damaged, providing there enough information is there to fill in the blanks as to the damaged area.

Once a model has been created, it can be printed if you can find someone with a printer big enough to do it, or it has to be broken down into smaller sections and then bonded together afterwards. You’ll want to print it out of something durable. What finish is the original?

The alternative is to use traditional fabrication methods to make one out of metal.

[254MM]

Hello Stephen,

I too am a car enthusiast and have personally been in the same spot of not being able to find a part because it’s not made anymore. Good news is… if there is will there is a way, right? There are plenty a 3D printers that can handle large prints and in some cases a print-multiple-parts-to-assemble then cast and mold will work. It all depends on the complexity of the part needed. I believe I can help you with your request. Please email me at nicholas.hall@254multimedia.com so we may discuss this further. Chances are that we may have what you are looking for. Hope to hear from you soon.

Thank you,

Nick

254MM

#CuzitsCustom

[trimethius]

I have incredible car contacts and engineering experience on this if you would like to take further. Pm me

[designedby36]

Hi Stephen

If you can borrow the part we can mould it for you and create as many as you would like. I have done similar projects for classic bikes.

[JRMDesign]

All good responses from others. I just want to add that finding access to a large 3D scanner, or even a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) to get the critical points would really help develop the 3D model if you went that route.

It’s certainly possible and would be a really fun project. Good luck!

[omicron]

How mass produced was this classic car? On some of the cars we work on the cars are so hand made that you can’t take a grille from one car and expect it to fit another of the same make and model - the body was built to fit an individual grille - or vice versa - but more likely in conjunction with each other. The tolerances on some cars could be ±10mm from car to car, even from side to side of the same car!

As cars became more and more mass produced, this problem becomes less of a problem - but wouldn’t want you to go to lots of trouble copying something exactly, only to find it doesn’t quite fit your car. The design has to be adjusted along the way before the final version is made.

[trimethius]

Whereabouts in the world are you? My next question, how much are you budgeting for this and do you have any timescales? I am in surrey, uk. Have a great weekend and maybe catch up soon.

[joseneto1977]

Hi, I do not write English very well. But of course to do anything. If you have a photo and the main measures I can make the drawing and make the file available for print or I can print it myself.

[3dTechSolutions]

Hi Stephen. It might be possible to have someone scan an original (even if badly damaged) and then reconstruct the part in CAD. Our company provides this service. Without an original part for scanning it would be difficult to duplicate the original from scratch (pictures, measurements ect) but not impossible. Please contact me directly to discuss further. We have created some parts for race cars using similar methods. Photogrammetry scan, modify part in Cad, print prototypes in PLA, final end use part in SLS nylon 6/6. It is an involved process, but the final results can be exceptional.