3D Printed Center Sun Visor Mount, Hard to find part-- I can make it! Options

[Robarabian]

So I got my son a 3d printer last year. Been learning how to use it. I found the plan to print a 914 center mount for the sun visor. Sometimes the parts are hard to come by.

If anyone needs one, I can print it. I didn't do the artwork, but it is accurate and works well. Maybe this is already on the forum, but I thought I would throw it out there. Print time is about 2.5 hours so they don't just pop out. PM me if you really need one, not just want a spare.

[Chi-town]

@Ribarabian Nice work!

Now that you've got the design are you able to modify it?
The issue is the two steel stems aren't supported well on the originals, can you make it so we can run one piece all the way through?

[Robarabian]

I'm new to making this stuff, so I am sure once i get the hang of how to design, anything is possible. The item is made from PLA, which is a very sturdy plastic. Looking at it in comparison to the one in my car, this feels stiffer. I am going to print one in black and then switch them out to see how it holds up.

The part probably cost me 1.50 in electricity and 5.00 bucks in PLA material. Like the Ronco chicken rotisserie, I "set it and forget it" till it is done printing. Coffee, or doing something else while it prints. It certainly is better than spending $98.00 dollars for the 3 piece set if you only needed the center part. I appreciate 914 Rubber for making all the parts they have but I find the technology amazing that I could actually make this at home. I did some contract work at SpaceX several years ago, and they print in titanium for parts nobody can make.

I found 3d designs for the relay cover and some other plastic parts as well, but my printer bed is a little too small to do those. It is a matter of time before we can print anything on the car.

To answer the last part of your question, it depends. IF you want to use the steel rods that have the oblong shape, I'm sure the design could be modified. If you just wanted to use small diameter round bar, it would be simple to drill it out slightly to make it round all the way through. The PLA seems stronger so I think it would hold up.

@Ribarabian Nice work!

Now that you've got the design are you able to modify it?
The issue is the two steel stems aren't supported well on the originals, can you make it so we can run one piece all the way through?

[scott_in_nh]

The part probably cost me 1.50 in electricity and 5.00 bucks in PLA material.

You could make dozens of these with one $20 - $30 roll and the electricity would also be pennies each, not dollars

Also, you may or may not find that the PLA holds up well in an "outdoor' environment

It's a little harder to work with, but I have started printing with ABS