3D printing idea: gauge surround rings

[cp99]

I’ve yet to see a set of rings for the gauges that look just right. Can we come up with a design and then 3D print it?

Some criteria:

- do not cover any of the gauge fonts or hash marks, which impedes the function of the gauges (ok to Siamese the rings to save space)
- make rings look like metal with paint (or can they be made of metal?)
- have a high quality appearance
- fit over stock gauge faces

What do you think?

[Tom]

I have the silver metal rings someone was selling on eBay years ago, and have always liked them. 3D printing isn't great for creating that metal look (absent specialty plating) but I could see a black bezel similar to those used in the 911 of the same era. The new 3D printing technology could make those look factory I suspect. Let me chew on it. Ideas welcome!

[cp99]

Thanks for considering. I’m looking for ideas and found this. This is next level stuff. I would be so happy looking at this each time I sit in the car.

IMG_1559.jpeg (272.59 KiB) Viewed 1657 times

[Zirconocene]

There are YouTube videos on plating 3D printed parts that look relatively straightforward, provided you have some reasonable plating capability. Full disclosure: I have not tried any of it yet, but it's on my radar for repairing/replating some of the reflectors in light housings.

Cheers

[Tom]

There are YouTube videos on plating 3D printed parts that look relatively straightforward, provided you have some reasonable plating capability. Full disclosure: I have not tried any of it yet, but it's on my radar for repairing/replating some of the reflectors in light housings.

Cheers

Thanks, I'll take a look. YouTube tends to make everything look easy . I did some 'copy cad' plating a few years ago and it did work pretty well, but the amount of work and mess for a few parts made me appreciate the pro platers all the more.

[Zirconocene]

I have a limited plating setup, primarily for black nickel plating I've experimented with on regular metal parts. There are some things I'd like to try however, so if I can get through some of my current project backlog, hopefully I can run a test sometime in the near future.

Cheers

[Tom]

I have a limited plating setup, primarily for black nickel plating I've experimented with on regular metal parts. There are some things I'd like to try however, so if I can get through some of my current project backlog, hopefully I can run a test sometime in the near future.

Cheers

If you'd like to try plating the resin plastic I use for the 718/992 bezels and covers, let me know -- I can send you some fresh off the printer....

[Zirconocene]

I'm certainly up to test it out. I'll start gathering some supplies in anticipation for a test.

Cheers

[Tom]

Looking at the cluster, there is not a lot of room between and around the gauges... Might need to get creative.

[Carmagic]

I did look into the trim rings for the 944 dash.

I sell them for 911 and 914. Take a look here http://carmagic.us/911_dialring.html
They are made of Aluminum, and just click in, no glue or tape needed.

I tried a test set for my 944 I had at that time, but they were to closed together for my taste, so I decided not to add them to my parts I offer.

Here is a picture of them installed in a 944 dash.


Cheers
Engelbert