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3D Printing for the FJ

35K views 84 replies 31 participants last post by  DrDVS  
#1 ·
I picked up a basic 3D printer a few months ago for another project I'm working on, and once I started using it of course I started thinking about what I could do with it for the FJ.

Looking around here on the forum and on Thingiverse =FJ, I see some creative modeling and a few functional items but not a ton. Below are a few projects I've been working on. I'm just getting started and would love to hear what others have done and the techniques and materials you used to get good results.
 
#2 ·
I made a couple of replacement cup holders. There are numerous designs out there and a couple of vendors with high-quality versions. This is a pretty easy starter print because you don't have to worry about structural strength really, just need to get the dimensions right. PLA is easy to print with and I've found that it is softer and doesn't mar the existing cup-well, where PETg will.
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#6 ·
This is my take on one that several people and vendors have also done. Rear camera cover. Three piece construction using PETg. Parts are then super glued together. Incorporates a light housing to add a little bling to it, because why not? Not sure how long the PETg will hold up in the sun, but it's plenty strong enough to support the spare when you're taking it on and off.
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#7 ·
This project I'm still working on and haven't seen anywhere else yet. I bought a set of LED replacement lights for the rear bumper (instead of reflectors) a few years ago. I backed into a tree on the trail and busted one this summer. Unfortunately I can't find them for sale anywhere now. So I'm attempting to print a new set. Using Clear Red PETg filament I can print a passable reflector lens. It's far from perfect but from five feet you'd be hard pressed to see the difference.
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#8 ·
One more I'm working on. Lots of people have added these 2.5" halo/spot lights to their mirrors. I like the light setup with the halo wired to the blinker/running light circuits and the spots wired in with the ditch lights. When I put my first set in I used caulk to hold them in place and seal the edges. But that means there's no way to replace or maintain them without digging all of that caulk out. I'm building a set of TRD housings this time and wanted a better way to mount the lights but I also wanted to keep the factory lens. I scavenged the lenses out of my old factory bulb housings and printed a set of brackets to hold the light and lens tightly in place. I used PETg again for these. They will be in the housings so UV degradation shouldn't be an issue. Printed in 3 pieces to make it easier to print, I haven't had a lot of luck with support structures so far.
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#14 ·
Finished up my side mirror project this weekend. Printed a bracket to hold the LED ballast with tie points so I could clean up the wiring and hold it in place. Then printed a set of directional arrows that hold small COB LEDs to mount to the back of the mirrors. Very happy with how these came out. Can't wait to get them installed on the truck.
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#37 ·
@CRayFJ I did see on thingiverse someone uploaded a cover for the open storage area in the back of the center console. Did you do that?
I want to make a cover for mine, but I was kicking around the idea of 3d printing a track system and using corrugated plastic for the cover.
@Easy Rider , Wasn't me, I haven't done a console lid yet. I just started putting files on thingverse today. Using my same username as I do here. Just the cupholders and the rocklight brackets so far. Still figuring out how the site works.
 
#40 ·
@Easy Rider I pretty much use 1.75mm PETg for everything now. Here's the Amazon link to the Overture brand I've been using. It's been pretty reliable and they have most of the colors you could want. Also, I print with a .4mm nozzle and .16mm layer height at 250 degrees and 80 degree bed. That's a very fine print setup but I've found it is more dimensionally consistent, though it does take longer to print.