I've seen some people are printing parts on this forum, 3d parts are not a new thing but there is still a need for it. I'm considering (if I can find the capital to start it) starting up some kind of business to make custom lines of parts for anything but mainly to address the needs of the 4th gen SHO. I've had plenty of ideas, and plenty of time to look into it, today I decided to look into the actual design process and it seems simple enough to figure out. there is a lot more research that ill need to do but before I go through the whole gauging interest page or even buying the equipment to do it with, but i thought I'd shoot some ideas here. I've got a name, I've got ideas, and I have designs, now i need money and interest and I'll do it. I haven't used any kind of CAD program since high school so keep the criticism constructive please as these are essentially rough drafts:
First up is the center dash gauge pod, it has 3 52mm pods, a "visor" and a tapered design (literally my first attempt at any of this so I have to clip the long part off the end)
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Next im somewhat proud of, foglamp inserts to take the place of the DRL insert but retain the DRL bar. I still have to work out light mounting for both the fog lamp itself as well as the DRL bar but the insert itself was taken from a ford parts website and uploaded into the CAD program, it lacks contour which I also have to figure out but we are just starting here. SHO in raised letters on the lamp housing also, If I do this it would be available in different colors/materials and an optional kit including the MKT headlight switch that matches our factory **** and harness.
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Last is a pet peeve of mine that may already exist but I cant fit 2 big coffee cups in my cupholder, and on long trips with my wife we both have these massive stainless cups and we have to take turns as to whos is stacked on whos. this would slip into the pocket to the right of the gear shift with minimal overhang on both sides to accomidate the 4" diameter upper section of the cup, I may decide on an optional low profile version that just adds another cup holder to that spot.
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The dimensions on these first runs are best guess, I am seeing how much demand there would be for the designs I already have and seeing if there are any other ideas that could be remedied with printed parts. I have enough background in the parts industry to sustain on more than just Taurus parts even as a side hustle, but this forum and the SHO were definitely the inspiration. feel free to share ideas for other parts, how to improve what I have here, and what you think of what I already have.
Moderators: I'm not selling anything or asking for money for a start up, just sharing an idea and if there is interest I will make real offerings with prices in the proper area.