When it comes to restoring or upgrading classic cars, the challenge often lies in finding parts that fit perfectly to custom needs while maintaining the car’s original aesthetic. Enter 3D printing — a game-changer for automotive enthusiasts, especially when it comes to interior parts. Whether it’s custom dashboards, knobs, or faceplates, 3D printing brings a level of precision, affordability, and customization that traditional manufacturing just can’t match.
Take, for example, my recent project on a relative’s 1987 Firebird — a beautiful muscle car with a timeless design. On this particular vehicle, the radio unit had been upgraded, and I found myself faced with a problem: the original faceplate no longer fit the new radio, and the aftermarket options were either difficult to find or expensive. It’s in situations like this a 3D printer shines best.
Using a tape measure and digital caliper, I got the dimensions of the original faceplate as well as the new radio. I then modeled a modified version of the original while ensuring it matched the original contours of the dash. Within hours, I had a 3D model ready for printing. Less than few hours later, I had a custom faceplate — perfectly sized, beautifully detailed, and tailored to the Firebird’s unique interior.
The benefits of 3D printing for automotive parts are hard to ignore:
- Faster Production: With 3D printing, you can go from idea to part in a matter of hours — no waiting for tooling or manufacturing delays.
- Low Cost: Traditional manufacturing for custom parts often comes with steep costs, but 3D printing drastically reduces the price point.
- Customizable: Want a different finish, texture, color, or after-market controls? With 3D printing, you can customize almost anything. From styles to add-ons, the options are endless.
Beyond the faceplate, 3D printing also makes it easier to create custom knobs, bezels, air vents, and even custom gauges that fit seamlessly into the car’s interior. This level of customization is especially useful for classic cars, where original parts can be hard to come by.
For most car enthusiasts, 3D printing is no longer a niche solution — it’s a mainstream way to breathe new life into vehicles with a creative touch without breaking the bank.
At Vegreville Tech Solutions, we believe in empowering automotive lovers with the tools and knowledge they need to bring their visions to life — one 3D-printed part at a time.