A few years ago a member of HAMB posted his progress 3d printing a waterfall dash bezel for 35’ , 36’ Ford vehicles. This simple trim component is rare valuable and not reproduced. The previous thread and related YouTube video made it seem like those of us that need this part would soon be in luck as someone was going to 3d print and then sell reproductions. HAMB post detailing abandoned project https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1935-ford-waterfall.1178935/page-4 YouTube of abandoned project Unfortunately this person stopped the project but the idea still makes a lot of sense to me. I just heard my place of work is buying a fancy 3d scanner. My idea and reason for posting is to collaborate here on the forum and end up with a 3D file that anyone could download and print. I am considering buying a waterfall dash just to scan it and resell afterwards but wonder if anyone in the SF Bay Area is interesting in collaboration. As mentioned I have access to a nice 3d scanner and have numerous 3d printers at work.
My thoughts-just mine only- but is this to get marketing on an item you’d like to sell? Or just do it for the adventure? In general, HAMBrs click on an unfamiliar user, see they just joined…you can surmise the rest. But if you add all the information, let folks know your goal, then maybe you will get some traction on your idea. The HAMB is many, but is still kinda small in its own way. Good luck.
Good point I should have been more clear, my goal is to create a 3d print file that anyone can use not to sell anything. I am a technician and own a 35’ ford. Long time reader of the HAMB. Pics of my 35’ attached.
That sounds like an interesting project! I’ve been thinking about getting a 3D printer for a long time too, but I’m still sticking with gotprint services for now—they’ve been reliable and easy to use for all my printing needs. But with how far 3D printing technology has come, it’s getting harder to resist the idea of finally diving into it. Maybe I’ll treat myself this Christmas and finally get one. It would be amazing to be able to create custom items right at home. Plus, it could open up so many new creative possibilities
Ok I have made some progress here. My friend Richard has a few waterfall dash parts to lend me. Here is the first scan from the scanner (Creality Otter) and the exported STL file. I am going to watch a few videos on improving the scan and how to clean up the scan file. Richard has the cool rotating ash tray and two versions of the waterfall so once I get the system down I should be able to give people usable print files. If anyone out there wants to ehlp work on the files or colaborate let me know! I am not trying to sell anything , the goal is for myself and others to be able to print waterfall dash replicas for our own vehicles.
I finally made some progress after getting a loaner waterfall dash to scan. (see my post with initial crack at it described below)
Why don't you PM the Hamber that did that project...perhaps you both could collaborate with him and revive that and get other things happening? He's not been on in a bit but I PM people or call them out in their Threads and they get a flash notification when they log on. He really worked hard at that with admirable results. Anybody know @gbrown
@gbrown has this website in his profile: https://www.artdirectorandhotrodder.com/ I would guess he could be contacted there? Here is his thread for developing the '35 waterfall: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1935-ford-waterfall.1178935/
I'm curious about the original guy being much help from the point of view as he made it seem that it was a venture to make money not to give anything away, especially the printer files. Unless he has had a change of heart the only way I see him getting involved again is if money is involved.... ...
I would think the scanner could sure get you a good start. And, I know Quinton that did the previous 3D printed parts. Not sure if he ever really sold any or not but think he is still driving his 35 Tudor if I remember right that he built the original for. I typically see him every Easter weekend. Anyway, seems like a cool use of the 3D print technology and just gave me an idea for all the plastic pieces that are junk on my 40 Merc… Maybe I will model all those up and 3D print a set. If I do, I’ll share whatever files I make. I just need one set for myself.
I tried that about a year ago before attempting my own scan/print project. I simply said I wanted to buy a printed waterfall dash , no response. Then I asked if files are available, no response again. I messaged him again via the art director website shown above in another post. Hopefully he doesn't feel hassled but it would certainly be faster to print from an existing file or buy a print from him.
I’m taking time to learn to scan and process better 3d files. In the meantime I got another thing to scan. Richard lent me this good condition ashtray that I’m looking forward to scanning as well.
Alright after some painful study of new to me computer software I have a version 001 print file to test. No doubt there will be more after this but Im confident it will get there eventually.
First print done. Original ford part is primer color 3d print is black. It seems like this will yield a usable waterfall dash eventually. This first print has a very rough finish. It looks like driftwood. I’m going to try other setting on the printer. Unfortunately the item is too big to lay flat on the printer bed so the printer makes a large tree support of very thin plastic to support the print. I’ll continue experimenting and make a better quality model after tweaking the parent file a bit.
I’m using pla to test the shape then intend to send the file to be printed at a professional 3d print shop out of a more appropriate material- some good quality plastic, I’m not sure what type exactly.
When it's printed on a larger, professional grade printer laying on it's side it will look 100% better. I'm glad you're making progress and I'm curious about what material you'll choose.
I ordered a print made from ASA plastic. Apparently it’s the best for car interior parts $20 including shipping. More news when it gets here. I’m sure it will need some sanding and filling before paint but I’m ready for that.
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