I was replacing the headlights on my 1st gen 4Runner when I noticed two of my grill clips were missing. I modeled and 3D printed these new clips and they work great.

Here's how it looks: http://imgur.com/dg0kFe3

Here's where to download the STL (3D printer) file: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:294680

 

Awesome.

 

that is damn sweet!

 

pretty cool part! - but isn't that clip only like $0.50 at the dealer and made of a stronger more element resistant plastic?

 

....I just used zip ties.

 

Neat. Maybe someday we will be able to download and "print" our car parts.

 

Hate to break it to you, but that time is now. You can build you own 3D printer in your garage, use string trimmer line to feed it, and print pretty much any shape you can imagine.

 

you can still get the clips brand new.....lol....I just ordered and got both types....seems to be a lot of work for something you can buy for like less than $1 each.

Let me guess....engineer or engineer student?

 

Me too... One day we'll be able to print zip ties!!!


Side note: Zip ties are currently holding my battery in place and my tag on as well... I need to make a trip to the hardware store.

 

I think it's cool that the OP made the clips. Sure, he could have bought them, or used zip ties, but there's a pretty substantial 'neat' factor in fabricating something like that with a 3d printer. (That said, major portions of all my vehicles are held together with zip ties).

3d printing is a young technology, but it's improving fast. People like the OP are early adopters that are helping push the technology forward. We'll all benefit when the printers improve to the point where usable metal parts can be made on home machines (some very expensive and advanced commercial 3d printers can already print metal parts).

 

If you look through the gallery that the OP linked to, there already is a model for zip ties!

 

I agree, just having fun

Awesome! Now to get a 3D printer

 

Cloudwaking... This is awesome!! This is the future of automotive repair!!

Sturmcrow: Have you built your own 3D printer?? How much did it cost? Where did you get the plans?

This is very cool! Thanks for sharing!

-Mike

 

Sorry Mike, I have not built my own. I worked with a really bright high school student last summer that was very gung-ho about building his own. A quick google search shows that you can put one together for less than $500 or so.

 

slight hijack....but I'll have a 3D printer in November.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...mer-3d-printer



Mine's held in with Zipties too....but I saved the file in case I want to make my own. Thanks!!

 

@ Highlux, where did you get the clips? all I can find comes from Taiwan!