1929 Model A Roadster ArtDeco/Coachbuilt/Streamliner -DONE!

[crazyjim]

Impressive.  I'll be watching.

[crazyrichard]

cool !!

[PorkChopPaws]

All I can say is wow.

[Foxer]

Very interesting how you made the pods with 3D and a vacuum!

[Dave Van]

COOL!!! I love the Deco look......fine craftsmanship with cutting edge tools! 

[Dave Ambrose]

Very neat project. My son just got a 3D printer, and we're looking at what we can do with it. What program you're using for your 3D models?

[Impalow]

Thank you all for your comments and taking the time to look at this project, your support helps keep me motivated!  

Very neat project. My son just got a 3D printer, and we're looking at what we can do with it. What program you're using for your 3D models?

I have been using a program called formZ for about 20 years, its mainly used in the exhibit design/architectural design fields.  I just know it so well, I do everything in it... its probably not the best program, but i can get it to work. 

Here is a link to their free version, not all the tools, but enough to make stuff.  

http://www.formz.com/products/formzfree.html

The M3D printer has pretty decent software to actually run the printer and import the STL files.  I just wish it printed better,but i knew this going in.  It is a 299 printer, based on technology that is outdated at this point. Vac-forming over it gives me some hope of still finding a use for it in my work shop. 

 

[Jantrix]

[Psychographic]

Thank you all for your comments and taking the time to look at this project, your support helps keep me motivated!  

I have been using a program called formZ for about 20 years, its mainly used in the exhibit design/architectural design fields.  I just know it so well, I do everything in it... its probably not the best program, but i can get it to work. 

Here is a link to their free version, not all the tools, but enough to make stuff.  

http://www.formz.com/products/formzfree.html

The M3D printer has pretty decent software to actually run the printer and import the STL files.  I just wish it printed better,but i knew this going in.  It is a 299 printer, based on technology that is outdated at this point. Vac-forming over it gives me some hope of still finding a use for it in my work shop. 

 

Eric, you don't need a better printer as you have the skills to finish off what the printer couldn't. Yes it would save work to have a cleaner print, but right now you are way ahead of most of us with being able to do this type of work.

 

I want to learn how to make files for printing, my problem is learning from reading. I'm much more of a learn from example type of person. Thanks for sharing the link to what you use.

[charlie8575]

I'll make no bones of this, I'm wondering if you might have saved some work for yourself by making the forms for those fenders from basswood or built-up sheet-plastic. The 3D printing is cool, but it seems to have created a lot of extra work for you.

Nevertheless...this is awesome. The concept and execution are working beautifully so far.

Consider Tamiya TS-55 Dark Blue for the body with a slightly lighter blue for the upholstery, or tan. Either would work nicely.

Where did you get the engine from?

Charlie Larkin

[geetee66]

This looks like the future of modelling, to me!

Amazing ingenuity, skills and imagination.

I love the style of the car. The lines are poetry.

[my66s55]

I really like this builds design and the way it's being done with the use of desk top 3d printing. 3d printing allows for the ability of parts, like fenders, to be printed as a mirror image of each other. I found this impossible to do by hand. Draw the file or files for one side and hit the mirror key and you have the file for other side.

[wrecker388]

What type of 3D printer are you using? I've been toying with a Hictop 3DP11 That my brother got me for a graduation present last May. So far I've not designed too awful much, mainly due to my computer not having enough CPU to run any CAD programs besides Autodesk 123D. I have made a few parts though. I really should post up some pictures on here. Maybe this Thursday if I get a little time. I only ask because my prints normally end up a lot smoother than what you're showing, unless something is loose somewhere. Your work is incredible and I was curious as to how expensive of a printer you are using. Mine was about $350 for the DIY kit. Was yours pre-assembled or did you build it from a kit? The car looks beautiful so far.

[James2]

Very interesting!

[Impalow]

Thank you all for the compliments and comments!  Ill try my best to answer all the questions,  I apologize in advance if i miss any.

Consider Tamiya TS-55 Dark Blue for the body with a slightly lighter blue for the upholstery, or tan. Either would work nicely.

Where did you get the engine from?

Charlie Larkin

Charlie, the engine is the Etzels/American Racing Miniatures Miller 91ci Straight 8, as far as i know this is one of the last ones they made.. they discontinued it shortly before I ordered this one, and had to email them begging for one...they had a few pieces left over and sent me what they had, it is missing some pieces that i'll have to scratch build.  Its an amazing piece of resin and white metal. 

As for color, im going with a dark non-metallic burgandy with a tan leather interior and light burl wood accents. at least that's the plan for now. 

What type of 3D printer are you using? I've been toying with a Hictop 3DP11 That my brother got me for a graduation present last May. So far I've not designed too awful much, mainly due to my computer not having enough CPU to run any CAD programs besides Autodesk 123D. I have made a few parts though. I really should post up some pictures on here. Maybe this Thursday if I get a little time. I only ask because my prints normally end up a lot smoother than what you're showing, unless something is loose somewhere. Your work is incredible and I was curious as to how expensive of a printer you are using. Mine was about $350 for the DIY kit. Was yours pre-assembled or did you build it from a kit? The car looks beautiful so far.

Riley my printer is the M3D micro, it was a kickstarter that went crazy... and became a company..  its excellent for a plug-n-play first printer, and for printing nik-naks and paddywacks, but really stinks for printing anything super useful and clean in 1/25th scale.  

https://printm3d.com/

That being said, I have had better results with it printing with their ABS material, these were done with the new ABS-R material.  The print was more consistent, and easier (success on the first try) but the quality was not what I have had before.  

I really like this builds design and the way it's being done with the use of desk top 3d printing. 3d printing allows for the ability of parts, like fenders, to be printed as a mirror image of each other. I found this impossible to do by hand. Draw the file or files for one side and hit the mirror key and you have the file for other side.

Agreed... and I even simplified it more by making the fender sized to work on the front and rear... Something you probably couldn't do if creating a replica, but part of the luxury of designing this thing as I go.

Here is a rough idea of time.... not that it matters, really... but just to put it all in perspective. I rounded this all up a bit too.

One 3d model (1hour) = Two 3d printed pieces(2.5hrs with 1hr cleanup) = Vacformed 8 fender halves (30min) = 4 assembled fenders (2.5hrs).

 

Edited January 3, 2017 by Impalow

[Impalow]

and now... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

and a little update on this thing. I had last week sortakinda off work, so i got a bit of bench time... not a ton, but some.  You will notice Santa brought me a new mat to work on, and after the first 3 photos a nice 150W equivalent LED Bulb for my work-lamp. (made a HUGE difference)

First up was build a hood and get the grill shell in position. Grill is from the blue bandito kit, and the main section of the hood is as well, then I narrowed the rat rod pickup hood to make the extension.

Next up was crazy with the cutter time.

Filled and molded the grill shell, then cut and installed the raised grill trim

as well as the raised trim on chassis, and also the ribbed center accent.

Then it was time to make some wheels... The center 3 layers had the cutout of the little brass nut, the outer pieces hold the nut captive. I added a small lip on the face of the wheel, not that it will be seen at all... but it makes them a bit less boring for photos.. hahaha.

 

 

Edited January 3, 2017 by Impalow

[mustang1989]

.......................aaaaaaaaaand I'll be seconding Jantrix's post:

[Impalow]

Then it was time to tackle the grill.... I wanted the grill insert to be see through and wrap under the entire engine, this is my attempt to pull that off... im still not 100% sure its going to work.. but im happy with it so far.

Programed the shape and cut a few more than the 18 of them i needed out of .020

Built a jig and started assembly..   using .020x.020 square as a spacer, and straight pins to align everything.

A little sanding and trimming I hope it will work.. Finished up here last night, I'm letting if fully cure before starting clean up and fitting.

 

[wayne swayze]

This is undeniably awesome!  Great work!

[DumpyDan]

I am just starring at your awesome work, just incredible 

[crazyjim]

Did you cut all those grill pieces by hand?  Very impressive work you're doing.

[maltsr]

Terrific work Eric, keep it up.  The grille looks great to me.

[Taxdude]

Very impressive.  I might just have to go back to Legos.

 

[misterNNL]

really an inspiring model project!Thanks for sharing your talent and techniques with us.

[blunc]

have you considered a Terraplane style grille/shell?

I think that style may flow better with the other styling you have done.