Resin or 3D printed funny car body question

[Sketch1982]

What do people use to make windshields for resin or 3D printed bodies?  Also, how do you create the interior tins of these bodies to not only look correct but to also fit the chassis correctly?   Thanks for any info!

[Fat Brian]

For the tin work the easiest way is CAD, cardboard aided design. Not actually cardboard at our scale but thick card stock can be trimmed to fit and the shaped traced onto Evergreen sheet.

For the windows, if you have a lady in your life buy her a decent size makeup palette and it will come with a crystal clear, paper thin sheet of plastic big enough for several kits.

[MeatMan]

For glass, I've been lucky enough to make parts box windshields fit for the two I needed it for.

[Shark]

Most of the time the caster/printer vacuum forms the glass over a buck they make. There are a few who use a real slow, like 24 hour, cure clear resin and cast them with a mold.

[Sketch1982]

Thank you all for the advice. I’ve always drooled over these funny car builds with resin bodies & never knew how folks pulled them off. Again, greatly appreciate the tips!

[stitchdup]

you can get great clear plastic from computer/phone repair shops too. the samsung parts packaging is the best but apple plastic works if you keep away from the edges where it is distorted

[mcs1056]

On 9/12/2025 at 5:24 PM, Fat Brian said:

CAD, cardboard aided design

Spit my coffee at that

[mcs1056]

I'm fortunate enough to have just gotten a dental vacuum form gizzie. I've made a buck out of clay for the window I need. It's not big enough to do a complete car glass one-piece, but, for individual front or backs it's perfect.

I wanted tinted windows, so I used plastic Bacardi Light Rum bottles (which are a project in themselves). These may be too tinted for some, but I think they're OK. 

In the past, I used the same plastic and used a heat gun to form over a buck. That was acceptable, but the vacuum former is the way to go. It was worth the $100.

[1930fordpickup]

People have also talked of using 2 liter bottles for the plastic. If you dont drink soda get the cheapest on sale. May be cheaper than clear sheets.

[stitchdup]

3 minutes ago, 1930fordpickup said:

People have also talked of using 2 liter bottles for the plastic. If you dont drink soda get the cheapest on sale. May be cheaper than clear sheets.

I would look for another clear plastic. the bottles lose their clarity after a few months and look fogged up or scratched. if you've put effort into doing the work, it can be disheartening to see one of the first things you see look wrong. 

[1930fordpickup]

On 10/14/2025 at 3:19 PM, stitchdup said:

I would look for another clear plastic. the bottles lose their clarity after a few months and look fogged up or scratched. if you've put effort into doing the work, it can be disheartening to see one of the first things you see look wrong. 

Thanks for the heads up. This has been the go to for many people on here.