New Rabbit Hole: Door armrest chrome finisher: 74-78-260z-280z

[Jeff Berk]

In my latest attempt at logging tens of hours into refusing to spend $30 and up for parts that should cost <$10, I'm focusing on recreating the chromed plastic cover over the top bolt holding the arm rest onto the door of my 260Z. 

The part was reportedly never offered on its own and is NLA except as a reproduction. One of mine broke in half and the other is almost at that point. 

https://www.thezstore.com/product/1517/door-armrest-chrome-finisher-74-78-260z-280z

I'm playing around with creating a high quality 3D scan, printing the part with a 3D printer, and coating it with chrome. So far I've attempted with a scan using my Android phone, then a $1K+ stand alone scanner. The print is close to being where I want it. I'm going to try and chrome it using chrome vinyl film like what's used in vehicle wraps.

I'm posting this to force myself to following through. I plan on posting the final obj file for anyone wanting to print one for their own use.

The attached early attempted scan obj file can be opened in MS Paint 3D for viewing.

3DModel_LowPoly.obj

[Jeff Berk]

OK, not prefect but close. I'll post the obj file tomorrow if anyone wants to make one or two. I printed it in PLA, sanded it, sprayed it with a few layers of gloss, then stretched chrome vinyl film over it. I will print the next one in ABS because this one warped a little when I heated up the vinyl wrap to stretch it.

The photo shows the original one in my hand and the printed one installed. It looks like a chip is missing in the printed one but that's just some strange reflection.