I was wondering if anyone would be interested in custom radio faceplates? I can make some with any design/switch/guage configuration but before I take the plunge and bang some out on the CNC I was wondering who would be interested in buying some. I can also make them to fit into ashtrays/ac vents and possibly other places I havent thought of yet, I am thinking of a black powercoat/anodize with etched letters... Let me know what you guys think! Prices would be comparable to the ones found on 50resto, but of course would be cheaper. I will possibly be coming out with other parts, maybe stuff for the engine like EGR Spacers/Delete kits but that is only if I find this does good. Thanks for reading!
keep pricing to PMs...itll get you a lock quick! if they are anything like what alan made you wont have any problem getting customers! ive been waiting for them to show up on the SOS website along with the dash pod
Fox ashtrays and radio panels coming very soon, dash pod probably won't happen for a while though. I didn't realize one could post something like this? I'd be wearing you guys out! LOL I'd like to see some pics, also.
Thanks for the responses, I don't have any pics of anything made yet but once I get home I can post a pic of something I designed in 30min in a 3D Modeling Program. It looks like I will have some coming very soon, I will offer some in plastic and metal and anything custom, which would cost a little more depending on design time. I just need to have a talk with my machinst and then I can start to quote people on prices.
I don't know how long the pic is going to last due to bandwith but http://img476.imageshack.us/img476/7452/faceplateum4.png Of course it will have four counter-sunk screw holes to hold it in place, I am going to make a custom one once I get "something" for my car to hold it in place.
Right up my alley for sure. It's nice the stock radio area of the 87-93 fox allows 2 full DIN openings, with really easy mounting. With that layout, it would be cool to take a look at centering the gauge and flanking it with 2 switches on each side. That's just me, though. I'm stricken with a real thing about symmetry, lol. What program did you use to draw the part?
I used Alibre to draw the part, I got it provided free from my work but I am more partial to Autocad Inventor. I currently have the three guage setup in the second din below my car right now and I was concerned with the middle guage not being visable in certain gears but I would assume they would be putting a nitrous pressure in there which you wouldn't need to check too often so putting two switches on either side is a possibility. I want to keep it so that if you want a different configuration than what I offer, I will be able to do it upon request for free but the one-off custom things will take more time.
You're probably partial because Inventor is awesome! I've played with Inventor 9, and it is wicked. Custom parts are fun to do, and many possible configurations exist just for the fox radio plate. Beyond programming, don't forget machine setup/run time for the one-off stuff is costly. CNC machines are far more profitable when running large quantities of parts. Whenever I look at my mills I think, "if they're not running, they're not making money".
Yea I absolutely love inventor, but my brother is a machinist so I am going to call him tomorrow and see if he does CNC...if he doesn't I can go through my work and hopefully get a good price.
I'm really hooked on CNC work. Even though I run a business, it still feels like a fun hobby! It's a blast to watch parts being cut out! Here's a shot of some panels right before they came off the machine:
