3D Printed Console Cup Holder Insert

[cstanley]

It’s been a while since I’ve been on the board, I kind-of dropped off the map for a while. Sometimes necessary.

But, I thought I’d share a small victory and tell a story.

Essentially, though my console was (and is) beautifully restored by a board member here, I managed to break some parts off the cup holder insert. And the cost of a repop was a surprise, to say the least.

Only slightly bummed, though because I’ve been wanting to experiment with customized designs, especially for improvements I could make to the layout. But before I can can get into design improvements, I wanted to make sure my 3D printer at home would reliably handle the original configuration.

So that’s all this is. I thought I’d share my success with this small project.
Mind you, this is only the first version as proof that my equipment would successfully recreate the design. I hope to make actual design improvements next.

1. I started by taking a few quick measurements, and whipping out the design in Autodesk Fusion 360. This was about a five minute exercise all-in.

2. I dropped the design file into my home 3D printer, a Prusa I3 Mk3. A good inexpensive consumer-level printer.

3. Went to bed.

4. Woke up and my part was done. Cool.

I used a glossy black plastic, and even though the resolution wasn’t at its finest, I’m pretty happy with it as a conceptual test print.

Anyway, here’s some pics and a link to my original design file on Thingiverse.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2988571

As a post to the experience, I have plans, now that it works. I plan to make some design improvements, particularly with the center cubby and adding some mounting bosses for maybe integrated lights, mounting switches or USB ports for my radio, or something. I haven’t decided yet. I might make a modular mounting system so that I can have several things, and swap them in/out as desired.

Once refined, I’ll probably send to a service like Shapeways to be printed in better plastic on a nicer printer. On my printer, this is probably $3-4 in actual plastic raw cost.

Anyway, on with the pics...

[cstanley]

Now if I could only get my images correctly rotated...

[lks dcvn]

pics rotated

[cstanley]

Originally Posted by lks dcvn

pics rotated

Cool thanks

[tmontg01]

Already looks good to me, good job!

[CG]

Looks really nice. I like your thinking on this whole project.

Ive considered getting a 3D printer but every print Ive ever seen, even some of the higher end models, seems to have these ridges. Which is fine when you are just modeling something to get it closer to manufacture. But what about the home builder guy, can you dial these things in for a smooth print that's useable as is?

[robs71k5]

Well here's a thought for you . How about somebody does the same thing with a 69-72 period correct console so one could insert it into the 73 model that way I don't have to switch out my 73 console for my 71 console at shown shines . Capeash ?

[robs71k5]

Up side is it might free up lots of console for those still missing them lol

[cstanley]

Originally Posted by robs71k5

Up side is it might free up lots of console for those still missing them lol

It’s a cool thought. I’d need some dimensions tho.

It’s true that consumer level printers of this type (FFF or FDM, using plastic filament) will pretty much always show the layers since that’s how it lays down the material. Like a tiny hot glue gun.
Mine will get pretty thin tho, about 50 microns theoretical, or about like a thin sheet of paper. But there are lots of materials to print with that can be sanded and machined. I even have some wood, “stone” and carbon fiber (for strength) as well as ABS. I’ve been eyeing some brass and stainless but haven’t gone there yet.

[cstanley]

And then maybe drop something like this in to neaten up the bottom inside

[Blue GMC]

Now that would sell especially to us GMC guys who never get anything with our logo compared to the Chevy guys

[Mike C]

Originally Posted by robs71k5

Well here's a thought for you . How about somebody does the same thing with a 69-72 period correct console so one could insert it into the 73 model that way I don't have to switch out my 73 console for my 71 console at shown shines . Capeash ?

I don't think the cupholders showed up until 77 or 78. The 76 Blazer I have still has the seatbelt holders. Take a picture of a 69-76 and put it on a thin piece of aluminum and lay it over the cup holders at the car show. LOL.

[tmontg01]

Originally Posted by robs71k5

Well here's a thought for you . How about somebody does the same thing with a 69-72 period correct console so one could insert it into the 73 model that way I don't have to switch out my 73 console for my 71 console at shown shines . Capeash ?

I agree! I would be in for 2, always finding 73 and up but alot harder to find our correct year