NLA Plastic Component Production

[mpwrcpe]

Hey Folks,

 

 

I have long considered reproducing NLA plastic components (exterior, interior, anything really), is there any interest from the forum? All parts will be designed, tooled & injection molded here in Arizona, NOT 3D printed. I have 26 years in the tool/die/injection molding field, with a very high tech facility.

 

I would need samples of each piece for 3D modeling, and all samples will be returned upon completion.

 

Let me know what you think!

 

Thanks!

 

-Dave.

[Lorin]

Could you post some pictures of your plastics work?

 

Tag lights would be a good one 

[RogerRamJet77]

Dave,

 

I think it is a great idea.  People will always be in need of plastic parts for these cars as new parts become NLA and existing parts deteriorate.

 

-Roger

[PhilC]

A very good idea but is there much that is NLA? Most things seems to be available from BMW or one of the well known suppliers.

[mpwrcpe]

Hi Lorin, tag lights? I can get some pics together though we currently only do contract work.

 

Phil - Correct, there are pieces available for most, but even the current offerings from BMW have quality issues. One added benefit of reproducing pieces now is a reassessment of form/fit/function, i.e. we can tweak them slightly (design & resin choice) for better performance where necessary. 

 

Also this is not limited to BMW, we will be pursuing all makes/models that have a need for quality replacements (including vintage motorcycles).

 

Thanks!

[TobyB]

The end caps for the early dashes have been perennially NLA.

 

Taillight base pedestals.

 

Fuse box covers.

 

off the top of my head,

t

 

[Pdxguy]

Another source with the possibility of tweaking the original design would be fantastic!

[Daily02]

Great idea Dave! Hopefully this really takes off. We could use some good aftermarket support.

 

Regards

 

Dono

 

 

[jimk]

An issue with plastic parts is the material's UV resistance.  Will the material used withstand UV?

[Mark92131]

Maybe Air Conditioning Facia and side panels for some of the vintage brands (Behr, Clarity, etc.) with improvements (DIN Radio Cut-out Options, etc)?

 

Mark92131

[Lorin]

2 hours ago, mpwrcpe said:

Hi Lorin, tag lights? I can get some pics together though we currently only do contract work.

 

I apologize for the poor choice, they are already being reproduced. 
 

 

[uai]

5 hours ago, TobyB said:

The end caps for the early dashes have been perennially NLA.

 

They are already being reproduced as vacuum injection mould part

 

Edited December 1, 2022 by uai

[WRKO]

I'd second the request for interior AC side panels, especially the clardy ones.

 

then - I wonder if shortened bumper bellows could be developed - but those would need to be in rubber...

[Flamingo 5]

Two piece dash please 

[slowbert]

3 hours ago, West Palm 2002 said:

Two piece dash please 

 +1

 

Dashes appear to be the highest value part that is impossible to buy.  Why focus on a $5 part when you could sell nice dashes for $1500+?  $4000+?

Edited December 2, 2022 by slowbert