Finishing the 3D Printed Fastback Miata Hardtop Plug (Part 4)

[@56knoise91]

This is really impressive. How did you go about modeling it to fit the car? Seems like a lot of playing with curves and trial & error. Any plans to sell them? If not, do you have any intention of releasing the files? I happen to work in a glass/carbon shop and would totally try this. I just happened to find your channel while looking for examples of diy hardtops given the poor fitment and high cost of aftermarket options and the high prices of OEM tops.

[@HutchinsRacing]

Thanks! I downloaded the car model from grabcad and designed the hardtop around that in Fusion 360. The sculpt function in Fusion works great for this. I might make a video on how I modeled it later. I might sell a few locally if it comes out looking good and there is interest. I'm not sure how easy shipping would be with something this huge.

[@56knoise91]

Gotcha. Which grabcad model did you use? It must be accurate if you used it for this. Even if you decide against making more and selling them I'm sure some people would be glad to pay you for a copy of the model.

[@HutchinsRacing]

@@56knoise91 Hmm I don’t see it on the site anymore. I had to do a lot of measuring of the real car to compare with the 3D scan also just to make sure everything was accurate and to scale. Good idea though! I will most likely release the files I made at some point. When I do I will let everyone know.

[@jimmyhendrix42]

Looks brilliant, do you have an instagram page for the build?

[@HutchinsRacing]

Thanks! Not currently. I probably will in the future.

[@jimmyhendrix42]

HutchinsRacing I’m trying to build something similar using Fusion at the moment. Got any tips on getting the shape right? Currently using a 3D model of the OEM hardtop and modifying from that.

[@HutchinsRacing]

@@jimmyhendrix42 Sounds like you are off on the right track. I used the Sculpt function in Fusion. I will do a video on it soon, but basically just move the little grips until you get the shape right,then add thickness, and convert it to a brep to slice and print each piece.

[@jimmyhendrix42]

HutchinsRacing cheers mate, do you have an email I could send you some questions at?