Vanilla Ice

I have been thinking about how to make my own firebird faceplate that will look stock but that I can manipulate to my needs. It's no easy task as I'm a perfectionist and can't skip the grid texture.

What I'm thinking:
Cut out full faceplate shape from Acrylic.
Cut out shapes required for AC/Stereo/Tablet/DoubleDIN/SingleDIN.
Round edges of holes.
heat and bend lower lip as stock bezel.
Attach OEM-like fasteners on back.

Now the tricky part.
Paint and buff to OEM black shine.
Diecut? some vinyl to overlay the grid for texturing.
Need to find a texture spray that would mimic the OEM texture.

Anybody have any input or better ideas of how to accomplish any of these steps?

Greg '85 T/A

I wonder if some masked-off sand or other media blasting would give the right texture?

Vanilla Ice

Been thinking that a regular textured black spray done in a VERY light coat or two may give the desired texture.

The part I'm most concerned with is the grid masking. haven't figured out an easy way other than buying a computer diecutting machine.

Vanilla Ice

Maybe even a quick acid wash.
or nail polish remover.

thtanner

iTrader: (1)

Almost feel you could get a stencil cut. Either 3d printed plastic piece or just a plain stencil.

Spray the piece matte black, then apply gloss black over the stencil to create the effect.

Vanilla Ice

A stencil that isn't sealed to the surface will allow anything sprayed or liquid to spread anywhere it wants.

DynoDave43

iTrader: (11)

That's what I was thinking. Oven cleaner or something that would etch the surface. I think a "thickness" of paint would not look right (and flake off the polished finish).

Totally on board with the stencil idea.

thtanner

iTrader: (1)

Use someone who does vinyl decals to cut a few sheets of the grid for the stencil. No bleeding issues there most likely.

Vanilla Ice

Right. I can't think of anything easier/better for that step. Need to find somebody who can cut some different designs and will.

cypris09

iTrader: (1)

https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005430974742&tsid=0.13515939330914528&source=typeahead

Get ahold of him. Does all kinds of stuff. Great prices and easy to work with

Vanilla Ice

Hoping for a member here first for a few reasons.
Will keep them in mind if it's needed, thanks.

cypris09

iTrader: (1)

He's about as close to a member as he's going to get. As he's my brother and unfortunately a buick guy. ( don't hold it against him though) But I do understand where you're coming from.

87v6Bird

iTrader: (1)

You might want to check this out.

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1353274

I've never printed it but it looks good. He's a member on here.

brettr81

It's about 5/8" too tall if I remember. I had one printed. Like it, was going to have another printed but shorter. However, haven't had time to change the measurements. Other things popping up... yada yada yada. I have a thread about it on here.

87v6Bird

iTrader: (1)

I'll also add that I've installed an Android single din head unit with a 7" screen. I'm using it with ALDLdroid as a datalogger/tuner. That's my guess to what you're trying to do Vanilla Ice.

https://www.carjoying.com/new-androi...nt-system.html

Vanilla Ice

That's cool but not what I'm trying to do.
I always have ulterior motives. Thinking of using this to also create a custom gauge pod that looks factory too.

87v6Bird

iTrader: (1)

Ahh cool. I modeled and printed a 2 guage panel for my SC300 recently when I went from the factory 2.5 DIN to single DIN.

Hope you get something cool figured out.

Falconiroc

simple, buy already textured plexi, they make it, just look it up.

Vanilla Ice

Example? This sounds like it will not be the desired grid texture.

1992 Trans Am

iTrader: (2)

If you can find an original headlamp on/off switch assembly, the grid pattern on there is just a stuck on thin plastic like film. Maybe you can take that to a printer and have it digitally scanned and then copied or printed onto a black transparency like material you can then stick onto the new trim bezel you're going to make just like it is on the factory headlamp switch assembly?