Topic: Solstice Recessed Grills

[Wartie]

Gentleman Jim here, at your service!

http://www.gstatic.com/tv/thumb/movieposters/804/p804_p_v8_aa.jpg

[Sol Asylum]

For a second there I thought that said directed by Raquel Welch that's a major misread.



VS

[TomatoSoup]

Now that LAST one is the best thing you've posted in a while!

[Yamatr3]

I was lucky and got a set from Rudy awhile back.  They are a good mod and look cool.  We did all the R and D on them to test the fit them, but he never ended up making them.  Back then, 3D printing was not mainstream at all.  That would have really simplified production! These were made from a mold.  When I got them, I have to sand every hexagon to get the flashing off.  It took me hours!

[normsf]

I was lucky and got a set from Rudy awhile back.  They are a good mod and look cool.  We did all the R and D on them to test the fit them, but he never ended up making them.  Back then, 3D printing was not mainstream at all.  That would have really simplified production! These were made from a mold.  When I got them, I have to sand every hexagon to get the flashing off.  It took me hours!

Awesomme to still see you around, hope you have been well.

[ChopTop]

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Ditto on being lucky, and glad I jumped on them too.  I decided to paint them a contrasting color because I wanted them to stand out and not blend in. They help give the front a more aggressive appearance.  Though I'd still like to see a vendor offer these because I want an extra set, along w/Aftershocks side skirts.  BTW, Archie's spoiler looks killer w/the recessed grills. 


Aftershock side skirts:

[roxer]

Aftershock side skirts:

I think Rudy said he would have to redesign them as the only versions he had were on the car and he sold it.

[SOLster]

I think Rudy said he would have to redesign them as the only versions he had were on the car and he sold it.

I actually have the CAD files still for the mold that produced the sideskirts for my sol.  I would need to dig it out of my computer and cnc a mold to get vacuum formed parts made just like the set I made originally.  Just not sure whether the demand is there to pursue this mod.

Regarding the recessed grills, I still do have the cad for the 1st and 2nd version.  1st version is with a hard inside edge as pictured above and the 2nd version had a rounded edge on the inside of the outter frame which looked better, imo.  I have uploaded the 2nd version files onto a 3d printing service site (Shapeways) a while back in the attempt of finding a more economical 3d printing service with quality results.  Shapeways quoted me with prices that are expensive and they charge for each part, and there are 4 parts for the set.  The service charged $158.74 for the outter grill and the honeycomb insert is $185.43.  This is just for one side.  You would need to double the cost to get a full set (left and right outter frames and inserts).  I decided to forgo the pursuit is 3d printing as I felt that the costs were not realistic with the kappa community.  But, if you were to purchase this set, you can choose whatever materials you wanted printed, even metal.  But the price goes up according to the site for each material upgrade.  And the material for the 'strong & flexible' plastic is way more better quality than the ones I provided which were hand casted out of urethane polymer.  I have not ordered the recessed grills as I no longer have my solstice.  But, I have ordered smaller parts with the same 'strong & flexible' plastic material and it's quite durable and the finish is nice enough to paint primer if you choose the 'polished' option.  If there was interst in this mod, I would need to set up a shop on the Shapeways site and you would need to order directly from the site to acquire this mod.  This would also include others like the vent and shifter rings and the recessed foglight grills.

[Sting Ya]

I would definitely be interested in the side skirts if they become available

[roxer]

Bought your rear spoiler brother, and I'll take the grills and side skirts too.

[Sly Bob]

Rudy, as I remember the reason you made the grills in two pieces is because of the process you were using at the time and so other interior grill options could be made available. Wondering if the cost could be reduced by joining the two pieces in CAD and printing them in one piece.

I am certainly interested in a set but would like to see the cost come down a bit if possible. Is it feasible to to print the left and right grills in one piece?

[ChopTop]

Obviously I'm in for another set of recessed grills along w/side skirts.  I do prefer the two piece design mainly because if you want to paint the two parts two different colors you don't have to worry about masking.  Also, I'm assuming I have version 1, and prefer a flush type fitting over a step lip type of fitting.

As far as production goes it's must be difficult from a production standpoint because experience has taught me that for every ten people who indicate interest in a new product, that only one may end up buying when it becomes available.  As it is now I don't even know how many people are aware that the Aftershock rear spoiler is still available.  Every now and then a thread will pop up on the big board about it but otherwise nada.  I think the ducktail spoiler is one of those items that when people see them it in person they want to know more about it, and think it's the same w/the recessed grills.  That's why I'm thinking it could be the same way side skirts too.  The old build it and they will come mentality.  Regardless, in my "opinion" the Aftershock products flow w/the Solstice design better than other designs I've seen.  Hence my interest in wanting to see these products become available again.  FWIW, I'd like to see a super duck tail rear spoiler become available.  I was going to have mine modified and took it to a body shop, but then I became concerned about how long it would take and I ended up calling and telling them to paint it.

I've received several compliments on both the recessed grills and rear spoiler (and Norms front spoiler).  Mainly they are the back handed type of compliments; "You know, I really like the look of your Solstice...even though I don't like Solstice's."   

[blackbirdracing]

Would buy a caebon fiber sppiler right now if availble

[Yamatr3]

Awesomme to still see you around, hope you have been well.

Thanks Norm,  Yes, still around and well, hope you are too!  Not on the forum as much anymore, but still have her.  Although, I have been thinking of selling...  I need another garage, as my 3 car and barn are all full up.  Between cars and bikes, I have no room to work on anything LOL. 

[ChopTop]

Keeping the recessed grills dream alive w/my GXP clone.

[marc4sgr]

Are we able to go and order them yet on the above site mentioned?

[Gentleman Jack]

Are we able to go and order them yet on the above site mentioned?

I believe orders can be placed thru SolsticeAssylum.

[Sol Asylum]

Are you still collecting money for these things GJ?

[marc4sgr]

Someone let me know where to throw the money.. need these in my life.

[Sly Bob]

Someone let me know where to throw the money.. need these in my life.

Yeah don't we all. I'm wondering if we will ever see them but I tend to be the eternal optimist so one day I'm hoping we will.

[Sol Asylum]

So did Rudy make the CAD models available at a 3D printer like he was saying?

[ChopTop]

As far as I know, the answer is no, and I've been keeping my eyes open.  At this point in the recessed grills story I've put it in the action speaks louder than words category.

I figure one of these days I'll be able to remove mine, have them scanned, and then 3D printed.  But I'd want to do it locally because I don't want to run the risk of them being lost in shipment, and as far as I know the technology isn't available in my area yet, though w/being so close to Detroit it may be and I just don't know it.

[marc4sgr]

If the files become available I work in manufacturing so I'm sure I can find a way to get them done at a reasonable price.

[2kwk4u]

If the files become available I work in manufacturing so I'm sure I can find a way to get them done at a reasonable price.

If they don't become available, do you work in corn?   

[TomatoSoup]

If they don't become available, do you work in corn? 

OK, that one zipped right over my head