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29/06/2014 3:57 pm
Ford Econoline E100 build - Part 1
Yeah, I'm feeling inspired right now and it's the slow time of the year for my business so...
This is a 3D printed model in 1:18 scale. I don't have all of the parts yet I need to complete it, but I have started on the elements that I need to fabricate myself. As you can see, the 3D printing of the body is superbly executed. The parts have been promised to be sent this coming week.
The truck only comes with body parts. The rest will have to be fabricated. What will be necessary is the chassis, interior, and engine. I've decided that this will be a street version of a mid engine Econoline pickup. It will have a twin carburetor Ford 427 SOHC engine and streetable if it were a real 1:1 vehicle. I've already modified an Autoworld Chassis that I had left over from my Gas Ronda longnose Mustang Funny Car project from last summer. The engine is a Liberty and I've scavenged an auto transmission which I've already attached to the engine.
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30/06/2014 2:21 am
diecast plastic or resin
Hey Marlowe what is the body made of?
30/06/2014 4:31 am
BAHM! That's the sound of me hitting the floor! Marlowe you've done it again! Where do I.........
....start?
1) What the hell are you making? A street rod, custom gasser, a vintage gasser, a MJ creation...what? What?
2) Where are you getting these resin pieces...your Italian connection? (I thought.... I ....was you Italian connection, LOL)
3) DO you have to chrome your own parts?
4) Do you have to make your own "glass."
5) Can your "body connection" make any 1/18 body?
6) Reasonable costs or is this another project over $1,000.00? (..and you know I NEVER discuss money!!) But if these resin bodies are "in the ball park" then YOU my friend have "opened the door" and I'm going through!
7) Any other details you'd care to mention brother?
-Chris
I'm speechless!
Topic starter
30/06/2014 5:31 am
This is a 3D printed image and is plastic.
Topic starter
30/06/2014 5:54 am
Chris, here you go...
1) What the hell are you making? A street rod, custom gasser, a vintage gasser, a MJ creation...what? What? I'm making a street custom. For me that means, it will be very mild and not radical and if it were a 1:1 vehicle, be a daily driver in a Chip Fooseian kind of way.
2) Where are you getting these resin pieces...your Italian connection? (I thought.... I ....was you Italian connection, LOL) Chris, you're my favorite Italian brother from a different mother! Yes, it's coming from my 3D printer supplier in Italy.
3) DO you have to chrome your own parts? Yes, you would have to chrome your own parts. Here's the downside. I've contacted Chrometech with the intention of having them chrome parts for me. They cannot. According to Chrometech, they've tried numerous times and have failed.
The plastic used in 3D printers is an odd material. I've had enormous difficulties even trying to glue pieces together. I've used all kinds of adhesives and I've yet to find one that has good bonding qualities.
4) Do you have to make your own "glass." I haven't received the "glass" yet but it is supposedly still coming.
5) Can your "body connection" make any 1/18 body? I believe he can produce anything.
6) Reasonable costs or is this another project over $1,000.00? (..and you know I NEVER discuss money!!) But if these resin bodies are "in the ball park" then YOU my friend have "opened the door" and I'm going through! This image was $200. This build will be relatively inexpensive because I already have most of the parts I need. I'd be surprised if it exceeds $300.
7) Any other details you'd care to mention brother? My supplier is S-L-O-W! Make no mistake, his work is absolutely superb. However, he does proceed on a painfully slow timetable. On that point, it has been frustrating working with him through all of the continuous delays.
30/06/2014 11:23 am
Outstanding! Thanks. I sent you a link via email.
30/06/2014 11:07 pm
Very interesting...
Marlowe, the body looks fragile... is the plastic sturdy?
Did your supplier engineered this model by your request, or he had the model already developed and just print it for you? Just curious...
Topic starter
01/07/2014 3:25 am
Chav, fragile the body definitely is not as it is extremely stout. This body was already developed.
01/07/2014 3:38 am
Great insight to the world of 3D.... things have changed..
since I had some parts made for my Concept Cuda's I created back in 2007. Based on the Highway 61 prototype Dodge Challenger I had a AZ based guy make 3D masters of the hood, shaker, grille, taillight panel and a custom 20 inch Magnum wheel. While it only took him 2 weeks and that's with having them made in Germany, the cost of those 5 parts was almost $1200.00. Boy O boy how things have changed.
I can attest to the gluing issue. These were the masters for the resin molds I was making but I know even for sample fitting I couldn't get the hood to stay on without screwing the hinges to the hood.
I am curious about the finish, back in 07 it was rather rough and took me many hours of fine sanding to make the masters perfect for casting.
FYI, the transporter is freaking awesome man, been too busy to comment.
Make this.......haha, we just delivered this complete ground up restoration to my customer last week. Sadly just a standard 6 but its really cool you had that body done in 3D.photo no longer available
Topic starter
01/07/2014 4:28 am
John, that's along the lines I had in mind for this build. The body of the image...
... is smooth and actually will have to be roughed up for painting. Thanks for the compliment on the transporter too.
01/07/2014 5:40 am
I have seen the future! And it's an Econoline. 
I'm extremely interested in 3D printing- after hearing that the Aston that was destroyed for the latest Bond movie was a 3D model, I've been waiting/ hoping to see this technology come down to more affordable 1/18 scale images.
I do have a few questions/ thoughts...
1. Would others be interested in perhaps going in together on certain cars? I'm not sure if it would help make things even cheaper since there aren't any "molds", though... This could be a way for us to get the cars we've always wanted without hoping others will vote along with us on the yearly wish list. (I'm thinking 71-73 Coronet sedans, or VW 181s...)
2. This could also be a tremendous boon for the aftermarket. Say the Sunstar's 59 Dodge hardtop looks "off"... we could get new hardtop assembies (or something to fix the crooked fins). We could all fix/upgrade manufacturers' mistakes.
3. Conversion parts. Chances of ever getting a 60 Caddy are slim, but 3D printing could provide the parts necessary to convert an Autoart 59 convertible to a 60 hardtop...
Thoughts?
01/07/2014 6:58 am
May the Force be with you Master Marlowe!
Topic starter
01/07/2014 8:48 am
Ha! Yeah, I did say that kinda weird, huh? 🙂
Topic starter
01/07/2014 9:38 am
I'm not sure how licensing would be resolved.
03/07/2014 3:59 am
This looks intriguing