3D Printing the Prado J120 Center Console

[GX470Runner]

So I thought I'd document the process of finding a reliable partner to help with scanning, reverse engineering and 3D printing the complete Prado J120 center console along with the gear selector cover and side trim pieces. I will install the 3D printed part in my GX and see how well it fares in 120+F (50C) summer heat of the UAE.

I've got a unit for sale which I'm going to use for 3D scanning. I am now on the hunt for someone that can do it right for me

This is so that those in the US looking to get a center console on their GX470 can grab the STL file and print it whenever they get a chance to. Of course, it goes without saying that the first few iterations may not be the best version but I'm hopeful to make this a success.

Funny enough, ebay has ALL of the accessories except the actual center console or gear cover (Prado 120 Center Console | eBay - https://www.ebay.com/shop/prado-120-center-console?_nkw=prado+120+center+console)

Come Monday/Tuesday, I should have an update!

 

[rwhockey29]

Interested in this. Ive got a printer and have been looking for center console options without having to pay the "prado" tax

 

[GX470Runner]

Okay so its been a quite a ride finding someone that'll help with the project. A lot of the companies were charging extortionate amounts to get it done. Luckily, I ran into an old aquaintance who moved into the 3D printing space and is doing pretty well for himself!

We got to talking and he even offered to get it done for almost free (where I just pay for the raw materials) if HE can set the timeline as to when I want the design and reverse-engineering completed. That sounded like a match made in 3D heaven and I decided to pull the trigger.

The gear selector cover and cup holders have been sanded down and are almost ready to be scanned. Exciting times ahead!!

 

[Ignignot]

Very cool. With more and more auto part resellers getting merged and shuttered its nice to think there could be homebrew projects to keep impossible to find parts available.

 

[GX470Runner]

Very cool. With more and more auto part resellers getting merged and shuttered its nice to think there could be homebrew projects to keep impossible to find parts available.

New parts have been discontinued for a while. The other problem is that scrap dealers are now checking on ebay on what to price their items for sale. I can't blame them as business has slowed down in the Middle East due to the ongoing war situation. These items are also hard to come by at scrap yards so there's that too.

Scanning-wise, things are looking promising at the moment. Going to follow up with Mourad and the team and see when we can get a test print done for at least the gear selector cover (I did agree to no deadlines so that the price comes down so technically, I'm at his mercy heh)

Pending parts to be scanned

 

[GX470Runner]

When the team sent me a picture like this explaining that these were all of the parts that needed scanning, it blew me away. I knew it would take time but man oh man, seeing it all laid out like that really put it into perspective.

My main conern were the connectors at the bottom. The top could look really nice and pretty but if it doesn't snap into place and stay rigid then it'd all be for nothing especially since this part is so very important and is used every time the vehicle is used.

For those that would like to preorder the STL once ready (hopefully sometime late June or July), please DM me! It's 30 USD right now but will most likely increase closer to date

 

[M3GX]

I have a friend that could probably print most of these in his Bamboo Labs printer, but some of the largest pieces may need to be broken down into two or three that snap together. Mostly #16. #1 and #3 and #4 also depending on the size of your printer.

 

[Callawaykj]

So I thought I'd document the process of finding a reliable partner to help with scanning, reverse engineering and 3D printing the complete Prado J120 center console along with the gear selector cover and side trim pieces. I will install the 3D printed part in my GX and see how well it fares in 120+F (50C) summer heat of the UAE.

I've got a unit for sale which I'm going to use for 3D scanning. I am now on the hunt for someone that can do it right for me

View attachment 4132712

This is so that those in the US looking to get a center console on their GX470 can grab the STL file and print it whenever they get a chance to. Of course, it goes without saying that the first few iterations may not be the best version but I'm hopeful to make this a success.

Funny enough, ebay has ALL of the accessories except the actual center console or gear cover (Prado 120 Center Console | eBay - https://www.ebay.com/shop/prado-120-center-console?_nkw=prado+120+center+console)

Come Monday/Tuesday, I should have an update!

This part that is shown as wood on my picture but is shown on yours as plastic, is what I am looking to get completed in 3d print. If you do yours so that each piece is independent of each other then my request will work. Let me know and thanks. KJC

 

[GX470Runner]

This part that is shown as wood on my picture but is shown on yours as plastic, is what I am looking to get completed in 3d print. If you do yours so that each piece is independent of each other then my request will work. Let me know and thanks. KJC

View attachment 4143943

View attachment 4143944

Hey KJC, we've got a holiday coming up next week so no work for about a week here where I'm at.

I'll update the post sometime in June and yes, I should have four separate files for anyone looking to 3D print:

1. Cup Holders (almost ready for a test print)
2. Side Trim Pieces (LHS & RHS)
3. Gear Selector Cover (work's still ongoing on the reverse engineering part)
4. Center Console w/out the top lid - the top lid is pretty complicated and will take a lot longer to replicate

 

[GX470Runner]

Just came on here to say that the designing part is taking a wee bit longer than I had anticipated. I am at their mercy I guess. Nothing to do but wait. Going to follow up and see how we can speed up the test print part