FJ55 Tailgate Handle

[jrh00800]

Looks great Pighead! I see you're in the Denverish area, I am as well and would like to check out your rig if you're ever available. I don't personally own one of these iron pigs but would like to check out what ya got and how the handle's holding up!

 

[Ry24000]

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holy gap!

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Just reread this thread. I wonder if you could buff the 3D printed handle smooth and have it chrome plated to better replicate the OEM part?

 

[xtremeVA]

Just reread this thread. I wonder if you could buff the 3D printed handle smooth and have it chrome plated to better replicate the OEM part?

...@ $559 for the handle and $454 for the base I'm not sure I can afford to get it chrome plated. Metal 3d printing is amazing technology but the prices (of everything) is getting ridiculous. (Sorry for the ranting...)

 

[WarDamnEagle]

...@ $559 for the handle and $454 for the base I'm not sure I can afford to get it chrome plated. Metal 3d printing is amazing technology but the prices (of everything) is getting ridiculous. (Sorry for the ranting...)


View attachment 3212720

Wow. Agree that's a bit much. Do the bases break that often; or ever? Seems like every broken one I have seen posted was an arm on the handle. Still, $600 is twice the price quoted at the start of this discussion.

 

[xtremeVA]

Wow. Agree that's a bit much. Do the bases break that often; or ever? Seems like every broken one I have seen posted was an arm on the handle. Still, $600 is twice the price quoted at the start of this discussion.

Not sure about the bases, but that long arm on the handle just seems to be prone to fatigue over time.

As for you thought about chroming, since the part is a stainless alloy, it can probably be sanded and polished to have an improved finish.

 

[bobm]

Exactly. Sand it smooth staying with the same direction, rubber wheel after, then jewelers rouge on a cotton wheel. Maintaining same direction through all steps. You'll be able to pick you're teeth in the reflection . Will never rust .

 

[Ry24000]

IH8 to say, but that gap on post #59 is ridiculous. even if the product was >$100. In my eyes unacceptable for something priced so high! For the price it should be perfect and include the polish!!!

 

[DoubleNickels]

IH8 to say, but that gap on post #59 is ridiculous. even if the product was >$100. In my eyes unacceptable for something priced so high! For the price it should be perfect and include the polish!!!

I have to agree with you. For that price tag it should look and function perfect (even if OEM versions are rare and way more expensive). @PabloCruise we need to resurrect your version. Let's chat.

 

[J Mack]

we need to resurrect your version

I have everything here you need, come by next time you're in Boise.

 

[Ry24000]

I have to agree with you. For that price tag it should look and function perfect (even if OEM versions are rare and way more expensive). @PabloCruise we need to resurrect your version. Let's chat.

How was pablo's version made. It seems so simple, I could be wrong though. I feel like the piece's with the holes could be simply made then welded to the handle?

 

[DoubleNickels]

Welding = trouble. Very cheap steel. Don't listen to me, but if @bobm says it's impossible you know you're out of luck.

In both cases (Pablo's and Shapeways Justin) they are made via 3D print. The Shapeways site offers sintered metal prints which are just fine - the problem is that Justin's design is off just enough to show a gap. Through Shapeways, Justin is tacking on an upcharge.

We can solve this. My plan of action:

1) Revisit Pablo's CAD and compare to original. Grab the @J Mack original if needed (thank you Jim!) to compare.
2) Get some measurements from one of you that has ordered Justin's model from Shapeways. This will help confirm if the CAD model is wrong or if the Shapeways manufacturing method is sloppy.
3) Work with Pablo to have Shapeways re-quote the improved CAD, as well as a reasonable up-charge for Pablo's time and effort. *Gut feel tells me Justin is making $100+ on each handle piece, which seems a little greedy.

Yeah?

Calvin

 

[DoubleNickels]

Digging in here, Justin's not gouging price too badly. The technology and demand has gone up in price. So I'll add another item to my list above:

4) Pursue alternative mfg vendors.

 

[scrapdaddy]

As always, thanks for all your effort with these projects. The 55 group has gotten a lot of great "impossible to find" pieces reproduced because of a few guys willing to go to work for us.

Thank You!

 

[J Mack]

Grab the @J Mack original if needed (thank you Jim!) to compare.

I have both the Shapeways and several originals from different years.

 

[DoubleNickels]

I have both the Shapeways and several originals from different years.

Wow, treasure chest. OK, I'll ping you when I'm in Boise. Woot!

As always, thanks for all your effort with these projects. The 55 group has gotten a lot of great "impossible to find" pieces reproduced because of a few guys willing to go to work for us.

Thank You!

Including YOU, Ron. You've lent me several parts to reverse engineer. Thank you all.

 

[Ry24000]

I am looking at the process of making a handle differently. I think the handle can be cut, rather than printed, and the hinge pieces welded on. What do you think?

 

[DoubleNickels]

I am looking at the process of making a handle differently. I think the handle can be cut, rather than printed, and the hinge pieces welded on. What do you think?

Absolutely. What I would advise is this: if you're willing to go with a manufacturing method different than Mr. Yota did (which they did for high volume, low-cost reasons), look for ways to improve! In other words, maybe you can beef up the arms where the OEMs bust, or....? I did this on the door springs by going with a slightly stiffer steel and a few extra degrees of winding to improve spring force.

Anyways, yessir, give it a go. I'll still pursue the plan I lined out above.

 

[PabloCruise]

I have to agree with you. For that price tag it should look and function perfect (even if OEM versions are rare and way more expensive). @PabloCruise we need to resurrect your version. Let's chat.

I'll send you a PM today...

 

[bobm]

For that $ you could machine them.