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FYI,
I'm sure you all have seen this. VFR is selling their paddles for $250 shipped and they are CLIP ON'S!
Just goes to show you the prices of what this may cost us are still cheaper!
Not intended as a jab or criticism at all, but I remember back when VRP was having some made to replace the button shifters on the E55's. One of the comments I recall was that the plastic/carbon fiber ones felt "light" as compared to the aluminum on the factory paddles.
I am positive I would spend up to $300 for a larger aluminum version (minus crazy logos, etc.), as long as it was proven to function correctly. The current full replacement version from Brabus is $600 +/- and that's too much for me to justify ($400 for 2 hunks of aluminum swapped onto a factory paddle). I also haven't been able to convince myself to try the stick on versions.
Not intended as a jab or criticism at all, but I remember back when VRP was having some made to replace the button shifters on the E55's. One of the comments I recall was that the plastic/carbon fiber ones felt "light" as compared to the aluminum on the factory paddles.
I am positive I would spend up to $300 for a larger aluminum version (minus crazy logos, etc.), as long as it was proven to function correctly. The current full replacement version from Brabus is $600 +/- and that's too much for me to justify ($400 for 2 hunks of aluminum swapped onto a factory paddle). I also haven't been able to convince myself to try the stick on versions.
Skimmed through that thread, will read the entire thing later, but I don't anticipate problems with the parts I will be making, simply because its an exact copy of the OEM piece. It isn't trying to do anything else, I am not providing the electronics etc, its a slightly complex piece of metal that clicks a button.
Also, I think thanks to changes in technology this becomes much easier (still not cost effective for one person, but the route we are taking as a group makes sense), thanks to the 3D scanning and new software.
Hopefully once this is all done we end up with a quality and affordable product for all. I am not out in this to make money, to be honest, I am doing this because a) its a fun challenge that I have the means to try to tackle, and b) I find it ridiculous the prices these companies are charging for stick on paddles, when in all honesty, those I can copy for much cheaper, just need to buy a set lol, and lastly c) I want to give my car a unique look and to pass that on to fellow enthusiasts.
Let's just hope everything keeps working, but I think the "hard part" is done. What it's going to come down to is numbers at this point.
The 3D printer my buddy has is not printing it right. Gonna visit him soon and see if we can fix it.
I really want to get a 3D printed prototype done because I am actually heading out to China next month so I can get this project done.
Dying to do it, but resources are scarce. Anyone got any 3D printing experience?
I have the enlarged file, but just want to make sure the curvature looks good on the steering wheel.
I'll try to go see him today or tomorrow to see why the new paddle isn't printing right, but my business got broken into last night and kind of dealing with that right now, thankfully not much taken, just a major pain in the *** trying to fix everything and upgrade security etc etc.
Last edited by SaphGreyC63; Mar 24, 2015 at 12:51 PM.
Sent the files over, hoping to get some samples, wish me luck!
Saph,
How was your trip to China!? I have a 3D Printer at work now, we just got it. I Can print out a prototype for free if you need. Just not sure your current status.
Saph,
How was your trip to China!? I have a 3D Printer at work now, we just got it. I Can print out a prototype for free if you need. Just not sure your current status.
Funny that you ask!
I was going to post tomorrow, gettting samples back today.
Process should be much smoother and quicker from here on out to finalize this piece.
I am picking them up tonight so I will post pics this weekend.
Got another 3D print and they are nice!! I like the shape on the wheel (just held and test fit) and the overall size. I am going to extend the bottom another inch or so as my pinky still is free instead of on the paddle. These are just plastic 3D prints but I am expecting the same one in metal from China in about a week or 2 I believe (depnds on port congestion!)
3D printed plastic extended full replacement paddles
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