3D print of a cupholder lid

[simonc]

Hi fellas. Well, the annoyance of not having one, has finally driven me to search for a reputable, (and willing), 3D printing business that'll help me plug that gaping chasm that is my lid-less cupholder.
I've spent too much idle time searching t'internet for a second hand one and have given up on that hopeless task. I've been mulling this 3D idea for a while and even though I've tried messaging a couple of suppliers in the US (which got zero response), I persisted and came across a firm in Ramsgate called Surface Scan.
I should back up a bit and while I was searching for lids, I did come across a site which had the .stl file for the lid and bottom which I downloaded and those are the files I sent to Surface Scan to work with.
They've been extremely helpful and have agreed to produce a lid for me which will be ready in just under two weeks. The cost including postage is £23.17 and they've agreed to work with me if the (let's call it a prototype) is not 100% to my fussy standards.
Yes, they'll charge me for any subsequent versions but that's a price I'm willing to pay to get it as near-as-damnit OEM spec.
Anyway, I just thought I'd let you know what I'm up to and will give you an update with pics to show you guys the work in progress. Fingers crossed on my leap into the technological abyss...

[vanzep]

Good stuff
I see in USA they had an option for palmy blue lid??? never seen that.

I have a spare cup holder assembly here - it is just missing the spring that opens the lid.
You might need to check you have spring on your one. should be easy to replicate.
I can post up pics of oem cup holder or send to you if you want to check against what your getting from 3d printer.

from Honda parts now - Lid Assy., Switch Hole *B44L* (PALMY BLUE) - discontinued.

[simonc]

@vanzep. You have a spare one? I don't suppose there's any chance of you selling it to me is there?

[vanzep]

Hi Simon,
I dont really want to sell it at present as it is part of a spare centre console fully built up so I dont want to sell the cupholder on its own as this renders the console unsaleable I and the cupholder is missing a small spring that pops the lid open....you will also need this spring if you have not already got one.It the one in pic 3 below
Here are some pics that I thought you might find useful when checking the 3d printed part.

[simonc]

@vanzep. Thanks, buddy - it was worth a try ...
I'll definitely use those excellent photos as reference when I get the prototype back. They did send me a scan of the downloaded file and the 'details' all seem pretty accurate. I must be honest and say that I don't care if the damn thing is pink with yellow polka dots on the inside, it's the exterior that's going to make or break it for me.
I'll update you all with some photos when it arrives in the next few days.

[vanzep]

great - the cupholder is quite a complicated bit of kit - sure others will appreciate it if you are able to get a good 3D printed one set up
Im willing to post the cupholder to you when you get the 3D one so you can check it. You can let me know. I still need to identify the spring bit that is missing from my one (pic 3) think is just a bit of bent wire - maybe someone with a working cupholder can put up a pic...

Im still putting together the interior refurb on my BB1 after ripping out the hideous sexblocker centre console - boy am I glad thats gone
not a nice piece of design imo. Once I get my interior sorted I could think about letting go of the cupholder/facelift centre console.

[simonc]

Thanks @vanzep, that's a lot of good information for me as begin this quest. I'm having nightmares already about the number of versions I'll be ordering as I nit-pick about that, and that, and that, and that, and that, and er, that.

Once I get my interior sorted I could think about letting go of the cupholder/facelift centre console.

I'm first in the queue please...

[vanzep]

I found a write up on prelude power for the spring at the side thats missing on the one i have here so it must be a common issue and its another paperclip fix
It is indexed under 4th gen cupholder and towards the bottom of the thread there are photos showing the ghetto fix
https://www.preludepower.com/threads/cup-holder.340835/

[vanzep]

Even better write up here courtesy of preludeonline.com
https://www.preludeonline.com/threads/c ... cs.235567/

my cupholder is also missing the spring at the back so great info. Ive measured and its approx 1/2inch id x 1inch long

apologies simon i dont mean to threadjack

[simonc]

@vanzep No need to apologise, my friend. All this additional background is great info for those like me who lack the infamous lid.