4.22.25: First Blog

hello...

Believe it or not, this is my first blog. So, I don't know where to begin. Except that I want to post updates of progress with my custom Vehicross (aka VX) parts and their ETA to the public. Currently, there are a number of projects that are in process simultaneously. And others that are still awaiting on deck.

One of the most exciting projects that have been recently been getting alot of hits lately is the customized Hood insert with a heat extractor. It all started by utilizing a company I contracted with a few years back called Scansite in San Rafael, CA where they do digital reverse engineering or 3d scans. I actually had the hood insert scanned a few months prior to applying for a job there and actually getting hired as a designer/scan tech contractor for a few months.

Basically, made an appointment with them, drove my VX to their facility and had David (Co-owner with Lisa) scan the hood insert. Then David would take the scanned data and convert to whatever format I needed to import into my CAD software (Rhino 3d). So, here's the original scan by Scansite:

After obtaining the CAD file, I started designing different profiles of the air intake and heat extract versions. For this first version, I did something basic just so that I could get a mold made, vacuum form ABS plastic, and test fit to see if the scan, CAD, and vaccum-formed part will produce a successful part.

Here's the first prototype mold:

After vacuum-forming the mold with 1/4" abs plastic:

Results:

Conclusion: The part fitment was slightly smaller, about 1/16th on all sides or 1/8" total. And that could be combination of the shrinkage of material and cad compensation being slightly off. But it's negotiable and good enough for test fitting and driving after installation. I can say after several months in the heat and storms, the insert is solid.

So Phase 2 (HEAT EXTRACT VERSION):

I'm currently in the process with working with my manufacturer, Bell Plastics in Hayward, who does the vacuum-forming for my skidplates and they'll be machining out a mold for this piece. It'll take a few weeks to get the mold machined and sample part produced. I'll follow up on the next blog when I get to the next phase of development. Thank you for your support.