I recently swapped the worn shifter boot for a nice leather one on Red Thunder II. The leather is thicker than the original material and is tough to wrap around the brittle round plastic frame. Mine broke in like 3 pieces. Makes it impossible to "clip" the trim ring securely to the console. (similar with the e-brake boot trim). This part is always broken or missing at salvage yards and it's not sold anywhere that I can find.

Wondering if anyone has made a replacement or would be interested in making one. Half tempted to buy a printer and try it myself.

 

I don’t, but my limited experience with 3D printed parts so far is… they are fragile amd like to delaminate, amd they warp in the temperatures car interiors experience in summer time, ie 140-150F.


have you tried superglue ( real stuff not slow cure, not dollar tree etc) stick it then a 1-2 layer tissue paper Overlay? Thinner the better. Think peel your TP to a single layer. First piece /patch after pressing pieces together to absorb excess, then wet tp amd layer on a larger patch and press it in to soak up SG and also remove air. Should wind up stronger than the oe piece

I’ve fixed many a mounting tab, bendy lock retaining tab etc with that combo and so far, 10+ years later, they are all still fine. Even after having to remove said panel again and remount it.

just an idea.

 

I've printed the shift well cover by craven speed to delete the shift boot cover found here and can also be bought on there website. I couldn't find any other 3d files of the original that holds the shift boot but you might be able to modify the one above if anyone wants to try.

 

Are you talking about part 25117527282? (that's what I think match your description). If it is, it can be found here: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/25117527282/ (or other seller) and considering the price it's not worth 3D printing.

Consumer-grade 3D printed part are indeed not very sturdy and it's hard to print correctly. I would not expect to print a part like part 25117527282 or the equivalent for the e-brake and have it hold together. Plus the part will also lack the flexibility required to clip on other part (clips will not have flexibility and will break or not hold properly).
On the other hand, the temperature is a material issue. I assume you printed with PLA (the most common material). That material is indeed not suitable for a car interior due to its low deformation temperature. Some other materials, like ABS, are suitable to a car interior.

 

Or you may try to plastic weld the broken tab back together using a standard soldering iron, a few scraps of like plastic (I believe polypropylene? ), finshing off with a fair amount of light sanding to form and smooth things out.
With respect to your previous mention of the lack of available salvage units - it is unfortunate that quite a few of them are damaged by reckless "scrap rats" that have no regard to the care with proper removal of these precious (seemingly) NLA parts.
It is indeed a pity to see.

 

I have a 3 saturns and a expax156 whats up

 

Try here: Mini Cooper Shift Boot Trim Anthracite 51167052161 02-08 R50 R52 R53 – ALLMAG Auto Parts

Keep your eye out for the color of choice or number.

 

F.Y.I. 3D printers use a variety of filaments some of which would alleviate temperature issues, i.e. https://www.matterhackers.com/store/...ild-series-abs