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I've actually done something very similar as an exercise using Roger's logo as an example. Doing this with the "928" script would not be a problem. Let me play around with some designs. What were you thinking? 928 centered on the plug? And indented or raised above the surface?
I wasn't aware that you were working on this. Turns out that I dislike my mercenary projects because they interfere so much with the 928 philanthropy stuff... (read: I'd rather play than work)
When you make these can they be done with a mushroom head that sits outboard of the outer end stop? So it would look somewhat like a pull-to-actuate switch, where you can get fingers under the head to pull on it? The pull-eye that's on the rubber GTS plug is functionally great, but offers a too-easy-to-borrow factor. Make the head stand stand just tall enough to be proud of the rear bumper cover when installed, and your part will be usable in the rear, where a flat mushroom head won't work.
In black so as not to clash with the bumper color, lettering in relief so it can be highlighted easily with a bit of model paint like the wheel center caps, please.
I am also not often aware of what I am working on until someone requests it. I enjoy this kind of stuff immensely and for me it is play. As for your ideas, yes something like that can be implemented for sure. Removing the OEM plugs, at least on my car is a PITA. On the plug I show above I changed the tabs to be more round than sharp so it comes out easier. But I have some other thoughts on how to make it more friendly to remove as well. As for your idea, in order to get your fingers under the head to pull on it it would need to sit at least the thickness of a finger above the bumper cover surface. So not flush. Are you sure that would look ok for you? Or perhaps I am misinterpreting your idea? A sketch would help here. Something about it being worth a 1000 posts.
Scott is this what you were thinking of? If not, what are you envisioning? If so what scale of the 928 script do you like, small, medium, or large? And yes these plugs are designed to sit flush against the bumper.
In the rear anyway, the bumper shell outer surface sits proud of the face of the actual bumper (the metal channel...) by a hair less than 3/4". The GTS plug that looks a lot like a baby's pacifier fits there, with the finger-hole in the pull loop completely exposed but no more. Installed, you can get your finger into the hole to pull the plug out. It would be a good idea to get similar measurements from other accident-free cars to see how consistent this measurement is before committing.
A thought and then a question just jumped in and out of my feeble brain... Are you making a plug that is only intended to snap into the hole in the rear bumper shell? Or will this be a more stylish version of the 928.722..107.01 rubber GTS tow hook hole plug that protects the hole in the bumper itself? If the former, ignore everything I've said in this thread...
In the rear anyway, the bumper shell outer surface sits proud of the face of the actual bumper (the metal channel...) by a hair less than 3/4". The GTS plug that looks a lot like a baby's pacifier fits there, with the finger-hole in the pull loop completely exposed but no more. Installed, you can get your finger into the hole to pull the plug out. It would be a good idea to get similar measurements from other accident-free cars to see how consistent this measurement is before committing.
A thought and then a question just jumped in and out of my feeble brain... Are you making a plug that is only intended to snap into the hole in the rear bumper shell? Or will this be a more stylish version of the 928.722..107.01 rubber GTS tow hook hole plug that protects the hole in the bumper itself? If the former, ignore everything I've said in this thread...
Ahhh I see now. Yeah we're are talking about two different but similar things. This is the plug I am making:
And this is the one you are talking about:
I now see what you mean about making a mushroom head so you can pull it out. That is something I could try making if you are interested. Another idea is to make this piece with the tow receptacle pipe threads and then add a slot in the center of the now flush face for a flat head screwdriver to install or remove it. Or if you are concerned that will make it too easy for would be tow plug thieves that slot could be a hex socket for and allen wrench or any other odd ball fastener type.
Of course, since my car doesn't have the same hole in the front bumper shell that the pre-S4 cars do, I wasn't thinking about solutions for that NLA plug. Right now there's a GTS pacifier in each tow hook hole. In the front, the finger-pull loop sticks out far enough in the grill to notice if you look. In the rear, the loop is above the license plate, quite visible but better than just having a hole exposed there. Was thinking that a "plug" for those, especially the front, could be made with a lower-profile mushroom head so it all sits inferior to the shape of the bumper shell.
The GTS plug is EPDM so it can grab at the threads in the bumpers. A hard printed piece could easily get by with a bit of adhesive-lined shrink tubing over the end to replicate that functionality, short of trying to print a threaded end there.
I probably need to add a decent 3D printer to my toy collection. It's not like I don't have too many toys already, at least for the space available. There's no such thing as too many toys though; the obvious problem is not enough space for them.
Is the knuckle thread the same on the early cars as the later cars? I need to make plugs for my '84 anyway, so I am going to RE my tow hook's threads and design a plug I can screw in and print it in nylon.
You should get yourself a printer. Lots of options out there. Look into the Prusa i3 MK3. It's probably the best DIY level FDM printer on the market today.
Yes it is possible. People are doing similar things, for example with backlit keyboard buttons. I've never tried anything like that myself, but if I am mistaken I think someone on here offers a lighted switch conversion.
12-19-2017, 11:39 AM
