How to 3D print a custom car model (1966 Chevy Bus)

HISTORY

My grandfather bought a 1966 Chevy bus and converted it into an RV, that my family used to take trips in every summer. I wanted to give him a model of this bus for Christmas, but since he had made so many modifications to it....I would need to create my own version in 3D and have it printed. This is my process.


A COUPLE NOTES

1. I won' t be going into step by step details on how to model in 3D with this instructable. There are plenty of great tutorials online. 
2. Although this example is an automobile, many of these techniques can be used to model, print, paint anything.

Step 1 Tools you might need.

SOFTWARE
- 3DS Max or similar modeling program that will export .STL or the file format used by your printer.
- Photoshop or other image editing program.


REFERENCE
 - Blueprints if you can find them for the object your recreating. (I will go over how to make your own)
 - Reference images (Google image search)
 - Camera to take additional reference images.

IF you want to paint your 3D print, you'll also need:


PAINTING
- Brushes of misc sizes
- Model paint
- Paint thinner if airbrushing
- Airbrush - I used an old paasche double action I had.
- 3M Masking tape - low tack
- 3M Striping tape
- Exacto knife and blades
- Painting respirator
- Newspaper or cardboard to use as extra masking to cover everything.


HINTS
- Old cardboard boxes turned on their side work great as mini spray booths.
- If spraying paint, do it in an open area that is well ventilated.

Comments

[zack247]

nice work!
just one question:
can some parts be separate polygon wise? (like in step 7 picture 5, the pink/purple light) would i be able to just place parts on the model or would i have to cut the polygons and weld the vertices?

[nclowar]

If your printer can do it, yes. When I did this model I had to send a single solid mesh. With the latest model I am working on, the printer can accept multiple meshes that intersect each other. But, they must all be completely 'water tight', so you need to verify each mesh with an STL check. (Or something similar in your software) If you can do it that way, you can save LOTS of time.

[zack247]

thanks, im working on a model i want to get 3D printed as well, roughly how much did it cost you to get this bus done?

[nclowar]

This model was $585. But, its very dependent on size/volume, machine time, and material. Best to get a quote directly from the printer you will be using.

[omnibot]

Nice work, it's even hard to tell it's a model on some of the pictures.

[nclowar]

Thanks! I tried to get a lot of the little details in there that would help sell it.