Replacement Side Covers

Hi Folks,
What are replacement side covers going for these days?
A coworker and I have embarked on a project to print replacement side covers using a large 3D printer we have. So far we've scanned a left side cover from a KZ 900. We're going to print this one this week. Check out these scans.






We will be able to remove the model tag digitally so the sample side cover is not damaged in any way.
Bill

That’s awesome. I’d be interested in that same left cover without the badge and “made in USA”

These folks get $90 each except for z1 covers which are surprisingly priced at $30.

americanclassix.com/kawa_plastic_covers.html

An original Z1 sidecover would have the "line" around the press-on buttons, just as your scanned KZ900 model does. This was re-inforcing put into them during manufacture. Repro ones don't have the line, which makes them easy to spot when a seller lies says it's an original. The side covers in the link provided by Texas don't have the line.

As for price....a few minutes on ebay will give you a good idea. Some have the reinforcing lines, which probably means they are made the same way you plan to make them.

Edited to add that I tried to provide an ebay link but for some reason it won't let me.

You might want be concerned about the printing material's compatibility with paint...I have no real knowledge except that some types of plastic can be difficult to paint.

What orientation are you planning on printing it? Either way seems to have its pro's/con's.

The layer thickness tends to give it a certain "texture" if you will. Can easily be removed by sanding a little or I've been told you can use acetone (I think) and a rag to melt the surface and give it a smoother finish. If you've used a 3d printer before you will know what I am talking about.

Good luck with it.

hardrockminer wrote: An original Z1 sidecover would have the "line" around the press-on buttons, just as your scanned KZ900 model does. This was re-inforcing put into them during manufacture. Repro ones don't have the line, which makes them easy to spot when a seller lies says it's an original.

Think hardrockminer is referring to the triangular reinforcing rib molded behind each tab? They're present for stiffening the tabs, to help prevent the them from flexing where the tab meets the body of the cover.

Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE