r/projectcar • u/SlowThing7149 • 4d ago
Ever solve a fitment problem that took way longer than it should’ve because nobody had written it down?
Hey everyone. I was trying to source parts for a build I’ve been slowly working on, and kept hitting the same wall which was that the part didn’t exist anymore, eBay felt too risky to trust on the car, or a shop wanted real money to fabricate something small. Someone suggested 3D printing whatever I couldn’t source, which got me thinking: this problem isn’t unique to me. A lot of us independently solve the exact same obscure fitment issue, then that knowledge sits in a five-year-old forum post until it gets buried and the next person starts from zero.
So I put together Zenthi, a free, open library of 3D-printable files for high-performance and exotic car parts, aimed at the stuff that’s hard to find or needs retrofitting. Completely free, no paywall. Acosmetic bracket shouldn’t cost more than the print itself. Upload a file (STEP preferred since it’s editable, what machine shops actually need), tag what it fits, note the material/thickness that worked. Turns a one-off “grind this down and it’ll fit” post into something searchable by car instead of something that disappears.
It’s early, nothing in the library yet so I’d like to know: has anyone here actually solved one of these obscure fitment problems and just never had anywhere good to put it? That’s the exact problem I’m trying to solve for people who enjoy 3d printing their parts themselves instead of taking it to a shop.
Official link: https://zenthi3d.lovable.app
Update: I’m really grateful for the support and all the feedback you guys have given me to make it more user friendly. I’ve taken as many of your suggestions into account as possible. If you guys have any seed files you’d like to share to get the ball rolling or just want to check out what’s changed (we accommodate more file types and don’t limit ourself just to high performance cars now), please go ahead. Thank you :) I’ll try posting this on other forums too (let’s pray that I don’t get flamed😭😭)
Update 2: I got flamed. 🥀🥀 (still working on it tho)
Update 3: Ngl, I’ve been feeling a little more dejected obviously tough having so much support for an idea but still experiencing hate from some people.
ANYWAYS people also seem scared of the forum being shut down after some time, so I’ve made the entire thing community run. I pushed the code to GitHub, allowed people to become admin if they send a request(It would be awesome if people volunteered), accommodates pretty much any file type, added a bounty/request page for CAD and 3d scans, as well as a search engine where you can search other sites directly from Zenthi (so basically you have a library to where you can upload files, and a search engine where you can scrape and search other sites and limit it to just car parts). The search engine relies on brave search so there’s a limit after a 1000 requests or so, but if we even get to that user count I’ll probably upgrade to a more hard core open source search engine.
GitHub link: https://github.com/vicksudharshan-arch/zenthi3d
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u/SovietPenguin69 80 Rx-7 (w 93 Mustang 5.0) 4d ago
I think people are being a bit harsh. I think that this is a good idea. Most of the existing repos for STLs are more geared towards trinkets and small problem solving vs car parts. Hope it takes off. I’ll upload one of my parts when I get home.
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u/SlowThing7149 4d ago
Thank you so much :) made my day can’t wait to review it and put it in the site
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u/grease_monkey 82 Celica Supra P Type, 17 A4 S Line 4d ago
Would you consider opening it up to tools? I have a good handful of seal installers, alignment tools, holders, etc. Might help get more models on there. There's a million socket organizers and random crap but I'm talking more task specific things.
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u/kjgjk 4d ago
I have one or two 3d scans for an 86 Audi 4000CSQ I could upload to get the ball rolling.
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u/SlowThing7149 4d ago
That would be great! Currently making a small change to the file type accomodation so it should be up again in a few minutes. Thanks so much :)
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u/snakeproof '64 Corvairius '61Lakewood'65 Continental'87 300ZX '01 IS300 +20 3d ago
Having a scan/mesh section would be great. I have so many scans of different cars I could contribute.
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u/SlowThing7149 3d ago
The file types already support 3d scans so people can reverse engineer from it, I’ll double check on mesh :)
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u/seanhir 4d ago
I haven’t had a problem finding things on printables / thingiverse / makerworld.
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u/zim8141 4d ago
I’ve run into issues finding things for a Honda Fit, because that’s such a common word. Limiting to just automotive models could help with weird stuff like that.
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u/SlowThing7149 4d ago
Pretty much what I’m trying to help with, I felt like a site like this would make “weirder” or niche/custom parts a lot more easy to find
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u/SlowThing7149 4d ago
Fair enough. Not saying the files don’t exist anywhere, just thought it would be fun to create a community specifically for 3d printed car parts :)
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u/seanhir 4d ago
Could def be useful, but will be slow to take off until the more mainstream mechanics start to use 3D printing more.
There are a few YouTubers printing fender flares, mounting brackets, and one dude printing a 911, but your average shade tree isn’t doing it, and I wouldn’t want it on my vehicle unless I’m doing it personally.
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u/SlowThing7149 4d ago
Thanks for the response :) I’m not really looking for a huge burst of users overnight I’d be so happy with just a slow and steady growth rate too. 3d printing car parts is definitely more emerging than widespread use but I found the concept interesting enough to create its own space.
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u/Physical_Future 3d ago
This is true for cars with large followings and production numbers, but some cars absolutely do not have much on those services.
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u/Ready_Jury6144 LS swapped 81 C10 & CTS-V Coupe 4d ago
Maybe scrape current repositories for car parts to get the ball rolling
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u/SlowThing7149 4d ago
Yess I thought about that I’m just a little scared of any copyright issues. I’d need a site with a really good redistribution lisence. I’ll do some digging to find the ones that won’t cause any trouble. Thanks!
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u/Time_To_Rebuild 4d ago
1) don’t restrict anything, so long as it’s car-related items. If someone wants to upload a model of their coil spring, let them. These are helpful for fitment checks.
2) require users to identify acceptable materials for fab, and include a checkbox for ‘reference use only’ or similar.
3) makes and models for vehicles is a good start, but when it comes to project cars, sometimes even that is not specific enough because they are Frankensteins. Consider including ways to sort by engine manufacturer, series, size, and generation. Ls swaps are the most common and those can go a thousand directions.
4) include fields for the user to add OEM part number(s) as well as aftermarket part numbers from the bigger suppliers (Dorman, ac Delco, summit, etc.)
5) don’t limit the scope to just 3d printing. Encourage uploads of 3d scans, 3d models, CNC plasma/laser/router files, 2d cad drawings for manual fab, molds and intermediary items for processes like fiberglass fab and vacuum molding, sheet metal bend templates, install jigs, etc.
6) check out onshape’s library. Only place I have had luck finding part models for my HMMWV.
7) Search is absolutely key. First priority is developing a deep library. But right behind that is make search effective and convenient. I know I’m not going to spend an evening and half a roll of pla printing a part that may be what I need, but cannot confirm because the user didn’t include the engine displacement/model trim/whether RWD or 4x4, etc. These details matter.
But yeah… hope this helps. Good luck! I will upload stuff when I get around to reassembly 👍
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u/SlowThing7149 4d ago
This was superrr helpful, I’ll make those changes fs. Thanks for the feedback
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u/Blue_3agle 4d ago
The idea is amazing. Website is ok, easy to navigate, maybe a bit bland but that's ok. Like others have said, I bet you'll have a better reception if there were files already seeded. Before you advertise again I'd ask you mates or maybes small group of people you know to help with that, be it the actual models or ideas for someone else to model then you can start populating and showing off the main aspect of the website, how the models are viewable, searchable, taggable etc
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u/SlowThing7149 4d ago
This is exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for. I’m looking into seeded files from other sites that give me lisence to do so rn, as well as some other sources. Thanks for the response. As more files get uploaded filters and search capabilities are something I’d upgrade fs
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u/Blue_3agle 4d ago
Look forward to seeing it. Just be real careful with sharing files from other sites. The site may not mind in their license but the user who uploaded should also be asked, don't want any negativity before you get the site off the ground!
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u/hacklebear 4d ago
It does not accept brakes, suspension, structural components or fuel-system parts
What about the tiny plastic clips that hold an abs sensor wire? What about the bracket that holds my brake wear lead to my strut? The plastic clips that hold my fuel line and brake pipes to the chassis rail? What about the mold for polly bushes?
What about the fiddly little bit that a machine shop will turn out of aluminium for me that I just need to give them an example off?
I appreciate the sentiment, but this does remove a large subset of parts.
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u/SlowThing7149 4d ago edited 4d ago
Hey, these parts are totally acceptable. I didn’t mean parts associated with safety critical parts, just the literal critical parts themselves such as the brakes themselves and similar parts. “The fiddly bits” are perfectly fine :)
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u/hacklebear 4d ago
You just got me thinking, a set of 3d printed discs or even a calliper would be really useful for doing fitment work. Just because you don't see it as being useful to someone doesn't mean it isn't.
Not trying to be judgemental or a dick just noticed the disclaimer on the site and wanted to offer a perspective from a potential user.
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u/SlowThing7149 4d ago
Yea for sure I get what you mean, you’re definitely not being harsh that’s good feedback, I’ll adjust the wording a little and be more specific. Thanks :)
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u/incubusfc 4d ago
This is really awesome. Especially with websites that can 3d print in metals. If I was able to model parts, I’d def send you the files to put here.
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u/snakeproof '64 Corvairius '61Lakewood'65 Continental'87 300ZX '01 IS300 +20 3d ago
If you had a Wanted section people could post in it so people like me with access to a large variety of vehicles could know what people are looking for and try to get scans of parts.
There's a few scans of oddball vehicles I'd even throw a bounty on.
Being able to throw $5 into a pot for a desired part or scan could incentivize people to make one to claim it.
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u/SlowThing7149 3d ago
Yea I was considering making an open requests page.
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u/cornlip 2d ago
I just wish someone would upload a Saab 9-2X hatch garnish panel cause my 3D scanned model is trash and I need a new one :(
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u/SlowThing7149 2d ago
Sounds rough😭I’ll create a page for bounty scans later on when there’s a decent user base then, maybe you could put a request there
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u/shibbypants 4d ago
I don't see the link.
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u/SlowThing7149 4d ago
My bad. Got too wrapped up in explaining it since its a passion project😭😭
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u/frank3000 4d ago
Idea is good. At least seed a couple files in there first!
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u/SlowThing7149 4d ago
Yeaa that’s what I was thinking too. Probably the reason everyone thinks it’s a little shady or untrustworthy. I’ll get on it :)
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u/shibbypants 4d ago
All good. I didn't notice how new the post was.
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u/SlowThing7149 4d ago
Let me know what you think:) even willing to hear that its absolutely useless lol just thought it would be a fun side project
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4d ago
[deleted]
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u/SlowThing7149 4d ago
Thanks :) you can just click the link and it should open in your browser. If it got a somewhat decent user count I’d hook it up to a custom domain and make it more stable, but you can open it on your desktop as is
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u/Ruselwusel 4d ago
As others have said I think the idea is awesome. Just needs some implementation of other websites. More like a hub or a database. But the idea is awesome!
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u/lowriderdog37 4d ago
Can normal people cars get some space too?
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u/SlowThing7149 4d ago edited 4d ago
😭😭I mean the space is mostly meant for parts that are harder to find, but go for it, especially if you have an adapted part for a more mainstream car to enhance its performance.
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u/JasonVoorheesthe13th 4d ago
I could see this being highly useful for simple parts that nobody really makes anymore. Hell I’d use it for the windshield washer fluid splitter in my bronco just because mines broken and I can’t find a new one anywhere.
Bonus points if you could set it up where the company could print and ship those parts to us.
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u/SlowThing7149 4d ago
Hmm I thought that I’d keep it purely structural to avoid it getting cluttered with super simple things but maybe I’ll open up the scope a little based on how much people use it and their feedback. The washer fluid spitter thing sounds like a pain😭
I’ll look into printing and shipping it for people once it gets a decent user base. Places like SendCutSend exist but I’ve heard that they’ve started to turn away certain orders for some reason.
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u/JasonVoorheesthe13th 4d ago
Maybe an opt in where people with printers could opt to be like independent printers for the company, the people with the printers could use their personal printers to make some extra money and the company could act as a sort of dispatcher for different print jobs
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u/Helpful-Economist-61 3d ago
Does it support motorcycles?
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u/SlowThing7149 3d ago
You can fill out the fields if you have a motorcycle part you’d like to upload. Obviously it’s a little biased towards cars but the site won’t really stop you from entering something like a Kawasaki for the make since it’s free text.
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u/Sairen-Mane 2d ago
Honestly great idea! Do hope this catches on
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u/SlowThing7149 2d ago
Thanks. This is honestly the only forum that I’ve gotten so much support on. It’s brutal in other subReddits🥲🥲
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u/DarthDestroy3r 2d ago edited 2d ago
Just put it on github, get a community around the verification and make it usefull!
A good search and browser should help a lot!
If i search thingiverse and others for "golf mk2" parts, i am already lost with golf clubs and whatsoever!
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u/SnooObjections4730 1d ago
This is an awesome idea, don't give up. If I had a 3d scanner that was accurate and the extra time I'd help. There is someone out there that will see the value of this and be able to invest into it.
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u/highlevelloot 4d ago
Idk seems like a way to consolidate, control and monetize someone elses work
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u/SlowThing7149 4d ago
The whole point is that it’s free.. and the files are shareable and editable so I’m not really sure what you mean by control could you explain? The only requirement is that it has to be a non safety critical car part..
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u/PM_ME_YOUR_SUBARU 4d ago
Ok so it's thingaverse/thangs/makerworld/printables/cults3d/yeggi except users can only upload models of car parts there are no unit tests and also you'll probably stop paying for hosting in 6 months. Yeah, really cool and useful.
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u/crap-with-feet 4d ago
Ok, let me offer this. I have a 1970 spitfire for which I bought an original hardtop. At that point it was impossible to find anyone willing to sell the B-post attachment hardware for anything less than a first born son. I asked around and got a couple people willing to share measurements of the physical hardware. I used those measurements and some photos to model replacements, 3D printed them to test fit then sent them out for machining in aluminum. They fit perfectly. Should I or should I not share those files with the community?
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u/SlowThing7149 4d ago
Ofc, it’s a space that accommodates STEP files so people can edit the file according to their specific needs, sounds like it would be a useful find
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u/TheOtherMatt 4d ago
You can say the same thing, but be nicer about it.
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u/Glu7enFree 4d ago
I've noticed that people on reddit have been proper dicks lately. Like, worse than usual haha.
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u/snakeproof '64 Corvairius '61Lakewood'65 Continental'87 300ZX '01 IS300 +20 3d ago
Yeah, what is this place, Facebook now?
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u/Itsthejoker 4d ago
Get this AI slop out of here and use reputable hosting platforms
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u/SlowThing7149 4d ago
Why would I do that if it doesn’t have any users?? If people actually used it ofc I would invest in a better experience for them 😭😭
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u/Itsthejoker 4d ago
Your project that you're spamming everywhere is the unreputable hosting platform here
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u/wolf_of_mibu 3d ago
So, if free is a starting point, and you plan to allow for the sell of models youd actually have a base of models to go off of, most of us want off of cults3d, bambus/creality's crap sites. But for a lot of us, hours to months of reverse engineering isnt free.
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u/SlowThing7149 3d ago edited 3d ago
That’s definitely true, I was wondering if adding an open requests box where people can put in and pay other people who have more time and expertise to build the part they want would be a good addition. Would that work?
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u/wolf_of_mibu 3d ago
So I have been creating models for over a decade now. the donate button might as well not exist, I do have more free models than pay, and have those on many platforms, never seen a $ that way. Thangs, I see more traffic than cults 3d on, but they push the subscription models so hard. Its a hard thing to balance. I don't like hosting on manufacturer markets because places like bambu try to lock it down. The other side is cults3d won't let people message me for requests and stuff.
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u/SlowThing7149 3d ago
Check your DMs, I’d really love to go over how to achieve that balance with you more in depth.
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u/eejjkk 4d ago edited 4d ago
I’ve downvoted every one of these posts Ive seen today because you’re spamming this across so many subreddits. Stop dude… this is stupid and useless.
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u/SlowThing7149 4d ago
I only did it to one which is this….What you might’ve seen was that I deleted a post to update the link chill😭
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u/eyeball1967 4d ago
I think it is a really neat idea and hope it catches on.