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Navpod 2023 - Single Din 3D Print

2351 Views 50 Replies 16 Participants Last post by  FusionMRS
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Hey all, new Spyder owner here for about 4 weeks. While doing maintenance and such I found the infamous SpyderChat and saw a ton of people doing variations of different Navpods so I thought it would be a good excuse to finally buy a 3D printer.

I printed out the 3D Navpod scan from thingiverse literally as my second and 3rd print. Went ok, but as we all find, that alone is useless. So I spent the next week learning Fusion 360 and some other things. So here is my 2 week progress.

Printed the original file. Realized its not symmetric and other problems. Made some prototypes to test print pattern, angles, do some scaling/corrections, fitment and such. Although i'm ok with post work bondo/sand but these days i'm lazy and i'll just be ok with spending more time here and working on fixing the print. You can see in the prototypes below, most all have rough edges somewhere from supports or bad angles, but i figured out how to get it better.
Grey Bumper Gas Tints and shades Automotive exterior



Here's basically yesterdays prints, as I'm still tweaking things.

I've designed it to fit a single din JOYING AUTO 7" android screen (no volume knob version).

I was able to figure out a good print angle for quality compromise on all visible sides when printing the front and back cover separately (i had a one point thought it'd be easier as 1 piece but it was always a sacrifice for the front face or back cover in quality). Now smooth at all visible angles.
Rectangle Grey Font Tints and shades Dishware


Instead of redrawing the cover, i thought it'd be neat to just fix the problems with the original scan so I can keep the original wrinkle pattern in the print. And extended the vent holes since the radio will be mounted here now.
Ottoman Fedora Audio equipment Cap Automotive tire


Added the single din bracket at an angle to match the pocket depth.
Grille Bumper Hood Automotive exterior Output device


Added some LCD brackets to just slide in the new 7" LCD.
Here's the Joying auto 7" screen. Fits great, snug.
Office equipment Gas Font Computer keyboard Composite material


Radio with IDE/LCD cable mounted.
Office equipment Output device Netbook Bumper Audio equipment


Radio mounted
Automotive design Headgear Audio equipment Bag Peripheral


I deleted the old latches and redesigned kind of a locking latch that you screw in the the bottom to hide it, and it holds much better now.
Hood Bumper Automotive design Automotive exterior Carbon


All assembled.
Output device Office equipment Bumper Netbook Gadget


I need to clean up that sticky thing from the pocket rubber at the bottom..
Car Vehicle Automotive tire Motor vehicle Hood


I'm still doing a bit of tweaking to refine some things, I'm currently printing a new face cover that completely hides the chrome bezel. But at this point, it's just me being picky about finishing touches.

Everything is print in ABS. I haven't tried any other filament as I may just do a matte UV coating on my own.

I'm probably just going to run pwr/rem/gnd with RCAs leading to the amp to keep wires going up simple for now. The radio comes with GPS, 4G antennaes/wifi and such that you just sticky to the top of the DIN bracket inside. The mic hole isn't covered but you can use a better external mic too.

I know it's my first post, but the Spyder and the Navpod project has been fun lol. I was thinking of selling these, but it seems most the Navpod threads have gone dark so not sure if anyone still is looking for them.
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That is excellent work. I like that the printing layer has a close texture to the dash.
I also like that you were able to fit in a half din sized unit and made it look very factory. This is something I would considered for a Sony ES unit I was considering.
Unfortunately it is sad that mobile and interior bits for this car has fallen by the way side for rat builds with beat up interiors. Keep up the good work.
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I like the idea of the navpod, particularly the single-din; but in the end I think I like having my single-din down low. I'm trying to minimize the distractions!
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Hey all, new Spyder owner here for about 4 weeks. While doing maintenance and such I found the infamous SpyderChat and saw a ton of people doing variations of different Navpods so I thought it would be a good excuse to finally buy a 3D printer.

I printed out the 3D Navpod scan from thingiverse literally as my second and 3rd print. Went ok, but as we all find, that alone is useless. So I spent the next week learning Fusion 360 and some other things. So here is my 2 week progress.

Printed the original file. Realized its not symmetric and other problems. Made some prototypes to test print pattern, angles, do some scaling/corrections, fitment and such. Although i'm ok with post work bondo/sand but these days i'm lazy and i'll just be ok with spending more time here and working on fixing the print. You can see in the prototypes below, most all have rough edges somewhere from supports or bad angles, but i figured out how to get it better.
View attachment 97474


Here's basically yesterdays prints, as I'm still tweaking things.

I've designed it to fit a single din JOYING AUTO 7" android screen (no volume knob version).

I was able to figure out a good print angle for quality compromise on all visible sides when printing the front and back cover separately (i had a one point thought it'd be easier as 1 piece but it was always a sacrifice for the front face or back cover in quality). Now smooth at all visible angles.
View attachment 97477

Instead of redrawing the cover, i thought it'd be neat to just fix the problems with the original scan so I can keep the original wrinkle pattern in the print. And extended the vent holes since the radio will be mounted here now.
View attachment 97476

Added the single din bracket at an angle to match the pocket depth.
View attachment 97475

Added some LCD brackets to just slide in the new 7" LCD.
Here's the Joying auto 7" screen. Fits great, snug.
View attachment 97479

Radio with IDE/LCD cable mounted.
View attachment 97481

Radio mounted
View attachment 97483

I deleted the old latches and redesigned kind of a locking latch that you screw in the the bottom to hide it, and it holds much better now.
View attachment 97482

All assembled.
View attachment 97484

I need to clean up that sticky thing from the pocket rubber at the bottom..
View attachment 97485

I'm still doing a bit of tweaking to refine some things, I'm currently printing a new face cover that completely hides the chrome bezel. But at this point, it's just me being picky about finishing touches.

Everything is print in ABS. I haven't tried any other filament as I may just do a matte UV coating on my own.

I'm probably just going to run pwr/rem/gnd with RCAs leading to the amp to keep wires going up simple for now. The radio comes with GPS, 4G antennaes/wifi and such that you just sticky to the top of the DIN bracket inside. The mic hole isn't covered but you can use a better external mic too.

I know it's my first post, but the Spyder and the Navpod project has been fun lol. I was thinking of selling these, but it seems most the Navpod threads have gone dark so not sure if anyone still is looking for them.
In for one if your planning on making them
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Hey all, new Spyder owner here for about 4 weeks. While doing maintenance and such I found the infamous SpyderChat and saw a ton of people doing variations of different Navpods so I thought it would be a good excuse to finally buy a 3D printer.

I printed out the 3D Navpod scan from thingiverse literally as my second and 3rd print. Went ok, but as we all find, that alone is useless. So I spent the next week learning Fusion 360 and some other things. So here is my 2 week progress.

Printed the original file. Realized its not symmetric and other problems. Made some prototypes to test print pattern, angles, do some scaling/corrections, fitment and such. Although i'm ok with post work bondo/sand but these days i'm lazy and i'll just be ok with spending more time here and working on fixing the print. You can see in the prototypes below, most all have rough edges somewhere from supports or bad angles, but i figured out how to get it better.
View attachment 97474


Here's basically yesterdays prints, as I'm still tweaking things.

I've designed it to fit a single din JOYING AUTO 7" android screen (no volume knob version).

I was able to figure out a good print angle for quality compromise on all visible sides when printing the front and back cover separately (i had a one point thought it'd be easier as 1 piece but it was always a sacrifice for the front face or back cover in quality). Now smooth at all visible angles.
View attachment 97477

Instead of redrawing the cover, i thought it'd be neat to just fix the problems with the original scan so I can keep the original wrinkle pattern in the print. And extended the vent holes since the radio will be mounted here now.
View attachment 97476

Added the single din bracket at an angle to match the pocket depth.
View attachment 97475

Added some LCD brackets to just slide in the new 7" LCD.
Here's the Joying auto 7" screen. Fits great, snug.
View attachment 97479

Radio with IDE/LCD cable mounted.
View attachment 97481

Radio mounted
View attachment 97483

I deleted the old latches and redesigned kind of a locking latch that you screw in the the bottom to hide it, and it holds much better now.
View attachment 97482

All assembled.
View attachment 97484

I need to clean up that sticky thing from the pocket rubber at the bottom..
View attachment 97485

I'm still doing a bit of tweaking to refine some things, I'm currently printing a new face cover that completely hides the chrome bezel. But at this point, it's just me being picky about finishing touches.

Everything is print in ABS. I haven't tried any other filament as I may just do a matte UV coating on my own.

I'm probably just going to run pwr/rem/gnd with RCAs leading to the amp to keep wires going up simple for now. The radio comes with GPS, 4G antennaes/wifi and such that you just sticky to the top of the DIN bracket inside. The mic hole isn't covered but you can use a better external mic too.

I know it's my first post, but the Spyder and the Navpod project has been fun lol. I was thinking of selling these, but it seems most the Navpod threads have gone dark so not sure if anyone still is looking for them.
Great work, looks like it fits very well! I want to try this myself if you have an oppurtunity to share the files:)
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Definitely good work. I was expecting a true single din height, but realized this was single din in that the guts is just slim single din. The face is still Double din sized. More interested in a true single din, but also wonder how things are mounted and then the wiring to the radio.
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I like the idea of the navpod, particularly the single-din; but in the end I think I like having my single-din down low. I'm trying to minimize the distractions!
When I'm done with the Navpod, I'll be making a new center console similar to the Midship Garage where it moves the moves the double din slot higher and lowers the climate controls. From what I've seen for anyone who purchased their Center Console from Midship, it looks like it'd be a similar time to design my own and figure out extensions needed etc..

I have this habit of upgrading my project vehicles to have many of the luxuries of newer ones lol.
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I would be interested in that. I was not too happy With the finish and price midship garage was asking. I hope you make one that looks less custom more factory looking. I think you are talented based on your NAV pod pictures.
I would be interested in that. I was not too happy With the finish and price midship garage was asking. I hope you make one that looks less custom more factory looking. I think you are talented based on your NAV pod pictures.
Yeah I'm trying to make everything look as if they were factory upgrades/options. It'll be interesting for the Center console as it is larger to piece together. But as i don't want to sand and bondo anything, it'll be a neat challenge on how to secure and support the pieces so they can go together and not look like loose legos lol. As my own center console is cracked in the armrest, it'll definitely be the next project though.
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This is the best looking 3D printed anything I've seen for the interior of our cars.

I'd be interested in a single din version if it ever comes about.
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Yeah I'm trying to make everything look as if they were factory upgrades/options. It'll be interesting for the Center console as it is larger to piece together. But as i don't want to sand and bondo anything, it'll be a neat challenge on how to secure and support the pieces so they can go together and not look like loose legos lol. As my own center console is cracked in the armrest, it'll definitely be the next project though.
You are speaking my language and are of the same mindset. I knew you were the right guy because you are going though the trouble to hide the chrome bezel on that android unit.
Keeping it simple and true to the design of the interior could sell it. These other fabricators go overboard with too much flare making the proportions look cartoonish to the rest of the interior than blending it in so you have to do a double take to know there is a difference.
Very impressive work! Especially considering you mentioned you are new to 3D modeling and 3D printing.

Will you be sharing your print files with the community?
Great work 👍

There's probably some interest in a 3 gauge pod since mwr seems to have stopped selling theirs for now
@pwnzor - yeah i'll be offering them sooon, hopefully in a couple weeks when i finish tweaking a few things then testing it out.

@dev - lots of good effort i've seen from other peoples models, some i think do look a little tall for the doubledin versions. It's kind of like the custom fiberglass interiors, its good work but I was never a fan of shiny super custom fiberglass interior parts.

@firebert - I think I will eventually, I kind of want to sell some and try to raise money for another printer, which would help with the speed of printing new center consoles. Currently I have to split time using this printer for personal and business designs so it's almost running all the time. I think if I had more printers, I wouldn't mind printing these out cheaper for everyone as it wouldn't interfere with my real job for R&D items.

@k_swap_it - ahh i was playing around with a few models, I wasn't sure if it'd look better with just the 3x52mm holes mounted on a flat face or angled a bit towards the driver. Scaling the height without warping too much will be tricky too (trying to keep the wrinkle pattern), i might do a mix of scaling and shortening as it doesn't need to be the same depth. If i wasn't concerned about keeping the pattern, this would be done already lol.
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Ya know, I don't really understand the rationale behind not sharing the files. It's one thing if you're making parts for, say, a Civic or GR86, but in the case of the Spyder, how many are you really going to sell? 20? I understand that you've spent a good bit of time so far, but in my experience you will actually spend far less time by sharing the file, because others will also sacrifice a good bit of time to improve your work. So, in the end, you will spend less time and have a better product. This is part of the reason there are so many almost/maybe navpod products. People think they're going to make some money and thus are not willing to share. But, life happens, and they realize they don't have time to perfect the product/don't have a good enough printer/setup to charge folks any real money.

For my part, I am currently scanning the factory gauge cluster and I will share freely (so folks can make their own enclosures for digital displays). If someone has access to a navpod I will also scan and release for free. It's not worth making $200 bucks, hell even a thousand bucks. I would rather just have a good product and quickly.
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Make a notice when you create a similar pod for AEM X-gauges. I'll buy directly from you.
others will also sacrifice a good bit of time to improve your work.
Seems like that's exactly what @FusionMRS has done here. All the other pods I've seen have not been anything I would consider putting in my car. Just my opinion, for what it's worth
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@sacklunch 20 would be awesome lol. Like I mentioned above, just looking to raise some cash to get another printer or so. I mean who wouldn't want a hobby to help offset cost for more hobbies? Another printer would just help on wait time, especially if i start doing something big like the center console.

Anyhow, was just throwing some draft ideas together during lunch on the gauge pod. Should be a model like the navpod or like other gauge pod designs? It looks a bit funny, or maybe i'm just used to seeing the regular navpod. The images below are the super rough, they wouldn't fit as the further you move back the front cover, the deeper the pocket hole gets so the front would have to drop down more and back cover shortened. or everything moved forward and have a flat cover in the back. But was curious how it'd look. lol.

Fixture Automotive exterior Gas Tints and shades Font

Purple Violet Material property Gas Gadget
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Seems like that's exactly what @FusionMRS has done here. All the other pods I've seen have not been anything I would consider putting in my car. Just my opinion, for what it's worth
Yes, assuming it comes to market. There are a dozen or so posts on Facebook from users across the globe doing exactly the same thing. And none of them have amounted to much, selling maybe a few. Don't get me wrong, I hope it happens. But given the number of failed attempts (some with prototypes) I'm not optimistic.
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