Mondial Central Switch Panel replacement

As referenced in the emachineshops thread, I am having the plastic center switch panel made in aluminum. The original as you know, is 1980s italian plastic, will often warp or discolor with time and distracts a bit from an otherwise very elegant interior. The price from Ferrari Uk for the new piece is about $250 + customs and shipping. Using frontpanelexpress, I am having a piece of aluminum made to replace it, complete with the engravings. It will be available in anodized black, but I probably will get it in natural aluminum to match the shift gate. I may also delete the wacky cigerette lighter in favor of an american power plug, or delete it altogether. Yes, it will lose the backlighting, but I will gain a more stout and elegant piece, and I know where the switches are already. The price? Right now, it looks like about $70 or so - a private machine shop had quoted me $300+.

I'll post some pictures of the finished product, and any Mondial owners are welcome to order one of mine - just let me know and we'll work something out.

I hope this works.

Here's the piece in the frontpanelexpress CAD that I did, and a close up showing the symbology engraving:

here is the CAD picture of the black anodized aluminum piece with color engraving.
Price now around $70.
Will order one black anodized and one natural aluminum prototype this week probably.
Will take orders if anyone interested.

Russ,

how did they do the engraving??? That's absolutely amazing!!!! The work is so impressive I think everyone wants to know more, I know I do!!!

JRV
The engraving is done CNC and you can specify drill size for different resolutions, the smallest being a .2mm engraving through multiple steps up to a 3mm cutter. They then specify something called 'color pens' that infill color.

I had to learn to convert regular image files (jpeg, giff) to vector HPGL .plt files that transpose into the CAD for engraving - if I can figure it out, anyone can

They also can anodize the panel different colors, as well as do perspex panels

We'll see how well the CAD transforms into the final product - I ordered two prototypes: one is the stock replacement panel above (costing less than 1/3 of the factory piece) and a natural aluminum piece to match the shift gate.
Should be here 1 Feb.
will post photos
best
rt

Rear panel now available in black anodized Aluminum.

Well, the prototype came today. Looks pretty good.
This machine shop is so cool. They shipped the back panel today.
Here is a shot of the original plastic piece and the aluminum replacement prototype, and the prototype installed.

JRV - note the colored engraving!

best
rt

Russ,

This is beyond way cool! Congrats on mastering these skills. I now know who to call when I need an unobtanium part made.

Regards,
David

[Joe t]

Originally Posted by r turner (Snj5)

here is the CAD picture of the black anodized aluminum piece with color engraving.
Price now around $70.
Will order one black anodized and one natural aluminum prototype this week probably.
Will take orders if anyone interested.

.....ANY IDEA WHERE I CAN GET ONE FOR MY MONDIAL T CONVERTABLE ?

REGARDS

JOE