Prototyping/Manufacturing Automotive Interior plastic

[davidflana]

Hello everyone!
I am new to the site, and the world of plastics, but am excited to learn and discuss issues with you all!

Anyway, I have an idea for some modified versions of popular automotive dashboard parts. I am currently working on the prototypes using fiberglass.

Once I am happy with the designs, I will need to get hooked up with a plastics manufacturer that can:

1. Mass produce these peices for me (of course as inexpensively as possible!)

2. Be able to color and TEXTURE match the OEM plastic so that the resulting part looks like it came from the factory.- I capped texture because the dashboard I am starting with has a definate texture to it.. it is not flat.

So, can anyone recommend a good company that either has experience with the automotive (Specifically FORD at first) plastics, or can just do this?

The pieces are fairly simple, it is the color and texture matching that I am concerned about. But then again, that may be simple too! Remember, I am new to this!

I have the ideas and the money, just need the shop!

[livewire]

I would love to mold em for ya, if you would like to also provide the investment for a new startup facility!!

[davidflana]

aww man... got me all excited that I had a reply.

[Will Call]

David,
What is your location? I'm sure there is somebody close to you that would jump at the chance to talk with you about your project.
Bill

[davidflana]

Eastern PA

Zip: 19525

[rtooling]

We may be able to help, contact me at [email protected] we are located in Toronto.

[davidflana]

I sent you an email!

Anyone else? I am trying to look at a few different companies before I decide on one.

Just so you know, this WILL be happening within the next month. I am looking at an initial order number over 1,000 units. It is ABS plastic, about 1/8" thick, and a size of about 18"x14" I have pictures of samples.

Dave

[indiana dave]

Metro RP in Noblesville (near Indianapolis) can help you from the prototype phase to the production... see them at http://www.metrorp.com .
A fiberglass prototype is fine, but they can probably produce one with the texture, and color. This would be better for presenting it to whoever you're selling it to. Are you going to market and sell this yourself, or sell it to a company for them to resell?

[davidflana]

Hey Dave!

Thanks for the info, I will certainly check that out. As for the fiberglass, I was just doing that to get a prototype. There is actually some spray texture products that you can get to match factory interior that I planned on using.

Since then, I think my time is probably better spent just working with a professional outfit such as yours to produce a nice clean prototype. I will be in touch soon!

Dave

[indiana dave]

Just to clarify, I don't work at Metro RP... I've just worked with them on many projects over the years. They're great to work with and very friendly people.

[davidflana]

ok, cool.

Thanks for the info!

[orbit03]

If you still need suppliers for this, pm me. I can help you out.