Stihl ms 460/660 Hybrid. 469e

[NateSaw]

Very rough cutout and fit up to determine where the buck needs to be adjusted. Again, we'll pleased. I'm glad I didn't give up.

 

[NateSaw]

A quick scuff on the inside with scotchbrite and a very careless coat of paint...

 

[Ketchup]

Having a clear AF cover might not be the worst thing…

 

[NateSaw]

That’s cool. I think I have that same shop vac. How are you heating the polymer sheet?

Also, what are you using as a release agent? We want the details!

Really enjoying chapter 3 (4?).

Thanks Caleb! Yeah chapter 3.
No release agent. All the time I took making sure my draft angles were all positive payed off. The buck fell out of the sheet with a shake. That being said, my previous desire to "finish" the buck and make it smooth, negated by this mornings resignation that the buck would fail and the pull would be faulty, allowed for a slightly porous finish, that I believe aided in the buck releasing. So that is well catalogue in my notes of things not to change.
Months back I had been given a kitchen range. I knew I needed one for heating dye baths and baking paint and vacuum forming. I built this vacuum table a decade ago to make an airbox for my Yamaha Seca 550. The size of sheet I built around was, at the time, readily available at Lowes and home depot (24"x18"),and accommodates most projects, and still fits in the oven. I'm using 0.060" petg (vivak) sheet. The sweet spot for petg is 300* Fahrenheit, and this thickness is well heated very quickly. It was drooping into the oven grate within 3 minutes.

 

[NateSaw]

Having a clear AF cover might not be the worst thing…

That was one of the motivating factors in taking this approach. That, and paint can be applied to the inside, so it won't scratch off. And it can be applied carelessly to a degree, as the finish is determined by the outside plastic. I'll likely do one masked off near the filter element, so you can check the filter without checking the filter

 

[NateSaw]

As you can see, fitment and color match are challenges yet to be dealt with. However, the wind has been blown back into my sails. I know what to do now. And I'm thrilled to be able to make repeat replacement parts.

 

[Canadian farm boy]

@NateSaw Have you tried dying that plastic?

 

[Ronie]

Very nice

 

[NateSaw]

@NateSaw Have you tried dying that plastic?

Not yet Mike. I haven't tried dying any plastic yet. Not since my high school lacrosse stick.

 

[NateSaw]

Very nice

Not yet
It's crude for now, but thank ye!

 

[NateSaw]

@NateSaw Have you tried dying that plastic?

My prediction is that scuffing the inside with scotchbrite would help the dye. I'd appreciate your input on dying. I've seen yours. It looks good and seems to hold up!

 

[Canadian farm boy]

Nothing to it really. Just heat up a big pot of water to a real low boil, add the dye and put the plastic parts in. I usually let ‘em soak for at least 1/2 hour and then give em a good wash in fresh water. The longer the parts soak the deeper the dye penetrates. Some guys add (I think) salt or white vinegar to the mix. It’s supposed to help open the pours in the plastic for even better dye absorption.
Your finish will reflect the condition of the original parts. Dull finish on a dull part, shiny finish on a new shiny part.
Typically guy use black over orange parts but since you have clear plastic and assuming the plastic will take the dye you could probably go with any colour.

 

[NateSaw]

Nothing to it really. Just heat up a big pot of water to a real low boil, add the dye and put the plastic parts in. I usually let ‘em soak for at least 1/2 hour and then give em a good wash in fresh water. The longer the parts soak the deeper the dye penetrates. Some guys add (I think) salt or white vinegar to the mix. It’s supposed to help open the pours in the plastic for even better dye absorption.
Your finish will reflect the condition of the original parts. Dull finish on a dull part, shiny finish on a new shiny part.
Typically guy use black over orange parts but since you have clear plastic and assuming the plastic will take the dye you could probably go with any colour.

It'd be cool to find out it'd take other colors. So far it seems black is what they all turn to.

 

[NateSaw]

Obligatory glamorous grass shots

 

[Canadian farm boy]

Now that I think about it, it might of actually been a little acetone that guys were adding to the dye and water soak.
I know the maxflow plastic and stihl bar scabbards won’t take the dye but I also never tried adding anything to the soak other then water and dye.

 

[NateSaw]

Now that I think about it, it might of actually been a little acetone that guys were adding to the dye and water soak.
I know the maxflow plastic and stihl bar scabbards won’t take the dye but I also never tried adding anything to the soak other then water and dye.

Acetone does neat things to plastic. I believe I've read alot about dawn dish soap in the dye water.

 

[Powerstroke Cowboy]

Very nice Nate! This is a true custom one off build. Keep up the good work! I'm sitting here on the sidelines cheering you on!

 

[NateSaw]

Very nice Nate! This is a true custom one off build. Keep up the good work! I'm sitting here on the sidelines cheering you on!

Thanks David!

 

[Mastermind]

Wow. Just so cool Nate.

 

[NateSaw]

Wow. Just so cool Nate.

Thank ye Randy!