Ford Bronco 3D Printed Trim Parts
It’s been pretty cold here in Michigan since I took delivery of the Blank Slate Bronco, so I have not been able to do much in the garage. As such, I turned my attention to designing some 3D printed trim parts.
Like the Ranger I sold at the end of last year, the Bronco comes equipped with front tow hooks (painted black). Instead of removing them and painting them, I designed tow hook covers that can be painted. Also, that big white hood needed something. Instead of applying a vinyl wrap (difficult to do in near zero temps), I created two hood vents. These apply with 3M emblem tape.
If you would like to go deeper into my 3D designs on the Ranger, two related articles are available at the links below.
Related articles: 3D Printed Hood Trim For Cars and Trucks; 3D Printed Tow Hook Covers
Bronco Tow Hook Covers
Even though the Ranger and Bronco share a common platform, their front tow hooks are different. As a result, I had to create new covers for the Bronco.
The design I created fit snugly, which helps keep them in place. Before applying the green paint, I sprayed a coat of Bulldog Adhesion Promoter, one coat of primer and two coats of Rust-Oleum 2X Cover Spray Paint. Any top coat will work. I chose that paint because of the color.
Once the paint was dry, I snapped the covers on the hooks and enjoyed the new look.
By the way, the Bronco has one rear tow hook as well. That is the same size as the fronts, so I printed and painted a cover for that one as well.
Hood Vent Grills
When it came to the hood, I knew I wanted something to contrast the large area of white paint. An obvious choice is a hood scoop or vinyl graphic. The Bronco has a raised section that many owners highlight with a large vinyl graphic, but I like to be different.
The original 1966 Bronco had two vents stamped into the hood. I took that as inspiration and created two small vent grills with my 3D printer. I did not want the white paint to show through the vents, so I applied a honeycomb pattern vinyl wrap under each grill. This gives it the look of an open grid under the vent.
Once the vinyl wrap was applied to the hood (precut to the size of the grill), I added 3M emblem tape under the grills and applied them on top of the vinyl. Of course, I had to heat my garage to make sure the tape and vinyl had good adhesion.
Free 3D Print Files
If you are interested in printing your own trim pieces, I am happy to offer my design for free at Thingiverse:
These files are ready to be added to your slicer program in preparation for 3D printing.
Final Thoughts
I am very happy with the look of the tow hook covers and hood vent grills. That’s not to say I won’t change them in the future, but that’s the beauty of all of my modifications. If it is not reversible, I won’t do it. That way, the next owner can start with their own blank slate.
This is the first of several things I plan to do with the Bronco. Stay tuned for more!
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