I am a machinist, any ideas of what to make?

I am a cnc machinist. I have access to a 3 axis cnc mill and lathe. I typically do make parts here and there for my cars and trucks and whatever project i am working on. What i want to know, are there any mods or things to be made that improve our trucks, or make them look better? Shift knobs, wheel spacers, lift blocks, etc...What ever it is, whats the machinist out there making to set their truck apart or to save money?

 

People love shift knobs.

Not sure what a wheel spacer would run but they're a widely used item.

Lift blocks are probably not worth the time or effort.

 

i have made wheel spacers in the past. Time consuming but easy to do. I cannot even count the amount of shift knobs i have made. Ive done carb spacers, gauge panels, license plate frames, oil caps, accessory mounting brackets, shifter line lock brackets, all kinds of stuff.

 

T-bolts and mounts for things in the bed (hi-lift, fire extinguisher, Quick-fists)

 

Affordable low sitting windshield brackets for curved 50" led bars

 

It's usually more efficient to make parts for work (oil when it's good, aerospace, military), and buy what I want from others. Sometimes working on trades is worth it. Generally, making stuff for myself isn't as cost effective.

 

I probably wouldnt venture into making wheel spacers or lift blocks just because of the liability associated with them. maybe CB antenna mounts?

 

Lean spacers.

 

Lean spacers are like $10 and readily available.

It's not even worth setting up a machine for.

 

Manifold spacers that aren't 400 bucks hha

 

Maybe some AR-15 parts?
One thing I can think of is, the stock Tow package Trans cooler sits very low behind the bumper reinforcement. maybe a re-locator bracket(s) of some sort to move it up so it catches more air.
If you look directly at it only an inch or so is exposed. I'd buy one..

 

I'm a machinist also, I just made some 1" spacers for the rear of the front seats. Feels much better, need longer bolts 10mx1.25 55mm long. I only made them for myself though.

Maybe that's what's memt by lean spacers? IE "homie lean"

 

It is nice being able to make thing but when it's obviously cheaper to buy already done, I'm all for it!

 

Totally agree, bought many things I could have made, but saving the time is worth it.

 

I take it your seats have the bro lean?

 

X2

 

Just seemed way to low in the back, feels normal now.

 

I think some center caps with different logo's (raised or recessed) that fit the TRD, SCS, and similar wheels would be cool. Seems the only center caps out there are the OEM TRD ones.

 

A seat bracket that can bolt in to the front bolts that you can attach a fire extinguisher to.
A behind the grille light bracket?
A decent flag mount that doesn't use the fiberglass OR the bed-rail as a support mechanism.
Shift knobs for the auto trans that aren't way over priced and/or ugly.
A new metal dildo with a Toyota logo? Whatever floats your boat, mang.

 

Not familiar with bucket seats?