I’m 3D printing a replacement airbox cover and need a hand!

[eddahlen]

My ‘79 GS550E currently only runs with a rag shoved into the airbox and I’m wanting to print myself a replacement cover. If anyone has the original and is willing to send me photos of it from every angle (ideally a new iPhone with LiDAR) that would be great! Obviously it’s not the end of the world to just make something up from scratch, but I’d like it to match the original if possible.

 

[rphillips]

Hey edd, we need a better introduction than that... Sounds like you've got a good idea, I've also seen folks looking for some GS1000 and GS1100 air box lids... Oh yeah, Welcome. and bike pictures are always welcome (I mean wanted)

 

[steve murdoch]

Just for some clarity is it the top "cover" piece in this schematic you are after?
https://www.ronayers.com/oemparts/a/suz/50d3f599f8700230d8b4c6e1/air-cleaner

 

[Suzukian]

You could make that cover out of some thin sheet metal and Butyl Rubber to seal it. Why go through all that trouble ?

 

[roeme]

As it so happens, I have one my 550's in parts on my shelf, so I could provide these quite quickly. But as steve said, what part exactly you need pictures/measurements of?

Be aware however that a) this part might be surprisingly big and exceed your printer's capabilities and b) this stuff can be had cheaply on ebay/craigslist.

I mean drawing up the part in CAD is fun in itself and if you're a professional you'll do that one during coffee break; but it could take quite some time otherwise, even more so you first need to dial in your printer....etc

Recommend first looking for second-hand items. Otherwise, let me know.

 

[Suzukian]

I programmed 3D printers when they were top secret at Sikorsky Aircraft back in 1983. You couldn't speak about them to anyone. We found out then that on some parts, and sheet metal brake, and Mig welder would make some parts far quicker than a 3D printer could. That being said, EBAY has been a great source for my GS750ES and my ZZR1200, and even my 1975 CB400F. Somtimes I'm tempted to make a part, but when you can buy the original part and not pay much, why bother.

I do CAD, primarily Rhino3D NURBS modeling. I'd rather spend the time on CAD doing something more exotic. Of course, if your starting out on CAD, these kind of parts are good to learn on, as the basic primitives are already in there.

 

[Nessism]

Printing a cover sounds like a GREAT idea? A perfect part for the application.

I don't have a GS550 currently, but I do recall that the cover shouldn't be too hard to make. It's rectangular shaped, with a ducted passage to inside the airbox proper.

Good luck and please be sure to post some photos of the finished cover!

Edit: found this... https://www.ebay.com/itm/325425767511

It might be easier to just buy one...

 

[Carter Turk]

I have one.
20230224_144040 by Carter Turk, on Flickr

 

[Suzukian]

I'd jump on that!