New Tires and TPMS install

[brokencase]

I ended up 3d printing the ash tray insert out of Carbon fiber ASA. I added a textured surface with the slicing software to sort of mimic the vinyl texture. Not a perfect match but pretty darn close. No need to mess with paint.

If you open up the TPMS head unit you find it is just the display board, a solar panel and a tiny 300mah Lithium polymer battery.

The unit has a built in accelerometer that wakes up the unit upon any motion. Otherwise the unit goes to sleep and consumes very little power.

I had noticed that even with the solar panel disconnected the unit will run a very long time. So, rather than mess with hooking it up to the car's power (which would require a 12v->5v converter), I just decided to abandon the solar panel and I fit a large 18650 lion cell (3100mah). It will probably run for many months on that cell. It is an off the shelf battery holder attached with double sided tape.

FWIW, the bezel opens and removes like the original ash tray. A small piece of foam on the side holds it's position.

I'll post the ash tray insert model up on thingiverse.com. I will also post a version without the display opening in case someone wants to cut out thier own hole(s) for some other type of gauge(s).
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tpms_inst.jpg

tpms_inst_back.jpg

[Ed Lijewski]

Nice work, as always.

If I were doing that for the ash tray I'd design it so the read-out would be inside the tray and only visible when you wanted to see the readings by opening the tray.

YMMV

[brokencase]

Nice work, as always.

If I were doing that for the ash tray I'd design it so the read-out would be inside the tray and only visible when you wanted to see the readings by opening the tray.

Thanks,

I agree on the concealed implementation. But it is tough to model the full opening mechanism of the original ashtray.
To do what you say I would probably modify the original ashtray. But I did not want to do that.

However I must say that the display in not very outlandish. Even at night time. I still may put some green tint transparency over it to make the display match up the the rest of the dash.

[Ed Lijewski]

Those numbers--50/60s on the outside of of the center PSI numbers--could they be cut off? If so, the PSI display would fit on the coin slot cover. That would be less potentially obtrusive/distractive.

YMMV

[andyofcolumbusmerkur]

I think if the display was hidden in the ashtray a person wouldn't glance at the unit very often. Then he'd have to make a special low warning pressure alert notification with piercing siren. Then you would be sure to check the display. Driving around with the ash tray open all the time? That would be unsophisticated.

[brokencase]

I'm pretty happy with the solution as is. Initially the pressures were spread a bit but I went around with my analog gauge and evened them up. The TPMS reads about a pound or two higher than my analog gauge, probably the analog gauge is off. I should compare to another gauge.
It's interesting to watch the temperature and pressure changes as you drive and as the weather changes.

On a related note. I picked up this tire dressing https://armourdetailsupply.com/products/tire-dress
Nice stuff. Lightly spray it on and then dab it with a foam sponge. After you apply it it becomes dry to the touch. Seems to last a long time as well.
The AI says you should not use silicone based tire dressings. I think this stuff is water based acrylic.

[Ed Lijewski]

Mequiars Spray Tire Dressing works well.

YMMV

[brokencase]

Mequiars makes a variety of tire dressings, some silicone and some ceramic based.

Silicone sucks and most likely results in premature tire rot. Do the research Ed.
I have to say the Amour+ Tire dressing has been on for a few weeks now and is holding up well. Even after a a few rain storms.

The cool aspect is that it is dry finish. Not greasy or slick like silicone.

I'm sold. Put it on the Sprite and on the Ranger tires. A little goes a long way.

[Ed Lijewski]

Pshaw. I can't get interested much less concerned re micromillimeters of some kind of silicone in Mequiar's Hot Tire Shine that would meaningfully affect my tires any time before they'll be due for tread-wear replacement.

My criteria are: ease of application; consistency of aerosol spray pattern (no clogging); ease of removal of any minimum overspray on wheels (Mequiars nozzle produces a consistent spray patern); long-lasting low but eye catching shine (glossy shines suck/look Low Rent); low retail price point (viz. ~$8/$9 vs $16 for Armour; urban availability at local autoparts stores (ergo no shipping costs).

YMMV