Custom vinyl for cars...help finding base model

Pixel_Outlaw · Post by **Pixel_Outlaw** » Tue May 26, 2009 5:03 am

Maybe someone here has an idea or two on how to tackle this...

Recently I've found out that a local shop does custom vinyl for vehicles. They can do anything I can throw at them. However my problem now is finding either a 3d model of my truck or a 2d drawing work with. I need a base image or model to draw some designs on. I can't use a photograph because they are never perfect they always have a slight angle and this will effect my viny decal drawing.

So can anyone find a top down rendering or 3d model of a 1999 dodge dakote extended cab truck? This seems very complex but I feel I can lay out some good designs if I have the base to draw on top of. I would just go take measurements however it is one of those newfangled aerodynamic vehicles that lacks any edges to make measurements from.

So either a 2d image of the top, or a 3D mesh that I can apply textures over.

I really plan to make the decals match the curves so a scale drawing or model is very important. I've seen a model online but it is very costly. I just want something free.

here is the money cost model but the truck I have.

http://www.3dcadbrowser.com/preview.aspx?ModelCode=3498

GaijinPunch · Post by **GaijinPunch** » Tue May 26, 2009 6:07 am

I'm pretty sure the needle will skip if you play vinyl in your car. I like the idea though.

Sonic R · Post by **Sonic R** » Tue May 26, 2009 9:20 pm

I work at the plant that built the N trucks (AN - Dakota & DN - Durango).
But the N truck went out of production in 2004, succeeded by the ND.

Also I am out of work right now due to the situation going on with Chrysler so I am not in contact with colleagues… I am good friends with our head engineer and when I return to work, I can inquire if he has anything left related to the AN… this is all I can try to do

IN other things,
You drive a 1999 model, I built your LH lower control arm

All 4X2 LH lower control arms for the 1998 and 1999 model years were done by me and my co-worker at that time!

it290 · Post by **it290** » Tue May 26, 2009 11:49 pm

If you go to the library, they have those car repair manuals -- forget what brand, but I think it might be Haynes -- that typically have very good elevation drawings of the vehicles from the sides and top. Might be worth a look. Depending on the complexity and coverage of the vinyl, that may or may not suffice. Remember that a 3d model is not going to help you too much with layout, only with visualization, because you still have to UV map the textures onto the surface, which will mean that they will be inaccurate for actual vinyl printing.

Pixel_Outlaw · Post by **Pixel_Outlaw** » Tue May 26, 2009 11:51 pm

Hey thanks I thought I might get some help.

Really sorry to hear about your situation, I know some crazy stuff is going down. Just some 2D "Orthographic" views would be really nice if possible.

A 3d model would be great if that is easier. Either would do the job.

It is very cool to think that another shmup member helped make my truck.

I never thought about the library, I did look through the owner's manual and also the CD owner's manual. Google image also came up short.