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Most of you with 82'-83' Cross-Fire Camaros probably already know this, but it seems virtually impossible to find the correct air cleaner nut for an 82' Corvette/82'-83' Cross-Fire Camaro for sale. While 84' Corvettes also had Cross-Fire Injection, the air cleaner nuts on these cars are different, and for some reason, much easier to find for sale.
Currently, I can only find one example of an air cleaner nut for an 82'-83' Cross-Fire for sale. It's listed on eBay for $143 OBO. Yikes.
This gave me an idea. Could I create this air cleaner nut in CAD, and 3D print a version that looks practically identical? I think I've succeeded.
The original nut is on the left, the 3D printed nut is on the right.
The nut is printed face-down, with a hexagonal sleeve in the middle. Once it's printed, I hammer in a coupling nut that's the same thread and length as the original (M6-1.00 x 25).
The nut is printed from ASA plastic, a modern form of ABS plastic, which is found in practically every car that contains plastic parts, both inside and out. Most 3D printing hobbyists use PLA plastic for printing, which is fine for ornaments that'll sit on a shelf, but not good for anything that comes in contact with heat, oil, or the sun. ASA plastic is far more durable, heat resistant, chemical resistant, and UV resistant. The perfect industry-grade plastic for a car part.
I recently drove my 82' Vette 194 miles from Detroit to Cleveland with this nut in place. It did not melt, warp, or break.
One thing I want to make clear: I do not own a Cross-Fire Camaro. I own an 82' Cross-Fire Corvette. It is my understanding that these nuts are the same for both the 82' Corvettes and 82'-83' Cross-Fire Camaros, but please correct me if I'm wrong!
Is there anyone out there looking for these nuts? I can 3D print as many as the demand requires. I'm thinking of selling them fully-assembled and ready-to-use for $30 apiece. Shipping price based on whatever quote I get from the cheapest parcel service (shipping from the Detroit area).
Finally, if anyone has suggestions for other hard-to-come-by or expensive Camaro parts that could be 3D printed for much less, please let me know. I'd love to make a side-hustle out of creating niche car parts for other enthusiasts.
1982-1983 Cross-Fire Camaro Air Cleaner Nuts
