When the factory fin on my car got knocked off at the car wash, I decided to model and print a replacement rather than order one. I started by taking precise measurements of the mounting base with calipers, then imported those dimensions along with reference photos into Blender to reconstruct the fin geometry. From there I iterated through several PLA prototypes, test fitting each one before adjusting the model, until the fitment was exact.
The final piece was printed in ASA for its UV and weather resistance, then finished with a clear coat to match the gloss of the surrounding paint. I adhered it using vehicle-grade adhesive, and it has been on the car for over a year with no sign of fading, warping, or lifting. Out of everything I have printed, this is the project I am most proud of. It is not a prop or a display piece, it is a functional part living on my car every day.
