How do aftermarket companies make molds for car parts?

ck204 · 04-29-2011, 02:24 AM

I have been wondering how do the aftermarket companies make molds for hood, front bumper, and grill. And what kind of material they use for the molds.

I mean GM probably get steel molds or something since it's a high production volume thing for them, but for smaller aftermarket parts companies I thought it would be too costly to make steel molds...(I know nothing about manufacturing so I'm just guessing)

Could anyone explain how it works for the aftermarket companies that makes front bumper, grill, hoods, and other parts?

Iroczlover · 04-29-2011, 05:07 AM

for body parts i do believe they have to get it approved via GM, then they take a car (either they buy one or someone loans theirs to them) & make the parts. either that is with GM promission they us their stuff.

IrocJack · 04-29-2011, 06:21 AM

I am the Tooling Technician at an Injection Molder, we actually make the windshield washer nozzles for the Camaro here. As well as 90% of the world's windshield washer nozzles.

You can buy a mold from China for very little money, they are not the best but will get the job done.

I currently have around 400 molds to take care of. (maintenance)

04-29-2011, 02:24 AM	#1
ck204 Drives: X5, FR-S Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 195	How do aftermarket companies make molds for car parts? I have been wondering how do the aftermarket companies make molds for hood, front bumper, and grill. And what kind of material they use for the molds. I mean GM probably get steel molds or something since it's a high production volume thing for them, but for smaller aftermarket parts companies I thought it would be too costly to make steel molds...(I know nothing about manufacturing so I'm just guessing) Could anyone explain how it works for the aftermarket companies that makes front bumper, grill, hoods, and other parts?

04-29-2011, 05:07 AM	#2
Iroczlover The Krazzy bytch Drives: Which car I have 9 vehicles? Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Yelm, wa, Hell if I think about it to much Posts: 7,918	for body parts i do believe they have to get it approved via GM, then they take a car (either they buy one or someone loans theirs to them) & make the parts. either that is with GM promission they us their stuff. __________________ Heart breaks everyday when you cant take care of your family because you are unemployed, cant give your family what you want or what they need I am not a man I have boobies. Cars are like women, If you treat her rough shes going to complain & you will hear about it. If you treat her right she will purrrrrrrrrrrrr Current cars owned , 72 Skylark vert,86 fiero GT Sold , 87 Iroc-z (sold), 90 Vette Vert SOLD , 95 Z28, 99 Silverado K1500 Totaled, 2010 CGM Camaro 2ss/rs (had to sell & I hate it ) ,2012 Cruze LT repoed. Current current list lol 2006 Silverado 2500hd.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Experiences with aftermarket companies????	awforeman	5th Gen Camaro SS LS LT General Discussions	5	09-22-2010 11:05 AM
not sure wht i want, please help	streetsteve	5th Gen Camaro SS LS LT General Discussions	11	11-30-2009 09:58 AM
Will LS3 aftermarket parts work with L99?	Isaacnc	Camaro V8 LS3 / L99 Engine, Exhaust, and Bolt-Ons	26	03-13-2009 04:40 AM
A Letter from Barney Frank	Sterling	General Automotive + Other Cars Discussion	6	12-31-2008 12:38 PM
aftermarket companies listening?	boxmonkeyracing	5th Gen Camaro SS LS LT General Discussions	24	12-14-2008 12:10 AM

04-29-2011, 06:21 AM	#3
IrocJack Drives: 2010 2LT/RS RJT Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 2,683 View My Garage	I am the Tooling Technician at an Injection Molder, we actually make the windshield washer nozzles for the Camaro here. As well as 90% of the world's windshield washer nozzles. You can buy a mold from China for very little money, they are not the best but will get the job done. I currently have around 400 molds to take care of. (maintenance)