Bringing History Back to Life with Custom 3D Printed Vintage Vehicle Parts

How we recreated a blackout tail light for a GMC CCKW 353

One of the things we love most about 3D printing is how it allows old, rare or impossible-to-find parts to live again. Recently, we had the pleasure of working on a project for a GMC CCKW 353, a classic WWII truck where replacement parts are extremely hard to come by — especially original blackout tail lights.

📝 Measuring, Sketching and Re-Creating a Piece of History

The original light was carefully measured using callipers, noting every curve, angle and connection point. From there, we sketched out the design and built a brand-new 3D model that matched the original piece like for like.

Recreating vintage parts is a bit like solving a puzzle. Every millimetre matters, and getting those details right is what transforms a rough idea into a perfect fit.

🖨️ Printing the Prototype

Once the design was finished, we printed the prototype in clear PETG — a strong, heat-resistant material that’s ideal for automotive lenses and light housings. The result? A clean, accurate and durable replacement that slotted straight into place with no modifications needed.

Seeing a new part fit perfectly on such an iconic vehicle was incredibly rewarding. It's a perfect example of how modern technology can keep classic machines on the road.

🚚 Why This Matters

Vintage vehicles often rely on parts that haven’t been produced for decades. Finding replacements can be slow, expensive or just impossible. With 3D printing, we can:

• Recreate discontinued or rare components

• Match original dimensions precisely

• Prototype and tweak parts quickly

• Produce durable replacements at a fraction of the cost of custom machining

It’s a brilliant way to preserve automotive heritage without compromising on fit or quality.

💬 Need a Custom Part Designed?

Whether it’s a small clip, a bracket, a light housing or something completely unique, we love working on custom technical pieces. If you’ve got a classic vehicle or a part that’s no longer available, we’re happy to help bring it back to life.