3D-Printed Parts Aid Classic Truck Restoration Project
The MakerSpace project provides a modern solution for locating out-of-production trim on a 1979 Chevrolet K30 truck.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Trucks
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Gannon University MakerSpace in Erie has teamed up with NFI Empire to create custom 3D-printed parts for a unique 1979 Chevrolet K30 truck restoration. This high-performance vehicle, which features a modern GMC Sierra frame and Duramax engine, is set to be auctioned to support The Brett Boyer Foundation.
Why it matters
This project highlights how additive manufacturing can solve a common hurdle in automotive restoration: finding obsolete trim and badging that are no longer mass-produced. By integrating modern fabrication, the team is enabling the preservation of classic vehicle aesthetics.
The truck uses a 1979 Chevrolet K30 body paired with a modern GMC Sierra 3500 frame and Duramax diesel drivetrain. Custom 3D-printed trim and badges were fabricated to replace unavailable original components.
The players
Gannon University MakerSpace
An Erie-based center for manufacturing and technology that provides students and partners access to advanced 3D printing and rapid prototyping tools.
NFI Empire
An automotive customization shop that specializes in large-scale truck builds and modifications.
The Brett Boyer Foundation
A charitable organization established in 2017 to raise awareness and fund research for congenital heart disease and Down syndrome.
The details
The restoration team at the Gannon University MakerSpace utilizes advanced design software and 3D printing technology to recreate specific interior and exterior trim pieces. These printed parts are combined with a modern drivetrain and frame swap to provide the reliability of a contemporary vehicle inside a classic shell.
Timeline
1979 marks the original model year of the Chevrolet K30 truck.
2017 is the founding year of The Brett Boyer Foundation.
The Home Front
This restoration project follows the broader trend of using additive manufacturing to solve the persistent issue of parts obsolescence in older vehicles. It demonstrates a practical application for home-hobbyist and student makers looking to maintain aging equipment.
If you are restoring an older vehicle, consider consulting with local university makerspaces about 3D-printing services for out-of-production trim or plastic hardware. Always verify that any custom-fabricated parts meet safety standards before installing them on a vehicle intended for daily use.
The takeaway
The use of 3D printing offers a viable path to restoring legacy household assets that lack official manufacturer support. Keep a list of discontinued parts for your own projects and check local university technology hubs to see if they offer fabrication services for the public.
Further reading
For more on large-scale vehicle builds, see our coverage of Trucks.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 3D ADEPT MEDIA.
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Do you believe 3D-printed parts improve the restoration of classic vehicles?
