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custom center console help!

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Old 05-02-2014, 06:41 PM
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Car: 1987 Firebird Formula
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custom center console help!

So I'm thinking about building a custom center console for my car. I would love some tips and tricks to help me out here guys! Thanks
Old 05-03-2014, 06:45 AM
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Car: 1985 Trans Am T-Top
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Re: custom center console help!

Best way to build custom console it to build it from mdf or rigid foam or similar easily cut material.
You can mock it up with cardboard to get the individual panels shaped. After you glue the panels together , you can smooth and round the shape with bondo. Then use fiberglass or just resin around the outside. Sand smooth and paint! You can copy the original and use the stock shift plate and armrest, or go full custom, or integrate parts from other cars.
Old 05-03-2014, 06:50 AM
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Thanks man I have the car almost where I want it the inside just needed something so I thought hell why not always wanted to try to make one no time to try like the present.
Old 05-03-2014, 12:33 PM
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Re: custom center console help!

I'm actually working on my second design right now. My original center console was deteriorating and deformed, so instead of buying a stock replacement, I built one. I had some MDF and black vinyl laying around so I made a frame out of MDF, glued some soft foam to it and then upolstered it with black vinyl. It is definitely not the best looking thing I've ever made, but it's still way better than the OEM one that was falling apart. I've attached a picture of my first attempt. I'm currently working on a fully custom fiberglass one piece unit that will go from the bottom of the dash, all the way back to the center section between the rear seats.
Attached Thumbnails custom center console help!-photo-3-.jpg  
Old 05-03-2014, 05:29 PM
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Re: custom center console help!

Originally Posted by FBOMB90
I'm actually working on my second design right now. My original center console was deteriorating and deformed, so instead of buying a stock replacement, I built one. I had some MDF and black vinyl laying around so I made a frame out of MDF, glued some soft foam to it and then upolstered it with black vinyl. It is definitely not the best looking thing I've ever made, but it's still way better than the OEM one that was falling apart. I've attached a picture of my first attempt. I'm currently working on a fully custom fiberglass one piece unit that will go from the bottom of the dash, all the way back to the center section between the rear seats.
That is a pretty neat console!
Old 05-03-2014, 05:44 PM
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Re: custom center console help!

Thanks man, I'm too much of a perfectionist, all I can do is criticize it every time I look at it. I do appreciate the positive feedback though.
Old 05-03-2014, 05:50 PM
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Re: custom center console help!

Whatever you're doing; keep doing it. Even though I can't see flaws personally, you'll get better the more and more you do it!
Old 05-04-2014, 12:10 PM
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You outta just sell me that one save me the headache
Old 05-06-2014, 07:26 AM
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Re: custom center console help!

Originally Posted by scarbucket
You outta just sell me that one save me the headache
I honestly would, but I don't really want to be driving around this summer without a console! LOL! I don't know what your urgency is in the situation but I am going to be doing the new console this winter so if you are still interested in the console at that time, I would consider selling it to you.
Old 05-06-2014, 07:27 AM
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Works for me
Old 05-06-2014, 09:54 AM
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Re: custom center console help!

High density foam covered in fiberglass would be the easiest. Glue the foam together and start carving then sand and cover in fiberglass. Wood works but it's harder to do curves and can end up weighing more.
Old 05-06-2014, 01:01 PM
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Re: custom center console help!

Originally Posted by Tibo
High density foam covered in fiberglass would be the easiest. Glue the foam together and start carving then sand and cover in fiberglass. Wood works but it's harder to do curves and can end up weighing more.
I agree. That is what I'm doing for my next one. The first one I made out of MDF is a little on the heavy side. By any chance, do you know where I can find the high density foam? I haven't looked into it yet, just looking for suggestions.
Old 05-06-2014, 02:52 PM
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Re: custom center console help!

Home depot usually does, if not you can use those thick pink sheets of insulation and glue them together and then carve away. Or be super cheap and tape up some card board for the form and then spray the inside in expanding foam from the can.
Old 05-07-2014, 07:32 AM
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Re: custom center console help!

Originally Posted by Tibo
Home depot usually does, if not you can use those thick pink sheets of insulation and glue them together and then carve away. Or be super cheap and tape up some card board for the form and then spray the inside in expanding foam from the can.
Thanks for the advise, it's greatly appreciated.
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