Fordvette

Just thought I share my Double Din Center console modifcation .. Turned out nice.. Its a ongoing project of my 1985 Camaro "cough" resto.. https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/memb...ort-coupe.html




Changes are as follow, I moved the front angle face back 3 inches to allow more room for for the Deck, Modified the AC controller to have it face more straight on, Deleted the ash tray compartment. The rear section is also 3 inches longer, to acommodate the front being 3 inches longer. I kept the rear cubby hole, by cutting it out of the old console, and mounting it the new one. Also, since I made the console 3 inches longer, this gave me room for cup holders I also built it in two pieces to allow easier install and removal

jwfirebird

iTrader: (2)

thats cool, like the drink holders. what material did you use?

Fordvette

Thanks

Mostly 1/4 and 1/8 inch MDF .. Drink holders are just a piece of 3" abs pipe.

It only took about a day really start to finish to build it.. I took the original console, slid it back 3" and then used cardboard to template the sides of the front portion. Once that was done, I fabricated the front to fit the radio. Did the same with the back section, just taking my time, to test fit it lots.. I put the sides and back on, the layed it in place. Marked out where the Ebrake was, and boxed in around it. Fit the console again, to make sure I could install it by getting it around the ebrake handle. Next I took the old arm rest and cut the plastic all the way around it, and fit it in.

Chevy86 IROC-Z

iTrader: (17)

I'd really hate to burst your bubble. But you chose the wrong material to build a console. MDF is made up of wood chips that is held together with a type of glue. Why is this a problem? For two reasons. Mold and swelling. Wood is a perfect breeding ground for mold. And second, if MDF gets wet (cup holder) it'll swell and fall apart. The cellulose in the wood fibers absorb moisture and swell. This swelling is irreversible. Thought I'd let you know that.


http://www.woodworking.com/forum/sho...t-MDF-and-mold

jwfirebird

iTrader: (2)

the holders are pvc so it shouldnt get wet. mdf is the most stable wood and if sealed and painted it will be fine. alot of people build consoles and sub boxes out if mdf for that reason.

Lakerman62

iTrader: (3)

Very cool, well done!

Chevy86 IROC-Z

iTrader: (17)

PVC? Then your set. But if it gets wet, them it is far from stable. Painting a fiberous material such as mdf is tough. Not sure how its done. As for sub boxes, mdf is used because the way it resonates the SPL of the sound waves. I've worked with mdf since 1996. But more power to you man. Be sure to add some caulking in the tranny tunnel if there is any holes to prevent any moisture from entering from down under.

Chevy86 IROC-Z

iTrader: (17)

Are you gonna distribute the schematic to your design?

jwfirebird

iTrader: (2)

you seal the cuts with hole putty or just a wetter solution of white glue and saw dust. then a few good coats of primer

Fordvette

Well technically it was Medex MDF, exterior grade MDF.. No worries about bursting my bubble as I had not considered mdf swelling. All 4 sides have been sealed and all the joints have been well glued.. The Underside of the car recieved a full coat of Undercoat last fall, as well as the Inside. I striped the interior and undercoated ever inch inside the car, so moisture getting in should not be a huge issue.

I dont think I could come up a plan of sorts for it, I just made it up as I went.

Chipping yea it could be a issue, I took time and care to sand all edges with a 1/8 bevel to help keep the chipping down. If it does become a problem.. or I just choose to modify it, I can always use this mdf as a templete for a metal one.

I keep those suggestions in mind next time ...

Chevy86 IROC-Z

iTrader: (17)

subroc

iTrader: (2)

Looks really good in there. The only thing i can suggest to make it even more invisible to the untrained eye is to get some carpeting and carpet the sides like GM did on some consoles. I think it would look good on that one.

Fordvette

Yep some black and or grey carpet would look great. I had several center console and one did have grey carpeting on it. I think what I am going to look for over the summer is longer as cables, to move the heater control unit down and towards the bottom.. I was short about 3 inches on them. If I can find a 80's car that used them at the wrecker and swap them. Second is I would like to make the front about a two inches taller for aesthetics so that I could add a 1" trim along the bottom, and a 1" trim between the radio and heater control..