Center Console Building Tips

[BIGBADSILVERADO]

Just started some preliminary drawings on the "NEW" center console for my truck. I plan on getting rid of the column shifter and replacing it with a B&M console type shifter. I plan on making this console a lot taller than the factory unit. I also plan on RELOCATING the RADIO & HEATER/AC CONTROLS to the console as well. In the location that the RADIO/ HEAT/AC controls were, I plan on installing an LCD touch screen from my laptop for GPS, MP3, games, movies....whatever!

The new console will be REUSING the storage compartment from the FACTORY console, as well as, the drink holder. At the rear of the console a 9" LCD screen will be installed for the rear passengers enjoyment.

I will post some of pics. I drew up later tonight.

For all who HAVE built consoles/dash's before.....what materials have you been using? I would like to have nice smooth radius type of corners/edges....Don't want to have 90 degree angles when going from the sides to the top.

Obviously, I want the console to "BLEND IN" with the existing dash.....What type of FINISH ( paint/vinyl....)?

ANY help and PICS. will be beneficial!!


Thanks!!!!

[ibthumpin]

Cant help you much on the construction, I've never done one, but I'm pretty sure the only way to get the contours you want is with fiberglass mat and the framework would be built up with wood.

I'm curous about the heat/AC controls - sonce they are vacumm operated (the blower diverter) all those tubes will have to be lengthend. Maybe not a big deal, might be able to simply splice in longer lengths of tubing - i dont know

Good luck - I'd like to see your drawing

[jcscoops]

Wreckmster or Wkdspd might be able to help.

[BIGBADSILVERADO]

Originally posted by ibthumpin

I'm curous about the heat/AC controls - sonce they are vacumm operated (the blower diverter) all those tubes will have to be lengthend. Maybe not a big deal, might be able to simply splice in longer lengths of tubing - i dont know

Good luck - I'd like to see your drawing

I had my dash apart a while back and I remember when I pulled the climate controlls it was controlled by a wire harness that simply unplugs from the rear of the unit........Maybe I was mistaken thinking they were wires...maybe tubes like you state.....I guess I'll yank the dash apart again!

Pics to be posted late tonight...have a meeting to attend til. 9pm

[Y2k+1 Z71]

BBS: You are right - the HVAC controls in the 99+ new body style trucks/SUV's are electronic. These are completely relocatable with only wire extensions.

If I understand you, you'll be pulling the top bucket and cup holders out of your center console and making a new housing for them? If you remove your parts carefully from your console, I would be interested in the shell that is left.

Benjamin

[BIGBADSILVERADO]

Originally posted by Y2k+1 Z71
BBS: You are right - the HVAC controls in the 99+ new body style trucks/SUV's are electronic. These are completely relocatable with only wire extensions.

If I understand you, you'll be pulling the top bucket and cup holders out of your center console and making a new housing for them? If you remove your parts carefully from your console, I would be interested in the shell that is left.

Benjamin

You will be the first to know when it is avail. !!

Good I don't have to yank the dash tonight!

[NVR2LO]

the ac controls do have a plug. I know my 93 did all that was done to relocate them is extend the wires. it still works like a charm :)

[Ward]

ok to get the rounded shape first figure out what will be straight and what will be curved
what i used was expanding foam (used to seal cracks etc) over plyboard, you put the foam where you want it, then sand it down to desired shape, i added filler to get it smooth, then i fiberglassed it
before you lay fiberglass you need the exact shape you will use

so you make a square box out of plyboard and then add foam to each end, then sand it down
if you have any more questions just ask

[LowHoe]

interesting Ward. are there any little hints for using that expanding foam? would "Great Stuff" work just fine?

[BIGBADSILVERADO]

Thanks for the input!!!

Sorry I haven't posted any drawings yet, but after I sat in a HUMMER last night.....more idea's sprouted out!

[ibthumpin]

Originally posted by Y2k+1 Z71
BBS: You are right - the HVAC controls in the 99+ new body style trucks/SUV's are electronic. These are completely relocatable with only wire extensions.
Benjamin
oh yeah? I'll be darned - I've never had the climate control section out so I was just guessing based on previous cars. Too bad GM cant make up thier minds as to what sort of system they want to use...............:crazy:

[astroracer]

I plan to do this myself also and am still in the design stages but I have been frequenting some audio sites and these guys do this all the time. They get a rough shape made out of wood or whatever (it does NOT have to be pretty) and then wrap it with T-shirt material. Stretch it tight and it automatically rounds off and blends in the transitions. Some work is need to remove any sharp edges and what but after you get the material on and it is too your liking just soak it with fiberglass resin. After it cures you have your solid base for glassing.
It's pretty ingenious actually and should work like a charm. Even if you can't get everything smoothed off, once you glass the T-shirt material you can always grind it down before you start building up the actual fiberglass layers.