Project: "$40 Console with Storage"
 

I'm new to fabrication, wood working, and upholstery. I'd just like to share my idea and hope it helps someone. Be easy on me.

I loved my old console but it just wasn't doing it for me anymore. I needed something with an armrest, storage, a place for a double din, and some charging sockets. And I was working with a low budget. so I had to get crafty. I documented my process below and on my YouTube Channel. I hope this helps at least some of you.

Here is a link to my video covering the whole process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_I2pQqDvfU&t=2s

I will cover the process here as well, but the video will have a little more detail.

I started with my $50 budget and an Idea. I compiled all my materials 1st.

Things I needed:

1/2in 4X8 sheet of plywood: $17
Stainless Steel Cup Holders: $8.50/Pair on Amazon
1 Yard of White Vinyl : $14

Thing I already Had:

Foam and Vinyl from an old couch and an old recliner someone threw away.
Tons of Cardboard for making templates
Double Din Radio
USB and Cigarette Charging Sockets. I thing originally they were $9/Pair

Here is the Finished product so you'll know what I was able to accomplish within my budget.

https://i.imgur.com/IROl8wp.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/5vTRRkZ.jpg

1st step is to get large pieces of cardboard and star making your template. It was alot of drawing and cutting and drawing and cutting until it fit.

https://i.imgur.com/0qCQmS7.jpg

Once you are happy with the design, trace it to make an exact copy for the other side, then cut that out.

https://i.imgur.com/6rNDBbl.jpg

Make sure to test fit everything over an over again.
Once you are happy with it, start designing the rear of the console. I just taped more cardboard on the back and started drawing and cutting. trace to both sides so they are exact.

https://i.imgur.com/Mw4bOlx.jpg

Once I have everything how I want it, I measure and cut some strips to brace it so Its the exact width I want. And now I have a cardboard console!

https://i.imgur.com/EAnva9u.jpg

Test fit some more, and adjust as needed.

https://i.imgur.com/cnPFa28.jpg

Re: Project: "$40 Console with Storage"
 

Just go down to “manage attachments” when posting. Upload one pic at a time.

Re: Project: "$40 Console with Storage"
 

Now its time for actual construction of the console.

Take the template apart and trace it onto plywood and cut it out. I just used a cheap jigsaw.

https://i.imgur.com/OVOQgdc.jpg

More Test fitting. get the measurements between the 2 sides at the back, middle, and front. Cut braces to length and screw the 2 sides together.

https://i.imgur.com/ugQmpQg.jpg

For cutting the tops and faces, I used some scrap wood, Laid it where it needed to by and drew the lines from the underside to ensure an exact fit. Cut them out and Glue/screw them together.

https://i.imgur.com/dNR0HHy.jpg

I wanted to make a removable storage box under the arm rest so I cut a basic box to fit into this compartment.

https://i.imgur.com/1uF162Q.jpg

Then cut the Lid for it.

https://i.imgur.com/ot7rYOG.jpg

Test fit the hinges

https://i.imgur.com/YRRbWXb.jpg

Find a good spot for all of you accessories, draw and cut the holes for them

https://i.imgur.com/GWKGtp0.jpg

I wanted the rounded corners to be smoother so I stapled some cheap folders to smooth the curves. Then cut the excess.

https://i.imgur.com/cI2frV7.jpg

Re: Project: "$40 Console with Storage"
 

Finally it is time for the Upholstery. I wanted to try sewing something although I'm not great at it. Hours of YouTube videos later, I was ready to try.

For a New Sewing option, Check out my other video (link below) for how to do this without sewing, and still make it look awesome.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUHJ18LcK4A

I start by covering it with some recycled foam from an old recliner. Glue one side at a time and cut the excess.

https://i.imgur.com/j2iqVMF.jpg

For the sewing. I trace the top and sides, Add 1/2in for seam allowance and cut it all out.

https://i.imgur.com/mNRnBHk.jpg

after it is all sewed I test fit before putting in the staples.

https://i.imgur.com/9BMQYHI.jpg

Stretch, pull, staple, Stretch, Pull, Staple until its done.

https://i.imgur.com/Obc2Sn6.jpg

not for the removable box. I wrap all sides individually with no foam, then screw them all together.

https://i.imgur.com/uNWenus.jpg

using a soft mallet I hammer the box in place and put 2 screws to hold it in. Wrap the lid with some thick foam and finish it on the bottom with more material to hide the nastiness, then put the hinges on.

https://i.imgur.com/sqUL9m6.jpg

Dont forget to slit some holes for the accessories and press them into place. And its done!

https://i.imgur.com/otcOawq.jpg

This is it fitted into the truck.

https://i.imgur.com/IROl8wp.jpg

With the seat back in.

https://i.imgur.com/AC78JWl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/pkBYyRK.jpg


Let me know what you think. I urge you to check out the video. if you did like this, please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel. Thanks everyone! hope this helps someone!

https://www.youtube.com/c/noobmechan...confirmation=1

Re: Project: "$40 Console with Storage"
 

I figured out how to embed. Thank you!

Re: Project: "$40 Console with Storage"
 

Nicely done! What did we do before YouTube how to vids?

Re: Project: "$40 Console with Storage"
 

I really appreciate the Kind words. Since YouTube, ive saved so much money on just doing everything myself. lol. even though, im not particularly great at any one thing.

Re: Project: "$40 Console with Storage"
 

Looks really good; great idea with the speakers also.

Re: Project: "$40 Console with Storage"
 

-
Now get a premium membership and sell your old console for a couple hundred bucks on the parts board here and you will be way ahead of the game....

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php

LockDoc

Re: Project: "$40 Console with Storage"
 

I think that console turned out great!

Re: Project: "$40 Console with Storage"
 

Thank you! I actually wanted to put some in the back also. Ill probably pull it back out after I buy some speakers.

Re: Project: "$40 Console with Storage"
 

you Think that old console is worth that much? I would have never known

Re: Project: "$40 Console with Storage"
 

Thank you so much! Im proud of it. I need to get better at sewing. Id had far more wrinkles than I was hoping for.

Re: Project: "$40 Console with Storage"
 

Should be if it is in good shape. A lot of them have sold on here in the $150 - $200 range.

LockDoc

Re: Project: "$40 Console with Storage"
 

thats good to know. Thank you!

Re: Project: "$40 Console with Storage"
 

That looks great, I've been toying with this idea for awhile now since I'm switching from the bench seat to camaro buckets. Thanks for starting this thread

Re: Project: "$40 Console with Storage"
 

Its no problem at all! I appreciate you taking the time to say something nice about it. im not a professional by any means but proud of what I can do. Thanks and best of luck!

Re: Project: "$40 Console with Storage"
 

bzblaine, that is really super-duper. Very nice. You're giving me ideas.

Re: Project: "$40 Console with Storage"
 

Thank you! post the pictures if you end up making one!

Re: Project: "$40 Console with Storage"
 

Man.. You did a rocking job! Looks like this is going to be my next project. Also, I subscribed to your YouTube channel. Awesome stuff man.

Re: Project: "$40 Console with Storage"
 

Thank you! and Thanks for subscribing. I can use all the subscribers I can get at this point lol. Post a picture of the console when you complete it!

Re: Project: "$40 Console with Storage"
 

I love seeing innovation at work making ideas a reality. Great work! :looking good! :chevy:
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Project: "$40 Console with Storage"
 

I really appreciate that. I'm real cheap, so I have to get craft when I want something done.

Re: Project: "$40 Console with Storage"
 

will do. im actually trying to make the template right now. its a lot harder than I thought. lol

Re: Project: "$40 Console with Storage"
 

I like doing things myself as well,more satisfying than buying or paying someone. I watched some sewing videos and made my own seat upholstery and door pockets