Project: "$40 Console with Storage"

[bzblaine]

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.





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.



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



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.



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!



Test fit some more, and adjust as needed.