Center console

[jrsmith_2010]

Hey guys, i have been looking on here and cant seem to find a 73-87 truck with a custom center console and bucket seats. Well i am lookin to build one because i have 2 bucket seats out of a camaro and a b&m truck shifter on the floor, i am wanting to incorporate a spot for my 12 inch Rockford Fosgate. I want it to get fiberglassed after its all build but have no clue how to go about making it.

any advice?

[old Rusty C10]

prolly start with some kind of plywood shell and using some kind of screen then the fiberglass over that

[jrsmith_2010]

ok, that sounds good, has anyone done it, maybe some pics?

[slash crashley]

i'm planning a custom center console as well. based on what a friend back home used to do when making speaker pods, this is my plan of attack.

i'll be mocking mine up in cardboard so that i can adjust all the finite details.

transfer all your finished cardboard templates to MDF (medium density fibreboard) 1/2 thick will plenty strong. insert ribs for support every 6-8".

use fleece from a fabric store. (very stretchy and pliable) staple gun it tight. keep the staples in on the inside so you won't have to bondo / sand over them. once your happy with the asthetics of the console. apply kitty hair over it. apply the resin / hardner mix. (follow instructions on product cans / tubes) repeat as needed.

sand. sand. sand. sand.

apply a thin layer of bondo over the entire surface to fill in any rough spots.

sand. sand. sand. sand.

prime and paint or prime and cover in vinyl. use a heat and strip gun or hairdryer to keep the vinyl stretchy.

check out:
http://www.carstereo.com/help/Articles.cfm?id=63

http://www.diyautomods.com/forum/showthread.php?p=55

http://www.caraudiohelp.com/car_audi...fiberglass.htm


for more detailed tutorials. i'm pretty sure all the basics for creating speaker pods will apply for your custom console. i was thinking about incorporating a removable 6 pack igloo cooler, (no a/c in florida!) 2 cupholders, a flush mount GPS unit, a couple of aviation style covered toggles and few hidden compartments.

good luck with it. if you can, document the project. there seems to be a lot of interest in it and it could be helpful to others.

[jrsmith_2010]

Sweet, thanks man, i will hopefully be able to build me one that look something like that!

[slash crashley]

that's the spirit. just don't get dejected if it takes 20-30 hrs worth of work!

[jrsmith_2010]

haha, yea i know it will take a lot of work, but it will be worth it in the end.

[copperchevy]

some pics

[PhilaTruck]

Doggone. Second post in a row where I'm recommending reading something Swervin Ervin wrote.

Here's a realistic write up with detailed instructions.

on 73-87.com

He had the upholstery (console) professionally done, but everything else was home-made.

[jrsmith_2010]

very nice! thats like the same b&m shifter i have, that looks sweet!

[PhilaTruck]

Yea, I was this close (picture two fingers pinched together) to buying that interior. Fortunately, someone bought the whole truck. I say "fortunately" b/c it's a beauty and I really hated to see it parted.

The guy who did that interior has a great attention to detail, but you can see what can be done at home with standard tools and materials if you're able to spend the time.

[S10Fan]

Below are pictures of the dash and center console I built for my S-10. Yes, I know you're looking for pictures of a full size truck but these give you an idea of what can be done.

Both the dash and console were built from fiberglass in the same manner a speaker box would be built. Simple wood frame, fleece material, and lots of resin and cloth.

[jjgmc]

here is one im building for my 81 gmc

[Cobblemizer]

Hey jjgmc did you have your truck at the byron wheelie contest last year? It looks like the one I saw there.

[chev74]

Originally Posted by jjgmc

here is one im building for my 81 gmc

hey.... I thought i recognized that interior....