Center console, how I did it. Part 1.
Sure guys,
like I mentioned on the Grad posts, I do not have any woodworking experience, but I have a hammer and a screw driver and some knowledge on how stuff works and is supposed to look....sooo...here are 2 (I know, I know....I took only 2 pictures of the console but I think you will be able to understand the basics of it.
(For my inspiration and for you to see a pro and his console, do a search on forum member "epicenter"....mine is an inexperienced kid's rendering of his work).
On the following pictures you can see how I put it together. To connect the pieces of wood together, I used screws, glue and bondo. (If you are wondering why bondo, bondo is tough, it is used by the pros on wood all the time and easy to work with. It will not come lose and it actually holds the pieces together very well.)
For the curves I used bondo. In order for me to get the curves I used a PVC pipe (sprinkler). The size of the pipe is up to you, depending on the size of the curves you want. I do not remember what I used, but it was a good sized one.
Then I sanded, added some more bondo and sanded, until I was satisfied with the finish. I was not really concerned with a perfect finish, since I applied 1/8" closed cell foam padding and vinyl on top. Covered all imperfections perfectly.
The wood that I used was just some stuff HD had. Easy to cut, but not very strong.
I would recommend using a harder wood for this.
The curve under the dash is to fit the radio. The radio (all radios) have about 7" depth. Plus I like the different look.
The console can not be removed as whole. So the 2 sides are held on with screws ONLY and have caps to cover the heads.
The glove box lid is made of a thiner wood.
I do not have exact measurements, not because I do not want to have my console duplicated (I do not mind this at all, in fact it would be flattering) but because so much trial and error went into this, that I do not even know how I got this to work!!!
I used vinyl in all of my interior because I like the look of Joan's fabrics non shiny stuff, I like the price and I like that it is easy to work with and stretch.
Stretching the vinyl to fit the curves on the 2 side pieces was a pain. I stretched and stapled (not glued) as I went. In this process, I discovered the wrinkled look on the curves. I liked it and maintained that look on all curves.
If you will doing something like this, remember; the length of the console is affected by the pad and vinyl on the console, on the dash and the insulation and carpet on the transmission top aluminum and rear cockpit.