Custom Console Build How To

[X-cabsquarebody]

I'm going to show how to not only build, but mock up and cover a custom center console. The pictures are from a build in a 48 Chevy, but this is how I built my console in my truck.


First, use poster board, or card board to make the basic shape of the console. This will show how it will look, if it will fit and hold all the stuff you want in it, and be used as a template to build the frame work.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

Once your happy with the size and shape, pull it out and un tape it. Use the card board for a pattern to cut the sides for the console. For this build, 3/8 plywood was used. On bigger consoles, 1/2 plywood would be used.

The bottom section is cut out for a carpet section/ service door.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

Cut out a section that will be the sides on the lid.

You must be registered for see images attach

Cut two inner structure pieces. Cut a template out of one of the side mock up card board pieces. The inner pieces will support the middle panel, drop box, and carpet panels.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

Using your mock up, some cross braces. These will give you the width. Glue and screw the pieces together. Cut some plywood, side it in to make a glove box.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

Test fit and mount at this time. Mounting brackets are fabbed and screwed to the floor. Mounting brackets were made for bending some metal in a U shape.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

Add mounting tabs for the center panel. A pattern was made for the center panel cause the console tappers. The center section has #10 bolts that mount the center to the tabs. The bolts are put through and have a jam nut on the back, making it like a stud in the center to go through the tabs.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[X-cabsquarebody]

Time to pad and cover. Padding is 1/8'' closed cell foam, and glued to the sides. Vinyl is then glued over the form, and stapled around the inside edges. The back filler panel is covered and the tails are stapled to the inside, holding it in place.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

Cover the center panel and bolt it in. Line the box with felt.

You must be registered for see images attach

Make the lid. Take the lid sides and attach to a piece of plywood that's cut to the correct width of the top of the console. Mount your stuff in the console.

You must be registered for see images attach

Mount the console in the car and cut the carpet panels and cover. Screw the panels through the carpet into the console. Test drive!!!

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

I'm NOT a writer, so I hope you this makes sense. This how I built my console in my truck.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[DUALLYBOURBON]

whats the center panel, and back panel made of?

 

[X-cabsquarebody]

Man, I knew I would leave something out.

The center, and carpet panels are cut out of 1/8 ABS sheet plastic. The back panel is 20 gauge sheet metal. One could use 1/8 masonite, sheet metal, or panelling.

Sorry.

 

[DUALLYBOURBON]

One more question... How did you get the bend in the lid? Its plywood too right?

 

[animal]

Great writeup Billy! I know who I'll be coming to for a custom console!

 

[X-cabsquarebody]

One more question... How did you get the bend in the lid? Its plywood too right?

Right, three pieces. Its only 3/8, so it bends easy. The two side pieces make it hold the contour.

 

[X-cabsquarebody]

Great writeup Billy! I know who I'll be coming to for a custom console!

Thanks.

I have a good customer in Cleveland GA.

 

[DUALLYBOURBON]

The way I want mine is knda like this... I want it to hold a dvd head unit right below the dash(back up camera/navigation), two cup holders, storage with lid, and house a dvd screen for the kids in the back... Think Im biting off more than I can chew?

 

[X-cabsquarebody]

The way I want mine is knda like this... I want it to hold a dvd head unit right below the dash(back up camera/navigation), two cup holders, storage with lid, and house a dvd screen for the kids in the back... Think Im biting off more than I can chew?

No, just is going to take a little more time.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[DUALLYBOURBON]

Wow man thats nice! Your work again?

 

[89Suburban]

Great write up, nice to see this happening again!

This needs pinned or moved to the members write up section.


Sent from my iPod Touch 4th Gen using Tapatalk

 

[FRANKENTRUCK]

Wow, I am ENVIOUS!! I wish I could do that kind of work! But I am no carpenter.

 

[X-cabsquarebody]

Yes, all done by me. It is what I do for a living. Over the years I have learned out to build consoles using basic supplies and not have a single stitch in it.

I'm no carpenter myself! Just takes a little planning.

People ask how the stuff holds up? There is one that I built for a pest control company with 200,000 plus miles on it, and still going.

 

[DUALLYBOURBON]

How much do you think youd charge for the one I out lined?