Anyone ever build a console?

RidgeRunner · Post by **RidgeRunner** » Tue Aug 19, 2003 5:56 pm

Hey has anyone here built their own consoles? I have often considered it I have the equipment to do it, I wonder if anyone here has built one that instead of metal upholstered (spelling) it so that it matched the carpeting or interior color. I was going to do something similar in the dodge but I would have to give up my cup holders and we all know how important those are! I could engineer something for holders I am sure of that! I think the only reason I didn’t go ahead with it is that I only have two control heads up front and prolly don’t have a need for it. Maybe someday anyways just want to know if anyone has had a crack at it!

Thanks

jim · Post by **jim** » Tue Aug 19, 2003 7:00 pm

Yep- I do them all the time.
3/4" cabinet-grade wood is the main element. Since a very close friend owns a cabinet shop, I have access to all of the proper tools to do this. Any local cabinet shop could do this for you.
I make each one custom for each application. The console fits the vehicle's interior lines EXACTLY and it also fits the equipment exactly. It then gets laminated to match OEM interior colors.
It looks like it belongs in the vehicle. You'll see this type of unit in ambulances or squad trucks that are built by Odyssey or similar factilities.

They take some time, but are superior to any "generic" commercially available units- and they will last 10 years without rattles like the commercial units.

You always get a "WOW" when the customer picks up the vehicle since they are used to seeing the generic "pre-fab-o" consoles.

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Tue Aug 19, 2003 9:01 pm

Hey Jim got any plans together for a console that would fit a 03 suburban and accept stock troy faceplates?

RidgeRunner · Post by **RidgeRunner** » Wed Aug 20, 2003 4:01 am

Jim you should post some pics here, I wouldnt mind seeing your handy work! I am thinkinga about trying my hand at making one.

Thanks
Robert

gws · Post by **gws** » Wed Aug 20, 2003 4:50 am

Medium Density Fiberboard MDF is a good wood for making consoles.

JAYMZ · Post by **JAYMZ** » Wed Aug 20, 2003 5:52 am

I have built a couple. As long as you take the measurements you need and know exactly how you are going to configure it then you should be golden. This is the console I built for my car. I am currently working on another for another member but have run into some re-design flaws that I'm correcting.

jim · Post by **jim** » Wed Aug 20, 2003 2:44 pm

I'll have to check with Jim (the cabinet guy). He makes templates for all of them that we do.

When I get some time, I'll add a link to my site with some pics.

Oh.....if you want a REALLLY cool looking console, build it with all rounded edges and have it sprayed with Rhino bed liner.
Bullets will ricochet off of it and it matches the floor mat exactly.

gr8amp · Post by **gr8amp** » Thu Aug 21, 2003 1:40 pm

Here is a pic of a console that I made for an alinco and a few speakers.... It's nothing special...made of mdf and fiberglass

more pics can be found at http://www.cardomain.com/id/gr8amps

shammond · Post by **shammond** » Thu Aug 21, 2003 2:56 pm

Very Nice. I'm about to take on building a console as well for an F350 with Bench Seats. Thought about replacing them with buckets but I like the spreadability of the bench seat.

Factory consoles just won't hold enough radios.

Thanks for the ideas, hope you don't mind if I steal them.

Thanks,
Steve

RidgeRunner · Post by **RidgeRunner** » Thu Aug 21, 2003 4:43 pm

Thats the cats a$$! what exactly did you do put a fiberglass coating over the mdf then prime, sand, prime and paint with a high gloss black? That thing seems to have a shine? I'd say it looks good!

gr8amp · Post by **gr8amp** » Thu Aug 21, 2003 6:11 pm

The fiberglass does 2 things. Number 1, it covers all seams, gaps and holes in the frame so that it looks like its one piece. Number 2 it prevents the primer and paint from soaking into the MDF....which would make it very hard to get a decent finish.

Everything you need can be purchased at Home Depot and any local automotive parts supplier. You need:

Small container of fiberglass resin(quart size should be more than enough)
Package of fiberglass cloth or chopped mat(I prefer the mat...)
Sheet of MDF(I use 3/4 inch...but thats a little overkill)
Some High Build primer and paint
Small can of Bondo...or other body filler
80 grit sandpaper
240 grit sandpaper
600 grit wet/dry sandpaper
1000 grit wet/dry sandpaper
rubbing compound
Your favorite auto wax
LOTS AND LOTS OF TIME

The process is pretty simple. First, build your frame. Depending on how the radios are designed to mount this can get tricky....make sure you include a way to securely attach the radio to the console. You don't want it shooting out and killing someone if the vehicle is ever in an accident

Next, cut up the fiberglass mat or cloth into pieces....mix up some resin according to the instructions on the can...and coat the entire console with resin soaked mat or cloth. Use a cheap paintbrush to apply the resin, and try to keep the pieces of mat as flat as possible. Make sure you use a decent overlap when you add new pieces of mat or cloth....cover the entire console.

Now here is the fun part. Once it dries mix up some body filler and fill any low or rough spots. Sand it all to shape with some 80 grit. Fill any smaller imperfections with some more body filler, and sand it smooth with the 240 grit. Prime it.....block sand any straight pieces and hand sand curves with the 240. Prime it again and wetsand with the 600 grit until it is perfectly smooth. Now is the time to fix any low spots you may have missed. Go back now and smooth them all.

Now give it about 3 good coats of paint....and 4 or 5 coats of clearcoat. After it dries, wetsand with the 1000 grit...then polish it up with the rubbing compound(be prepared for sore arms), give it a coat of wax....install and enjoy.

Another alternative(for an OEM look) is to use SEM Texture Coating, which duplicates the texture of most dash and interior panels. Very NICE

Don't be fooled, this process takes a long time, but I think its well worth it.

Also, please wear a respirator when doing the fiberglass and paint work. The chemicals can make you really ill.

I hope this helps. I am sure I left out a few details, but this will get you going in the right direction.

Good GOD...my fingers hurt

nmfire10 · Post by **nmfire10** » Sun Aug 24, 2003 7:21 am

I tried to make one for my old truck out of wood. My emense skill and expertise as an expert craftsman came shining through and I ended up with a whole lot of expensive scrap wood.

That fiberglass console looks GREAT! I envy your abity to make stuff like that. I just don't have the patience for that stuff.

KitN1MCC · Post by **KitN1MCC** » Sun Aug 24, 2003 9:29 am

i know the odysee consoles look real good. i have torn apart some of the middlesex parramedics trucks with there stuff and used the old consoles works real good.\\i just dont like fibergalss i am allergic to it

JohnWayne · Post by **JohnWayne** » Fri Aug 29, 2003 2:22 pm

I built a console for my '97 Dodge 4x4 pickup. It's not as fancy as alot of the ones that people on here have built, but it sure gets the job done. The whole story is on my website:

http://www.hitechredneck.net/ram/console/index.shtml

I'd be happy to answer any questions anyone has about it.

Jeff

KG6EAQ · Post by **KG6EAQ** » Fri Aug 29, 2003 5:50 pm

Jeff

I love the PVC laptop holder! Did you leave it hollow or fill it with something to stiffen it up?

JohnWayne · Post by **JohnWayne** » Sat Aug 30, 2003 1:54 am

Thanks for the comment! The laptop mount is indeed hollow. The wall thickness of the SCH80 PVC makes it very rigid, and thus sufficient to support the weight of my 7lb laptop while driving down the road.

Jeff

rtech · Post by **rtech** » Sat Aug 30, 2003 7:55 pm

I am currently making one somewhat based on the Jotto Desk Contour design. I am making mine with a fiberboard frame and covering with sheet ABS as I have a few full sheets laying around that has no use right now. I will be glad to post some pics as it is nears completion.

Mine will have 10" of space and will be at a 70 or 75 degree angle. I have a bench seat right now. I need the room.

It should house the x9000, PA300 and light controller box.

I really like the one in the Lumina. Looks very good. A whole bunch cheaper than the Jotto.

Alan

RidgeRunner · Post by **RidgeRunner** » Sun Aug 31, 2003 10:01 am

Yes post the pics I am geting some excellent ideas from this post!