Made a custom 3rd Gen Nova console

[Steelrat]

Have wanted a console with cup holders and a storage area to fit B & M Mega shifter. I have zero experience in this type of work, but it turned out ok.
Started with a neon console as it fit the tranny hump well, was long enough, fit between seats, etc

I am still not sure if I like the flat look or the vinyl paint look more. Opinions?

start
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/consolevi-1.jpg
Fill in e brake hole and gap at back
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC02290-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC02292-1.jpg

shifter plate mock up
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC02326-1.jpg

primer
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC02334-1.jpg

stone sheild for texture eek!! goes on thick :eek: but wait
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC02347-1.jpg
dries flat
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC02281-1.jpg
vinyl paint to lid and console, add gauges and shifter plate and boot.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC02373-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC02372-1.jpg



Notches at side of console are hidden below and between seats
Placed it in car for idea of look. Not secured to floor, nor is shifter plate secured in place yet. But gives an idea of how it will look.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC02385-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC02388-1.jpg

[cheapthrillz]

Dude, that looks very nice! I voted for flat black because I think textured surfaces look better when they're not glossy...

[CruizinKev]

very nice man!!

x2 flat black paint

[Tom Welch]

He shoots, he scores! Great idea. Finding a console that works that good already built is a definite plus.

[cheapthrillz]

This is where it's at right here:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC02281-1.jpg

[oestek]

I like it! Great tip... holding on to that one for future reference! Nice job!

[67 ls1 vert]

What type of material did you use to fill in the P-brake hole? Bondo?

[jon72vega]

Excellent job!

[NovaPwr]

I know you did not list it as an option but I really like satin black on a lot of things. The one pic you posted and someone reposted sorta looks satin and I really liked it. Nice job on the console btw!

[LT1Nova]

I like it. Nice someone found a decent looking console that fits well. If I ever decide to do a floor shifter I'll keep this one in mind. I'd also like to know what you used to fill the openings and vote for a satin finish.

[Steelrat]

To fill the P brake opening I had a scrap peice if 1/8 plastic around from one of my kids old broken toys, an indoor basketball backstop. Made a tempate out of cardboard to match the opening, traced it on the plastic, cut it and then shaped it with bench grinder.

I glued some wooden blocks in about 1/8 " from the surface of the P brake opening for backing, then glued the peice of plastic in. Then a few bondo/sanding applications.

The upside to the stone sheild paint is that it fills in the imperfections and gives the textured look. It goes on like fine wet oatmeal. I just about crapped when I saw it on there. Then it dries flat and smooth, whew.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC023391-1.jpg

[80 MONZTA]

What kind of glue did you use to join the plastic together?

[Steelrat]

I know you did not list it as an option but I really like satin black on a lot of things. The one pic you posted and someone reposted sorta looks satin and I really liked it. Nice job on the console btw!

1 - Flat
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC02281-1.jpg
2 - Vinyl Gloss
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC02373-1.jpg
3 - Semi-Gloss/Satin
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC02398-1.jpg

Winner is Door number 3!!- Semi-Gloss/Satin :D
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC02399-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC02400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC02397-1.jpg

[Steelrat]

What kind of glue did you use to join the plastic together?

Perma Poxy Ultrabond Plastic Adhesive
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/SpecialtyTools/TapeGlueSealants/PRD~0383778P/Ultrabond%2BPlastic%2BAdhesive.jsp

[NOT A TA]

Waaaay cool idea! Semi flat Krylon

[80 MONZTA]

That looks really good, I agree that semi-gloss is the best finnish for it. Thanks for showing it.
Now I am going to have to check out some Neons in the local yards. Is it pretty much hollow underneath? I will need to shorten one severely to fit. I really like the front section, but the arm rest may not fit my car at all.

[Steelrat]

Yes it is hollow underneath, with the exception the the cup holders. A fellow with a 1st gen Nova tried to use the same console, with the cup holders but they rested on the top of his tranny tunnel resulting in the console sitting too high at the front. He cut the front of the console off and this was the result. Looks great as well.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/examplefinsihed-1.jpg

Check out 98 - 2004 Cavalier consoles as well, they are lower profile, not as wide and arm rest is lower. Got these pics from a 3rd gen Nova guy. This console would not work for my shifter.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/cavcon2-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/cavconsole-1.jpg

[Steelrat]

Here are some dimension pics that may help. All measurements from flat surface vs on tranny tunnel. Sorry for blurry shots,
8" high at back of opening and 8 3/4" at front
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC02403-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC02405-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC02406-1.jpg
14" high
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC02407-1.jpg
39" long
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/DSC02410-1.jpg

[80 MONZTA]

I did notice the Cavilier one's before, just think the Neon looks better. I really like the built in area for gauges in the Neon one. But you are right, probably won't fit. If I can get them cheap enough I will pick both up and see what I can do with them.

Do you know how the texture was done on this one?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/examplefinsihed-1.jpg

[Steelrat]

Do you know how the texture was done on this one?

Duplicolor truck bed paint made that texture. But, to get it like that you need to skim coat the entire console with bondo then sand it, as the Duplicolor truck bed paint will give a fine texture, but not go on the same over the bondo/sanded area and the bare console. The builder of this one advised me of this. I tried it, he was right. :)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/11/1stgen-1.jpg

Here is the thread from the builder.
http://www.stevesnovasite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43268&highlight=neon

[Steelrat]

Finished.
Console and seat back in car. Final color was the satin/semi gloss black.
Looks pretty cool in the dark with the gauges and shift indicator illuminated too :cool:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/DSC02446-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/DSC02442-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/DSC02437-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/12/DSC02435-1.jpg

[LT1Nova]

Will a pop bottle fit in the cup holders without hitting the dash? It looks like the holes are back far enough but just curious.

[80 MONZTA]

That looks good. Almost as though it was made just for your car. With drinks in the holders, can you still see the gauges?
I picked up both the Neon and Cavilier (Sunfire) consoles, but have not done anything with them after buying. I see lots of cutting and glueing in my future, lol.

[Steelrat]

[QUOTE=80 MONZTA;605773]With drinks in the holders, can you still see the gauges?
QUOTE]

I purposely
set the temp and oil gauge in the center and to the right, these are the 2 real important ones for me, so if I have a cup/drink in the holder only the volt gauge may be partly obscured. Although I could move my head to see it if I was not feeling too lazy. LOL:)

[LeighP]

Very nice job...thanks for the ideas. It looks great!

[Dstoltenberg]

That looks great, I was going to go without a center console in my build, but I think you just inspired me to do otherwise

[Jasons72]

It turned out really well, looks great in the car!

[72ratnova]

i think thats the 1st part ever reused from a dodge neon, but looks amzing, too bad my nova has a bench

[DarkoNova]

That is awesome. Excellent job. :smoke:

Matt