Custom console attempt. What do you guys think so far??

[scherp69]

So I'm taking a shot at making a custom console out of round bar. I then plan on wrapping the entire thing with sheet metal and either painting it or wrapping it in leather. I know it's a lot of round bar, but I figure better safe than sorry. I still plan on adding a lid on top that opens as well. Here's some pics.

Arm rest

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/P1000883-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/P1000882-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/P1000887-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/P1000890-1.jpg

Front part. When it's done, the front is going to come down on more of an angle. I plan on putting a 7" LCD in it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/P1000881-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/P1000889-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/P1000885-1.jpg

And the two together

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/P1000891-1.jpg

There's still lots to do on it. I plan on using round bar to connect the two parts and have one solid console. What do you guys think so far? Any suggestions to make it better?

[THE TECH]

Looks good so far. Keep it up.

[ironcampig]

When your done could you make me one , it looks crazy cool

[armourmark]

Looks sturdy as hell!! Good work. If you are going thru all the trouble to skin it with sheetmetal, do yourself a favor and paint it. All the metalwork deserves a paintjob!!

[rocketrod]

Looks good so far! Are you factoring in clearance for the thickness of adding dynamat lie material and carpeting into your design? The piece under the dash looks tight now. Plus will it set on the tunnel correctly once these items are added? How do you plan on finishing the rest of the interior: leather, deluxe interior, etc? Keep the pics coming!

[Motown 454]

Its looking good Mike. Your putting those new tools to good use.

[67blacklist]

looks good, I too would be concerned about rocketrod's point, also do you have enough room to comfortably reach down and grab the e-brake? it's just a little difficult to tell without seats.

[veltboy618]

Looks good! Why not make it out of fiberglass?

[scherp69]

Looks good so far. Keep it up.

Thanks!


When your done could you make me one , it looks crazy cool

I'll get right on it :) and thanks.


Looks sturdy as hell!! Good work. If you are going thru all the trouble to skin it with sheetmetal, do yourself a favor and paint it. All the metalwork deserves a paintjob!!

After looking at fiberglass, I'm now leaning towards wrapping it in fiberglass and then wrapping it in leather. I really think the leather will fit better than painted as my steering wheel and seats are all leather.


Looks good so far! Are you factoring in clearance for the thickness of adding dynamat lie material and carpeting into your design? The piece under the dash looks tight now. Plus will it set on the tunnel correctly once these items are added? How do you plan on finishing the rest of the interior: leather, deluxe interior, etc? Keep the pics coming!

Thanks. I thought I had enough clearance, but I'll be cutting it down to 1" clearance. Right now it is 1/2" and I doubt that will be enough. I'm also going to hit one of the local upholster shops and see if they have any scrap carpet I can have to put under it.


Its looking good Mike. Your putting those new tools to good use.

Yeah they work quite nice.


looks good, I too would be concerned about rocketrod's point, also do you have enough room to comfortably reach down and grab the e-brake? it's just a little difficult to tell without seats.

I haven't really tried it yet. I'm not overly concerned about being able to grab it comfortably as much as I can just get to it. I will keep that in mind though and will try it out with the seats in place.


Looks good! Why not make it out of fiberglass?

I think I'm going to wrap it in fiberglass and then in leather. I thought about doing the entire thing out of fiberglass or mdf, but I think with it this way I won't have to worry about it being sturdy enough. I'm about 260lbs (hope to get lighter) so I like having the extra support in case I lean on it.

[bg5512]

I've done mine in foam and then fiberglass, but I think I like your methed better. Thanks for the idea.

[1976CamaroGuy]

I def would wrap it in fiberglass, apply filler to smooth, then wrap it with material....it's going to be lighter than metal.

[gcallahan]

very nice. ive been thinking about building my own as well, can't wait to see it finished.

[scherp69]

Thanks guys. So I've decided that once I'm dong the skeleton, I am going to wrap it in sheet metal and then leather. I talked to the upholsterer and they recommended to do the same. It will be easier to finish it in sheetmetal.

Got more done on the console today and yesterday. First thing I did was mock it up with some carpet and underlay. Found out that it was too high so I took off about 1/2" more. I also had to make some modifications around the a/c unit. It will be snug now, but once it gets bolted down, it should look good. The other issue I found was regarding the depth of it. I was talking to a friend of mine who manages a electronics store. For the head unit I want to put in, he recommended close to 10" depth. Well I had a bit of ways to go. I got it to about 9 1/2". I was looking at the specs of the Alpine units, they are just under 6 1/2" deep, then wiring. I think I'll be good with it now.

Here's some pics. Let me know what you think.

Added to the front

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/P1000893-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/P1000892-1.jpg

The only thing I might try and change is to shorten the top part to put it on more of an angle so I will be able to see the screen better.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/P1000898-1.jpg

I then connected the two pieces together

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/P1000900-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/P1000903-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/P1000904-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/P1000910-1.jpg

Oh and..............................cup holders :headbang::headbang::headbang:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/P1000911-1.jpg

For those that were wondering about the weight. I think in the end, this will be lighter than going with mdf. So far I'm only at 8.3lbs for the skeleton.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/P1000913-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/P1000915-1.jpg

What do you guys think?? I'll be out in the shop again tomorrow and will get some more done. Will post more pics then.

[gcallahan]

looks nice

[scherp69]

Thanks.


Got a little bit done today. Moved the shifter back into it's original location. I like it better there. Also had to cut a few pieces out and I made the ebrake hole.

I know the one side is a little bit off, but it's a one off piece. It all can't be dead on. Plus with the leather, it will never even be noticeable.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/P1000925-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/P1000927-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/P1000928-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/P1000929-1.jpg

I'm not sure if I like the cup holders I have. I think they are a little too big. I want a set that when I put a regular pop bottle into it, it doesn't flop all over the place. The ones I have have about half an inch all the around still. Does anyone know of any that fit a bottle snugly.

[nekkidhillbilly]

it would look cool to keep it a skeleton and powder coat it and cover in lexan

[fordsbyjay]

Where did you get those cup holders?

[newmexicosaint]

That is looking GOOD. Its a roll cage for a console!!

[jtm311]

Nice work, after just finishing mine I know what it takes :)

John

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

very nice work!

[scherp69]

Thanks guys. Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to get any more done on it. I've been working on Project Remove that F'ing Post. (removing the center post from my shop so I have a complete two car garage without a post in the middle of it). I'm also ordering a MGW shifter so I want to get that and install it before I finalize the cup holders. As for the cup holders, I got them from one of our local boat shops. They brought them in for me. They were about $18 each. Here's the brand:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/P1000937-1.jpg

[ROBS6T8]

Boat shops are great for the cup holders. That's where I got mine.
Nice job on the console. That might outlast the car!

[jtm311]

Ebay for the cup Holder they have both large and small :)
John

[robertjra]

this looks good!! keep it up i would like to see how it comes out!!

[ryfrat]

Looks great.

[67cougnut]

where did you buy a quanity of round bar? a metal supply house of some sort?

[fordsbyjay]

Thanks for the tip on cup holders. I get my round bar at my local steel place.

[aps63]

Mike-
Your build was the inspiration for my console build.
Looking forward to seeing the rest of it.

[scherp69]

Thanks guys. I got the round bar at Princess Auto. It's kind of like a big junk store. They sell a bit of everything. You can also get it at Homedepot, although I found it to be more expensive there. Unfortunately I don't have any updates to post, it still looks the same. I've been working on a lid for the storage compartment, but haven't made much progress. Have had a number of things get in the way of working on the car. We're heading to Vegas this weekend and I hope to start working on the car again once we're back. Should have more free time now.

[SparkyRnD]

any updates on the console?

[scherp69]

any updates on the console?

Thanks for asking. Unfortunately haven't made any progress at all. Haven't spent much time at all in the shop the past couple months, and the little time that I did I've been working on making my weld on hinge doors into bolt on hinge doors. Hope to do some more work on the console in the next couple weeks.

[neki67]

Does anyone know of any that fit a bottle snugly.

I used poker table chip holders. They hold a bottle just fine.

[Nick Ostas]

WOW, way cool, i know what i am doing when i get my MIG hooked back up.

[dropit69]

Looking awesome..and if you need round bar grab that shopping cart that made it to another parking lot..lol..

[scherp69]

Thanks guys.


So I've had a few questions about building the console. Here's a response that I put in another thread and thought I would add it here in case more people are wondering what I've done.

As for the building of the console, it's actually very simple and no high cost tools needed. The biggest thing about building a console like this is time. It will take alot longer than building one out of mdf, but the nice thing is it's a custom piece that fits exactly how you want it to. It's all trial and error. Measure, cut, tack, test fit, fix, text fit and carry on :devil:

One of the tools is a ring roller, or a roll bender. Mine is a Magnum brand which I picked up from KMS Tools, a tool store that has a few locations throughout the province. I think I paid about $75 for it on sale. Here's the one that I have, it's very similar to the Baileigh one, I just didn't have to pay for the Baileigh name. I'm sure mine isn't as good as the Baileigh one though.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/P1000875-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/P1000874-1.jpg

What this tools does is allow you to roll round bar or flat stock. You can roll it to a complete circle or just make a piece curved. I used this tool to do the pieces that fit over the trans hump in these pics

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/P1000885-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/P1000898-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/P1000929-1.jpg

This allowed me to build the console so it would fit nicely on the hump. I thought about just using large barrel or tank to help shape the round bar, but for anyone that's seen my build knows..I like to buy tools so I decided I'd rather have the tools. I plan on using round bar in a few more areas of my build.

The second tool I've used is this.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/8000447-1.jpg

They just call it a universal metal bender and I think I paid $40 on a sale. You can change the dies and it allows you to make circles in the metal. I paid $10 extra to get a DVD that shows what the tool does. Looks like guys use these to make round bar art when there are lots of bends. I used mine to make the piece around the parking brake in this pic. I'm also going to use it to build some pieces to hold up the cup holders.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/P1000927-1.jpg

Those are the only two specialty tools that I've used for the console. The other tools I've used are: a hack saw, hammer, vice, measuring tape, welding magnets and of course a welder.

The round bar that I'm using is 1/4". I got all mine at Princess Auto....it's kind of like a tool junk store that has several stores throughout Canada. Not sure what store would be similar in the US. You can also get round bar at Home Depot and most places like that. You would also be able to get it at most steel supply stores, I just prefer to get mine as I need it. I usually pay $5.49 for a 5 foot piece. I think Home Depot charges $4.99 for a 3 foot piece.

When you start your console, measure the area that want it to fit into and start cutting. If you want to use a piece of cardboard to make a template, that might make it easier to get the design that you want. I just use the trial and error method and changed it as I went. Make sure that you allow for clearance of carpet, underlay and any sound deadner that you might use. When I started to do mine, I forgot to do this and had to cut it down to allow for it. Use the welding magnets to hold pieces in place and tack weld them. I eye balled all my bends and angles until they looked good. Now that I'm doing a lid for mine, I may have to make a few adjustments to make up for the "eye balling".

As for the 90 degree bends, I used a vice and a hammer. Mark where you want the bend to go and put it in the vice. You may want to try a couple practice bends to see where it bends in respect to where you mark it. I start by bending it by hand as the 1/4" stuff bends quite easily by and. The problem with bending a 90 degree by hand is that the bend ends up quite rounded. Once I have it done by hand, I use a heavy ball peen hammer while it's still in the vice and hammer it down to get a nice tight bend. These bends were done by hand and then with a hammer.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/P1000903-1.jpg

Alot of the 90 degree bends are welded. This piece of the console has quite a few bends and they were all welded into place. You can see how this piece has quite a few odd bends and angles on it. This is because I wanted to make it fit just right. I had to make alot of the bends and angles to fit around the Vintage Air unit that's shown in the second picture

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/P1000895-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/P1000898-1.jpg

Like I said in the beginning, the biggest factor in building a console like this is time. I don't even know how many hours I've spent building this one. It adds up though once you tack things into place, fit, weld, clean the welds and test fit again and make any changes that you need to. Once mine is done, I plan on wrapping it with 20 gauge sheet metal and then with leather. The main reason I chose round bar was it allowed me to make a real custom piece that fit exactly how I wanted it to. It was also alot easier to make changes as I could just cut out the area I don't want and weld in a new piece. Not as easy to make changes with mdf or wood and still keep it strong.

With the questions I've been getting lately and seeing other guys make consoles with round bar, it got me motivated to do some more on mine. Here's what I've gotten done over the past few days:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/P1010514-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/P1010525-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/P1010526-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/P1010527-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/P1010528-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/P1010529-1.jpg

Looks like Mickey Mouse

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/P1010543-1.jpg

You may have noticed that I'm using different cup holders now. I ended up getting some smaller ones from a poker supply store. They are the same ones that they use in the Vegas poker tables. Thanks again for the idea Rene. Here's what they look like. I paid $30 shipped for all 4.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/P1010459-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/P1010461-1.jpg

Much nicer than the ones I originally had

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/P1010470-1.jpg

[csouth]

One word, DAMN! I can't wait to see that finished

[fordsbyjay]

Looking good.

[Vicinity]

Still want to learn to weld, might have to pick up some steel and give this a shot, you make it look easy, lol.

[fordsbyjay]

Still want to learn to weld, might have to pick up some steel and give this a shot, you make it look easy, lol.

With a good vice mounted to a sturdy bench you can do all that quite easily (except the perfect circles), it just takes practice and be prepared to redo a few bends. The good think is small steel rod like that is really cheap from a steel supplier. I will start with a piece longer then needed and mark out the distance till you want your first bend. (ex 4"). Put the 4" section into the vice and put the line at the top of the vice jaw. I also set a square on the vice jaw to make sure you are straight up and down. Depending on how tight you want your bend or arc will depend on where you grab the rod to make your bend. If a tight bend is required grab as humanly close to the bend and start pulling. I use a large ball peen hammer to hit the back side of the bend right above the jaw as you pull towards you. If you want a large sweeping curve then pull a little higher on the rod and it will make a gradual curve.

I have not made a console but I have made a bunch of xmas decorations using 1/8, 1/4 and 5/16 steel rod.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/grinch1-1.jpg

[fordsbyjay]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/P1010527-1.jpg





Mike where did you get that DIN insert? I was looking for one awhile back but I don't even know what to call it.

Thanks,

[scherp69]

One word, DAMN! I can't wait to see that finished


Looking good.

Thanks guys.


Still want to learn to weld, might have to pick up some steel and give this a shot, you make it look easy, lol.

What are you waiting for...get your hands dirty lol


Mike where did you get that DIN insert? I was looking for one awhile back but I don't even know what to call it.

Thanks,

Jason, this one is for a double din stereo. I just went to one of the local stereo places and asked if they had an extra one and they did. It probably helped that my buddy is the manager there. I'm sure any stereo place would have one. I just call it the cradle, not sure what else to call it.

[Vicinity]

@Jay, Not sure how legit, but you can find them if you look hard enough..

http://www.eonon.com/Others/Others/A0316.html

I can't seem to find the "keyword" for the search, but cradle, frame, and installation frame all kind of work.

[fordsbyjay]

@Jay, Not sure how legit, but you can find them if you look hard enough..

http://www.eonon.com/Others/Others/A0316.html

I can't seem to find the "keyword" for the search, but cradle, frame, and installation frame all kind of work.

Cool thanks.

[scherp69]

Made some more progress on the console the past couple days. I actually think this is the coolest part of the console.

Picked up a shift boot and billet boot ring. I went with the Lokar kit part # 70-BFMB. This thing is sweet.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/P1010548-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/P1010556-1.jpg

Since the ring is so thick, I wanted to try and sink it into the console a bit. I started with some 1/8" flat stock and cut it to the size I wanted

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/P1010549-1.jpg

Welded it together

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/P1010554-1.jpg

Drilled and tapped the holes into the flat stock

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/P1010551-1.jpg

Added some round bar. The way I added this, I left enough room around the ring to fit the leather (if I still go with leather)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/P1010552-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/P1010555-1.jpg

Today I added it to the rest of the console

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/P1010557-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/P1010559-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/P1010560-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/P1010563-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/P1010565-1.jpg

Tested some bottles of water in the console. It is tight, but I can adjust the shifter some to help give me some extra clearance

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/P1010566-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/P1010567-1.jpg

Next week I'm going to start working on the storage area lid. I've tried using round bar, but have been fighting with all attempts. Once I used the flat stock, I realized that it will make a good base for the lid. I'm going to drill and tap holes for the hinge bolts. I have two parts done, one piece will go on top of the console and the other will be the base for the lid.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/03/P1010569-1.jpg

[SSLT1KID]

Very cool. I can't wait to see this done.

[Nick Ostas]

Absoultly beatiful work

[aps63]

Looking good Mike, I used the same Lokar shifter ring & boot. Really nice pieces.

[skigoose]

Looks awesome, but what happens when you get the 64oz Blatter buster from 7-11, just kidding, I don't let people drink or eat in my ride.

[onestopcustoms]

nice job... keep up the good work...

[Motor_Mouth]

Cool. I really want to see this finished. The individual creativity of the people on this board just flat amazes me.