Custom Console Build

[BuzzKillian]

I am putting a LS1, Vintage Air, A more modern Stereo (single din), and Autometer gages in my Camaro. That presents a couple problems.
1. Where Do I put the computer?
2. Using the style of Gage I chose... Where do I put all the gages I want?
3. Where does the stereo go?
4. I like VA's 3 knob control... So.. Where t put it?

Here is my solution.
I built a pattern out of wood.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/0731001644a-1.jpg
I took dimensions off the stock console, and modified them to meet my needs.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/0731001645-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/0731001644-1.jpg
I,m really bad about keeping up with taking pictures through the process, So there are large jumps in progess.
Test fitting the Pattern.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/0731002119a-1.jpg

[instro84]

pretty nice, will the final product be wood or glass?

[BuzzKillian]

pretty nice, will the final product be wood or glass?


It is fiberglass. I need to take some pictures of the mold, to keep the thread in order. (coming soon)

[spacepirate]

Wow that is awesome! Keep that mold. I can't wait to see how it comes out and maybe get a copy of that mold. :)

[wellis77]

With the angles and curves, is this a 1-piece or 2-piece mold?

[BuzzKillian]

The mold is 4 pieces.
I am a Pattern / Tool Maker. I don't work with Fiberglass a lot, so I used a reproduction urethane to make the mold. For me, it was easier to make the loose pieces that way.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/100_6184-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/100_6185-1.jpg
Also, with the pieces on the side, I can change the gage area to allow different cofigurations. (double din, possibly)
I could also change the bottom half pretty easily, to fit other applications.

[BuzzKillian]

These are the parts as they come out of the mold.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/10310013031-1.jpg

[spacepirate]

Wow! WOuld you be interested in making another one? I'd love to purchase one from you.

[BuzzKillian]

I was not planning on selling any of these. After I get my car on the road,(about a month I think) I would consider making a couple. I need to look into a more cost efective process.
If I had to pay me for all the time it took to make this.... well, let's just say most people would think I was nuts. Now that I think about it... I am NUTS. The compliments make it seem worth it. Thank You

[eric36]

Looks awesome! I would be interested in one too if you do make a couple to sell.

[BuzzKillian]

After determining where I wanted my gages and VA controls, I cut the openings using a hole saw and an air saw. Dressed up the AC control opening with a die grinder.

Made an Aluminum plate for the Shifter and a Lid with some concealed hinges.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/camaro016-1.jpg

test fit everything.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/0902002210b-1.jpg

Then wired the gages.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/1023001910-1.jpg

[BuzzKillian]

I wasn't sure how to mount the computer. The size and shape of the console pretty much made me mount it upside down. I made a mount that would work. Turned up 4 aluminum posts, used structural adhesive to glue them to the floor.

The company I work for, makes all kinds of carpet tools, so we have a nice selection of punches to use. I puched holes in the carpet and it sits nicely over the posts, I screwed the CPU mount over the top of the carpet.

To mount the console, I used #10-24 union nuts (like you can get for connecting 2 threaded rods) welded to the floor. Used the punches again on the carpet. They stick through just enough.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/100_5850-1.jpg

[BuzzKillian]

I used 1/8" x 1" alum. stock, attached to the console with fiberglass reinforced Bondo.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/100_5852-1.jpg

[SRD art]

Looks fantastic, keep the updates coming!

[oldblu68]

Your work is fantastic. I have a 68 Camaro as well. I have tried adapting some other factory style consoles to my car, but have not been able to find just what I like or looking for. Your's is almost exactly what I had in mind. Great work again.

Brian

[wellis77]

That came out beautiful. Nice work.

[crazycarguy22]

Great looking console. If you do decide to make copies I don't think you would have a very hard time selling them.

[Ron.in.SoCal]

Great job Mike. Clean, subtle and custom yet not over done.

[rjsjea]

Nice work for sure...

[BuzzKillian]

Thank all of you for the kind words. We have a great comunity of car guys, that just "get it".

[BuzzKillian]

Next comes the gages and the wiring.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/1023001910a-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/1023001910-1.jpg

I used American Autowire Update series wiring harness. It came with plenty of connectors for aftermarket gages. It was also already wired to put gages in the console. I got the Split Flex conduit from amazon.

[BuzzKillian]

1 More test fit. Then tear it apart for paint.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/100_6048-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/0902002210b-1.jpg

I don't like the angles on the glove box lid... I'll change that later.

[BuzzKillian]

Sand, Prime, Sand, Prime, Sand, Seal, Paint!
It was a lot of work... but I'm pretty happy with the results. I still have to finish the lid. Thought about Staining and Clearing it, to match the Stock Walnut Steering Wheel.
Thought about wrapping it in vinyl. (and if vinyl... what color?) This is probably the only part of the build I'm not sure of. Input would be welcomed.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/camaro001-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/camaro003-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/camaro005-1.jpg

I forgot to mention... I also incorporated the stock console courtesy light in the lower back of the console.
The color on the dash has been changed to more closely the door panels. This pretty much up to where I'm at in the project. I'll post some more stuff on the center dash a little later.

[fordsbyjay]

That is an awesome job!!

[thedodgeboys]

Looks nice I want one...

[LeighP]

Very nice design and execution. Well done!

[rfrankb4]

great work. I wish I had 1/4 of the skill that console shows.

[Supra510]

Nice

[SS PUNISHER]

Great work there! How much does that thing weigh??

[BuzzKillian]

That is a good question... I'll take a scale over to the garage tonight and find out.

[DirtShark]

Hell of a job..it looks GREAT!!!

[BuzzKillian]

Thanks for the compliments!
With the gauges, lid, alum. filler plate, AC controls, and all the hardware... it weighs 12.25 lbs.
The stock console (I could only find about 90% of it) was 6.5 lbs

[Motown 454]

Awesome job! That looks like something the factory should have used. I'm going to keep an eye on this thread. Could you match the cover color to the seat or door panel color? Just an idea.

[CKreations]

Wow, as a clay modeler myself, I have to say, Nice work. Console looks great and seems to allow a whole lot more use than the og stuff

[SRD art]

Here's a thought about the lid color. If the console matched the dash color I think the wood would look ok, but with the silver thrown in there you've got two competing design genres and accent colors between the silver and wood.

The blue and silver together make me think of an industrial theme, sort of hard and cold and all business. The wood grain on the other hand is more of a warm, classy, serene, and elegant touch. Personally I'd rather see a color on the console lid that matched the rest of the interior than the steering wheel. A lot of this depends on the visual theme of the whole car, but in my mind the steering wheel will look out of place in this environment too. Looking at these photos I think the wheel would look great with a black rim on a brushed aluminum center.

This is just my .02 and opinion, most important thing is do what you like.

[BuzzKillian]

I checked today about getting the lid upolstered,($200) I don't think that's unreasonable, but it's a little more then I care to spend. Cosidering my choice of colors was very limited, due to the type vynl he said he would have to use. (more flexible because of the sharper corners)


Ben- I agree with what you are saying. The plate over the shifter hole is Brushed Aluminum and so are the Wiper,Lights,and Lighter knobs. The center of the steering wheel is brushed stainless. I really liked the steering wheel by itself, but now I'm wondering if it is going to fit with the rest of the interior. I have not had it all in together since I painted the console.

I'm thinking about using a texture paint under the same silver and maybe a flatened clear.(since I already has the stuff to do that) I just think to stain the wood, would look like too much. I don't think the lid should be glossy like the console, either.

[Camster]

woooowwww that looks so good. awesome work!

[NYTRANSAM]

I would love to buy one from you in a raw finish if you were going to make more....It looks great

[BuzzKillian]

Thanks for the compliments and the interrest... I did not think this would be as well received as it has been.

I am working out the details on making a couple more consoles. On the original one, my boss allowed me to use their materials. SO... Once I get pricing on materials and figure how many I can make with what I have to buy... I'll let those interested know what I have to have for them.

Also, In light of what has happened with some other businesses. (I am not in business.) I will make the parts then let you know when they are availale. (That won't be until my car is running and on the road. Verry soon I hope.) I would not want to wait a month or 2 for something with someone holding my money. And I don't expect anybody dealing with me,too either.

[BuzzKillian]

I'm getting the interior installed slowly... got the console in. I still haven't finished the lid.
59384

[impact-collision]

Very nice work and yes.....we are all NUTS!!!!

[Z06killinSBF]

Looking good!! And yes this is the one website where it doesn't need to be original to be respected!

[TheBull]

Very nice indeed. I frequent the fiberglass forums and see many consoles but none that are done via a mold like that. If you happen to do another, pics of the mold making process would be awesome.

[Das Boot]

Wife & I were just talking about adding a CC to our Buick. Would love to have one down these lines.

As a guy who putzs around with wood I gotta tell ya your pattern blows me away! Very talented!

[diesel25lrs]

Awesome! Need one for a 69!!!

[Mark68]

If you ever decide to make more, put me on the list for one. Great job on an awsome piece!!

[BuzzKillian]

Thanks for the comments guys. I finally got the car on the road! But I'm still having trouble finding the time to work on this. I did design a 2 piece Lid to make putting a pad and some vinyl on the arm rest easier.

[BuzzKillian]

Awesome! Need one for a 69!!!

I'll have to reseach that a little... I'm not sure how it would meet up to the dash.

[Samckitt]

Great work, totally cool!

[Barrrf]

Holy Crap that is awesome. Well done.

Makes me wish I wouldve stuck around my old job. Had a vast resource available to me as far as machines and welders go. My current job - have all of those things but we're too busy to put my stuff on the machine. DOH!

[diesel25lrs]

Well, you can use mine for the guinie pig! Hahaha... Im not sure how it would be much different? I did get some good ideas from you though- keep the pics coming!

[BuzzKillian]

The 69 dosen't have the center dash part. I was looking at some 69's this weekend and I think it would still work. It would jus have to be trimed different.

I really like how the console turned out, but I am already thinking of making changes, (done is boring).

NC is just a litte too far from my shop...

I made one for my brothers 70 Buick GS and it seems to fit pretty well... I'll get some pictures up soon.

[MK69RSSS]

very nice

[chuckd71]

Very awesome. Would like to see pics of the buick version.

[BuzzKillian]

Very awesome. Would like to see pics of the buick version.

Here ya go...
66522

He just painted it with hammertone paint. I don't know why it wouldn't fit in any A body.

[BBPanel]

You obviously have excellent wood working skills - looks like you could have stopped there - did you glass it for the weight savings? -Bob

[ULTM8Z]

I'm getting the interior installed slowly... got the console in. I still haven't finished the lid.
59384

That is very slick... very nice work indeed.

[BuzzKillian]

You obviously have excellent wood working skills - looks like you could have stopped there - did you glass it for the weight savings? -Bob

I needed it to be hollow, so I could mount my ECM under it. Also, in past experience with wood in interiors. With summer heat and winter cold in Ohio... It warps or cracks.

I wanted to have the ability to make changes to the pattern latter, just in case I didn't like what I made.

[BBPanel]

I needed it to be hollow, so I could mount my ECM under it. Also, in past experience with wood in interiors. With summer heat and winter cold in Ohio... It warps or cracks.
I wanted to have the ability to make changes to the pattern latter, just in case I didn't like what I made.
Ahh, didn't realize it was sold. What kind of wood did you use, pine, basswood, ??

[BuzzKillian]

Ahh, didn't realize it was sold. What kind of wood did you use, pine, basswood, ??

The wood is Jelutong. It is very similar to basswood. It cuts and carves fairly easy.

The company I work for gets it from Freeman Mfg. I can get some nice size scraps out of the trash sometimes.

[liquidh8]

Nice work.

[130fe]

Mike, great work! I have a couple of questions-
1. Have you considered selling any more?
2. What rubber shifter boot did you use (the one beneath the carpet)?
3. What A/C Vents are those?

Any info would be appreciated.

[BuzzKillian]

Mike, great work! I have a couple of questions-
1. Have you considered selling any more?
2. What rubber shifter boot did you use (the one beneath the carpet)?
3. What A/C Vents are those?

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks Chris
1. Yes, I'm looking for materials. The original parts I got permission from work to use their material. If I'm going to sell them, I want to keep it separate from work.
2. I used a flat piece of neoprene and cut a hole the size of the necked down area on the T56 shifter. I made 2 aluminum rings. Taped the bottom ring for 10-24 threads and used structural adhesive to fasten it to the floor. Then just sandwiched it all together.
3. The A/C vents are from Vintage Air.