Console for '71 Torino

[PortraitPro]

This was my first attempt ever at building a console, keep that in mind. But Here's what I came up with.

I first used chip board to create the template. The boards came in 12"x12" pre-cut squares. Chip board is more firm than standard cardboard and can be a little bit of a pain to work with.



I then cut everything out of 1/2" MDF. The font portion of the console has a slight curve to it. I used 1/4" luan to form the curve. I opted to put a place for my i-Pod, two over sized cup holders (these are actually cup holder inserts for a boat) that are large enough to hold any size drink, and a spot for two gauges.




Once mocked up and test fitted, I tore it down. I then routered the outside edges of the walls using a 3/16" roundover bit, then flipping the pieces over and rounding the edges again. I also rounded the front edge of the i-Pod and cup holder shelves.



I covered the entire piece in black marine vinyl. My wife provided the accent stitching. If you have a wife, or perhaps yourself, that has experience sewing, you can sew vinyl on a home machine as opposed to an industrial machine. I used gray upholstery thread for the stitching. For the storage compartment, I used European style cabinet hinges. For the interior of the storage compartment, I cut chip board to the size of the four walls and base, then covered them in trunk carpet.



All-in-all, I think it came out well, especially for a first attempt. I really like how the stitching makes it look a little more custom rather than a plain vinyl wrapped console.

Tips for sewing vinyl on a home machine:
1. Do not sew more than two layers.
2. Increase your stitch length. If sewing a seam, set stitch length to 3, and for any top stitching (like what you see in the pictures) set stitch length to 5.
3. Decrease tension (you will have to test machine tension using scraps as every machine is different), I think our tension was set at 4.
4. Always use upholstery thread. It's stronger and corrosion resistant.
5. Use small strips of cotton batting behind the stitches. It adds durability and the stitches look nicer. Trust me we tested it with and without the batting and it made a difference.

[PortraitPro]

Here's a shot of the console installed.

[Mr Nick]

Looks great, like a factory option! Nice work.

[Nothingface5384]

Def Dig it
ps also love 70-71 torinos/cobras
are you over at torinocobra.com?

[PortraitPro]

Yeah, I've been on Torinocobra.com for a while now, same user name.