Custom console-materials? Plastics?

[switchblade327]

I am looking into building a center console for my Chevelle and have been scouring forums and the internet for weeks.

It seems the most common process is building a mold out of foam, mdf or luan then using fiberglass or resin to build the actual console. I've seen a few just out of mdf + upholstery and of course, some metal ones too (this would be my preference if I had the skills & tools).



What I haven't seen many of are plastic ones, though this is one good example:
http://www.snowdigger.com/the_garage...e/console.html

Is there a particular reason we don't see more center consoles made of ABS or PVC plastic? I wonder if it's just the materials aren't as readily available or haven't been used in traditional hot rodding? My mechanic brought up interior heat as a potential concern (we are in Southern California) and it's my biggest concern as well but ABS plastic is rated to 145-155 degrees. I discussed the application with a technician at Tap Plastics in the bay area and they said ABS should be fine and plenty of factory interiors use ABS all over the place.

I was thinking of going down to plastic route, reinforcing with a few aluminum cross beams for strength.

Does anyone out there have experience with plastics for interior components? Is there some big concern with the material that I'm missing?