65 GTO console ideas

[gtotto]

Hey guys,

I am in the process of a frame off-rebuild of my 65 GTO (clone) and I am trying to look ahead for solututons of the many things that will come up. I plan to install a TKO-600 and want to use a console to accomodate cup holders, power window controls, etc. So here are my thoughts.............I do not want to cut up my original console to accomodate the modern features and, therfore, I am considering making a custom console, either from sheet steel or MDF. I want the console to "fit" the car's styling and still appear somewhat original. I was wondering if anyone has seen any material (from any industry) out there that looks similiar to the auto/manual console top plates with the chrome ribbing. I was thinking that if I could find a similiar material I could weld it up, chrome it and paint it and still accomodate cup holders, gauges, power window controls or whatever. I know that there are chromed-plastic console kits available and that would be a solution except that I think I would like to enlarge the overall console. I have also seen custom consoles with a turned metal detail to mimick the 64 dash but I would LOVE to find some ribbed material that looked similiar to the OEM.

Sorry for the long post....any ideas are greatly appreciated