Homemade Vehicle Console Suggestions

[PlasticBaggins]

I'm looking to build a console to hold some radio equipment in my van. I'm reluctant to buy one of the consoles from Havis-shields or one of the others because I don't know how much longer I'll have this vehicle and I'm not sure that the console would fit in anything else.

My question is, has anyone else done something like this?

 

[BoxAlarm187]

I have my 2nd home-made console in my truck. In fact, I have pics of it posted on page 2 of this thread.

My console was constructed of a few sections of plywood and a piece of sheetmetal.

 

[Grog]

I'll make it easy :lol: I'll post the links to make the page load faster. I wish I could do something like that. How hard was it? What type of tools do you need? Did you lose any fingers :lol:

http://www.radioreference.com/phpbb_files/console_sideview.jpg

http://www.radioreference.com/phpbb_files/radio_closeup.jpg

http://www.radioreference.com/phpbb_files/console_overview.jpg

I have my 2nd home-made console in my truck. In fact, I have pics of it posted on page 2 of this thread.

My console was constructed of a few sections of plywood and a piece of sheetmetal.

 

[BoxAlarm187]

Glad to say that I was able to escape from this project with all of my digits.

Actually, I came up with the basic design, and much of the fabrication was done by a friend who is a whiz when it comes to all things metal & wood. We used cardboard templates to follow the contour of the dashboard, and then cut the plywood to match the template. One of the design constrictions of the console is that it couldn't prevent the driver's seat from moving all the way forward - my wife is 4'11", so having the seat close to the pedals can be a key sometimes. (I am 6'1", so I drive with the seat all the way back. :wink: )

The face plate is just a piece of aluminum which had holes cut to match the exact face dimensions of the radios and speakers. The entire thing was covered with vynil from the local fabric store for a clean look.

If you have any more specific questions, I'll try to answer them, or I can refer to my "construction partner".

 

[Grog]

From another of your posts in that thread.

Thanks for the compliments, all! I'm proud of the job, and glad to see everyone likes it!

As for the lame RS speakers, I had looked into getting some /\/\otorola speakers, but I was running into a space issue. I already had two of them, and couldn't make the console any wider than it already is, so I went with the RS jobbies.

The "frame" of the console is made from 3/4" plywood, and the "face" is .080" aluminum. The whole thing is covered in inexpensive vinyl picked up from the local fabric store. The radios are held in place with custom-made aluminum L-brackets.

We didn't use MDF on this one becuase the plywood was already laying around.

I also have to give credit where credit is due. Although I came up with the basic design for the box, the cutting, custom aluminum work, and overall fit & finish were completed by my friend Bob Howland. This is the third custom console he's done recently, the others are in a 1997 Expedition and a 2005 F-350 at the fire station.

 

[Grog]

Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah - my wife is 4'11" Blah Blah Blah Blah

Sweet :lol: :lol: :lol:

I'm 6'3, so I'm trying to find a girl who is 4'9. I want the one and a half foot differance :wink:


But really, good job. We should have a thread on how to build one of these consoles.

 

[BoxAlarm187]

Grog, thanks for the cut-and-paste ... I forgot that I had posted that additional information on the original thread.

 

[PlasticBaggins]

Thanks for the help, everyone.

Any suggestions on the material I should use?

 

[tonsoffun]

Hey Jeff,

I made one from 1/2" MDF and regular black vinyl for easy wiping and dusting.
I just measured between the seats and made it so it slopes at the front so I can still use the cup holders.
Any other questions feel free to ask.
The console is in a Venture Van.
The other 2 pics are on this thread
http://www.radioreference.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=16174&start=120

 

[Grog]

THe other two pics are here

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b287/tonsoffun26/100_0137.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b287/tonsoffun26/100_0139.jpg

 

[gr8amp]

Here's a pic of a custom console I just finished up. This slips into the "random junk pocket" of a chevy s10, and is made of fiberglass.

 

[AZ-GT]

Wow, impressive work. Build one for my Subaru.