Bitchin'57
12-12-2017, 07:12 AM
This is my second attempt at building a center console for my '57 210 project. I didn't like how the first console came out, and since I had decided to change to a racier shifter, it was all the excuse I needed to trash it and start over.
I didn't have any sketches or dimensions to work from, all I had was a picture in my head, so I just winged it. I used a combination of 1/2" and 3/4" MDF, purchased from Home Depot.
On almost every center console you see in a tri-five, the aftermarket stereo head unit is mounted low, due to the glove box door being in the way. I wanted the head unit to sit in a better line of sight, and be easier to reach. At the same time, I wanted to retain the glove box. So, I cut out the glove box and moved it 8.5" toward the passenger side. To be honest, I was nervous about doing that kind of surgery, because I couldn't find anyone on the 'net that had done it. It was either going to turn out to be a disaster, or a success. Fortunately, it worked out great......except for one thing. When I installed the VA Gen IV unit, there is almost no room for storage!! :lol: The up side is, it gives me good access to the unit, especially to the control module.
Onto the console. I started at the front, and worked my way back.
http://hemiduster.com/cc57-2.jpg
Taking shape.
http://hemiduster.com/cc57-4.jpg
Done. I sprayed 3 coats of Axalta (formerly Dupont) Corlar 2.1 ST epoxy primer, inside and out, to prevent swelling from moisture absorption. The brushed stainless sliding door behind the TCI Outlaw shifter will hide the U.S Shift Quick 4 trans controller. I want to keep it easily accessible, because there will be 2 calibration programs stored in it: one for street driving, and one for the drag strip ( or, if I feel frisky on a nice stretch of road ;)). When the time comes, the console will be covered in the same material as the seats.
http://hemiduster.com/centerconsole1.jpg
http://hemiduster.com/centerconsole2.jpg
I didn't have any sketches or dimensions to work from, all I had was a picture in my head, so I just winged it. I used a combination of 1/2" and 3/4" MDF, purchased from Home Depot.
On almost every center console you see in a tri-five, the aftermarket stereo head unit is mounted low, due to the glove box door being in the way. I wanted the head unit to sit in a better line of sight, and be easier to reach. At the same time, I wanted to retain the glove box. So, I cut out the glove box and moved it 8.5" toward the passenger side. To be honest, I was nervous about doing that kind of surgery, because I couldn't find anyone on the 'net that had done it. It was either going to turn out to be a disaster, or a success. Fortunately, it worked out great......except for one thing. When I installed the VA Gen IV unit, there is almost no room for storage!! :lol: The up side is, it gives me good access to the unit, especially to the control module.
Onto the console. I started at the front, and worked my way back.
http://hemiduster.com/cc57-2.jpg
Taking shape.
http://hemiduster.com/cc57-4.jpg
Done. I sprayed 3 coats of Axalta (formerly Dupont) Corlar 2.1 ST epoxy primer, inside and out, to prevent swelling from moisture absorption. The brushed stainless sliding door behind the TCI Outlaw shifter will hide the U.S Shift Quick 4 trans controller. I want to keep it easily accessible, because there will be 2 calibration programs stored in it: one for street driving, and one for the drag strip ( or, if I feel frisky on a nice stretch of road ;)). When the time comes, the console will be covered in the same material as the seats.
http://hemiduster.com/centerconsole1.jpg
http://hemiduster.com/centerconsole2.jpg