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Thread: Center console build

  1. #1
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    Center console build

    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!! 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.




    Taking shape.




    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.



    Last edited by Bitchin'57; 12-12-2017 at 09:52 AM.

  2. #2
    Registered Member MP&C's Avatar
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    Looking good! where did you source the cupholders?
    Robert



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  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by MP&C View Post
    Looking good! where did you source the cupholders?
    Thanks. I got the cup holders from ebay.

  4. #4
    Registered Member BamaNomad's Avatar
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    Your console looks great!

  5. #5
    Registered Member chevynut's Avatar
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    Console turned out nice. Are you installing AC? How usable is the glovebox if you do?
    56 Nomad, Ramjet 502, Viper 6-speed T56, C4 Corvette front and rear suspension


    Other vehicles:

    56 Chevy 2-door BelAir sedan
    56 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
    57 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
    1962 327/340HP Corvette
    1961 Willys CJ3B Jeep
    2001 Porsche Boxster S
    2003 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Duramax
    2019 GMC Sierra Denali Duramax

  6. #6
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    Thanks, BamaNomad and Laz!


    Quote Originally Posted by chevynut View Post
    Console turned out nice. Are you installing AC? How usable is the glovebox if you do?
    Copied from original post: "When I installed the VA Gen IV unit, there is almost no room for storage!! The up side is, it gives me good access to the unit, especially to the control module."

  7. #7
    Registered Member chevynut's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bitchin'57 View Post
    The up side is, it gives me good access to the unit, especially to the control module."
    I guess that's a good thing on a 57 since there's no right side grille you can remove like on a 55 or 56. Moving the stereo up sure gives more room below it for other stuff. I wish I had more room for a power outlet or two there, but I'll probably put them elsewhere. I won't have cupholders because I don't have room for them and besides, NOBODY is going to drink in my car.
    56 Nomad, Ramjet 502, Viper 6-speed T56, C4 Corvette front and rear suspension


    Other vehicles:

    56 Chevy 2-door BelAir sedan
    56 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
    57 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
    1962 327/340HP Corvette
    1961 Willys CJ3B Jeep
    2001 Porsche Boxster S
    2003 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Duramax
    2019 GMC Sierra Denali Duramax

  8. #8
    Administrator 567chevys's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bitchin'57 View Post
    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!! 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.




    Taking shape.




    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.



    Looks Bitchin one of the Nicer Jobs I have seen , I like the head unit down there !

    Sid

    1955 2 DR Post
    1937 Chevy Coupe
    2023 Ford Super Duty F350 TREMOR
    2019 Corvette Z06
    1955 Chevy Nomad
    1935 Ford 2dr Slant back I have 4

  9. #9
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    Thanks, Sid!

    I think I might move the head unit up another 1/2", just to put some space between it and the AC vents, and to slightly improve the line of sight.
    Last edited by Bitchin'57; 12-12-2017 at 12:00 PM.

  10. #10
    Registered Member Belair-o's Avatar
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    Very nicely done! Good thinking, and good woodworking!
    Regards, Doug

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