So I finally got around to building my center console yesterday and today. I probably have a good eight hours of labor in it, but I think it was worth it. I think it came out pretty good, considering it was my second woodworking project ever, and only my second attempt at wrapping anything in vinyl! My first project was my trunk kit.

I started out by drawing down on paper what I had in mind, and then made a cardboard mock up. I made the neccessary changes to that and then started cutting it out of 1/2" MDF I had left over from the trunk kit. I used a couple of 2x4's and some 1x1 I had laying around for cross braces.

Here's a pic of it partially assembled and the top of it beside it. (In hindsight, maybe cardboard wasn't the best backdrop for pics... )


Here's me using a hair dryer and a squeegee (sp?) to attach the fake woodgrain overlay to the MDF. Heat is the key to making this work! It'll bend and conform to curves you wouldn't think possible once it's warmed up (although there were no curves here...)


Here's an "in process" pic of me wrapping the sides. I figured it would be easier to do while assembled. Keep in mind I had to leave it somewhat "Unassemblable" in case I had to service the shifter or something in the car.


I was able to re-use the stock center arm rest that was in the car when it was a split bench. You may say "Bill! That vinyl doesn't match!" But you'll see that it is almost the exact color of my upper dash pad and steering wheel, keeping with the stock two tone look of the car. (I'm getting plenty of use out of the vinyl I spent 3 bucks for when I made that trunk kit!!! )


cont'd

This post has been edited by toomanytoyz: Sep 21 2003, 02:17 PM

Here it is going into the car. The armrest assembly and front pocket are permanently attached, but the woodgrain section is removable. Pretty good foresight, I thought.


With the "wood" panel in place. "What's that chrome separating the panels?" you ask... Well, it's the stuff they use for suspended ceilings. It's the usually white "T" shaped trusses that the paneling sits on after you make a grid with them. In that area of Home Depot last night, I found a display that had colored overlays for them that snapped into place. After talking to a couple associates there, they came to the conclusion that they did not have the chrome overlay (or any others) in stock, and could not order them. No numbers worked to bring them up in the computer. So I took the display. Hey, they wouldn't be needing it anyways, if they can't even get the stuff! So I cut the "T" stuff to length and the chrome overlays and they press fit to hold everything nice and tight.


Here it is all done. I scored a sweet silver/grey carbon fiberish looking boot with a chrome bezel at my local rice boy store. I think it looks pretty damn sweet. I also moved my traction control switch to an easily accessible spot right in front of the shifter.


A shot from the other side, where you can also see "The Three Pedals"


A close up of the boot/shifter


All done!


What?!?!? No cupholders??? Actually, they flip out of the armrest when needed. What's a caddy without cupholders?!?!?

I was thinking of getting some strectchy grey netting and using it for map pocket on each side, but I'm not sure on that yet. I also need to raise the carpet up around it a little to fill in the gaps.

Oh, and surprisingly, it's not much heavier than that ugly Neon console!!!

So what do you guys think?

This post has been edited by toomanytoyz: Sep 21 2003, 02:15 PM

Pimp Daddy - Very Nice

Bill ,Since you have so much time into this Caddy.

Pimp Daddy's Caddy is never For Sale!

You are Internationally known with the worlds first T-56 Lt1 Caddy Lead sled in the ISSCA community.

Keep up the good work Bill.

New York's Sparkplug will see you all in a few weeks at New England Dragway with the northeast gang

DUDE!! SWEET!!! I'm impressed! That's beautiful!! Nice job!! So much for just being good for making coffee... I can't wait to see it in person!

And we only let you make coffee at the mod days WHY? Bill, I'm very impressed! Nice work man. Oh, and good job on scoring the HD display for the chrome piece there. I can't wait to see it in person in a couple of weeks.

- Leo

Thanks guys. I really enjoyed making it.

It looks really good Bill! I like the way the Burl woodgrain matches, and it looks factory with the way you worked the armrest in. I like it!

-dW

Looks pretty nifty in there

Impresive job Bill, what's next?