Who likes my center console?

[70rs]

Originally Posted by chuckd71

How did you get the mdf to curve outward as it goes from the rear toward the front? That looks similar to what I was going to try.

You can make compound curves, radiused panels and things like that a number of ways. One is to use 3/8" "bender board" and laminate (glue) two sheets together in the shape you want over a wood buck or jig. Or you can use 1/4" MDF sheets and do the same thing. Make your parts oversized and cut/sand to your final shape.

The console in the video looks very nice, and I imagine there is a lot of time involved. But the basic outside shape is fairly straight forward to make and you should be able to duplicate it yourself.
Post up pictures of what you make.

[chuckd71]

I don't have a whole lot of tools, hell I don't even have a table saw so version 1 might have to be at least mostly flat on the sides. The thing about sticking sheets together and then cutting from them what I want is what I had planned on doing if I had tools, but I think I might make it straight and maybe just add some bondo on the sides to fill it out before covering it. I'll mount a couple gauges, ridepro e3 controller and a cd player in it, but there is zero chance it will be anywhere near as nice as the one in this thread. Looks like he used some plexi for the part holding the screen?
The gauge holder in the second pic here is the result of my first experiment with fiberglass. Functional, but ugly.
http://ls1tech.com/forums/14937962-post182.html

[Scorpner]

You could always carve the shape you want out of foam and cover it in fiberglass to finalize the shape. Depending on how much you'd need to use, bondo may be too heavy. For the pic on the other site I might try making a block of foam and then marking and carving what you want out of that. It will get messy though. (I might even angle the face towards the driver somewhat.) This site may help as well. >Link

That being said, it(the console here) looks to me that the wood on the sides is thin enough to follow the curves. (Otherwise, plywood can be soaked and molded to a form.)
Another thing you can to to get a feel for how the flat panels can bend is to use cardboard and tape. Then use the cardboard as a template for the MDF or whatever you decide to use.

I also don't see where a table saw would be necessary. A simple jig saw with a straight edge and clamps can get you by for the straight edges. I built a lot of things like that when I didn't have access to a table saw as a teen.

[70rs]

Jig saw, small/inexpensive sander from harbor frieght, spray adhesive, bondo or sheet foam(blue insulation from home depot) cut that with a steak knife....cover with fabric or vinyl or leather.....one custom console for under $100.00 including the sander and jig saw from HF. Dont use the foam for structural parts. Too soft. Just use it to contour the shape you want. Adhere it to the wood base. Use 3M spray90 adhesive. It stinks but it works way better than the spray77 version.
With a little practice you will be amazed at what you can make.

[waynieZ]

If you told me that was from a newer car I would believe it. Beautiful job.

[LS1-IROC]

That shifter brings back memories for me...I was part of the design group that was responsible for the birth of that shifter. Many hours spent on that thing...lol

Your console looks great!!!

[Bmf5150]

Wow that's awesome

[Carbo]

Originally Posted by Scorpner

You could always carve the shape you want out of foam and cover it in fiberglass to finalize the shape. Depending on how much you'd need to use, bondo may be too heavy. For the pic on the other site I might try making a block of foam and then marking and carving what you want out of that. It will get messy though. (I might even angle the face towards the driver somewhat.) This site may help as well. >Link

That being said, it(the console here) looks to me that the wood on the sides is thin enough to follow the curves. (Otherwise, plywood can be soaked and molded to a form.)
Another thing you can to to get a feel for how the flat panels can bend is to use cardboard and tape. Then use the cardboard as a template for the MDF or whatever you decide to use.

I also don't see where a table saw would be necessary. A simple jig saw with a straight edge and clamps can get you by for the straight edges. I built a lot of things like that when I didn't have access to a table saw as a teen.

One other option I have been exploring is ABS Plastic. All you should need to form the plastic is a propane torch. Has anybody ever experimented or used ABS for constructing anything that can share their experience?

[Scorpner]

I don't know a whole lot about that, but it might be a challenge to keep the edges straight. I've read about using an old oven to heat the plastic up more evenly as well.
You might want to be careful of the vapors that come off of some plastics when you heat them up too.

[Carbo]

Originally Posted by Scorpner

I don't know a whole lot about that, but it might be a challenge to keep the edges straight. I've read about using an old oven to heat the plastic up more evenly as well.
You might want to be careful of the vapors that come off of some plastics when you heat them up too.

Good point about the vapors. I guess if I chose this route I'd wear a breather.