Pics of my custom console re-do

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MileHighDart

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So, i'll start with this. About a year ago I purchased a used factory console from a member here. Decent shape, looked as I expected from the pics.

After spending some time trying to decide if I wanted to use it, with my aftermarket shifter, or if I wanted to build a totally custom console. I decided to customize the factory console to fit my needs/wants.

So, I wont be using the factory top-plates at all. I spent a bunch of time refinishing them and they look pretty nice, i'll probably list them here for sale in a day or two.

I wanted the console to fit nicely over the after market shifter, look good, and have cup holders for one thing. The factory layout just seemed to be for looks only but didnt add any fuctionallity besides covering up the shifter mech.

So i'm making a new top plate, using 14ga sheet metal. Cut it to fix exactly into the opening in console (or as close as I could get it). Did lots of measureing for cutting the slot for the shifter, for placement of the cup holders, etc. I will probably mount a single gauge pod at the front simular the the factory tach pods, but mine will have a clock in it. (unless I can find a 2-1/6" tachometer)
Also since the outer surface of the console had a few scratches, and I couldnt figure out how to patch them without it being still visible after paint (because of the textured surface)
I decided to sand out all of the Texture in the outer surface.
Also had to fill in a few areas with some JBweld, like the lowered surface where the glovebox hinged from on the pass side, and the cut out on the drivers side where you get your fingers under the lid to lift it.
Heres some pics so far !
1st is a test fit of the console after making and welding in some mounts for the console.
2nd is the layout on my sheet metal, General outer layout, to be trimmed to fit later
 

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Next is the first cut of the metal,

A Template that I made to get me closer to the actual shape and size

and the template, console, and metal after the final cut
 

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Next a shot of some of the filled in areas,

And a couple pics after some sanding
 

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I'll post more as I make progress, still have to find cup holders before I cut the holes.
The new top plate will be painted simular to the original, silver with the black stripe down the center.
The console will be the same dark blue thats on the dash/steering column.
 
Looking good! I have a ratchet shifter in my car that I have been thinking about doing the same thing for. I will definitely keep an eye out for updates.

Keep up the good work!
 
Couple of new pics.

All the texture on the outside of console has been sanded out.

Couple coats of high build primer and to fill in the sanding scratches.

I worked for a few hours, using a little guide coat of filler along the inside edges. Then sanding and test fitting the top plate,,,, sand test fit top plate,,,, sand test fit.. you get the picture.
My goal was to get the gap at the edge of the top plate to be as minimal as possible. I've to it down to less that 1/32" all around. Think it looks pretty good.

Probably have more pics tomorrow after getting paint on the body of the console. Still have more work on the top plate before I paint it.
 

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Looking great! Can't wait to see the finish product. You might have to start taking orders.
 
Hey, that looks real good. Looks new and fresh from that last pic, does not look outdated. Give me a break, I'm trying to get 'look' in every sentence. LOL. Seriously tho, good job!!!
 
You may not like them. But.bass pro shop has cup holders made for there Tahoe boats that are chrome with a neoprene bottom.
 
Dang that looks nice.
I'm thinking of reusing the sides like you have, since that looks and mounts well with the car.

I'm redoing the one in my convertible but have to add a couple of things like.....
1. cup holders (I want the soft glow ones that can be turned on or off if the lights are on.) just by adding an extra switch inline with the power.

2. gotta have the power top, trunk popper and power window switches in there at the top of the console area.

3 added power outlets so I can run the assorted junk I want. GPS, phone charger. ect...

4. bigger padded console storage compartment. (wife's request not mine)

5 under console A/C ducts for the back seat (if I ever let anyone ride in the back.)

6 the A/c vents on the sides to the rear.

7 larger LED courtesy lights front and rear. (I still can't believe how dark it gets out here in the country)

I'll still be using the stock shifter and shifter plate with the shift indicator letters on it.(or one of those neat led shift indicators mounted in the console area by the shifter.) but most everything else will have to be fabricated up custom.
 
67cudafb said:
What no cup holder? Nice job.
Click to expand...

Yes, it will have two cup holders. Dont have them yet, but locations are marked out on the first set of photos.

And, Yes, it will retain the carpeted section around the bottom. Already have the matching blue carpet for the console.
 
I like the look, and it will be user friendly ..Great job on this console :cheers:
I am digging your Dart MileHighDart :thumleft:
 
Very nice!

Was thinking about doing something like this for my Duster. It's a 4 speed, but same idea. Add cup holders, maybe a dock for my iPod, button for the electric trunk release, etc.

Keep up the good work! :thumbup:
 
Finished up the sanding and got a few coats of paint on the body. Its the same blue as the dash paint. It's a flat finish, trying to make it the same as the original suede finish dash paint.
But when I did my dash, it looked so good wet, that I went ahead and cleared it. I'll probably leave the console the flat finish, I like the way it looks.

Tomorrow i'll work on the cup holders, and maybe the paint for the top plate.
 

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This is the same paint, with clear over it, (part of my steering column)
 

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I went to Academy Sports and bought the stainless cup holders that I have in mine. My Gt has column shift so I made a plate to fit when shifter was and still have the storage in back. Having trouble finding my pics.
 
I'm liking the custom console alot.......Nice work in the Mile High city!! Great color too :thumbup:

Here's your pics red67gts....:wave:
 

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Beats the tar outta scratched and wore out! Looks great and one of a kind now. Am curious what you edged the shifter slot with? And maybe a suggestion for a gauge pod. Have the pod at the end past the shifter kinda under the dash area,but with the face tilted up and a bit toward the driver for easy reference.
 
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