Custom Center Console
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,339
Likes: 32
From: Lost In a Pit of Despair
2 questions:
1) How the he// am I gonna cut out a square opening measuring approx. 1/2x1 in 16ga aluminum? Push come to shove, I know a guy who has one of those hydraulic presses that can punch any size hole, but it would be a month or so before I could get it to him and get it back.
1) How the he// am I gonna cut out a square opening measuring approx. 1/2x1 in 16ga aluminum? Push come to shove, I know a guy who has one of those hydraulic presses that can punch any size hole, but it would be a month or so before I could get it to him and get it back.
Center console looks good man. I thought about doing one when I first got my truck to house a sub, but that idea never got off the ground.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,782
Likes: 15
From: Lower Mainland B.C.
1) How the he// am I gonna cut out a square opening measuring approx. 1/2x1 in 16ga aluminum? Push come to shove, I know a guy who has one of those hydraulic presses that can punch any size hole, but it would be a month or so before I could get it to him and get it back.
Do you mean 1/2 inch by 1 inch? Drill a hole, get a file with a corner on it, start filing to desired square size.
I did 12 holes for a canopy door through 1/4 inch aluminum, didn't take long, the hardest part was they were small holes for small carriage bolts and the file just barely fit.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 8,501
Likes: 4
From: Lynchburg, VA
Thanks for the ideas guys. Ill try one of them out this weekend.
On a somewhat unrelated note: me and my friend are going to a cruise-in on friday over in Oakboro. What kind/quality of cars are usually in those things? Would I look like an idiot if I brought my truck? Im mean, its not exactly perfect, but it is in good shape for a 79. Pics of it in my garage...
On a somewhat unrelated note: me and my friend are going to a cruise-in on friday over in Oakboro. What kind/quality of cars are usually in those things? Would I look like an idiot if I brought my truck? Im mean, its not exactly perfect, but it is in good shape for a 79. Pics of it in my garage...
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 8,501
Likes: 4
From: Lynchburg, VA
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Pleasant Hill, Mo.
You could kick it up a notch by taking your hose running to your windshield fluid squirters and running it throught the firewall. Then running it into your console. You need to drill a hole on the side then stick a 90 on the end. Wash out your washer fluid tank and presto! Any time you want some poison for your mixed drink push your fluid button.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 8,501
Likes: 4
From: Lynchburg, VA
You could kick it up a notch by taking your hose running to your windshield fluid squirters and running it throught the firewall. Then running it into your console. You need to drill a hole on the side then stick a 90 on the end. Wash out your washer fluid tank and presto! Any time you want some poison for your mixed drink push your fluid button.
He also gave us the idea of running lines to the back bumper, and filling the reservoir with brake fluid in case someone tailgates you
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 633
Likes: 1
From: Grande Prairie, Alberta
devino, it's a bit late but I hope you went to the cruise night. If it's anything like where I live there will be everything from trailer queens to works in progress to off the lot family cars (nice ones though).
I love just going and getting some inspiration from people. Find out who did their paint, what do the run for power...just shoot the ****.
I love just going and getting some inspiration from people. Find out who did their paint, what do the run for power...just shoot the ****.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 8,501
Likes: 4
From: Lynchburg, VA
devino, it's a bit late but I hope you went to the cruise night. If it's anything like where I live there will be everything from trailer queens to works in progress to off the lot family cars (nice ones though).
I love just going and getting some inspiration from people. Find out who did their paint, what do the run for power...just shoot the ****.
I love just going and getting some inspiration from people. Find out who did their paint, what do the run for power...just shoot the ****.
Thanks, will do.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 8,501
Likes: 4
From: Lynchburg, VA
This stuff must be some type of alloy, I ruined 2 jig saw blades but got it done. Afterwards, I sanded the piece in several directions to smooth the appearance. Later on, Ill drill holes for the switches.
Im goin to Radio Shack tomorrow to pickup some bulbs to backlight the labels. Ive got some copper clad circuit board and some etching solution so Ill have it all nice and neat. Im planning on running the backlights off the dash light circuit. Any idea how many bulbs I can add before I start risking blown fuses?
Im goin to Radio Shack tomorrow to pickup some bulbs to backlight the labels. Ive got some copper clad circuit board and some etching solution so Ill have it all nice and neat. Im planning on running the backlights off the dash light circuit. Any idea how many bulbs I can add before I start risking blown fuses?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 8,501
Likes: 4
From: Lynchburg, VA
Hmm, wonder if I could get a few bulb sockets off a junkyard gauge cluster. I guess I could also order some from DC since I still need to order some other little things. Ive got a fishtape sitting in my B pillar at the moment, Im planning on running a 16ga wire for the backlights and a 14ga from the fuse block to the switch for the front & back lights. Then 16ga from the switch out to the lights.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 8,501
Likes: 4
From: Lynchburg, VA
Well that turned out well! There are two bulbs that backlight the labels when the lights are turned on, they dim with the dash lights. When you flip a switch, it lights up a red LED behind that label. Used a 680ohm resistor and a wide angle red LED, btw.
