I've been toying with this idea for some time.
I'd like to replace the stock floor console that came in my 2001 Ranger. For one thing, those cup-holders aren't big enough for my big insulated coffee mug so I end up using the bench console for that.

Anyways, I have a Sirius sat receiver and Creative Nomad MP3 player that I'd like to integrate into a home-made custom console. The console would have audio wires hidden throughout to accomodate these units as well as a switch to choose between audio sources. I'll probably put something like a trap-door in place to hide my MP3 player when I'm parked. Additionally, I'll put some cup-holders in this bad boy that will fit my big mug (coffee mug, that is).

Anyone built their own console? I figure I'll use particle board for the construction but have no idea what I'll end up covering it with so it looks more like stock than home-made.

I'd appreciate some ideas and perspective from anyone that's done it.

 

Perhaps plywood with a vinyl covering. If I was going to build one, I would use steel or aluminum.

 

Fiberboard or plywood would be better choices. As far as covering, you can go to Wal-Mart and buy a cheap set of $6 floor mats that match your existing carpet and cut them up for the covering. It's what I did for my sub box.

 

One thing that I noticed that the pros do is to mock up the design with some heavy card board so that they can get the curves and angles right. Then break the design apart and use the parts as a template for marking the material with which you wish to use such as thin plywood or metal. As for covering, you could use heavy naugahyde over very thin closed cell shipping foam that has been directly glued to your shell.

If you use plywood use internal hardwood blocks with small screws and epoxy for mating the different parts (like making a cabinet). If you use metal I would suggest spot welding with MIG welding techniques.

MTCW

 

Learn to work with fiberglass. You could make an awsome center console like I plan to someday make...

 

I don't have access to a metal shop so I don't believe I'll be using metal.
Everytime I watch MTV's Pimp my Ride, they usually build consoles, sub boxes, etc, out of what appears to be particle board. That's why I'm leaning in that direction.
Thanks for the ideas. Don't know when I'll get started on this - hopefully soon.

 

Plain particle board will not hold up well in the presence of moisture (sweating cold drinks, spilled coffee etc.) unless it has been sealed with a waterproof sealer.

Just a thought.

 

Seismo,

The wood and fiberglass ideas are great... Jus' a lit'l note with the wood...after so long a period of time the wood may expand and contract which could lead to two things happening...Your fasteners backing themselves out (eventually) and or a Evil Squeak every time you have any vibrations or bumps.

I've built custom consoles in the past and used both Wood (MDF or High grade 'treated' CDX usually) and Fiberglass. Liquid nails with a ridged subframing and epoxy based screws and a nice fiberglass outter shell with either leather or a industrial grade vinyl (Depending on the customer)

Oh the mug holders ...a great place to find the "better" DIY cupholder are camper and boat supply dealers. Let me look through my vendor catalog and I should be able to come up with "Clean-line" mounting kits for the satellite Radios and such..