I just added a new album showing the progress on the lower dash extension, and center console. This is about 4 days of work. The basic framework for the console is 1/2" electrical conduit, with mounting compartments and supports for 12V power outlets, AC/heater controls (reworked Miata unit), Head unit, a cd storage drawer unit and switch panel. All units (except power outlets) are the same size so will stack tightly one above the other. However each unit uses a different mounting system which needed to be custom engineered. at the bottom is a 2 cup cup holder. The front will be faced with a brushed stainless panel to match the one that will cover the flat portion of the dash face above the dash extension. In the first pic you can see a test piece of the stainless dash facing. All switches and self opening hideaway AC outlets will be installed in the extension next. The side panels are 14 ga aluminum sheet screwed into the framework for future access since the console will house most of the electronics. and will be covered in carpet. The conduit frame will be painted to match the dash and extension in a titanium grey.

 

Looking very nice Ax. What did you use to bend the conduit, a conduit bender or something else? The smooth bends add a nice custom look.

Also, did you have the lower dash extension formed somewhere? I notice you filled the glove box door. I suppose you will have some storage in the console or somewhere different.

Keep the photos coming. Always interesting ideas in your gallery.

 

Way cool, AX. Keep the pics coming. A lot of good ideas here.

 

Nice work Ax. I am not a big fan of consoles but I really like what you've done.

 

AX,

That is looking great!! I've been anxiously awaiting your pics on this to gather some ideas.

Awesome job as usual
Bobby

 

Thanks!
I bent the conduit with a commercial tubing bender I picked up on ebay, looks kinda like an oversized version of a brake line bender. It can bend a 180 in one bend. Note the matching ring around the shifter. That was my test piece, I bent 2 180s and put them together to make a ring. I bent the console frame in 2 halves and joined them in the center front with a short piece of rod inside for alignment. There is a piece of flat stock across the top end that hooks behind the 1/2" kick along the bottom edge of the dash extension where two bolts will hold them together.
I had the extension bent at the sheet metal shop where I buy my sheet metal along with the SS panel that will go across the front of the dash. The SS panel has a rolled bend at the bottom and will be sandwiched between the extension and the dash.
I filled the glove box and ashtray both to smooth the dash. Since the glove box was reduced to 2" deep because of the AC unit, it barely held a pair of sunglasses. I will add additional storage with door pockets and/or an over the windshield console. I have a pair of small LED courtesy lights I'll attach to the top of the console sides under the dash that will be switched with the door switches to light up the foot wells.

 

Awsome Ax, that gave me some ideas for my console between the seats. I will get the wiring don today, I hope. I then will install the seat frame and seats so I can get some measurements. i have lots of conduit laying around and a commercial bender. I will check back in later tonight to give my progress report to you. No racing this past weekend?

 

No racing we had a free weekend. We took a school last Saturday where we got a lot of seat time and learned a lot more about how hard the car can be pushed. It is really awesome!!!! Next weekend is a two day event.
I have no doubt you'll have your truck done for nationals.

 

I hope so Chuck, I just a little worried about putting some miles on it before the trip.

 

Axracer--your gallery is so cool!! You are definately a craftsman!! Ksmith WILL make the show. H e won't sleep or eat till then --right Kevin!!!!hahahaha

 

Very nicely done. You could even have a DVD player mounted in there if you wanted to. Is that console removeable? It looks like you can remove the tranny cover and it will come out? Can't wait to see the finished product.

 

It only mounts to the tranny cover at the front with 2 screws and to the lower dash panel with 2 bolts and then it can lift out. The front screws will be accessable by lifting out the drink holder insert. In the pix it is just sitting there, with no attachment at the moment.
Everything that is going in there will pretty much fill it up except for the space directly behind the cup holders. I reserved that space in case I decide I need more switches. I originally thought I would run it all the way back to include the shifter, but doing that would have encroached on the gas pedal, so I offset it to the right and shortened it. I will make a matching surround for the shifter boot out of that tubing ring.
Now I'm thinking I may put a related design console above the windshield.

 

AX, really looks nice; you should sell them.


Paul

 

Which part? how much would y'all be willing to pay?

 

Big thumbs up!
How's the steering wheel fit in relation to the box tubing?