i'm going to build a center console

[95-1ton]

i've been working with an idea in my head to make this console... although i have an oak one from a junkyard van, it isn't long enough, it's a little too tall, and it won't hold my tv...

so i decided that i'm going to build this thing out of some 7/16" plywood i have in my basement already, then throw some resin and possibly 'glass mat on it, and cover it in some fabric... it'll have a hinged, padded arm rest between the seats so it can hold things; it will hold the tv and i'm going to put a little drawer under it to hold some DVDs; and the best thing i can think of - it'll be long enough to reach the dashboard, and get molded in... i'll be putting wider, deeper cup holders in it and a little storage compartment next to them... plus lights and stuff in there... i started marking out my plywood yesterday until the mail came and brought my new fuel pump - then i went outside and stripped the floor and sides of the van to get ready to cut a hole...!

pic of my center console idea:


i'll take some pics later of the bare walls...

[astroturf]

Console idea good. Cutting a hole in van floor bad.

[95-1ton]

i'm cutting the hole to replace my fuel sending unit... i don't trust the lines or straps to work with me, so i'm going the only other way i can think of... i'm going to the junkyard before i do this to do a ton of measuring, and while i'm there i'm going to put a tank back into a van to make some cuts before i do it to mine... i'm also going to take a big chunk of floor out of one to put back into mine...

[astroturf]

Ah... OK

[chevy57bert]

i'm cutting the hole to replace my fuel sending unit... i don't trust the lines or straps to work with me, so i'm going the only other way i can think of... i'm going to the junkyard before i do this to do a ton of measuring, and while i'm there i'm going to put a tank back into a van to make some cuts before i do it to mine... i'm also going to take a big chunk of floor out of one to put back into mine...

look at this viewtopic.php?f=27&t=2934&p=19323&hilit=fuel+tank+drop#p19323

[LEVE]

it'll be long enough to reach the dashboard, and get molded in...

And how will you make it for easy access to remove the doghouse? That sure seems like a recipe for regret .

[Big_kid]

Don't forget ventilation and a cooling fan if you want that TV to last more than one DVD.

[Jasen]

Nice design.
We'll be waiting for the photo rich build thread

[95-1ton]

my plan is to use another j/y 'glovebox' and remove the hinged part, then molding it in to the rest of what's left... i've definitely considered making this removable for access to the dog house... like i said, i've already got an oak console, which is heavy as hell, so i have to remove that every time i want to access the dog house... i'm not sure if anyone's following my 'molding it in' deal, but when i get closer (i've got most of it rough cut out now) i'll take more pics...

i thought about the tv overheating and figure i will leave space behind it ennough to put a smaller fan or 2... the tv will stick out a bit in the back, and it will have room to 'breathe' i believe...

chevy57bert - that's an awesome link and i appreciate it very much...!

[Jasen]

Pick up a computer cooling fan for the TV, you can get them pretty cheap, I think I paid $10at at Best Buy. I put a 32 CFM fan in my amp box and it moves enough air that I don't think the fans on the amps have ever turned on.

[Leeann_93]

Ditto - they move a ton of air and are virtually silent.

[LEVE]

If you do install a fan, which is a great idea, then also filter that air so that you're not blowing dust from the floor area into the electronics.

[95-1ton]

Pick up a computer cooling fan for the TV, you can get them pretty cheap, I think I paid $10at at Best Buy. I put a 32 CFM fan in my amp box and it moves enough air that I don't think the fans on the amps have ever turned on.


[ http://www.astrosafari.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=13034 ]

Awesome Jasen, thanks...!

[castle_Rock]

cool idea - I'm still using the old fashioned cardboard box in the middle seat as a console with a cheap organizer from Wally-World. Does what I need, I need to do something different now though. Now that its beginning to be summer...

[astroturf]

cool idea - I'm still using the old fashioned cardboard box in the middle seat as a console with a cheap organizer from Wally-World. Does what I need, I need to do something different now though. Now that its beginning to be summer...

Castle, I have found an excellent fix for my business needs. Are you looking for a glamorous fix or a functional one? Jim

[castle_Rock]

Just a simple wood framing perferred, but leaning more functionally.

[astroturf]

Just a simple wood framing perferred, but leaning more functionally.

This is what I began using. It fits perfectly in between the front seats on my 05. It partially blocks usage of the recline lever, but that doesn't bother me. I recently added a second on top. they stack nicely. It is at a height that is similar to the door window ledge. I love it. I don't have to f with the arm rests... It Is Perfect.
Jim

rubbermaid file box External Dimensions 10 3 4 Height x 18 Width x 14 Depth .jpg

[castle_Rock]

cool, thanks.