my hand built center console project.

[markmitch]

For now I have the following design on paper, 3 feet long x 16 inches tall by 16 inches long
cup holders 2 at each end because I have 4 bucket seat and one bench seat.
under the console there will be an amplifier so I am building screens into the base on 4 sides to allow air to pass through to prevent the amp from overheating. there will be two compartment built into the console one will be lockable'the other will not.
One will be for CD's and DVD's. at the back end of the console will be a small shelf with velcro to set up a small DVD player for back seat viewing. I will also add some small lighting on the console along with two USB plugs, one for the DVD and one for whatever. I have 6 4x4 sheets of a type of plywood I believe its called RB&B to build it out of. I will take pictures when I start and finish. As you all know the Astro/Safari vans do not have a locking glove box or anything so thats why I am making one compartment locking and the other non locking.

[WoodButcher]

IMO 3' is a bit long. My '97 I have a box about 2' in front of that a second with my amp and a pair of outward facing speakers about a foot long so the total is similar to what your planning. I think that if it were one unit would be a PITA to move to get into the doghouse. As it is I slide the 2' section back a few inches and the amp / speaker box is easily removed.
Will your dimensions affect the leg room in the back? Recently we went out with friends in my '93, my pal drove and I got to ride in back. I'm tall and found it comfortable to use some of the space between the front seats for my feet but in that van the box I have in the center is small, only 18" long or so.
IIRC CowboyDan built a pretty fancy box, you may want to look for that for some ideas.

I may be building a console soon myself so I'm subscribed, can't wait to see what you come up with.

[markmitch]

I came up with 3 ft so the seats in the back can use the rear cup holders with a seat belt on But when I get the two missing buckets that may be too long as you said. I am just gathering materials for now since i don't even have the correct saw blade yet lol

[WoodButcher]

Meethespeakers use a console from another vehicle that looked interesting to me, I don't remember what it was from but it had cupholders on the back and it was shaped to give more foot room. That may give you some ideas also.

I like the look of the consoles from other vehicles but when they are adapted to ours I always see something that looks unfinished or unmatched, that's why I choose to go with the oak and black vinyl or leather. Having 2 styles of buckets in my van bugs the snot out of me.

[Astro Pop]

Here's one that i recently installed, for reference. I find that the front edge does cause problems with getting the dog house out even though the shifter is back just a little too much. It isn't quite comfortable where it is. The measurements are 30" by 9 1/2" and is out of a Ford Expedition.

[WoodButcher]

Hey Pop, do me a favor and post any pics you have and any info you can share on that shifter in my '93 thread? the link in my sig.
I'm wondering if the shifter were farther forward and a little closer to the seat would it be more comfy / drivable?

[markmitch]

did you install the shifter into the console? If so what shifter is that?

[Astro Pop]

I installed a B & M Sportf Shifter into the console. I had to enlarge the opening from the original Ferd shifter.

[Meterpig]

Just poking around, I found a pretty cool console. Nice and clean.

http://www.g0hwc.com/chevy_astro_build.html



By user GOWHC