FJ40 custom console

[cronic]

I decided that I needed a center console to rest my arm on while driving and provide a cup holder. After looking at the available options I decided to build my own. This is constructed out of 3/4" MDF and then coated with 4 coats or fiberglass resin, sanding with 240 grit between each coat. Then I primed and painted with base / clear to match my 40. I added a 12 volt power point for accessories, a light on the inside of the lockable compartment, and on the rear to light the cargo area and amp rack. .

 

[Dianna]

Holy crap! That's nice, let's see the rest of your cruiser!

 

[cronic]

Holy ****! That's nice, let's see the rest of your cruiser!

Thanks, there are a few pics in this thread.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/188429-1973-fj40-custom-speaker-box-build.html

 

[froggy]

Nice job!

 

[hudyhue]

dude that is super clean i now will throw away the one i was making


thanks.....

 

[FJFOOL]

You do nice work ! Be sure to post a pic after the install.

 

[mmw68]

WOW - That looks great! What is your paint process, can you give us some details?
Are you spraying it? I just read thru you post on the door pods, they look great also.

 

[cronic]

You do nice work ! Be sure to post a pic after the install.

Thanks, I certainly will. I should have 62 sqft of raamatt bxt and 56 sqft of ensolite sound deadening materials this week. So as soon as I get that installed the console and amp rack will go in. I am going to pick up some vinyl tomorrow from the guy who covered my seats. Next weekend should be busy.

 

[bandy rooster]

do you just use resin or is it like layers of the mat stuff?

spray ? spray paint? rolled... whats your secrets



its really really nice

 

[cronic]

WOW - That looks great! What is your paint process, can you give us some details?
Are you spraying it? I just read thru you post on the door pods, they look great also.

I use crossfire paint because its not too expensive and is readily available to me locally. The blue is called stratosphere mica that is from a Toyota Camry. The silver is high metallic silver. I apply enough base to cover the primer and then usually apply 2-3 coats of clear. I use a Sharpe sgf hvlp gun feed by a 60 gallon 6 hp compressor with a Sharpe 880a filter. This biggest thing that improved my painting was converting my work area to a convertible paint booth that allows me to control the painting environment much more. Its far from perfect but very effective. The ceiling was completely covered with plastic as well as the stud wall. I then framed up an area from the ceiling that allows me to roll op the stationary wall where the door and inlet filters are when I am not painting. This allows me to have a multi use area and still get very good painting results. Here are some pics of the painting area.

Convertible wall

Other end of paint area

 

[cronic]

do you just use resin or is it like layers of the mat stuff?

spray ? spray paint? rolled... whats your secrets



its really really nice

I use the resin for sealing the wood. The resin will soak into the mdf about 1/4" and really gives a nice surface to paint. I only use the mat if I am doing contours or need to add strength. I have found that the 4" foam rollers do a very nice job applying the resin. Nylon brushes work well in tight areas. The biggest thing is sanding, sanding, sanding, and the router is your best friend when working with mdf.

 

[bandy rooster]

do you just recess the screws then bondo/resin over them?

sorry for all the questions... but it looks professional...good job

 

[3DAMAN!]

Nice work! I guess you build custom speaker setups for a living? Or maybe custom boats?

 

[cronic]

do you just recess the screws then bondo/resin over them?

sorry for all the questions... but it looks professional...good job

The wood is glued together with titebond 3 and then screwed with exterior screws. The screws are countersunk and 3m premium lightweight body filler is applied over them and sanded smooth to conceal. Then resin, sand, resin, sand, resin, sand. Then several coats of primer, sanding between coats. Then you can start painting.
Its a time consuming process, but worth it in the end.

 

[cronic]

Nice work! I guess you build custom speaker setups for a living? Or maybe custom boats?

Thanks, I did custom installs 10 - 12 years ago. Now I am finishing up my second year working on a degree in computer engineering.

 

[cronic]

Pictures in first post updated.

I got the arm rest lid covered last night and put the console in today. I still have to carpet the interior of the lockable compartment, but I think it looks good so far.

 

[ohrly?]

high end man

 

[bj42turbo]

wow that is absolutely orsome....well done

BJ

 

[neverdone]

great

Looks great. I like to see ideas become reality and look this good....

 

[bsmith123]

nice

nicely done,