A better center console option round 2

[Backwoods Rambler]

My initial idea to simply mount the top half of a trucks fold down arm rest didn't work out quite how I had hoped, primarily due to the cup holder part of the setup. The idea kept evolving to the point that it was turning into a full custom console so I just ran with it.

For now all I have is a cardboard mockup, but I'm sort of amazed how sturdy it is. The cardboard I'm using is from my place of employment and it's just over 1/4" thick so I guess I shouldn't be too surprised.

I have a lot of ideas that I'm incorporating so that I can justify the time and effort of going fully custom. I'll outline them below in each of the photos.

First and foremost is the inclusion of FOUR 3" deep (or deeper) cup holders that will be able to handle anything from a 12oz can to my Contigo Stainless Extreme double insulated coffee mug w/handle and my Aladdin 20oz double insulated water container. It probably won't fit something as big as a 32oz Nalgene, but it should fit a 20oz Nalgene MultiDrink, .75L Camelbak or 27oz Klean Kanteen, etc...

Next is the arm rest. Even the taller 80 series arm rests are lacking since they're positioned in favor of the passenger due to the location of the e-brake lever. I had to get creative here and it's probably the source of the most uncertainty for me because the lid goes past the console opening and I just don't like the look of that, but functionally it's a win based on my mock-up and testing.

Again the center console arm rest is level with the arm rests on the door. In fact this time, the fit is even better since I was able to angle the top of the console as needed to achieve a more level plane where my arm rests. Obviously any arm rest could be used and the top of the console could be adjusted accordingly.

Next is clearance to the e-brake. Personally, I almost NEVER use the e-brake so I chose to maximize the space desired for the console vs. the space needed to pull the lever. My knuckles DO rub on the console mock-up and I don't plan to change that since that would likely limit me to a single front cup holder.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

In a couple of the pictures above you can see some writing and drawing on the side of the mock up.

A couple of them are obviously the visual of the cup holders, but then there's this...

The loop at the left is a "handle" to lift the floor of the upper console section, which is 4" deep. When lifted it reveals the lower section, which will be insulated, along with the cup holders. I've even considered pumping some AC into this section, but I don't quite have that figured out yet since the idea just came to me this morning.

This lower space will fit 6 12oz cans and an ice pack. It might also fit 3 20oz plastic bottles, but I'm not sure about that yet.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

One last thing is the rear of the console will have a cubby between the 2 rear cup holders and above the rear heat vent for misc items. Maybe kids stuff, maybe qts of oil since I go through about a qt every 1500 miles...

By my estimation the rear seats should still fold fully forward. If they don't, that's a sacrifice I'm willing to make.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

Any feedback, positive or constructive are welcome

 

[thatcabledude]

Looks like it is going to be pretty sweet. Maybe I missed it, but what is going to replace the cardboard when built?

Is your 3rd row removed? You could use fabric from them to cover the armrest. I have the same interior as you and have thought of covering the LX450 leather console lid with the fabric from my removed 3rd row seats.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

Thanks

My original plan was fiberglass, but once I started adding all of the compartments, etc. I decided to stick with what I know I can handle the first time. It will be made of 7/16" sanded OSB and any imperfections in the wood, as well as any exposed screw heads, will be filled and smoothed since I don't want the "wood look". Ideally I could figure out a way to texture it like the original console, but I don't have any ideas for that yet.

I will be using my cardboard mockup as templates for 98% of the wood cutting. The other 2% will be free formed or a slight modification of the cardboard that I saw a need for once things came together.

I do have and use my 3rd row. Otherwise that would have been a good idea. My plan is to match fabric with the door arm rests. That's a softer fabric anyway so it should feel better.

 

[thatcabledude]

Spraying it with brown liner (Al's /Monsta) would give it a pretty decent match.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

I suppose it would. It also sounds expensive, but I'll look into that.

Thanks

 

[9780LC]

You might want to consider going an easier route and modify a tuffy console. Just an idea if you weren't aware.
Your custom approach looks nice. Just wondering if you considered using a tuffy.

 

[Reelitchy]

Looking good. Looks like a lot of work. Will be watching

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

Definitely considered a tuffy, but I can't justify spending that kind of cash for something I'll still need to modify.

 

[9780LC]

Some have modified a metal ammo/rocket box. Those have turned out nice and are a lot more cost effective. Might give you a good, less expensive base to start with.

 

[fj80toyman]

Kudos on coming up with a better idea that works for you, besides it's always more fun to build than buy!
A couple of things I've thought of when thinking about a better console (cause it can't get much worse than the stock one!) is:
- Build with 1/8" plywood, then cover in a couple layers of fiberglass, then cover with matching vinyl or fabric/ combination.
- power ports for the rear seat, always comes in handy for passengers or for driver/passenger when the others are full. I'd put two near the bottom
- I like the idea of a cooler box, might be a good / easy way to route the foot or crotch cooler line through the shifter cover to the inside.
- ...or line the inside with that "as seen on TV" waterproofing stuff so you can put ice directly in there!
- I've thought maybe of relocating the e-brake handle to the outboard side of the drivers seat, but have no idea if that can be done. Seen it done on some '40's but no idea if it would work on an '80.


g'luck, very interested to see how this turns out.


Dan.

 

[Atticus]

I will give you $9000 for your cardboard console. Money is no object.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

I've seen the ammo box, but it doesn't quite fit my style. Thanks for the thought though.

Good idea about the power ports. I could definitely use a couple of those.

That crotch cooler seems convenient, but I could sacrifice it if it could be routed to the console. Great idea. Thanks.

Atticus, that's funny

 

[ppc]

Looks very interesting. When you build the final version eliminate all the hard corners and I would make the section by the seat belt latch a curved surface so you don't bang your elbow. I might try making the front sturdy enough so that you could add a Ram Mount or something similar for mounting a phone or tablet and some spots for switches for various accessories.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

This will definitely be sturdy enough for a Ram mount and the very front lower panel could definitely house some switches.

I agree about the round corners. I don't have a router, but I could figure something out.

 

[artech]

Rustoleum makes a textured bronze paint that is a very close match to the tan interior color. Search on here and you'll find the product info.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

I have a brown interior, not tan

 

[newtomelx]

That textured bronze paint does match the brown on the tan interiors.