Family,

Creating a custom console. Has Anyone made a cusom console out of mdf yet? I would love some helpful tips and suggestions. Would love some templates. Its going into a 65 mustang.
I already have a humphugger, but was looking into adding some bigger cup holders.


Help-jt

 

eh, i wouldn't do mdf, its not very durable....
pine would suffice though

sorry no templates, nor have i made one.....

 

You'll want to use the Search feature here as well as Google. There is a ton of info available however you'll have to spend some time looking. What exactly are you looking for design wise and what do you want included in it (switches, gauges, etc)?

MDF will work fine and many people have used it. Could also try fiberglass.
Automotive Body Fill can be used over the wood to fill and create curved slopes.
Speaker ports can be used for cup holders.. just epoxy in a bottom.
Use a primer/sealer. Then paint and/or cover with vinyl or whatever.
Use a 1/4" foam under vinyl. If armrest use thicker foam on it.

Plan your layout on paper not once but a few times over a few weeks so you get exactly what you want without forgetting anything.

 

I paid $90 for a humphugger only to find out the damn cup holders are so small a can or water bottle wont fit into them.

 

If you want a true custom with lots of curves, consider carving it out of high density foam. It is easy to work with and you can get the exact shape you are looking for with the exact fit. Then use an epoxy based fiberglass system like West Systems from West Marine and make a mold. Break the foam out of the mold and you can then make as many finished consoles as you want.

It only sounds more involved because it is a different approach than you are considering. In reality, the skills are different, but not difficult and it takes just as much time, perhaps even less than the method you are considering.

 

MDF is fine and very durable

 

Iskwezm.. is their storage space under the armrest or something else like a sub? Any other pics? I could likely do what I want with wood (grew up on construction sites with my father) but looking to do it in fiberglass. Like the height of the base and the amount of space you have between the shifter and the armrest. This is an important area for me since I have my e-brake mounted off-center, drivers side, of the hump.

 

MDF is durable under some, maybe most conditions. Water involvement is probably not one of them.

The fiberglass mold is the clear winner here, and it can much more easily be made into a more pleasing shape as well.


Norm

 

Iskwezm,

I love the design and look of your console.


I agree with Adrenolin about the extra space between the shifter and the armrest. I want to put my brake handle in the center console when I switch to a standard transmission.

 

the rear is storage and i made it so its right under my elbow.Also wired in a 12V port so theres no wires hanging from the cig lighter.I would like to another in 'glass, but this was fast, easy and done in a day.