Thursday, December 19, 2013

Center Console Project

Living in Missouri during winter time there are often times like today when the outside tempuratures get above 45F.  That's my minimum temp for working on vehicles outside unless there is an emergency.  (I've been known to rebuild chevy 350's completely in sub-freezing weather OUTSIDE with no shelter - about 30 years ago! LOL)

 Anyway as I was saying it's nearly 60F here today December 19th 2013!  So I started this little center console project I've been planning.  It's mostly framed up now.




And I completed the removable top-panel complete with ostrich leather covering.


I'm letting the wood glue setup at this point.  And probably tomorrow I'll finish wrapping the console with the Diamond shaped Quilted Leather.  Then it's just a matter of mounting that bit.

 After than there is a small vertical panel which will contain 6-7 gauges.  And completing the arm-rest, which will have a lift-able top arm-rest and below it a small storage space.  

 So far so good...

 12/19/2013

This will be finshed off inside soon with a bottom added as well.
ALSO there is a magnetic clasp that keeps the cover closed.
Posted by at No comments:

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Center Console Project Plan - Subject to change (layout)

This is a rough Idea of my planned 'center console'.  There currently isn't one at all, and frankly it's a lot of no space there at all and a bit ugly.

The rough idea of the layout will be something like the image below.


I'll be using a 1/4" plywood, and small 1" sqr hardwood stock to keep the panels secure.  They'll be screwed in place and woodglued as well.  Once the main construction of the console is completed, and all the holes are cut (at least more of them).  I'll be using an old-school black quilted-leather material for the drivers and passengers sides of the console.  The center 'dial/shift' (top) panel will be covered with fake ostrich black leather.  Should be really cool looking when it's done.  And really original with a nod to the 60s with the quilted leather (found on ebay for a few bucks!).

 Also note the battery, fuel-pump, ignition, fan switches at the top of the console.  These will replace the keyed-ignition-switch.  There will be a 'hidden master switch' that will enable/disable these switches.

 Ignore the price noted on the drawing.  I have learned to grossly over-estimate planned projects for those 'just in case' times. LOL  40 years of doing various projects has taught me to always over estimate costs, because things NEVER seem to come in on a tight budget.  Most of the costs related to this are for the gauges themselves.  There are thousands of gauge manufacturers, and prices range dramatically.  I'm still researching the ones I will end up with.  'Autometer' makes some nice, reasonably priced ones, as well as PLX.  I like the fancy PLX sensors, but I'm not really convinced they're what I really want.  In the end, I don't care so much about 'fancy', but I do care about 100% function.

 UPDATE: 

UPDATE 2:

The PLX digital gauge, and 3 sensors arrived today 12/6.  Unfortunately it's now a high of about 16F outside and 13" of fresh snow!  Guess I'll wait until things warm up to at least the freezing point now!  

 UPDATE 3
Posted by at No comments:

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Wheel (Rim) Size


Current Setup:

  • Total width: 8"
  • Offset: 0mm (0")
  • Distance to Wheel-well: 4"
  • Distance to inside Frame: 3"
  • Tire Size: 195/70/R14
  • PCD: 5x114.3
  • NOTE: Inside distance reduction may require relocation of the E-Brake Cable

Here are some handy online wheel calculators

  • Rear Wheel Concept #1
    • Tire Size: 265/40/R17
    • Total Width: 10"
    • Offset: -37mm (-1.5")
    • 100% Clear of suspension
    • Wheel will stick out 2.8" more than OEM
    • Wheel will fill out well by an extra 7mm

Wheel Locator (by size)













Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)