So I'm thinking about building a custom center console for my car. I would love some tips and tricks to help me out here guys! Thanks

 

Best way to build custom console it to build it from mdf or rigid foam or similar easily cut material.
You can mock it up with cardboard to get the individual panels shaped. After you glue the panels together , you can smooth and round the shape with bondo. Then use fiberglass or just resin around the outside. Sand smooth and paint! You can copy the original and use the stock shift plate and armrest, or go full custom, or integrate parts from other cars.

 

Thanks man I have the car almost where I want it the inside just needed something so I thought hell why not always wanted to try to make one no time to try like the present.

 

I'm actually working on my second design right now. My original center console was deteriorating and deformed, so instead of buying a stock replacement, I built one. I had some MDF and black vinyl laying around so I made a frame out of MDF, glued some soft foam to it and then upolstered it with black vinyl. It is definitely not the best looking thing I've ever made, but it's still way better than the OEM one that was falling apart. I've attached a picture of my first attempt. I'm currently working on a fully custom fiberglass one piece unit that will go from the bottom of the dash, all the way back to the center section between the rear seats.

 

That is a pretty neat console!

 

Thanks man, I'm too much of a perfectionist, all I can do is criticize it every time I look at it. I do appreciate the positive feedback though.

 

Whatever you're doing; keep doing it. Even though I can't see flaws personally, you'll get better the more and more you do it!

 

You outta just sell me that one save me the headache

 

I honestly would, but I don't really want to be driving around this summer without a console! LOL! I don't know what your urgency is in the situation but I am going to be doing the new console this winter so if you are still interested in the console at that time, I would consider selling it to you.

 

Works for me

 

High density foam covered in fiberglass would be the easiest. Glue the foam together and start carving then sand and cover in fiberglass. Wood works but it's harder to do curves and can end up weighing more.

 

I agree. That is what I'm doing for my next one. The first one I made out of MDF is a little on the heavy side. By any chance, do you know where I can find the high density foam? I haven't looked into it yet, just looking for suggestions.

 

Home depot usually does, if not you can use those thick pink sheets of insulation and glue them together and then carve away. Or be super cheap and tape up some card board for the form and then spray the inside in expanding foam from the can.

 

Thanks for the advise, it's greatly appreciated.