How to Make a Center Console

Creating a custom center console for your car can change the cockpit feel to something much more luxurious and custom. While this process can be difficult, the final product will set your interior apart from the stock model.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An original center console.
• Fiberglass resin, or Carbon Fiber material and resin
• Basic woodworking tools
• Air compressor
• Vacuum Bags

1. To begin, you will need to remove the current center console from your car or obtain another. The stock center console will be the baseline for your new version.

2. Using a scoring blade, subtract sections of the factory console that will not be in the final design. Do not remove any mounting points, as your new center console will require them to install like stock.

3. 
    

   Using MDF or fiberglass, rough cut the shapes and curves you would like to add to your center console. Adhere them directly to the mock up, and test fit them in the car. Make sure to sand each edge for fitment.

4. If you are adding cup holders, consider buying them from the manufacturer. This removes much of the work and creates a more finished piece.

5. 
    

   After the working mock-up is complete, remove the console from the car. It will serve as your mold for the final piece. Coat the entire mold with the release agent. This will allow you to use it again to create a new center console.

6. Apply resinous fiberglass mat and resin, or carbon fiber material to the top of your mold. The material should flow past the edges, and will be trimmed later.

7. Place the resin-covered mold in a vacuum bag and use your air compressor to suck the air from the vacuum bag. Let the mold sit under vacuum for at least 30 minutes, and allow the resin to cure in the vacuum bag for the recommended period (usually 6 hours).

8. After the resin has cured, remove the vacuum bag and gently pry the fiberglass carbon fiber center console from the mold.. The resin will vary in thickness. Hand sand the resin to a consistent level.

9. You will need to cut out any openings needed for cup holders, shift knobs, emergency brakes, stereo openings, and mounting holes. Be sure to sand the edges to a smooth bevel.

10. Your new center console is ready to paint! Carbon fiber pieces should be sprayed with a clear coat to prevent UV damage.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to wear a protective mask when working with any type of resin. Work in a well ventilated area.
• Before fitting to your mold, be sure to test fit the console in your car to ensure the e-brake and gearshift function properly.

[jamaclassics]

on 6/18/2009 Pretty cool, Patrick. Do you use Duraglass to perfect the surface? I'm making a console for an SSK right now using MDF. Great article.