PDA

View Full Version : custom center console with floor shifter



99408kotar/t
01-31-2010, 07:21 AM
anyone build one with pics. im gonna fiberglass a center console for my b&m and wanted some ideas. thanks

uwntsumrtII
01-31-2010, 12:22 PM
be sure to keep at least one cup holder. trust me....

360 XRT
01-31-2010, 02:25 PM
anyone build one with pics. im gonna fiberglass a center console for my b&m and wanted some ideas. thanks

i'm hoping:goodluck: things go great for,that way i can drive over and do mine:hail:

ScojoDak
01-31-2010, 04:22 PM
anyone build one with pics. im gonna fiberglass a center console for my b&m and wanted some ideas. thanks

http://www.nugroundssocal.com/images/dakdursrch.jpg

grapejuice1998
01-31-2010, 04:25 PM
anyone build one with pics. im gonna fiberglass a center console for my b&m and wanted some ideas. thanks

Everything that's ever been done with the idea, is in the very next thread down from this one....which was the first thread when you posted yours. lol.
:biggthumpup:

Wolf360rt
01-31-2010, 04:29 PM
be sure to keep at least one cup holder. trust me....

I second that, A week after I build my console that took me a month to fully complete I wanted to cut it up and start all over and build in a cup holder..

huskerrt79
01-31-2010, 04:58 PM
I made my factory one work with a six speed. If u want pics text me and I'll send em back to your phone, 843 247 6833. I still have the big cup holder and minimal cutting

99408kotar/t
02-04-2010, 05:05 AM
i searched and didnt find anything i was looking for. i think i found a good way to do what i wanna do. i took my center console apart.i moved the centr console back about 5 inches. the very front of the console with the cup holders in it is gonna go in front of the shifter. im gonna have one big cup holder behind the shifter. im gonna make a trim ring that goes around the top piece of the shifter. im not fiberglassing onto the shifter housing. im gonna make everything around it. hard to explain but im starting on it this weekend and ill post pics. just trying to figure out how to finish it. not sure how to set it up to be wrapped in vinyl.

360 XRT
02-04-2010, 12:32 PM
:goodluck:

Bos-R/T
02-04-2010, 12:40 PM
Someone needs to put their thinking cap on and design one that will work in my 01.

Hugh Jassole
02-04-2010, 01:26 PM
Someone needs to put their thinking cap on and design one that will work in my 01.

Been there, done that. It's just not all glassed in. it looks more racey.

99408kotar/t
02-09-2010, 02:25 AM
heres a few pics of the concept im going for. my buddy went to mobile dynamics car audio school in pheonix so he is gonna help me do the fiberglassing on it. the card board templets i have are gonna be replaced with either 1/4'' or 1/2'' mdf. i just used them to get the shape that im gonna trace onto the mdf. i used the factory console. i cut the cup holder piece right behind the 2 front cup holders . tell me what you think of this idea
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp131/tblazinss/SSPX0279.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp131/tblazinss/SSPX0281.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp131/tblazinss/SSPX0282.jpg

Nolan
02-09-2010, 04:13 AM
Nice concept. Is the console all the way back against the rear seat?

Nolan

99408kotar/t
02-09-2010, 06:34 AM
Nice concept. Is the console all the way back against the rear seat?

Nolan

no its about 2 inches in front of the seat for clearance

99408kotar/t
02-10-2010, 04:49 AM
took the cardboard templets and traced them on 1/2'' mdf. im gonna redo the top piece in 1/4'' mdf because when i spread some body filler over it for a paintable surface it might raise the isert around the shifter higher than the shifter trim ring . im ready for fiberglassing now just gotta wait for my buddy to get a chance to help me. he said h could help me sunday so hopefully ill have some pics for ya monday
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp131/tblazinss/SSPX0283.jpg

Batmans
02-11-2010, 11:26 PM
Sorry to go off subject hun, but what kind of seats are those?

99408kotar/t
02-12-2010, 12:48 AM
Sorry to go off subject hun, but what kind of seats are those?

they are seats out of an 07 srt8 charger

RawR/T
02-13-2010, 06:46 AM
they are seats out of an 07 srt8 charger

Why something as thick as MDF if your going to be fiberglassing it in? Couldn't you have used balsa and made ribs and sticks to do that and get more of the actual contour of the OEM center council? Just thinking out loud a bit here, cause im going to do something similar after I do the center shifter in mine. Is there any reason to use MDF or HDF in something like that when vibration isnt a very big concern, and it doesnt have to be very structurally sound??

99408kotar/t
02-13-2010, 06:39 PM
Why something as thick as MDF if your going to be fiberglassing it in? Couldn't you have used balsa and made ribs and sticks to do that and get more of the actual contour of the OEM center council? Just thinking out loud a bit here, cause im going to do something similar after I do the center shifter in mine. Is there any reason to use MDF or HDF in something like that when vibration isnt a very big concern, and it doesnt have to be very structurally sound??

i could have, but this will be my first attempt at fiberglass so im keeping it as simple as possible. once i fiberglass it and spread the body filler over it it will flow together better than it looks like it will now. at least im hoping

RawR/T
02-13-2010, 06:54 PM
i could have, but this will be my first attempt at fiberglass so im keeping it as simple as possible. once i fiberglass it and spread the body filler over it it will flow together better than it looks like it will now. at least im hoping

Ahh ok, So its more of a comfort thing? I have a past in building model airplanes for friends and family so i was thinking of doing something similar to what your doing just on the Ribs with balsa wood, then fiberglass body fill, smooth out and paint match it to the truck itself. I have considered making a full center council that way with a rib and fiberglass setup. That way I could make a write up and anyone could do the build themselves. Plus It would give me the ability to hide various things in it as well. Weather its a standalone ECU or switches for fans and what not. it could be fully customizable fairly easily to just about anyones needs. Im def interested to see how yours turns out tho.

99408kotar/t
02-16-2010, 05:24 AM
heres some pics of the first molding. just getting everything bonded together before i wrap it in fleece
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp131/tblazinss/SSPX0290.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp131/tblazinss/SSPX0291.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp131/tblazinss/SSPX0292.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp131/tblazinss/SSPX0293.jpg

RawR/T
02-16-2010, 06:54 AM
its coming along. Cant wait to see the final product.

99408kotar/t
02-19-2010, 01:58 AM
heres a few more updated pics
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp131/tblazinss/SSPX0297.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp131/tblazinss/SSPX0299.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp131/tblazinss/SSPX0300.jpg
waiting for some resin on the bottom to dry. my next task is to work on the back cup holder. o wanna bring it up a few inches because right now it sits far down in the console. ill work on that this weekend and it should be ready for paint early next week. anyone know what grit i should use to get it down to a paintable surface? also could i paint this with a rattle can and have it look good or should i take it to a body shop?

sunike32
02-19-2010, 02:15 AM
That is coming along very nicely. Damnit, I need to learn/teach myself how to work with fiberglass...

dakotabluert98
02-19-2010, 02:35 AM
That is coming along very nicely. Damnit, I need to learn/teach myself how to work with fiberglass...

same here, was thinking about hitting some junk yards and snagging a couple of center consoles to try it out.

tcuillier
02-19-2010, 02:49 AM
Gotta give you props on your work. I wish I had the knowledge to attempt doing that myself. Well done, keep us posted.

Tom

99408kotar/t
02-19-2010, 05:49 AM
Gotta give you props on your work. I wish I had the knowledge to attempt doing that myself. Well done, keep us posted.

Tom

thanks guys will do. should have some more pics this weekend

360 XRT
02-19-2010, 12:37 PM
i might have to take a road trip to see this in person,its coming along great.

ScojoDak
02-19-2010, 02:47 PM
SHA-WEET dude. Lookin good! You've inspired me to take my extra console and git-er-done.

99408kotar/t
02-19-2010, 11:45 PM
SHA-WEET dude. Lookin good! You've inspired me to take my extra console and git-er-done.

awesome, be sure to post pics

99408kotar/t
02-19-2010, 11:46 PM
i might have to take a road trip to see this in person,its coming along great.

just go to the mopar show in naperville this spring. ill be there

360 XRT
02-20-2010, 12:18 AM
just go to the mopar show in naperville this spring. ill be there

well,heres the thing.somehow,someway i'm hoping to have a center console shifter for that show too (hint-hint)

99408kotar/t
02-20-2010, 12:44 AM
well,heres the thing.somehow,someway i'm hoping to have a center console shifter for that show too (hint-hint)

haha i would love to help you but it takes alot longer to do than it looks. ive probably got 3-4 hours into it over a period of 4 days. always waiting for something to dry. i could help you put in the floor shifter but i dont feel comfortable yet doing a glass project for someone else. this is my first attempt at fiberglassing

RawR/T
02-20-2010, 12:52 AM
3-4 hours over a few days isnt to bad really. But the glassing is the hard part. It always takes time to dry. I am hoping to have mine done by the time of the naperville show, but I am having my ankle surgery next week so IDK if I will be up and able in time. It will all depend on how things fall together after im capable of walking normally again. Stupid ligiments and bone fragments. I really hope I can have my center shifter installed and the new center council made in time. Yours is looking pretty good tho. Gives me some inspiration to actually do something. Maybe something a little different even. LOL

PeteRT
02-20-2010, 01:43 AM
it's an inspiration to me as well... just need to pick up an extra to play with. no way im hacking up my good one, lol.

pete

RawR/T
02-20-2010, 03:53 AM
it's an inspiration to me as well... just need to pick up an extra to play with. no way im hacking up my good one, lol.

pete

Im planning to hit a local pick your parts place here soon to get a donor block and a spare axle to rebuild. Plus a spare center council for a 99 so i dont have to chop up my OE one. If I find a second I can either pick it up and ship to you at the cost or I can let you know where it is and U can get it yourself. LOL I have an LKQ here with a whole area dedicated to mopar scrap. LOL I figure there has to be some dakota's there that I can plunder for parts. LOL

99408kotar/t
02-20-2010, 03:59 AM
Im planning to hit a local pick your parts place here soon to get a donor block and a spare axle to rebuild. Plus a spare center council for a 99 so i dont have to chop up my OE one. If I find a second I can either pick it up and ship to you at the cost or I can let you know where it is and U can get it yourself. LOL I have an LKQ here with a whole area dedicated to mopar scrap. LOL I figure there has to be some dakota's there that I can plunder for parts. LOL

if you happen to find one and he doesnt want it or you find several let me know. i would like another one. maybe ill build another one and see if someone would want it

RawR/T
02-20-2010, 04:32 AM
if you happen to find one and he doesnt want it or you find several let me know. i would like another one. maybe ill build another one and see if someone would want it

Yeah, I'll def let you know. I plan to build mine a bit different than you did and maybe make a kit for it or something. Make ribs to run from side to side that I can use bulsawood to form to fit the exact contour I want, but a hair smaller to allow the filler and so on a place to give me a nice smooth work surface. Then add a few layers after I get the shell done and take the ribs out. I figure pins pushed in to keep the form until I get it all glassed in and hardened should do for a good base. Then take out the pins before I fleece it, and then fleece resin, body fill and a butt load of sanding. LOL Nice n smooth, prime it up and let it sit primed until I get around to painting the truck. I plan to paint the center council piece and the dash trim to match the truck. But if I find a few of the 99 style center trims I'll pick em up.

99408kotar/t
02-24-2010, 09:34 PM
heres an update pic. decided to flush out the back behind the shifter and lose the cup holder. couldnt find a way to make it look good.hopefully be final sanded this weekend
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp131/tblazinss/SSPX0311.jpg

360 XRT
02-25-2010, 01:02 AM
it seems to have quite a better look to it,good call.

99408kotar/t
02-25-2010, 08:37 PM
ready for filler
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp131/tblazinss/SSPX0315.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp131/tblazinss/SSPX0314.jpg

RawR/T
02-26-2010, 11:10 PM
ready for filler
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp131/tblazinss/SSPX0315.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp131/tblazinss/SSPX0314.jpg

That is looking great. I am considering making mine roll up the the dash itself to put some gauges there. Cup holders behind the shifter (possibly in front) but either way thinking all the way to the dash for a smooth look to it. I had surgery this morning tho, so im laid up for a few more weeks. Wasn't able to go look thru the pick ur parts place for that center console just yet. After I am moving again and its a bit warmer than frost bite on my balls looking for parts, I'll check for those center consoles for you guys. I plan to get all the ones they have just in case anyone wants em.

PeteRT
02-27-2010, 01:22 AM
looks awesome.

i literally found a megashifter in my garage last week... now i have to use it. needs a new t-handle and shaft, both are orderable as replacement parts.... i was kinda thinking of buying/fabbing up a leather boot for it too... i like the boot of the hammer a lot but now that i have this free one- can't justify the purchase.

::eyes open for a center console for hacking up::

pete

RawR/T
02-27-2010, 02:30 AM
looks awesome.

i literally found a megashifter in my garage last week... now i have to use it. needs a new t-handle and shaft, both are orderable as replacement parts.... i was kinda thinking of buying/fabbing up a leather boot for it too... i like the boot of the hammer a lot but now that i have this free one- can't justify the purchase.

::eyes open for a center console for hacking up::

pete

If it were me pete, I would make a ring to fit to your console that you could bolt in from the bottom side, and take it to an upholstery shop and have them stitch you something up in the colors and designs you want. That way you could match it to your truck if you wanted. And having them do a custom shift boot isnt that horribly expensive depending on the materials you use. Even cheaper if you can stitch it up yourself or know someone that can. I know someone that can do it for me, but they are in TN so shipping will cost as much as taking it to someone local for me. Last shift boot I had made was for a tundra for my uncle and it cost like 45 bux and we had his company logo sewn into it. Basic fake leather is like 20-40 bux (depending on size and so on.) As fabric/ parts costs rise prices rise. Also with using real leather it costs more, cause not all sewing machines will sew it. Need the right needles and so on.

Jason

99408kotar/t
02-27-2010, 03:08 AM
i think im gonna have it wrapped in leather or suede. its really smooth and looks great but its not as perfect as i would like. im gonna take it to an upholstry shop and have them wrap it. probably in leather depending on the cost

98Dak408
02-28-2010, 05:42 PM
Lookin' good! I'd like to try that. I always wondered if the section that your arms rests on interfers with the shifting though with your hand grasping the shifter at a lower position.

RawR/T
02-28-2010, 06:09 PM
i think im gonna have it wrapped in leather or suede. its really smooth and looks great but its not as perfect as i would like. im gonna take it to an upholstry shop and have them wrap it. probably in leather depending on the cost

Cant wait to see it. Its looking real good right now. Congrats on your setup so far. Its lookin sweet.


Lookin' good! I'd like to try that. I always wondered if the section that your arms rests on interfers with the shifting though with your hand grasping the shifter at a lower position.

I would not think it would, I mean how often are you going to drop into a low enough gear to worry about that without having a manual valve body? i would think there would not be to big of an issue there, and from what i have seen in some of the other guys posts of their designs, the handle sits up pretty high. But thats just how it looked to me. Others who have it installed already may have a better understanding than I do. Although I look forward to having my center shift installed into mine in the next couple months after im healed from surgery.

99408kotar/t
03-01-2010, 06:46 AM
Lookin' good! I'd like to try that. I always wondered if the section that your arms rests on interfers with the shifting though with your hand grasping the shifter at a lower position.the shifter does sit a tad bit lower than the console lid, but when my arm lays on the console it falls perfectly on the shifter. i dont know about the other shifters but the hammer shifter doesnt pull back very far when you downshift into 1st. taking it in tomorrow to see how much it will be to wrap it

99408kotar/t
03-01-2010, 11:15 PM
local upholstry shop quoted me 280 plus tax to wrap it in vinyl???? they said they couldnt wrap it in leather or suede? anyone know a good upholstry shop thats not looking to retire off me. if thats how much its gonna cost just to have it wrapped in vinyl then ill rebondo it to a perfect finish and paint the damn thing. i just thought it would look better and flow more with the interior if if was black leather or suede to match the seats and door panels. vinyl can sometimes look really cheap

PeteRT
03-01-2010, 11:31 PM
dang that's a lot... i would try it myself for that much.

pete

98Dak408
03-02-2010, 12:28 AM
I'd check around but wrapping it may be costly. I'd personally use body filler to smooth it out. I think someone used bedliner spray to provide texture to one of their console mods if I'm not mistaken. Turned out nice from what I recal.

99408kotar/t
03-02-2010, 04:13 AM
i would be happy to pay 300 if it was leather and suede, but 300 for cheap ass vinyl seems like they just really didnt care if they had my business. i have a couple more shops ill be calling tommorow. if they thought it was only gonna take 2-3 hours then thats like 85 an hour. i want leather. vinyl will make it look cheap and i want it to match my leather srt8 seats. its not very much to wrap, im sure ill find the right person. ill keep you updated

99408kotar/t
03-02-2010, 04:15 AM
I'd check around but wrapping it may be costly. I'd personally use body filler to smooth it out. I think someone used bedliner spray to provide texture to one of their console mods if I'm not mistaken. Turned out nice from what I recal.

i already used body filler to smooth it out. i just havent posted a pic of it since i did so

99408kotar/t
03-12-2010, 12:52 AM
here it is. all done
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp131/tblazinss/SSPX0338.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp131/tblazinss/SSPX0337.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp131/tblazinss/SSPX0334.jpg
http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp131/tblazinss/SSPX0335.jpg
if your wondering why the shifter boot looks f'd up its because it is haha. the stitiching around the top cam undone so i just ripped it off. b&m is shipping me a new one. lifetime warranty

98Dak408
03-12-2010, 01:02 AM
Looks good! How do you like that shifter?

99408kotar/t
03-12-2010, 01:15 AM
Looks good! How do you like that shifter?

i like it alot. whats nice is i moved the console back far enough so when my hand is on the shifter my elbow just misses the console lid so there is no interference. i didnt plan it this way but the front bolt holes in the bottom of the console line up with the back holes on the bracket running across the floor so it worked out great and my back seats clear it on the way up. the console may look kinda plain but it was my first attempt at fiberglass so overall i cant complain. next winter ill probably try something a little more flashy

PeteRT
03-12-2010, 01:28 AM
looks awesome.
nice seats... any fitment issues width wise?
pete

MONKYMAN
03-12-2010, 04:23 AM
Looks killer! You did a great job! Fiberglass is a PITA to work with sometimes! When I made my last sub box with it I used a mixture of 50%resin and 50% body filler so I could paint the body filler on basically. That was the last step I took before priming. Made it much easier to sand and smooth! Straight body filler is not easy to work with. Could have been me though since I was working on it when it was well over 100 degrees outside!

99408kotar/t
03-12-2010, 04:52 AM
looks awesome.
nice seats... any fitment issues width wise?
pete

yes and no. the are for the most part perfect, but when i close the door the plastic panel on the side of thge seat just touches the door panel, and how the door panel is designed with the map pocket, or whatever you wanna call it, it flares out the farther forward it is. so when i move the seat forward it rubs into th door panel. i plan to modify the door panel and get rid of that pocket. other than welding up some angle iron, paintinting the seat rails, and doing a little rewiring of the driver seat it worked out good. it looks awesome and the seats are way more comfortable then the stockers

99408kotar/t
03-12-2010, 04:53 AM
Looks killer! You did a great job! Fiberglass is a PITA to work with sometimes! When I made my last sub box with it I used a mixture of 50%resin and 50% body filler so I could paint the body filler on basically. That was the last step I took before priming. Made it much easier to sand and smooth! Straight body filler is not easy to work with. Could have been me though since I was working on it when it was well over 100 degrees outside!

yea that body filler sucked to sand. it was kinda thick and hard to spread consistantly so i ended up with high and low spots. all in all its still not really that hard. just time consuming

360 XRT
03-12-2010, 11:53 AM
i think it looks like shit.i'll be at your house sat.,to help you remove it,so you can start over.i'll even be nice and throw away your old one at my house,so you don't overfill your garbage can.:jester: