[phattpat]

Another recent pic...Door panels are next.

6/15/04 (Updated pic at bottom)

[horvath]

Sweet!


Alan
54 Chevy Pickup

[Kevin45]

What's the console out of or made from? Looks great!!

[phattpat]

Thanks!!

Both portions of the console are made of mdf. The 'tubular' shape was created using thin steel, bent to shape around a pole, and wrapped. The boots are sewn using the same vinyl, and the trim rings are Lokar pieces that I bent to shape. The other billet oval piece in front of the shifter is the Lokar LED gear indicator.

Those were night-time garage pics... I'll have to get some better daytime shots which are brighter. I just got the rear deck in the other night, and have completed the lower portions of the front door panels.

This interior stuff is hard!

[Kevin45]

One more question...(well maybe two)...how thick is the MDF and how did you fasten the steel (round part) to the MDF.

TIA
Kevin

[phattpat]

Hi Kevin-

The mdf varies in thickness depending on the part. The sides of the drop down portion of the console are 3/4" mdf, but the face of it (to which the cd player, a/c controls, etc. are mounted) is 1/2". The sides of the lower console are 1/2".

Inside the lower console, I mounted long strips of 1/2" mdf almost the entire length of the console, about a 1/2" down from the top edges (of the side pieces). The metal rests on those inner rails, and the top edges of the outer side pieces are routered using a round-over bit. The metal is shaped to a diameter that is just bigger than the width of the console, so, it's outward pressure in combination w/ the rails keeps it in place really nicely. Makes for easy removal if you need to access the e-brake, shifter, etc.

Sounds more complicated than it is... it's really a simple design. I think I have build-up pics of it around here somewhere. They'll all end up on a site one of these days...

Oh- instead of making the curved metal part yourself- take a wander through your local Home Depot/Lowe's. I found the perfect substitute- in the Chimney section, they sell lengths of black wood-burning stove exhaust piping. Perfect diameter, it's thin-guage sheet metal, and can be welded together to any length. I might just try that myself!

[Kevin45]

Another question....If you have buildup pics can you post them or send them to me by e-mail? I just checked on my truck today at the painters and the cab is getting rubbed out. He figures next week it will be good to go. With that being said I figure I have another three weeks. LOL!! He has no sense of time. When I start putting the interior back in I am going to build a new console and want it to look pretty sharp. I can do woodworking, sheetmetal, but an interior will be a whole new ballgame. All you talented people need to move closer my way. LOL!!!

[phattpat]

Yep, I've got a ton of pics. I'm in the process of building a web site for it all, but it may be a while. I can shoot you pics when I get home over the next few days.

Here's a recent shot of the door panels I just finished. Need a little tweaking, but they're done for the most part...

[62ImpalaSS]

Your console looks great. I am just in the process of redoing my interior and was thinking of doing a custom console. I noticed that you sent other the construction photos. I would love to see them for ideas. Also did you do the vinyl work your self? And did you do the door panel? If so what method did you use. Thanks some day I will post the pictures of my 62 Impala when it is finished. Thanks for sharing your ride with us.

[Kevin45]

Hey 62...just wanted to let you know it breaks my heart to see your ride. I have had mine (although not an SS) at a guys house for a year now. I had it dip stripped and was in the process of redoing it whan I had to have shoulder surgery. When I saw it the other day it is solid brown from surface rust. I took it to him to get the back quarters welded on. So far one side is done and he guarantees me the rest of the car will be done this summer. He also told me it would only take a week to get my truck painted and has had it for a month and a half. But at least he is making headway on that and when I saw it the other day it was looking great. (so far). Anyways on your '62. Looks good!!

Kevin