Hi Everyone. I am new to the forum but would like to see if anyone has a good template for a custom center console. I do not like the stock center console. I would prefer to have something that goes all the way up to the dash just under the cup holder and cigarette lighters. I wanted to incorporate trays to put cell phones, pens, change... also maybe use the cup holder assembly from the stock center console. I am also wondering if the CD changer wiring could be modified to a USB power outlet or anything else I can use this wire for?




I made a rough, rough draft of something that I would eventually use wood, some kind of foam for padding, a leather type of covering.




Any ideas or anything would be appreciated.

 

Look at the expy consoles they go always to the dash. And bolt right in an F150.
http://www.fordf150.net/photos/data/500/HPIM0956.JPG

 

Thank you. That looks like what I'm trying to achieve. I might give in and go that easy route of just purchasing something like that and bolting it in. However, I think it would be a fun project to make something as I've never done something like that before but feel confident it would turn out pretty good. I'll have to see what I can find on eBay (for the Expedition console) and see if $250 is what I want to pay or not.

 

I tried plywood today and was disappointed with how the screws would tear apart the plywood. Is there a better material that someone would suggest? I was made aware of a material called MDF panel / press board. I just want to find a durable material and the best way to attach the pieces together.

 

That's particle board not plywood.

I'd go Expy console for esthetics and simplicity.


I went with the Harley Davidson version of that console, and then modified it

 

I agree.

 

The problem with the expy consoles in the local pick-a-part were they were either not the right color or just as nasty as the one I took out although looked better in terms of going all the way up to the dash.

I could go that easy route and buy one of the expy consoles. However, now that I've started with the particle board, I will now move to MDF and do it right. I will then pad the outside and cover with a leather or something. For me, it will give me more pleasure to look at something I created than go with the expy console. I will be sure to post my updates but have other home projects that I am working on right now. I'll try to move it forward before March 2017. If I don't, please reach out if you are interested in the end design and I'll be sure to light a fire.

 

 

I applaud your efforts, however I still recommend sourcing an Expedition console. It can be done on the cheap if you get a really nasty one from a salvage yard and clean it up.

If anything, I only say it so you can achieve the goals you set for yourself in your original post. You can easily modify an Expedition console for 12V ignition power and it already has storage trays... AND coin holder!

Also, how is that thing mounted to the floor? Hope you're happy with it.