Project: "$40 Console with Storage"

[bzblaine]

I'm new to fabrication, wood working, and upholstery. I'd just like to share my idea and hope it helps someone. Be easy on me.

I loved my old console but it just wasn't doing it for me anymore. I needed something with an armrest, storage, a place for a double din, and some charging sockets. And I was working with a low budget. so I had to get crafty. I documented my process below and on my YouTube Channel. I hope this helps at least some of you.

Here is a link to my video covering the whole process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_I2pQqDvfU&t=2s

I will cover the process here as well, but the video will have a little more detail.

I started with my $50 budget and an Idea. I compiled all my materials 1st.

Things I needed:

1/2in 4X8 sheet of plywood: $17
Stainless Steel Cup Holders: $8.50/Pair on Amazon
1 Yard of White Vinyl : $14

Thing I already Had:

Foam and Vinyl from an old couch and an old recliner someone threw away.
Tons of Cardboard for making templates
Double Din Radio
USB and Cigarette Charging Sockets. I thing originally they were $9/Pair

Here is the Finished product so you'll know what I was able to accomplish within my budget.





1st step is to get large pieces of cardboard and star making your template. It was alot of drawing and cutting and drawing and cutting until it fit.



Once you are happy with the design, trace it to make an exact copy for the other side, then cut that out.



Make sure to test fit everything over an over again.
Once you are happy with it, start designing the rear of the console. I just taped more cardboard on the back and started drawing and cutting. trace to both sides so they are exact.



Once I have everything how I want it, I measure and cut some strips to brace it so Its the exact width I want. And now I have a cardboard console!



Test fit some more, and adjust as needed.

[71blksuper4x4]

Just go down to “manage attachments” when posting. Upload one pic at a time.

[bzblaine]

Originally Posted by 71blksuper4x4

Just go down to “manage attachments” when posting. Upload one pic at a time.

I figured out how to embed. Thank you!

[bzblaine]

Now its time for actual construction of the console.

Take the template apart and trace it onto plywood and cut it out. I just used a cheap jigsaw.



More Test fitting. get the measurements between the 2 sides at the back, middle, and front. Cut braces to length and screw the 2 sides together.



For cutting the tops and faces, I used some scrap wood, Laid it where it needed to by and drew the lines from the underside to ensure an exact fit. Cut them out and Glue/screw them together.



I wanted to make a removable storage box under the arm rest so I cut a basic box to fit into this compartment.



Then cut the Lid for it.



Test fit the hinges



Find a good spot for all of you accessories, draw and cut the holes for them



I wanted the rounded corners to be smoother so I stapled some cheap folders to smooth the curves. Then cut the excess.

[bzblaine]

Finally it is time for the Upholstery. I wanted to try sewing something although I'm not great at it. Hours of YouTube videos later, I was ready to try.

For a New Sewing option, Check out my other video (link below) for how to do this without sewing, and still make it look awesome.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUHJ18LcK4A

I start by covering it with some recycled foam from an old recliner. Glue one side at a time and cut the excess.



For the sewing. I trace the top and sides, Add 1/2in for seam allowance and cut it all out.



after it is all sewed I test fit before putting in the staples.



Stretch, pull, staple, Stretch, Pull, Staple until its done.



not for the removable box. I wrap all sides individually with no foam, then screw them all together.



using a soft mallet I hammer the box in place and put 2 screws to hold it in. Wrap the lid with some thick foam and finish it on the bottom with more material to hide the nastiness, then put the hinges on.



Dont forget to slit some holes for the accessories and press them into place. And its done!



This is it fitted into the truck.



With the seat back in.






Let me know what you think. I urge you to check out the video. if you did like this, please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel. Thanks everyone! hope this helps someone!

https://www.youtube.com/c/noobmechan...confirmation=1

[CG]

Nicely done! What did we do before YouTube how to vids?

[bzblaine]

Originally Posted by CG

Nicely done! What did we do before YouTube how to vids?

I really appreciate the Kind words. Since YouTube, ive saved so much money on just doing everything myself. lol. even though, im not particularly great at any one thing.

[twotrucks]

Looks really good; great idea with the speakers also.

[LockDoc]

-
Now get a premium membership and sell your old console for a couple hundred bucks on the parts board here and you will be way ahead of the game....

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php

LockDoc

[bzblaine]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

-
Now get a premium membership and sell your old console for a couple hundred bucks on the parts board here and you will be way ahead of the game....

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php

LockDoc

you Think that old console is worth that much? I would have never known

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by bzblaine

you Think that old console is worth that much? I would have never known

Should be if it is in good shape. A lot of them have sold on here in the $150 - $200 range.

LockDoc

[bzblaine]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

Should be if it is in good shape. A lot of them have sold on here in the $150 - $200 range.

LockDoc

thats good to know. Thank you!

[bzblaine]

Originally Posted by twotrucks

Looks really good; great idea with the speakers also.

Thank you! I actually wanted to put some in the back also. Ill probably pull it back out after I buy some speakers.

[yuccales]

I think that console turned out great!

[bzblaine]

Originally Posted by yuccales

I think that console turned out great!

Thank you so much! Im proud of it. I need to get better at sewing. Id had far more wrinkles than I was hoping for.

[Stephen717]

That looks great, I've been toying with this idea for awhile now since I'm switching from the bench seat to camaro buckets. Thanks for starting this thread

[bzblaine]

Originally Posted by Stephen717

That looks great, I've been toying with this idea for awhile now since I'm switching from the bench seat to camaro buckets. Thanks for starting this thread

Its no problem at all! I appreciate you taking the time to say something nice about it. im not a professional by any means but proud of what I can do. Thanks and best of luck!

[dmjlambert]

bzblaine, that is really super-duper. Very nice. You're giving me ideas.

[bzblaine]

Originally Posted by dmjlambert

bzblaine, that is really super-duper. Very nice. You're giving me ideas.

Thank you! post the pictures if you end up making one!

[70C10Dude]

Man.. You did a rocking job! Looks like this is going to be my next project. Also, I subscribed to your YouTube channel. Awesome stuff man.

[bzblaine]

Thank you! and Thanks for subscribing. I can use all the subscribers I can get at this point lol. Post a picture of the console when you complete it!

[70C10Dude]

Originally Posted by bzblaine

Thank you! and Thanks for subscribing. I can use all the subscribers I can get at this point lol. Post a picture of the console when you complete it!

will do. im actually trying to make the template right now. its a lot harder than I thought. lol

[70LonghornCST]

I love seeing innovation at work making ideas a reality. Great work! :looking good!
Posted via Mobile Device

[bzblaine]

Originally Posted by 70LonghornCST

I love seeing innovation at work making ideas a reality. Great work! :looking good!
Posted via Mobile Device

I really appreciate that. I'm real cheap, so I have to get craft when I want something done.

[blazer2007]

I like doing things myself as well,more satisfying than buying or paying someone. I watched some sewing videos and made my own seat upholstery and door pockets