DIY center console lid
The exact thought that popped into my head! I'm a cheapass college student, but if I do something, I want to do it right. If I can't do it right then I won't do it at all. I try my best to avoid the mulletmobile designation.
Staging Lane
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Huntingdon, PA
Thought the same to... Kinda reminds me of when I was on the j-body forums years ago. Reminds me of posts I would see all the time. I know they are kind of expensive but Id rather just spend the money and do it right the first time.
I think this could be done pretty good with wood as a support, need good moldable foam, redline cover and a good plastic or sheet metal piece to finish off the bottom to cover up the wood and staples on the bottom.
This post gave me some ideas, so thanks OP
This post gave me some ideas, so thanks OP
X2....got me thinking of what I can do to!
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Tacoma, WA
Did you guys even read the OP? They guy made this so he has some sort of an arm rest until he can find something better. In other words...it's TEMPORARY!!! It may be ghetto in your eyes, but for someone who made this with a Dremel and doesn't have sheet metal shears, I think he did a pretty decent job.
X2....got me thinking of what I can do to!
X2....got me thinking of what I can do to!
The guy had a problem and fixed it WITHOUT just settling for the god awful replacement piece.
There's always a better way to do something, but trying it yourself and learning what you can do to improve is what this whole sport is about. Anybody can BUY the damn piece, but what's the fun in that? Sure it ain't pretty right now, but he can always improve on what he's learned from here. How about you guys give him some useful advice instead of bashing what someone did with their own hands and very limited resources! If you can't do that then stfu
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: sacramento, ca
Thanks for the support, and last I checked this was a forum. Forum being a place the share ideas. The ideas of using different types of foam has helped. As stated originally I didn't have that many materials readily available, and imo it looks better than a hole in the console with my registration in it, seeing as it didnt have a lid at all. But tge vinyl and foam ideas are in the works.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: sacramento, ca
Btw, for it being "redneck" I'm not ashamed of ingenuity with what materials you have. Sure anyone with 50k could make a b.a. f body all done "right" and top notch materials and parts. Those of us who aren't make do. And I think this could have got a lot more "redneck".
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Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: sacramento, ca
I'm not butt hurt about anything. Its still on my car and will be until i replace it.I just see it as a respect issue. Some without accepting what was said in the op just sound like d bags(another opinion other than redneck that give our cars a bad rep) Other people voiced their opposing opinions without that persona.
I'm not butt hurt about anything. Its still on my car and will be until i replace it.I just see it as a respect issue. Some without accepting what was said in the op just sound like d bags(another opinion other than redneck that give our cars a bad rep) Other people voiced their opposing opinions without that persona.
secondly, not that I need to replace mine but this did give me the idea that you could take 2 or 3 pieces of 3/4" MDF, cut larger then the widest width and longest depth measurement, then glue them together and use a "mouse" (or similar) sander with a heavy grit paper (like 60 grit) to shape it then wrap it with a thin foam and vinyl from like Hobby Lobby, then it would just be a matter of finishing the underside, might take twice the time to do but would look much cleaner. what you did looks like you just rushed through it in 30 minutes and didn't even try to get it to look decent.
I'm gonna look at my scrap MDF pile this weekend and see what I have to see if I could mock one up real quick.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: sacramento, ca
first off, this is the internet, the place of BRUTAL honesty, if your gonna get offended because some one calls what your doing pure crap then maybe you shouldn't be online.
secondly, not that I need to replace mine but this did give me the idea that you could take 2 or 3 pieces of 3/4" MDF, cut larger then the widest width and longest depth measurement, then glue them together and use a "mouse" (or similar) sander with a heavy grit paper (like 60 grit) to shape it then wrap it with a thin foam and vinyl from like Hobby Lobby, then it would just be a matter of finishing the underside, might take twice the time to do but would look much cleaner. what you did looks like you just rushed through it in 30 minutes and didn't even try to get it to look decent.
I'm gonna look at my scrap MDF pile this weekend and see what I have to see if I could mock one up real quick.
secondly, not that I need to replace mine but this did give me the idea that you could take 2 or 3 pieces of 3/4" MDF, cut larger then the widest width and longest depth measurement, then glue them together and use a "mouse" (or similar) sander with a heavy grit paper (like 60 grit) to shape it then wrap it with a thin foam and vinyl from like Hobby Lobby, then it would just be a matter of finishing the underside, might take twice the time to do but would look much cleaner. what you did looks like you just rushed through it in 30 minutes and didn't even try to get it to look decent.
I'm gonna look at my scrap MDF pile this weekend and see what I have to see if I could mock one up real quick.
Post it up when you're done! Give the rest of us ideas
Btw, for it being "redneck" I'm not ashamed of ingenuity with what materials you have. Sure anyone with 50k could make a b.a. f body all done "right" and top notch materials and parts. Those of us who aren't make do. And I think this could have got a lot more "redneck".
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: sacramento, ca
lol relax buddy. Believe me I know what having no money is. I am a college student that cant find part time job and lives from washing other peoples cars for a few bucks. I pay my gas, cell, and anything I need. Yet I still try not to half *** anything I do. It may take me a little longer but if I am doing something custom I am doing it and try t make it look better than factory, not slapping cloth on plywood.
Countryguy, I agree with some people around here. If this is what you had lying around hell yes damn good job! Of course are there ways for improvement? Yes but that's what ls1tech is for.... advice and guidance if not good at something... Ive come here many times for issues google would not resolve and have found my fix. Since I understand this is a temp fix I think its great. I myself lean my elbow hardcore on my center lid all the time so know what its like not having one. Keep up the positive attitude. Most people around here can only do it right the first time. Personally, I have to fail before I succeed usually. Good job man!
Copy & Paste Moderator
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 9,764
Likes: 208
From: Eastern MA
I think its a good first attempt. Has me tempted to make one, but a bit better formed and with the underside trimmed.
I've already repaired my stock one more than once with plastic epoxy, JB Weld, and metal in places for reinforcement, but it just cracks in new places.
I've already repaired my stock one more than once with plastic epoxy, JB Weld, and metal in places for reinforcement, but it just cracks in new places.
If nothing else you've inspired people to come up with a better way to do it.
if I remember on my way out tomorrow I'll look at my scrap MDF pile, but I don' expect to find any pieces that large and let you know.
EDIT: yup, non of my scrap is large enough, the only piece long enough is not wide enough, will have to wait till I can source some more scrap (build another box).
if I remember on my way out tomorrow I'll look at my scrap MDF pile, but I don' expect to find any pieces that large and let you know.
EDIT: yup, non of my scrap is large enough, the only piece long enough is not wide enough, will have to wait till I can source some more scrap (build another box).
Last edited by Daniel Richards; Mar 27, 2014 at 03:35 PM.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: sacramento, ca
If nothing else you've inspired people to come up with a better way to do it.
if I remember on my way out tomorrow I'll look at my scrap MDF pile, but I don' expect to find any pieces that large and let you know.
EDIT: yup, non of my scrap is large enough, the only piece long enough is not wide enough, will have to wait till I can source some more scrap (build another box).
if I remember on my way out tomorrow I'll look at my scrap MDF pile, but I don' expect to find any pieces that large and let you know.
EDIT: yup, non of my scrap is large enough, the only piece long enough is not wide enough, will have to wait till I can source some more scrap (build another box).
