Durango Center Console Progress, Pics

What's up everyone...

I've taken a few pictures of the progress of my center console. The idea, in short is to have a 7" lcd in the rear, a 9" lcd up front that can be replaced with any size screen = to or > than the initial screen, and to have the console house within it... a fog machine, inverter, distribution blocks and the 4x4 shift selector. The console will also house the audio source unit, one 4 switch panel for nitrous... activation, purge, heater, and remote opener. There also wiill be another switch panel for various other things.

The console is comprised of two parts... front and rear. I did this so that I can quickly remove the rear portion of the console to work with the switches, wiring, lcd's, fog, inverter, etc.

Within the rear of the console is a storage compartment as well.

Please provide me with and input (good and bad) as to ways to improve upon it's design, etc.

I will be updating the pics as I progress.

Here are the pics. Captions are above each picture.

This is a test console I quickly threw together.

Making the switch panels... (I'm actually redoing them now)

The base of the console (or you could call it the attachment point).

The second (and last) framing of the console.

Shortly after cutting the console in two.

The framing of the 9" lcd.

The console with the storage compartment holes cut in the top.

First coat of primer on the rear portion of the console.

Thanks to everyone that has helped me thus far. More updates soon. I've done the storage compartment covers and have the rear portion ready for paint. I'm currently working on finishing the switch panels up front and forming two curves with mdf. After this I'll be fleecing and glassing the very front most part of the console.

TCalYen

looking sweet, keep it up man!

Thanks.

Here are some more pictures.  I plan on glassing either towards the end of the week or on the weekend.

After the second coat of high build primer.  One more to go!

Forming the curves with mdf on the front portion of the console.
The two flate pieces are where the switch panels will be.

Making the new swich panels.

Here are the storage compartment lids and the bottom boards of each compartment.

More updates soon.

TCalYen

Thanks 05honda.

I can see the pics again... It probably was my damn slacking wireless router.

racerx3165 wrote:

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WOW that looks great, how do you find the time? I got the backseat outta my stang for like a month now and its driving me NUTZ couldnt imagine being w/o center console :)

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:laughing at myself:  Dude, I haven't had a center console or a passenger seat in the D for almost a year and a half.

Oh yea...

And BTW... I do almost all of the work after I put my kids to sleep at night.  I've probably been averaging about 5 hrs per week for sometime now.

abovestock wrote:

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just for the sake of asking, what kind of primer are you using?

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Duplicolor High Build... I'm going out to buy a tank, lines, and guns.  It's seriously a waste of money to use cans IMO.

Tegpilot wrote:

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hey Tcal, awesome work man.  It's probably good that you only work a bit at a time, no cutting corners 'cause you can't see straight anymore after 10 hours straight.  haha, we all know we've done that at one point or another.  Hey I have a question for ya, where'd you get your ABS plastic from??  Store, online??  Once again looks great.

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I got the abs from a wholesaler called Select Products.  I'm sure a lot of the members here have heard of them.  Luckily they have a warehouse pretty close to where I live.  It's like a freakin' toy store in there for me.  They sell 1/16, 1/8, and 1/4" thicknesses.

Try searching for them on the web.  I know they have a website that I believe you can purchase retail off of.

Thanks for the comps...

What's up all...

Here are a few more pics... I plan on streeching fleece tonight and hopefully having everything ready for paint by Monday if my Duramix gets here.

Before sanding the curves on the front of the console.

After Sanding

I have seen many MDF consoles that went wrong, yours looks soo kool, bloody brilliant job

jlord16 wrote:

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I have seen many MDF consoles that went wrong, yours looks soo kool, bloody brilliant job

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Thanks mate....

I'm holding my breath until it's done... the very front most part of the console is going to be fleeced and glassed... it's all framed up and ready.

My only concern is the final finish... I'm so damy anal that I won't be satisfied unless it's totally smooth... or at least... not noticably "not smooth"... if you know what I mean...

Here are some updated pictures.  I just finished wrapping the fleece.  I still have to do the following...

1. Resin fleece.
2. Finish resined area with sanding/bondo
3. Finish switch panels and wiring
4. Prime and Paint baby!

Wrapping the fleece was a pain in the ars and I suspect finishing that area is going to be a pain also.

Just got the resin on the fleece last night.... damn this is taking so long.

Take a look at the pictures... it's still curing... should I put chop mat on it or should I just finish it off the way it is?

It's pretty damn ridgid and remember there are no speakers in the console and the console is comprised primarily of mdf.

Thanks.

Thanks man...

I think I'll mix up a batch of resin and expander and coat the inside with it.  If I use chop mat on the outside... finishing it off will be to much of a bitch... I'm sitting in my garage right now sanding that thing.

What's up everyone...

Here are some updated pictures...

I thickened up some resin and coated the inside of the fleece with it... didn't really like what I the 406 that I used to thicken the resin with.  It didn't mix that well.  Anyhow... it served it's purpose.

I also did a rough sanding with 40 grit and then put on a coat of primer so I could see all the areas I need to apply bondo.  I'm doing the bondo tomorrow.

Hey, I gotta ask - what's up with the shotgun hanging on the pegboard?  With shells?  Didn't you say you've got kids running around there?

Anyway, great work, I really admire the way you've stayed with it & inched along.  That's the best way to produce something truly quality.  Keep the pics coming!

boulderguy wrote:

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Hey, I gotta ask - what's up with the shotgun hanging on the pegboard?  With shells?  Didn't you say you've got kids running around there?

Anyway, great work, I really admire the way you've stayed with it & inched along.  That's the best way to produce something truly quality.  Keep the pics coming!

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The shotgun should be in the gun cabinet inside the house... but the wife asked that it be outside... my garage's are detached from the house... and my kids are 8 months and 2 years old and can't get to the shot gun... yet.  Not to mention that it has a chamber cable lock on it so it can't be fired.

Thanks for the comps on the probress btw. 

Thanks ya'll... well to answer everyone's questions.

I ended up using spray 90 to secure the fleece underneath and around the back of the console.  I resined those areas pretty thouroughly as well and it didn't release.

The console is secured with 6 brackets that secure into a mdf platform that's attached to the stock mounting bracket.

Thanks for the comps...

I love it when a plan comes together... this thing is going to paint up nice!

Switch panels tomorrow... two more brackets to do... final test fit... touch up a few areas with some putty... prime... sand... paint!

BTW... I'm not doing this again without a da sander and a 60g tank...

Well here's an update... it should be ready for paint by the end of the day on Sat.

Second coat of primer before sanding.

Making an access panel to reach the 4x4 shift knob.

After the third coat of primer before sanding... just a few areas to work on.

LOL... well I wouldn't particularly say anyone is a "fan" being that I'm real new to the site.  I think the "views" have a lot to do with the number of pics... I personally would much rather look at a thread (especially a fiberglass thread) with a lot of pictures documenting the process... which is basically what I'm doing.  I think that's why there are the number of views there are... people are just checking the progress.

Test Fitting

BlueCC00RT wrote:

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your center dash piece is it hold nicely without those bottom 2 screws? I was thinking of molding my console into that piece as well. Not too sure if it would be flimsy or not

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Damn dude,

I replied to your post awhile back and it didn't update.  Without screws the console is secure and fits snug.  I'm planning on using screws next to the glove box, next to the panel under the steering wheel, and along the brackets for the rear part of the console.

realitycheck wrote:

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TCal, absolutely amazing man.  I just cant get over how good that mdf looks. You have an awesome ability man. It feels great too dont it, too see your project coming together like that knowing you built it yourself. Man I love that feeling.

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Thanks man... yea it's always fufilling to do your own work... I've pretty much built this truck from the ground up... suspension, engine, audio / vid system, paint, etc... all done by me.

I went with the mdf because what I wanted was much simpler to do with mdf as opposed to glass.  I would have had to build a frame for the console that would have looked the same as I got with full mdf.  Not to mention, intigrating the storage compartments in the rear of the console would have been next to impossible to do if the sides were glassed.

Thats awesome man, how long did it take to master painting?

TCalYen

OnE_DIEU wrote:

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TCalYen

You could also make a mold of the factory center console. That 's what I did for mine.  I just finished my last piece yesterday and so glad.  It's been a long 7 months. 

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Cool... I hope you took A LOT OF PICS... please start a thread and post any pics you have...  How did you make the mold btw... was it easy to get off?

BoominRolla wrote:

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hey man looks AWESOME! what if you use like a 6.5" speaker grill over your hole for the 4x4 shifter it might help hide it and what not? other than that looks great! 

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I'm using the circular panel that I made that conforms with the curves of the console.  I'm going to wrap it in black tweed or prep it and paint it.  Probably going to be the tweed though.

TCalyen

I don't know how to post on here.  For some reason everytime I try it turns out f**ked up.  I have all my pic's on the GCF forum in the same section as yours.  Also I built an an encoluser to go behind the third row seat.  If you have time ckeck that out too.

BTW:

If any one can help me out with my posting problem, please help.

Everyone,

I just got done test fitting everything... components, switches, head unit, etc.  It's totally ready to paint.

I've just got one problem...

The hell if I'm having this thing painted at a body shop... I'd use cans but they don't make Bright Platinum Metallic (Chrysler PS4) in cans.

I've been looking and looking on eBay for a 60 gallon tank and compressor in the South FL area to buy so I can paint the thing myself.

I live in the Ft. Lauderdale vicinity.  Do any of you guys or girls have it in your heart to paint this thing with me?  I'll bring the  paint.  I'm willing to drive a long way to be able to do it myself.

Thanks,

Man TCal,  I wish I could help you.

mi_what wrote:

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shhh bro, you couldn't have started this project in about two years???? That's when I am going to be opening my shop in Vero Beach...look for a paint called "platinum silver M(cc)" I think that is what it is called. It's made by Duplicolor; comes in a can. I used it for some projects on my silver xterra. matches very nicely.

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I'll check it out... I've found spray cans that come close to matching... but I'm so anal that it has to be an exact match.

lathan wrote:

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man, you can have factory paint put into cans for you! I have a mocha metallic paintjob from cadillac, and when I needed some touch up paint they asked my if I wanted wet or aerosol. You mau want to check that out. Good luck.

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I know... I found that out yesterday... problem is... it's like $23 bucks for a 12oz can... no thanks.

I'm going to get a compressor and spray it myself.

Here's where I stand right now btw... everything is totally prepped and ready for paint.

realitycheck wrote:

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Man I cant wait to see this thing finished. Hey Tcal any luck with the compressor and spray gun?

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No luck yet... I think I found a 35gallon tank and a 6hp compressor that is like 350 shipped to Miami.  I might go with that on.  Problem is that I want this thing painted right away.

Right on... it sucks that I just moved down to South Florida about two years ago... I don't have any boys or contacts down here that can hook  me up...  I'm going to go to a few shops that I have had some things painted at to see if they can do it cheap... otherwise I'm waiting...

...which also sucks because I'd like to sell the D soon because I need to get a truck AND I've got  my eyes on a sweet one that just might be sold by the time the console and leather is done and I sell the D.

lathan wrote:

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I wouldn't think it would be more than a hundred to get it sprayed and cleared. I can;t believe ya did all that work and your not keeping it for a while to enjoy it? Thats your biz though, lol. Keep us posted.

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If you're talking about the truck as I whole... I hear ya... there isn't an inch on it that hasn't been customized in some way... if you're talking about just the work done to the center console... it's no biggie.

I'm trying to land a 2003 Dodge Ram Hemi with less than 10K miles, bone stock, exept for bages and 22's.  I need a pickup.

If you haven't seen other pics of the Durango you can go to the below link and then scroll down and click on the various categories.

https://www.unifiedcustoms.com/ucustoms/members/members.htm

TCalYen wrote:

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lathan wrote:

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I wouldn't think it would be more than a hundred to get it sprayed and cleared. I can;t believe ya did all that work and your not keeping it for a while to enjoy it? Thats your biz though, lol. Keep us posted.

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If you're talking about the truck as I whole... I hear ya... there isn't an inch on it that hasn't been customized in some way... if you're talking about just the work done to the center console... it's no biggie.

I'm trying to land a 2003 Dodge Ram Hemi with less than 10K miles, bone stock, exept for bages and 22's.  I need a pickup.

If you haven't seen other pics of the Durango you can go to the below link and then scroll down and click on the various categories.

https://www.unifiedcustoms.com/ucustoms/members/members.htm

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Don't sell the Durango for a pickup, can't you just chop the top man?

Didn't think I forgot about finishing up the thread did you...

I bit the bullet and threw down to have the CC painted because I couldn't find an airtank and compressor for the right price yet.

The series of pics below are from right after getting it painted until I finished up last night.  Overall I would rate the astetics of the console at a 9.5 out of 10.... talking about finish, paint, etc.  The functionality is pretty good also with storage for cds and also a compartment along the length of the rear part of the console.  And the removable panel for the front LCD is key if I ever want to change the front monitor to another brand.  I'll only have to remake that panel instead of f'ing with the entire front part of the console.  The only thing that I would of done differently is made it easier to do the wiring, etc.

At the very bottom is a link to a mpeg of the center console... any of you buggers that still have dial up... don't even bother clicking on it... it's 34megs.

I know it doesn't look it... but it's any extremely organized mess.

Storage compartments... the sides will be lined with black tweed as well.

Notice my other switch panel underneath the steering column.

HERE IS THE VIDEO OF THE CONSOLE... CLICK THE LINK.
https://www.tcalyenindustries.com/tcalyen_files/durango/cc.mpg

I JUST HAVE TO FINISH THE LEATHER AND THEN THE D IS DONE... IT'LL BE UP FOR SALE SHORTLY AFTER.  I'LL POST PICS OF THE COMPLETED VEHICLE WHEN I'M DONE WITH THE LEATHER.

If you are interested in seeing the Durango... go to www.UnifiedCustoms.com and click on "Members" and then scroll down and you'll see links to the various categories of cutomizations done to the Durango.  Click on the links for a list and there is another link to the pictures on each page.

Later,

TCalYen

Thanks man... no biggie on selling it... I'm going to start again building a vehicle per year.  I've got my eyes on another project or two.

The thing is... I don't like watching television so I've got a lot of free time on my hands... Figure the average American watches between 10 and 20 hours of TV per week... how much do you think you could learn about what interests you per week.

Thanks for the comps on the CC.

Thanks bro... after a day of using the cc I realize how bA it is!

Now it's on to the leather.

"Where are the cup holders" I can hear my dad asking now.  That thing is a work of art.  Screw making a frame and fiberglassing in one step.  That took a lot of work and will take a serious beating.  I may be a little concerned about the seats rubbing some paint off on the sides.  I dont know Durangos much but is that a problem?

alexcd wrote:

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"Where are the cup holders" I can hear my dad asking now.  That thing is a work of art.  Screw making a frame and fiberglassing in one step.  That took a lot of work and will take a serious beating.  I may be a little concerned about the seats rubbing some paint off on the sides.  I dont know Durangos much but is that a problem?

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Thanks for the comps...

... I thought of that... but upon closer inspection I found the the sides of the seats that face the console are made of a felt like material and not leather so it should be fine.

The seats aren't moved alot anyhow and if it becomes a problem I'll just fab up some leather panels an mount them on the sides of the console.

realitycheck wrote:

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Fabulous job TCal. Really man that looks awesome. Im telling you if I didnt see the mock up. I'd be wondering how you got that fiberglass straight and looking so good. That thing turned out looking great. Keep us updated on your upcoming projects man.

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I'm actually starting another project tonight...  I'm going to take all four door panels off of my 626 and where you see the door inserts (or whatever you call them) in the picture... I'm going to make smooth fiber glass panels/molds that will be painted the body color of the exterior of the car.

You can see the panels I'm talking about in the below picture.  They're done in hunter green right now but the edges keep on coming unglued.

Thanks for the comps....

Probably took me two months working late at night being I have two little kids.

TCalYen wrote:

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Time... try pretty much working on it, starting at 10PM on... two kids, two dogs and a Puerto Rican wife keep me busy.  The passenger seat is finally in the D after about a year and a half.

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LOL... I've got two kids, two dogs... three but one just passed... AND a Puerto Rican wife....

Jezzzsusuuus... 10 pages and almost 18,000 views on this thread... unreal... I'm starting four door panel inserts soon... I'll start a new thread.

I just wanted to update this thread on "Things I would have done differently..."

I'll just list them.

- If any of you have followed this build you know that I basically used 1/2" mdf to make the whole console.  The only part that I used fleece and resin on was the front, to each side of the large lcd.

At some of the points where one piece of mdf joined another I used wood glue, screws, and wood filler to secure and smooth these points.  I then sanded these points and applied many, many coats of high build primer, and then sanded smooth with appropriate grit sandpapers.

At some of these points you can barely see lines.  I believe this was due to the filler absorbing the finish paint.

Next time I'll probably put a layer of bondo at all joining points and sand smooth but leave it a 16th of an inch thick.

- The next time I flush mount a lcd I'll definitely leave the button controls in.  It's just two much of a pain to use a remote all the time IMO.

- And finally, even though I thought I did, provide myself more room around the switch panels to make wiring and trouble shooting that much easier.

-Oh, and I'll definitely get a tank and air tools.

**All in all the console turned out BA!  I was looking at my first scetches the other day and was surprised to see that the were pretty much exactly like the finished product.

Thanks to everyone for their input.