Custom console ideas

[darbysan]

No problem. I uploaded a bunch of photos ( in no particular order) onto photobucket, if you want to look them over.
http://s300.photobucket.com/user/darbys ... t=3&page=1

 

[skulledmonte84]

Got mine done last month some time,Not sure if i want to paint it to match or use the hand brake

 

[Kiko]

What I did was modify the original dash and console in my 1983 GP -- sort of looks stock.

 

[Chopper]

Looks great kiko.

 

[Longroof79]

Very nice job on the dash and console. I like the shifter bezel and the trick subtleties on the dash...heater control, gauges, etc.

What product did you use to restore the texture in the plastic?

Thanks for sharing the pics of your handy work.

 

[liquidh8]

Looks good, I like it.

 

[88hurstolds]

8)
Looks factory, I like that... most custom interiors don't play well to the theme of the car.

 

[Kiko]

Very nice job on the dash and console. I like the shifter bezel and the trick subtleties on the dash...heater control, gauges, etc.

What product did you use to restore the texture in the plastic?

Thanks for sharing the pics of your handy work.

First of all, thanks for the compliment! I'm not sure what you mean by "restoring the texture in the plastic". The original plastic console was completely stripped of all add-ons (i.e., trim, carpet inlay, etc.). I then modified it with fiberglass and recovered it in leather and suede. The top of the console is covered in carbon fibre (clear coated the same way as the dash panel).

The shifter plate is CNC machined out of billet aluminum. I created a small black anodized insert, which fits in the cut-out to indicate gear selection. The gear selection letters are cut out in the insert, with LEDs mounted on the bottom (under a diffuser plate). The LEDs are connected to the B&M shifter and light up individually. (See pictures)


Shifter Plate


Shifter Plate with LEDs


B&M Shifter Mod

 

[Longroof79]

Wow!! You've obviously put a good amount of work into your setup...and it shows. Everything was well thought out and executed. I like the LED's utilized to indicate gear changes...very trick setup.

What I meant as far as restoring texture to the plastic parts. When you had to sand and refinish your console and dash, you tend to lose the original grain, or texture. I was just curious as to what you used to get that texture back...if anything at all.
I did notice that SEM makes a product to simulate the texture finish. It's just referred to as Texture Coating. You spray it on after prepping the piece, then coat over it. They claim it to be used for plastic bumpers, instrument panels, and vinyl parts.
That pretty much sums it up.
Thanks again for posting more pics of your work. The billet shift bezel is killer..

 

[Kiko]

Thanks for the comments -- it's nice to hear when someone really appreciates someone's work and effort. It's motivational!

Regarding texturing older parts -- The inside of my GP was burgundy and now it's all black. The dash and console are all modified and covered so no issue there. However, I could not buy all the replacement trim parts in black, so I found a place here in Ottawa that does vehicle upholstery and trim restoration/repair ("Fibrenew", web site is http://www.fibrenew.com/ottawa/). They use some sort of promoter and multiple coats of textured paint to try and match the original parts. Then they apply top coat to add more scratch protection. I'm quite happy with the results but only time will tell how well the parts take minor accidental abuse. The big issue I had was to blend the textured plastic with fibreglass modifications (see door panel pictures). I think everything came out OK -- really can't tell where the transitions are, but you be the judge. Hope this helps.


Trim Parts


Door Panels - Modifications


Door Panels - Finished