Custom Parking Brake Console
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 2
From: Allen TX
Custom Parking Brake Console
I was tired of the big rubber feeling parking brake console. I was also tired of having no storage for cd's or random stuff in my interior. So I decided to do something about it.
I drew out many designs and decided on one that I thought would look the best. I also wanted to upholster it in black vinyl. I made my console out of real thin wood and then put down a layer of matting and then upholstered with vinyl. It took me about a week to build the console to the way I liked it and then a couple nights to upholster it. I upholstered it two seperate times because the first time I wasnt happy how the sides looked. Here is my finished project I hope you enjoy.
I have also been searching for an easy place to put switches for accessories like my electric fan. I bought an ordinary $3.99 switch from AutoZone and was looking around my interior for a place to put it. I took out my ash/trash tray and put the switch in its place. It fit PERFECTLY and there is room for about 3 or 4 more switches. I thought I would share incase someone was looking for a space to put switches.
Enjoi
-Ryan
I drew out many designs and decided on one that I thought would look the best. I also wanted to upholster it in black vinyl. I made my console out of real thin wood and then put down a layer of matting and then upholstered with vinyl. It took me about a week to build the console to the way I liked it and then a couple nights to upholster it. I upholstered it two seperate times because the first time I wasnt happy how the sides looked. Here is my finished project I hope you enjoy.
I have also been searching for an easy place to put switches for accessories like my electric fan. I bought an ordinary $3.99 switch from AutoZone and was looking around my interior for a place to put it. I took out my ash/trash tray and put the switch in its place. It fit PERFECTLY and there is room for about 3 or 4 more switches. I thought I would share incase someone was looking for a space to put switches.
Enjoi
-Ryan
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: Troy MO
Re: Custom Parking Brake Console (CrossedFlags77)
Nice job, I am currently drawing / designing mine to do the same thing, but also the front console too. Different reason than you though, mine are missing. I'll post some pics of mine when I'm done too. ( If I ever finish ) trying to get it mechanically up to par as well, and that is eating up most of my little free time.
Enjoy,
Loren :cheers:
Enjoy,
Loren :cheers:
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Okeechobee Florida
Re: Custom Parking Brake Console (patsnitrovette)
ive got to say that when i first opened this thread and saw the wooden box i sighed and rolled my eyes...
then when i scrolled down and saw the finished product i said "Hhmmm"...and smiled... :)
not bad! not bad at all!
how much room is inside? any pix of that?
one thing that hate about these cars is the lack of places to put things!
great job!
[Modified by SIGNGUY, 7:34 AM 5/24/2004]
then when i scrolled down and saw the finished product i said "Hhmmm"...and smiled... :)
not bad! not bad at all!
how much room is inside? any pix of that?
one thing that hate about these cars is the lack of places to put things!
great job!
[Modified by SIGNGUY, 7:34 AM 5/24/2004]
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: Custom Parking Brake Console (CrossedFlags77)
Good job man, you do great work!!!, now can we get you to do more OF it??
seriously, that looks fine, I had a similar problem in my '72 with that thin stock plastic thing, but I need lean on the top pad when getting in and out, much less driving, so I got a heavy thick fiberglass replacement in Carlysle some years ago....do like the idea of storage though....I wonder about modding the top of mine, and ....well.,...yeh that's what I need, another project.....hummmmm.....
GENE
seriously, that looks fine, I had a similar problem in my '72 with that thin stock plastic thing, but I need lean on the top pad when getting in and out, much less driving, so I got a heavy thick fiberglass replacement in Carlysle some years ago....do like the idea of storage though....I wonder about modding the top of mine, and ....well.,...yeh that's what I need, another project.....hummmmm.....
GENE
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 868
Likes: 2
From: Olney MD
Re: Custom Parking Brake Console (CrossedFlags77)
OMG :eek: that's awesome, Can you send me the drawing you had. I am about to get my interior re-done and wanted to see if I can "borrow/use" your idea for my console.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
Re: Custom Parking Brake Console (CrossedFlags77)
That looks very nice, in fact better than the aftermarket one I have in mine. I notice that you have an automatic. This will work well for you. I find that the one I have gets in the way when I do a 1-2 or 3-4 shift in my four speed. I'm thinking of making a different top for it that doesn't stick out so far forward. Good work. :thumbs:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 1
From: "Too Low, Too Fast, Too Loud" TX
Re: Custom Parking Brake Console (Sleper)
Hey cross flags..nice mod. How is that mounted to the frame underneath? If you have plans..would appreciate a copy, would gladly donate something if you like...Very nice mod! Great work!
Thanks, Joe! peace <*)))>< :thumbs:
Thanks, Joe! peace <*)))>< :thumbs:
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 2
From: Allen TX
Re: Custom Parking Brake Console (81' Corvette Guy)
Hey guys I will get you the plans as soon as I can I have been busy with high school finals this week but I will hopefully have them either tonight or tomorrow.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 2
From: Allen TX
Re: Custom Parking Brake Console (DP77Vette)
Alright I got the dimensions to the console. It would probably be a little different for every car depending on how much padding you have on your carpet and how thick of vinyl and padding you use. Just remember to test fit it. After every cut I made I would go and test fit it and made sure it was perfect before I started the vinyl because I didnt want to have to rip it all off after I did it.
For the vinyl there are 4 separate pieces on the console. One for the lid, one for the front top, and one for each side. Here is a little tip on the sides, I initially tried to just staple the sloping part of the side section with the vinyl facing in and then folding it over so there werent any staples showing or bad seams. But with this the vinyl wouldnt be flush with wood totally in some spots, it would be somewhat rippled. So I took a piece of thin wood and cut it to the curve of the console then stapled the back of the vinyl to it then stapled that to the console and THEN layed the vinyl over. So there is actually vinyl inbetween two pieces of wood. Then you have a very uniform seam and no ugly ripples or staples showing.
Good luck!
Ryan
For the vinyl there are 4 separate pieces on the console. One for the lid, one for the front top, and one for each side. Here is a little tip on the sides, I initially tried to just staple the sloping part of the side section with the vinyl facing in and then folding it over so there werent any staples showing or bad seams. But with this the vinyl wouldnt be flush with wood totally in some spots, it would be somewhat rippled. So I took a piece of thin wood and cut it to the curve of the console then stapled the back of the vinyl to it then stapled that to the console and THEN layed the vinyl over. So there is actually vinyl inbetween two pieces of wood. Then you have a very uniform seam and no ugly ripples or staples showing.
Good luck!
Ryan
