Center console

mriguy · Post by **mriguy** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 9:55 pm

you bet it gets in the way-if you're referring to the way you access the engine compartment, but how often do you do that? and when you need to, there's 4 quick release knobs that take all of 1 minute to take off, and then the whole unit can be dropped down off the hump in front of the 2 cap'n chairs in the back (which makes a nice foot rest for the rug rats!) but if you're talking about the flap for the console, no, it doesn't flip the whole 180 degrees, which raises the issue of beloved cup-holders (another post, another time), it IS limited to 90 degree flexion, which is an inherent design flaw/faux pas, which really annoys me, but i'm sure something could be done about it in an updated version.

brent.

Post by **FalcoColumbarius** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 12:44 am

glenn wrote:
I do have one very simple and very useful mod for non-hot/cold box delicas. Princess auto has a stainless basin thing that fits in front of the transmission gearbox. I pop riveted a little clip here that attaches to the container. It serves as a catch all/garbage, and it can be lifted out easily for cleaning etc. If anyone is interested in specifics, I can post some details and more pics. All together it cost about $15 and takes about 15 mins to install.

I use this bucket that I picked up from Lordco. It fits precisely between the shifter console and the heater with the bucket handle working as a locking mechanism. It's black, and I keep everything from bear spray; T P; water bottles; candy wrappers; spent pistachio shells & so on. And when it comes time to wash the Miss Lil' Bitchi I slide it out, dump the contents and it holds just enough soapy water to wash the van. Kind of an happy accident.

Keep me posted on your researches, I like your style.

Falco.

after oil · Post by **after oil** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 8:54 am

glenn did i see your beautiful pet furniture in a woodshop/studio down on hastings and templeton?

mararmeisto · Post by **mararmeisto** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 6:04 pm

I have to echo the one other question: how is this attached to the engine bonnet? Same manner as the original centre console thingy? I imagine it's bolted down in some fashion, otherwise the window switches would be an issue.

Other option/suggestion: two cup-holder holes/spots for the rear passengers. Now, in order to not have an overhang which gets in the way of the engine bonnet, maybe something detachable, drops into some slides, or something like that... just an idea. Also, if it is the same height as the original armrest, yes, make it a little bit taller because I find the original too low as well.

Barring all any other major design changes, restructurings or complete overhauls, I will take one. Put my name on the list. Write it down. I'm in! Do you have colour schemes for the laminate? I'd like something maybe a bit darker to match my steering wheel and the faux-wood trim on the dash (ya, I got faux-wood trim in the Moon Machine

).

glenn · Post by **glenn** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 6:56 am

how is this attached to the engine bonnet? Same manner as the original centre console thingy? I imagine it's bolted down in some fashion, otherwise the window switches would be an issue.

I used and will use the exact same mounting points/hardware. just unplug the switch, screw the console on, plug it back in.

As far as rear cupholders go, it's next on the list. It won't be part of this piece though, it's too much of a reach from the back. And as far as veneer options go, they will be the same as those offered on my pet feeders - maple, bamboo, cherry, walnut, and wenge. (check out http://www.vurv.ca to see these). It's awesome to know you (mararmeisto) are more or less sold, it gives me incentive to get this done sooner. I'm hoping to work on it next week, or even over the weekend.

after oil
Post subject: Re: Center console
glenn did i see your beautiful pet furniture in a woodshop/studio down on hastings and templeton?

I think so. Greg, who works out of that studio, does some work for me, and collaborates with me. You must know Ben who also works out of there - he mentioned a friend of his has a Deli - is this you?.

after oil · Post by **after oil** » Thu Oct 30, 2008 7:36 am

glenn wrote:

after oil
Post subject: Re: Center console
glenn did i see your beautiful pet furniture in a woodshop/studio down on hastings and templeton?
I think so. Greg, who works out of that studio, does some work for me, and collaborates with me. You must know Ben who also works out of there - he mentioned a friend of his has a Deli - is this you?.

ya, thats me

ive known ben about 16 years! longer than anybody other than my mom and dad

Erebus · Post by **Erebus** » Tue Nov 04, 2008 8:58 pm

Glenn,

Your console is beautiful. I made one that is functional, but not gorgeous like yours. There are photos of mine in an earlier thread entitled cupholder problem. You are welcome to steal some of the features of mine -- just make them look nicer

glenn · Post by **glenn** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 10:03 pm

Erebus, Yes, I do remember your console - you have a lot packed into a small space! You got me thinking that a lot more can be done with that space than the stock console does- which lead to my quest to redesign it. I'm finding the big challenge is the area right behind the shifter. It's difficult to fit in two cupholders, and the window switch while maintaining functionality. I'm trying very hard to keep it clean and simple looking. How do you find the new height of the armrest? I'm reluctant to go much higher than the arm rest on the door, so I'm curious.

delicadude · Post by **delicadude** » Thu Nov 06, 2008 1:38 pm

glenn - that's really nice. Put me on your waitlist. When do you think you'll be selling them?

glenn · Post by **glenn** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 1:45 pm

I will have the next prototype finished next week. I will post a bunch of photos of it. This one is in Bamboo, and I really prefer it to the wenge. I like the contrast with the rest of the interior. I'll be ready to take orders soon after that - should be no problem having them ready for Christmas.

Erebus · Post by **Erebus** » Sun Nov 09, 2008 5:56 am

glenn wrote:I'm finding the big challenge is the area right behind the shifter. It's difficult to fit in two cupholders, and the window switch while maintaining functionality.

Ya, and remembering to make room to get the shifter down to Low is an issue too. When Jay of TardisDeli saw the console he commented that it was very sloped, why not have it steeper. I moved the shifter from Park to Low -- he said "Oh, right."

glenn wrote:How do you find the new height of the armrest? I'm reluctant to go much higher than the arm rest on the door, so I'm curious.

I like it. The new console is about an inch higher, then the foam cushion is also about an inch thick. So I gain about 1.5 inches, works very well, like it much better than the stock one, which I found too low.

glenn · Post by **glenn** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 5:20 pm

: IMG_6487.jpg (37.7 KiB) Viewed 6050 times

I've been making some progress on the console, here are the results. Although this one isn't quite finished, all the major issues have been worked out. I was disappointed that it so difficult to fit in two cupholders and the window switch on the lower section, and still have a comfortable spot for an armrest. On the plus side, this arrangement allows for a bigger storage area. I mocked up several different layouts before settling on this final one.

So, there are two separate storage areas. A smaller one up front, and the larger one in back (no hinges yet). The rear one is about 9.5" x 12" so it can easily fit most magazines, map books, etc. As a bonus, many off the shelf storage containers can fit in here. I have one cupholder on the top, and one down below. I like to use the one up top, it's an easy reach while driving. It is slightly higher than the armrest on the door, and I feel a bit off balance with this, I think I would make it a little lower next time, but that can be up to each individual. All in all, I'm quite happy with it and will finish it off this week and take some final pics.

Anyone interested in one let me know. I think the price will be about $350, depending on how many I'm making (economy of numbers). I'm not asking for a commitment from anyone right away, but I just need to get a sense of the scale of production. I will finalize a price when I make the first two - I don't have a very good idea how long it will take to make one - I spent a lot of time on this prototype working out details etc.
Last thing - they will be available in bamboo (shown), Cherry, and Wenge.

More pics on the next post

Glenn

glenn · Post by **glenn** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 5:22 pm

part 2

Gibs · Post by **Gibs** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 7:11 pm

I am definately interested.

Do you have any swatches you can take pictures of for the different materials/colors?

Being uncultured as I am I have never heard of Wenge and I don't want to tell you what I think it looks like.

quadzilla · Post by **quadzilla** » Mon Nov 17, 2008 7:45 pm

That is looking pretty sweet, Glenn. One observation, though - it looks like it may be a tad awkward for those of use driving a manual. From the photos it looks like a fairly high profile unit - much more so than the original one in the Delica - any chance of a lower profile unit?