23-SEP-2013
Console subframe
The subframe is welded and fitted to the brackets. A test fit of the side panels was good with no gaps in the bends.
23-SEP-2013
Side panels welded
I welded both side panels in place and all the measurements held true.
23-SEP-2013
Console taking shape
The console is taking shape and looking like my drawing. Now I can measure and cut the front and back panels. Once they are welded into place I can layout my top panel and the flip top lid.
25-SEP-2013
All parts ready for fitting and welding
After a trip to a friends shop to use his power shear and brake I have all the parts to complete the console.
26-SEP-2013
The front panel welded in place
The front panel has a 15º angle so I needed to just bend the base to match the 3/4" square tube subframe and then weld it up.
26-SEP-2013
Back panel welded
The back panel was straight forward with no angles to deal with just some nice straight joints for easy welds.
26-SEP-2013
Top plate tacked
After cutting the needed holes in the top plate I had some fine tuning to get the fit right and then tacked it up, checked the fit one more time and welded it solid.
26-SEP-2013
Mounting plate for the shifter
I had to make a mounting plate that the shifter can bolt to and then the mounting plate can bolt to the top plate of the console.
The shifter came with an ABS plastic mount that I just couldn't make work since I wanted a center console.
26-SEP-2013
Tabs welded to adapter plate
These mounting bolts were exposed on the ABS mount but will be hidden on my console. This adapter mount will bolt to the console from the top.
26-SEP-2013
Almost complete!
I welded the seams on the console lid and completed the final fit of the shifter adapter plate to the console top.
26-SEP-2013
Switch plate added
I am going to add some rocker switches to the console that can be used for various auxiliary items but more than likely they will be used for auxiliary lights.
26-SEP-2013
Top view of console
Here is a top view to give an idea of how wide the console is and how it is laid out. It is 4.5" wide at the front and widens to 7.5" at the widest point.
All that is left is to drill and tap some mounting holes for the shifter, weld on the hinge for the lid, add a latch/lock, and make a sub floor for inside of the cabinet.