Technical => Body/Appearance/Interior => Topic started by: sarjxxx on June 12, 2010, 12:59:20 AM
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: sarjxxx on June 12, 2010, 12:59:20 AM
Can a console be installed without this boxed in area?
I'm considering replacing my consolette, but man, I don't wanna lose my cupholders!:hick:
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: Watchdevil on June 12, 2010, 03:41:50 AM
Quote from: sarjxxx;325062
Can a console be installed without this boxed in area?
I'm considering replacing my consolette, but man, I don't wanna lose my cupholders!:hick:
I don't think it's worth changing the consolette over. The consolette looks better than a chopped full length console and serves all the same functions. I suppose you could cut off the front because there is good bracketry in the mid and rear of the console.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: sarjxxx on June 12, 2010, 03:51:19 AM
Yeah, I like the consolette, but it sucks that it moves if I move my seat forward(since its attached). So I thought of putting in a real console.
If you see in this pic, the cupholder comes all the way up to the end of the console. So I cannot move my seat forward without moving the cupholder, which I always have to unscrew from the floor.
I figured I could either cut the boxed area off and fabricate a front piece for it, or what would be more interesting, leave it the way it is, and fabricate a seamless top piece that incorporates a set (perhaps not these) of cupholders into it. Probably from the ashtray forward cause I don't need or want that anyway.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: vinnietbird on June 12, 2010, 07:09:00 AM
time to do some cleaning.LOL. Yeah,keep the consolette if you want the cup holders.If you swap,you're not gaining much unless you plan on doing a floor shifter.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: sarjxxx on June 12, 2010, 11:51:08 AM
Quote from: vinnietbird;325093
time to do some cleaning.LOL.
Ummm.... yeah. definitely. You should see the passenger floorboard!
Yeah, I'm still not sure about keeping the mini console. The only reason I wanted the full console is b/c its stationary. If I could find a way to mount the consolette to the floor I would.:hick:
Seriously. I would.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: ProTouring442 on June 12, 2010, 05:31:49 PM
If you are not converting to a floor shift, make an insert to with cup holders. Shouldn't be too hard at all.
Shiny Side Up! Bill
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: hooper4pres on June 12, 2010, 06:00:03 PM
what years came with the cup holders? I have been looking for a place to put one in mine and cant seem to find a good place
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: T-BirdX3 on June 12, 2010, 08:25:13 PM
For most T-Birds the only cup holder option, is the driver's legs.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: daminc on June 12, 2010, 08:30:38 PM
You need these (http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee79/daminc/85%20Vert/IMG_5602.jpg)
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: vinnietbird on June 12, 2010, 08:43:43 PM
I have a plan for cup holders for my console.News as it happens.....after the other friggin' cs on the Sport are done.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: CoogarXR on June 12, 2010, 10:01:57 PM
If you have the column-shifter full console, the pocket area holds two pop cans nicely. However, if you put a 44oz speedway cup full of "code red mountain dew" in there, you will have a red floormat on the first corner. Ask me how I know.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: 88turbo on June 12, 2010, 10:43:26 PM
Quote from: CoogarXR;325210
If you have the column-shifter full console, the pocket area holds two pop cans nicely. However, if you put a 44oz speedway cup full of "code red mountain dew" in there, you will have a red floormat on the first corner. Ask me how I know.
how do you know? :flip: I couldnt resist
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: Haystack on June 12, 2010, 10:59:39 PM
You need to take that back, code red is not moutain dew.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: hypostang on June 12, 2010, 11:26:35 PM
I kinda like this color red better than my stained gray carpet
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: Watchdevil on June 13, 2010, 03:01:21 AM
Quote from: ProTouring442;325167
If you are not converting to a floor shift, make an insert to with cup holders. Shouldn't be too hard at all.
Shiny Side Up! Bill
Yes I think this is a better idea if you want cupholders large enough to hold your big gulps. You can easily fabricate a plate to fit on the top of the front console plate. You could do this with thin wood with two large cup size holes and cover this in vinyl. I would even go a step further and cut out the bottom of the original console trimplate so you would have extra depth down to the floor tunnel, that way you do not spill your Code Red or whatever.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: Watchdevil on June 13, 2010, 03:23:47 AM
Okay I did some configuring. Some sort of thin but rigid overlay of any plastic sheet material or thin wood covered in vinyl. Or even a custom billet plate to overlay the front console trim.
Front/back cup holes vs. side by side cup holes with an extra coin/junk tray worked in... And black vs. aluminum finish.
Oh yeah cool effect as well... Light the cupwells with LED's!
I remember NOW when I had my 1985 Tbird I was always aggravated by the consolette moving with the seat. I used a plastic auto parts store cupholder on the tunnel as well... In w red of course.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: Watchdevil on June 13, 2010, 03:52:27 AM
I added the Taurus cup holder insert in the Mustang dash I am using. My Mustang console also had a single sliding cupholder that extends from under the armrest lid.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: jkirchman on June 14, 2010, 01:22:29 PM
Priorities were just different in the 80's. Two ashtrays but zero cup holders. (http://www.dnet.net/user/jkirchman/gifs/pimp.gif)
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: hypostang on June 14, 2010, 03:08:08 PM
I am still trying to figure one out for my water bottle I have EATC so the Taurus one wont work
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: thunderjet302 on June 14, 2010, 08:19:37 PM
Or don't drink or eat in the car? I don't eat or drink in mine but then again mine is a show car.;)
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: sarjxxx on June 14, 2010, 09:16:37 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;325440
but then again mine is a show car.
Yes, well mine is just a slow car. So I dont care;)
Quote from: Watchdevil;325222
Okay I did some configuring. Some sort of thin but rigid overlay of any plastic sheet material or thin wood covered in vinyl. Or even a custom billet plate to overlay the front console trim.
Front/back cup holes vs. side by side cup holes with an extra coin/junk tray worked in... And black vs. aluminum finish.
I remember NOW when I had my 1985 Tbird I was always aggravated by the consolette moving with the seat. I used a plastic auto parts store cupholder on the tunnel as well... In w red of course.
This is kinda what I had in mind. Only, I already have one of those plastic cupholders. If you see in the earlier post. I like that cupholder very much. My plan, is simalar to what you were saying, only I plan to use the ones I have.
Well, not exactly the ones I have, -I'd get a new one that doesn't look like Fido's Infamous Ass, but then I would build it into the front of the console.
Similar to what you had drawn up, but I would leave the sides of the console intact, but remove the top from the base of the switch panel forward. I would then place the cupholders inside the cavity, and fabricate a reinforced sheet metal top in place, around the cupholers. Get some bondo, work it in roughly, and then I have a vinyl backed cloth which very closely resembles the grain in our interior panels to cover it with. Then I would paint it a gray that matches the color of the rest of the top of the console.
I know it sounds a little hooky, but it makes a lot of sense in my head, it's just hard to describe. I will start posting process pictures when I get around to finding (and buying) a perfectly nice console to hack apart.
Can one of you guys do me a quick favor and measure the widths of where I put the lines, and the depths of where I put the arowws?
This would be a big help for me to make sure I am not about to get myself into something pointless. Thanks
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: Watchdevil on June 14, 2010, 11:32:34 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;325451
Yes, well mine is just a slow car. So I dont care;)
This is kinda what I had in mind. Only, I already have one of those plastic cupholders. If you see in the earlier post. I like that cupholder very much. My plan, is simalar to what you were saying, only I plan to use the ones I have.
Well, not exactly the ones I have, -I'd get a new one that doesn't look like Fido's Infamous Ass, but then I would build it into the front of the console.
Similar to what you had drawn up, but I would leave the sides of the console intact, but remove the top from the base of the switch panel forward. I would then place the cupholders inside the cavity, and fabricate a reinforced sheet metal top in place, around the cupholers. Get some bondo, work it in roughly, and then I have a vinyl backed cloth which very closely resembles the grain in our interior panels to cover it with. Then I would paint it a gray that matches the color of the rest of the top of the console.
I know it sounds a little hooky, but it makes a lot of sense in my head, it's just hard to describe. I will start posting process pictures when I get around to finding (and buying) a perfectly nice console to hack apart.
Can one of you guys do me a quick favor and measure the widths of where I put the lines, and the depths of where I put the arowws?
This would be a big help for me to make sure I am not about to get myself into something pointless. Thanks
I would keep it simple and would leave the shifter plate intact and trim out the top part around the shifter opening just large enough for two cups holes to sit side by side. Then I would get some sheet plastic or some thin rigid material and cut it to the shape of the top of the shifter plate then cut out correct sized cup holes. I would likely cover that fabricated plate in black vinyl and adhere the entire thing to the top of the shifter plate with contact cement. I would build a simple bottom underneath the shifter plate being sort of a box lined with vinyl so that it goes deep and rest on the top of the tunnel.
I had actually planned to do something like this with this console if I was going to use it.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: Haystack on June 15, 2010, 01:38:23 AM
This is something I would be interested in doing aswell. I wanted to get a screw down console similar to that, but being as my wife is 5'4", and I am 6'4", the seat gets moved, so something like that would not work for me. Keep us updated.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: CoogarXR on June 15, 2010, 10:53:19 PM
Quote from: 88turbo;325212
how do you know? :flip: I couldnt resist
Well, for your facetiousness, you get the WHOLE story... :flip:
I was on my way to a jobsite, and I filled up a nice, frosty, 44oz cup of code red, and took it to the counter to pay for it. As I walked back to the car, I antited my joy of working, and nursing this giant cup of pop all day. Ahh, the bliss. I set it in the ol' console, buckle up, toss it into drive, and roll over to the exit. When I hit the brakes, the huge cup lurched forward and to the right, missing the radio and going head-first into the passenger floor. SPAALOOOSH! A huge red tidal wave rushed up as far as the heater box, and rebounded as far as the rear floormat. Remember, I hadn't taken a sip yet, and this was 44oz of code red, with no ice...
What to do? Pull into the car wash and suck it up with the ol' industrial wet/dry/puke vac! I had a ratchet in the trunk, so I pulled the seat out and sucked all that pop up. when I got to the job site, I left my windows down and layed my mats on the sidewalk to bake.
All was well in the end, not even a stain.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: 347Thunder on June 16, 2010, 03:24:35 PM
not yet wait till the dirt starts sticking
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: Watchdevil on June 17, 2010, 12:43:18 AM
Quote from: CoogarXR;325605
Well, for your facetiousness, you get the WHOLE story... :flip:
When I hit the brakes, the huge cup lurched forward and to the right, missing the radio and going head-first into the passenger floor. SPAALOOOSH! A huge red tidal wave rushed up as far as the heater box, and rebounded as far as the rear floormat. Remember, I hadn't taken a sip yet, and this was 44oz of code red, with no ice...
You need passive restraints for you Slushie!
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: sarjxxx on June 22, 2010, 06:18:20 PM
Well, I checked the measurements on the console and my cupholders will fit, but idk if I'm still gonna do this, b/c with the death of my AOD, I'm seriously considering a T5 swap, in which case I would of course need a floor shifter......
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: sarjxxx on June 22, 2010, 06:30:56 PM
Quote from: Haystack;325486
I wanted to get a screw down console similar to that, but being as my wife is 5'4", and I am 6'4", the seat gets moved, so something like that would not work for me.
What do you mean? The seats can still still move with a full console...
Well, I took some measurements and found out my cupholders will fit inside the part of the console where I want to put them.
However, with the death of my AOD I am seriously considering putting in a T5 so I would then need the floor shifter space of course...:punchballs:
If anyone has a ratty old console they feel like sending me just so I can try this though, I will pay shipping + $10 or so. I don't care what shape or color its in or if its missing a lid or something cause I'll just be using it for this experiment. I'll also document the process on here and let you guys see how it comes out.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: 347Thunder on June 22, 2010, 07:55:36 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;326233
What do you mean? The seats can still still move with a full console...
Well, I took some measurements and found out my cupholders will fit inside the part of the console where I want to put them.
However, with the death of my AOD I am seriously considering putting in a T5 so I would then need the floor shifter space of course...:punchballs:
If anyone has a ratty old console they feel like sending me just so I can try this though, I will pay shipping + $10 or so. I don't care what shape or color its in or if its missing a lid or something cause I'll just be using it for this experiment. I'll also document the process on here and let you guys see how it comes out.
I have one, but it's only the sides with rear lights no lid or insides. I could even give it to your buddy rick so you don't have to pay for shipping. If you want it $20 bucks and its yours, I also have brand new chrome handles for sale if you need them also. $20 for the handles
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: sarjxxx on June 22, 2010, 09:39:50 PM
yeah, I would need the top of the front area though...
Also I dont think Rich is coming back through this week
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: Haystack on June 23, 2010, 12:52:51 AM
What I ment, is I have the consolette thingy right now, and want to convert to a console because I wouldn't even be able to mount anything to the transmission tunnel without it.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: sarjxxx on June 24, 2010, 07:39:28 PM
oic
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: sarjxxx on July 20, 2010, 12:18:09 AM
I have not totally abandoned this idea.
After (or maybe before) the t-5 is in, I am going to go ahead and install a console, on which I will test a few more ideas I am working up right now that might be feasable. In this case I will of course need a fully intact console.
Hint: I am cashing in on the whole "two ashtrays and no cupholders" flaw, and it will probably involve a wholesome little bit of sheet metal fabbing. I am not exactly sure on the design, and if it goes in the direction I think it will, it will probably be way to custom for you guys to use.
In either case, I will keep you guys posted.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: Watchdevil on July 20, 2010, 12:58:50 AM
Quote from: sarjxxx;328900
I have not totally abandoned this idea.
After (or maybe before) the t-5 is in, I am going to go ahead and install a console, on which I will test a few more ideas I am working up right now that might be feasable. In this case I will of course need a fully intact console.
Hint: I am cashing in on the whole "two ashtrays and no cupholders" flaw, and it will probably involve a wholesome little bit of sheet metal fabbing. I am not exactly sure on the design, and if it goes in the direction I think it will, it will probably be way to custom for you guys to use.
In either case, I will keep you guys posted.
I love the challenge of fabrication for such things.
When you say you plan to put in a T-5, this will elliminate the room for forward cupholders, but I suppose it's possible to take the area of the front ashtray and make at least one cupholder provided that it does not interfere with shifting and throwing your slushy into the seat or on the floor.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: vinnietbird on July 20, 2010, 07:06:08 AM
I came up with an excellent cup holder idea. last night.I drew it up,and wrote down what little supplies I'll need.Info coming eventually.I'd like to build it first.Functional,no damage or altering the car,looks factory.Stay tuned.............................
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: Watchdevil on July 20, 2010, 12:40:41 PM
Quote from: vinnietbird;328919
I came up with an excellent cup holder idea. last night.I drew it up,and wrote down what little supplies I'll need.Info coming eventually.I'd like to build it first.Functional,no damage or altering the car,looks factory.Stay tuned.............................
This will be interesting...
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: vinnietbird on July 20, 2010, 04:44:48 PM
....and awesome.I'm waiting for a week,then I'll have time to grab my few supplies and get busy.It should only be a couple of days from start to finish if I have what i need.I want it to look factory though. Now,it may turn out to be a total failure.Who knows.But,in my mind's eye,It should work out.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: daminc on July 20, 2010, 06:08:40 PM
Sometimes watching Vinnie come up with stuff is like watching Wile E. Coyote (super genius) at work.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: vinnietbird on July 20, 2010, 06:19:15 PM
Hopefully mine will be moderately more functional than Wlie E.'s were.LOL.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: Watchdevil on July 20, 2010, 06:29:06 PM
Oh I get what Vinnie is doing now.... The first ever actual cup hole recessed into the seat cushion so you can set it down between your legs...
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: Watchdevil on July 20, 2010, 06:29:59 PM
Or maybe it's an overhead cupholder...
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: vinnietbird on July 20, 2010, 06:32:53 PM
Quote from: Watchdevil;328969
Or maybe it's an overhead cupholder...
Exactly....except totally not.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: Watchdevil on July 20, 2010, 06:41:14 PM
Quote from: vinnietbird;328970
Exactly....except totally not.
Well there would be one problem with that anyway... Gravity... lol
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: vinnietbird on July 20, 2010, 07:02:32 PM
I am getting closer.I just ordered the actual cup holders.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: daminc on July 20, 2010, 08:24:08 PM
I can't have a cupholder.... My car's going to be so fast, that it would just end up in the back seat anyway... lol :rollin:
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: vinnietbird on July 20, 2010, 09:43:10 PM
Mine is fast as well (in my own opinion),but,for slow days,with a 5 speed,I need cup holders..
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: Quietleaf on July 20, 2010, 10:59:55 PM
If you have a column shifter and you don't have the large ashtray, this also works for a cupholder...
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: vinnietbird on July 21, 2010, 07:15:07 AM
I love the idea of a slide out cup holder,but,the shifter won't allow it.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: sarjxxx on July 21, 2010, 05:26:55 PM
Quote from: vinnietbird;329036
I love the idea of a slide out cup holder,but,the shifter won't allow it.
This is true, but in my opinion, those suck anyway...
I like having one that sticks in place and won't spill my King Size Dr. Pepper all over my lap, and seat, and windshield, and window, and seatbelt holder, and everything else that thing landed on in my tbird.
...kinda like that mt. dew... SPALOOSH!!!
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: vinnietbird on July 21, 2010, 05:54:52 PM
Right.I need a cup holder than can hold two drinks,large medium,or small without the possibility of breaking or just not able to hold cups that they serve these days. I think I have the answer.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: CoogarXR on July 21, 2010, 06:09:44 PM
Quote from: vinnietbird;329065
Right.I need a cup holder than can hold two drinks,large medium,or small without the possibility of breaking or just not able to hold cups that they serve these days. I think I have the answer.
A passenger?
"Here! hold this!" :toilet:
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: vinnietbird on July 21, 2010, 06:11:35 PM
Generally,but 90% of my driving is just me.I was golden until the 5 speed.Still,the 5 speed was worth it.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: hypostang on July 21, 2010, 06:34:13 PM
Quote from: vinnietbird;329070
Generally,but 90% of my driving is just me.I was golden until the 5 speed.Still,the 5 speed was worth it.
Makes eating an ice cream cone dang near impossible :D
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: vinnietbird on July 21, 2010, 07:04:42 PM
Very true.hen the family goes out,we take the wife's Accord. It has every option,blows icy cold air,and has the 260hp V-6. Nice car.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: sarjxxx on July 21, 2010, 08:40:06 PM
Quote from: vinnietbird;329076
wife's Accord
:yuck:
course mine drives a 08 civic...
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: sarjxxx on August 09, 2010, 10:29:07 PM
any update on the install yet vinnie?
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: vinnietbird on August 09, 2010, 11:10:24 PM
Hopefully by Friday evening. I'm waiting on two pieces to get here. I am really close.I have it all drawn out on paper,and I THINK it'll work great.As I've said before,in my minds eye,all is perfect.In reality....not always so good.LOL.
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: sarjxxx on August 09, 2010, 11:12:59 PM
C A N T W A I T T H A T L O N G :shoothead
Title: custom (cupholder) console installation
Post by: vinnietbird on August 09, 2010, 11:15:29 PM
I don't want to wait either,but,I "mentally" measured what I needed,ordered the wrong pieces,and delayed my progress a week because of it.I ordered replacement pieces Saturday,hopefully he'll have them to me by Friday. Either way,I'll get it done the day the pieces arrive. I've got the stuff sitting down here by the computer desk on top of my car magazines in a basket waiting.