I have been considering ordering the armrest with console and cupholder. I looked for a while last night at my XB and I am considering constructing something more functional.

I would like something that runs from the ashtray/lighter that goes between the seats, drops down a few inches and goes to the backseat.

I would have to include a slot for the automatic gear shifter, which would only portrude about 3 inches above, (Kinda neat, maybe), and would have to figure out what to do with the ebrake.


Anyone done this? What materials would you suggest? I am thinking about using Lexan, as it's very machineable, but would also consider plastics/aluminum.

Your input would be appreciated.

 

fiberglass

 

Tell me more.....

 

well mold your console out of syrofoam (sp?)...just on you want you shape of it to be. Then fiberglass over it giving your piece. I know there is some fiberglass gurus out there. This is just my limited knowledge...

 

Yeah, the e-brakes the humdinger in that theory. relocating it would mean running more cable lengths etc.

The idea of sculpting it out of Styrofoam and glassing over it is a good one.

Let us know if you embark on this adventure.

 

I am no idiot, but when you say "scult out of styrofoam" do you mean to just get a large piece of styrofoam and cut it into the correct shape?

Where does the fiberglass come from? Are you speaking of fiberglass bondo from Wal Mart, or am I missing something here....

 

You can get fiberglass cloth from boat supply stores. Basically what these people are talking about is forming a console out of styrofoam, then fiberglassing over it to make it solid.

 

A lot of guys through the history of custom center consoles remove the e-brake handle and replace it with a linear actuator. The actuator pulls on the cable to engage the brake instead of the handle. Your e-brake would then be push button operated...very cool. The addition of a micro-switch and an LED will give you an indicator that the brake is set.

 

its a kit...you get a big piece of foam and mold it like you want. Then fiberglass over...I would pratice fiberglassing first though...

 

I was thinging about building a shell with 1/4" plywood, filling it with Great Stuff, and taking the shell off. I then could trim holes for doors/cubbies, and then reshell it with something.


I don't know about fiberglass, just seems the finished product would be hard, not soft.....

 

you would wrap the fiberglass in soft touch material, aka leather , vinyl , cloth , padding foam something

 

also attach soft padding underneath...

 

That's a cool idea, though then you have only a parking brake and lost the emergency use (or the "weeeeee, snow!" use). Would work fine if the e-brake was subject to the ABS controls, which I dont believe it would be.

EDIT: btw, look at our avatars, kinda funny. This is why I love America.

 

"A lot of guys through the history of custom center consoles remove the e-brake handle and replace it with a linear actuator. The actuator pulls on the cable to engage the brake instead of the handle. Your e-brake would then be push button operated...very cool. The addition of a micro-switch and an LED will give you an indicator that the brake is set."


That's a very cool idea. Where could I find out more information or examples of this? This would be perfect for the remote start I'm trying to do on my MTX car.

 

Make no mistake, this is a fairly involved fabrication project. I would make it using some wood and a little fiberglass and some bits of your stock center console. Cover the whole thing in carpet so you don't have to spend days sanding everything smooth.

 

i would try to find a local place that does fiber work. most likly a custom stereo shop and see if they cousd help you. it could be hard and i am sure you do not want to mess it up.

 

I like teh idea of using a linear actuator to set my brake but I dont like the idea of the price of the actuator and not be able to control the brake by hand...

 

than that Idea isn't for you

 

Using the ebrake while moving does set off the abs. . . or it confuses the hell out of it and it tries. I used to drift a lot in my old car, so I know what I'm doing. . . but I've used by e-brake plenty of times, and the abs always manages to go off. You can hear it thumping away. It becomes even more prevalent as you eventually apply the footbrake for more control (abs makes it very difficult to have a controlled e-brake skid).

 

I think thats the traction control you feel, cause I know what your talking about and whn I turn the traction control off it doesn't happen I just spin in a circle