Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 15 of 29

Thread: DIY Hacked OEM Shorty Console

  1. #1
    2,000 rpm - light wheelspin, no bog here! jnshk's Avatar
    Drives
    1997 Chaste White w/ PEP
    Location
    Lake Jackson, TX
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Posts
    220
    Thanks Given
    61
    Thanked 63 Times in 36 Posts

    DIY Hacked OEM Shorty Console

    What follows is some info on my DIY shorty console, as requested. I'm going to present it in evolutionary steps, but I'll also include some notes of things that I've learned along the way.

    Part 1 (12-28-2007):

    I haven't been entirely happy with how the OEM center console interferes with my elbow during driving, so picked up a spare center console on the cheap and since I had some time off on X-mas day I got to work. Mostly this project was just winging it, and I'm pretty pleased with the results considering the lack of a clear direction.

    Basically, I cut the stock console off where the cupholder/ashtray area begins, and then attached the power window switch mounting area (which was also removed from the console via Dremel) to close off the new shorty console.







    How to attach the pieces was another lucky accident. While cutting the plastic I noticed how prone it was to melting and sticking to itself, so I took a Zippo lighter to it and sure enough I was able to get it to form a bond. NOTE: It's actually rather difficult to get the right amount of melting without just burning the plastic. My updated recommendation for attaching the pieces is to use a product like "Rapid Fix" glue and filler.





    Testing fitment:




    (Please ignore the pink steering wheel. That was just a temporary fix.)
    Active: 1991 Mazda Miata (B-Package), JRSC+MS3 [Daily/Project]
    Active: 1995 Mazda Miata (M-Edition) [Full Send Project]
    Hiatus: 1997 Mazda Miata (PEP) [Candidate for Lifted Miata?]
    Hiatus: 1958 Volvo 444 Sport w/ Ford 2.9L EFI and drivetrain

  2. The Following User Says Thank You to jnshk For This Useful Post:

    ShawnM (03-03-2015)

  3. #2
    2,000 rpm - light wheelspin, no bog here! jnshk's Avatar
    Drives
    1997 Chaste White w/ PEP
    Location
    Lake Jackson, TX
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Posts
    220
    Thanks Given
    61
    Thanked 63 Times in 36 Posts
    Part 2 12-28-2007:

    Once I got a basic shape fleshed out and test fit, I took a propane torch and went nuts on it. A few hours and some scorched fingertips later, I had a fairly sturdy piece. (I discovered that the most effective way to shape and bond the hot plastic was by using my bare fingers, unfortunately.) NOTE: Again, I suggest using a proper chemical bonding agent.









    I attached a tab at the back side to use the middle attachment screw in from the original console. Unfortunately, I didn't do a very good job and it's already begun to crack. I will have to redo it later, and maybe try to make it look more attractive as well.



    I originally planned to use the OEM power window switch, but with the way I attached things, the bottom of the switch extended below the edge of the console, which created a gap at the back/bottom edges. I picked up some switches (mom-on/off/mom-on, double-pole) from NAPA and mounted them in the switch panel blank that had come with the spare console. With some gentle tweaking of the angle on the bottom terminals, they gave me just enough clearance for the console to sit relatively flush against the driveshaft tunnel. They seem to work just fine.



    I also ended up having to drill a few holes to mount the shift boot as well, since I accidentally melted one of the threaded sleeves beyond use.



    The camera flash really brings out the imperfections. It actually looks a lot better in person than in these pictures, but I will probably replace the mounting screws with some black allen head screws for a nicer appearance, and I'd like to see if I can do something to clean up the finish of the console as well. I'd prefer to get it looking as clean and OEM as possible if I can, but for now I've got more important stuff to do first.
    Active: 1991 Mazda Miata (B-Package), JRSC+MS3 [Daily/Project]
    Active: 1995 Mazda Miata (M-Edition) [Full Send Project]
    Hiatus: 1997 Mazda Miata (PEP) [Candidate for Lifted Miata?]
    Hiatus: 1958 Volvo 444 Sport w/ Ford 2.9L EFI and drivetrain

  4. #3
    2,000 rpm - light wheelspin, no bog here! jnshk's Avatar
    Drives
    1997 Chaste White w/ PEP
    Location
    Lake Jackson, TX
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Posts
    220
    Thanks Given
    61
    Thanked 63 Times in 36 Posts
    Part 3 08-06-2008:

    NOTE: This method of securing the end of the console worked and looked OK, but it was a real PITA to deal with. I recommend just attaching a flap with a bonding agent (see later stages of this project) instead.

    I finally got around to making some changes to the way that the rear of the console is secured. Not only does it look nicer, but it is also far more secure than before.

    I cut off the old tab (which was cracked badly enough that it would probably have broken off soon anyhow) and re-shaped the back edge a little bit to smooth it out.




    After mocking up a bracket with cardboard, I managed to fabricate something similar out of metal.





    Painted the new bracket and re-painted the console.



    And added a more attractive P/W override switch (the green ring is wired to illuminate with the interior lights).




    Installed in the car:



    The shorty console is darker than the stereo console, but it should lighten/fade a bit and match better after a week or two in the Texas sun.
    Active: 1991 Mazda Miata (B-Package), JRSC+MS3 [Daily/Project]
    Active: 1995 Mazda Miata (M-Edition) [Full Send Project]
    Hiatus: 1997 Mazda Miata (PEP) [Candidate for Lifted Miata?]
    Hiatus: 1958 Volvo 444 Sport w/ Ford 2.9L EFI and drivetrain

  5. #4
    2,000 rpm - light wheelspin, no bog here! jnshk's Avatar
    Drives
    1997 Chaste White w/ PEP
    Location
    Lake Jackson, TX
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Posts
    220
    Thanks Given
    61
    Thanked 63 Times in 36 Posts
    NOTE: My final solution was new carpet (which is not precut with any holes) from StockInteriors.com, but that's because my old carpet was destroyed by weatherstripping leaks and a clueless previous owner.

    My initial solution to the exposed release levers:


    I took some old black floor mats and cut the corner off one of them, put a slit down the center, and slid it over the levers. It may not be super classy, but it's not bad for a cheap/free project. (I also took some of the floor mat and cut small pieces to go under the trans tunnel carpet where the holes for bolting down the console were. Again, not perfect, but it makes it slightly less noticeable until I come up with something better.)
    Active: 1991 Mazda Miata (B-Package), JRSC+MS3 [Daily/Project]
    Active: 1995 Mazda Miata (M-Edition) [Full Send Project]
    Hiatus: 1997 Mazda Miata (PEP) [Candidate for Lifted Miata?]
    Hiatus: 1958 Volvo 444 Sport w/ Ford 2.9L EFI and drivetrain

  6. #5
    2,000 rpm - light wheelspin, no bog here! jnshk's Avatar
    Drives
    1997 Chaste White w/ PEP
    Location
    Lake Jackson, TX
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Posts
    220
    Thanks Given
    61
    Thanked 63 Times in 36 Posts
    Part 4 11-27-2011:

    Finally got around to making some more changes to my shorty console and power window switches. I think that Version 3 will be the final version. The only changes I might be willing to make at this point would be to fill/sand/smooth and repaint it since there are still a few rough spots.







    I added a new flap-tab-thing to hold it down rather than that bulky contraption, and this seems to be much nicer. I took some scrap ABS plastic sheet and used "Rapid Fix" glue and filler powder to firmly attach the tab to the end of the console. This method is far easier than plastic welding, and appears to be exceptionally strong as well.
    Active: 1991 Mazda Miata (B-Package), JRSC+MS3 [Daily/Project]
    Active: 1995 Mazda Miata (M-Edition) [Full Send Project]
    Hiatus: 1997 Mazda Miata (PEP) [Candidate for Lifted Miata?]
    Hiatus: 1958 Volvo 444 Sport w/ Ford 2.9L EFI and drivetrain

  7. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to jnshk For This Useful Post:

    lowandrusty (03-27-2015),NCGreasemonkey (12-23-2015)

  8. #6
    3,000 rpm - starting to feel the power ChrisJuliano's Avatar
    Location
    Grove City, PA
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Posts
    503
    Thanks Given
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Very nicely done! I think Morr will like this he has been talking about one recently.

  9. #7
    3,000 rpm - starting to feel the power morr's Avatar
    Drives
    1990 Classic Red
    Location
    Okinawa, Japan
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Posts
    968
    Thanks Given
    33
    Thanked 87 Times in 38 Posts
    ^Haha yep! Thanks for the writeup jnshk. I'll be attempting this project soon enough.
    RoadsterLife<3

  10. #8
    3,000 rpm - starting to feel the power RyanxStorey's Avatar
    Drives
    1993 Electronic Pearl Blue
    Location
    Indianapolis
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Posts
    748
    Thanks Given
    3
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    One of the best things added to this site. This will be very helpful to others. Thank you.
    1993 Electronic Pearl Blue - 1.6, T25 SR20 turbo on 14psi with custom stainless steel tubular manifold, 3 inch stainless steel downpipe, RX7 460 injectors, DiYPNP MS2, MTX-L wideband.
    Storey's turbo NA

  11. #9
    2,000 rpm - light wheelspin, no bog here! diabeetus's Avatar
    Drives
    1990 Classic Red CE (Cowabunga Edition)
    Location
    Austin, TX
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Posts
    241
    Thanks Given
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
    oh hellya! i am gonna hit the junkyard soon to grab me an extra console!! yours look amazing!! damn
    Classic RED 90'
    cowabunga dudes!

  12. #10
    2,000 rpm - light wheelspin, no bog here! diabeetus's Avatar
    Drives
    1990 Classic Red CE (Cowabunga Edition)
    Location
    Austin, TX
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Posts
    241
    Thanks Given
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
    what is that little button in between the shifter and the window switches?
    Classic RED 90'
    cowabunga dudes!

  13. #11
    2,000 rpm - light wheelspin, no bog here! jnshk's Avatar
    Drives
    1997 Chaste White w/ PEP
    Location
    Lake Jackson, TX
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Posts
    220
    Thanks Given
    61
    Thanked 63 Times in 36 Posts
    Normally the power windows only work when the key is in the ignition. That button is a momentary push-button switch that I've added with a relay so that I can push in on that while pushing the toggle switches to roll the windows up or down without the key being in the ignition.
    Active: 1991 Mazda Miata (B-Package), JRSC+MS3 [Daily/Project]
    Active: 1995 Mazda Miata (M-Edition) [Full Send Project]
    Hiatus: 1997 Mazda Miata (PEP) [Candidate for Lifted Miata?]
    Hiatus: 1958 Volvo 444 Sport w/ Ford 2.9L EFI and drivetrain

  14. #12
    1,000 rpm - releasing the clutch
    Drives
    a Laguna Blue 94B
    Location
    San Diego
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Posts
    85
    Thanks Given
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Aw, I was finally going to do this and now your site is gone along with the pics . Any chance of rehosting them?

  15. #13
    Individual-1 ☚ ☻ ☛ Agent☣Orange's Avatar
    Location
    🍊SWFL🏝
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Posts
    21,588
    Thanks Given
    4,763
    Thanked 4,318 Times in 2,543 Posts
    Agree.

  16. #14
    3,000 rpm - starting to feel the power maharaj's Avatar
    Drives
    angry
    Location
    Earth
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Posts
    898
    Thanks Given
    120
    Thanked 111 Times in 62 Posts
    Pics please.

  17. #15
    1,000 rpm - releasing the clutch 91BRGLE's Avatar
    Drives
    '91 BRG
    Location
    Cambridge, Ont.
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Posts
    52
    Thanks Given
    16
    Thanked 25 Times in 13 Posts
    Where did you get that switch? (the momentary one) Thats the best shorty I've seen, great work!

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •