Center console "upgrade?"

[TheOldNoob]

First, not a how to, I'm doing things wrong, and possibly backwards. This is just what I'm doing to my '05 XLT.

I dropped the shifter to the floor. I prefer a manual transmission, so having the shifter on the floor just feels more natural. The shifter and center console are out of an '07. Shifter knob is from a mid teens Flex.

I could have modified the console from my '05, but, if I do this right, I think this will look a lot better.

Putting the front side panels on leaves a big gap above the panels and below the climate controls, as you can see above. So, I'm going to replace the side panels and fill in the gaps with aluminum diamond plate. I'm also thinking about coating the aluminum with bed liner to match the console. That's the plan anyway

This pic shows two of the template pieces, still in design and tweaking phase.

 

[TheOldNoob]

I just got put onto a new job assignment and am working 10 hr days now. So, unfortunately, I don't get much time to do things, and it's going to take longer than I expected.

I do have the templates almost finalized, and am hoping to be cutting metal soon

 

[BKennedy]

Have you considered using 1/2" plywood instead of diamond plate? I made my center console that way in my 1994 and covered it with vinyl. It's looks more OEM than diamond plate, even though mine has diamond plate trim.

 

[TheOldNoob]

Your console is sweet. Major props to you.

I was looking at 1/2 inch MDF, but I came across a bunch of aluminum diamond plate scraps for the great price of free. Which is why I decided to go that route. All I have to pay for is a saw blade and fasteners. Plus, I'm only filling in the front part of the console, rather than making a whole new one.

If I had to pay for materials, there's no way I would have chosen aluminum