Center Console

[tubbedII]

I notice when I'm driving that I don't have anything to rest my right arm on, guess I'm very used to it in my S10. I've always wanted a stock/re-pop'd center console, but when I see them installed, I notice the are just as high as the seat which wouldn't solve my issue. I'm now contemplating building a center console that's higher, but nothing about my interior is custom and I don't want it to look out of place. I guess I'm just polling for ideas on a stock looking custom console...or, has anyone ever mounted a stock console higher?

[1972CST]

Im in the same boat... just havnt come up w/ a good solution. It would be great to get the factory console higher and still keep it looking ok.

[Cap'n Hook]

I've been thinking about this situation. I wanna keep the stock console and build a spacer to mount to the floor underneath it to raise it to the right height. Shouldn't take more than 4-5 inches to get the lid at the right height.

[TonyJohnson]

That sounds like the right height for a drawer underneath the console. If it opened to the back, you could have cup holders for the passengers in the back. Also good for tools, amp, etc...

[tubbedII]

I"m glad I wasn't the only one thinking about this! I measured the armrest in my S10 (with my hand this morning...) and it's about 7-8 inches tall. That seems about right because from my elbow to the chair seat is 7 inches. 4-5 inches may not be enough to raise it because then you'd be leaning over just rest you arm and probably won't be comfortable for all the work put into it.

I like the drawer/rear cup holder idea a lot. I think the floor raises about 4-5 inches in the rear, so with a 7-8" lift, there mayl be enough room to put a retractable cup holder on the rear of it.

Anyone with a console willing to set it on a 7-8" block and take a pic to see if this is even close to aesthetically appealing?

[bouncytruck]

The stock center console is too low to lean on. I'm not sure it would make the best arm rest if you raised it because it hard on top and wouldn't be comfortable to lean on.

[TonyJohnson]

The arm rest on the door is pretty darn hard... lol.

[tubbedII]

I don't think I'm worried about a padded armrest as much as just something to put it on. My left arm pretty much stays on top of the door 99% of the time which is solid metal, and I don't feel too much pain. My S10 has a metal backing with 1/8" of foam and some fabric, so I wouldn't call that padded either. I think it's just a matter of something being there rather than nothing. I often try to put my arm on the top of the passenger chair, but it's not comfortable at all...

[TonyJohnson]

My '96 Tahoes seats have an arm rest that folds down and it's a real saver on long drives. I'm thinking about finding some Tahoe seats for my '71...

[lakeroadster]

I put a '76 Chevy truck console in my '65 C10. When I placed it in my truck it was to low. I fabricated some brackets out of flat bar, basically (2) "C's" laying on their backs that bolt to the console and to the floor. One bolts to the stock front console holes, one bolts to the back.

[fun in dirt]

I wanted my console to sit up like y'all are talking about too.
So just made a stand out of some small round & also made it where could mount my amp up under there too. It has all worked out great!

[TonyJohnson]

Wow, there are those Tahoe seats!

[tubbedII]

Lakeroadster, that looks perfect! It looks like it was meant to be at that hieght. I think though that I'd have to mount my console a lot higher than that since the bottom of my buckets are flat.

I'm anticipating it to look more like fun in dirt's which also looks great! FID, do you know how tall the round stand is? Also, is that console the same dimensions as the one in lakeroadster's? What's it out of too?

[lakeroadster]

Originally Posted by tubbedII

Lakeroadster, that looks perfect! It looks like it was meant to be at that hieght. I think though that I'd have to mount my console a lot higher than that since the bottom of my buckets are flat.

I'm anticipating it to look more like fun in dirt's which also looks great! FID, do you know how tall the round stand is? Also, is that console the same dimensions as the one in lakeroadster's? What's it out of too?

If I may be so bold as to answer: Looks like a 1991 and there is one on Ebay right now, shipping charges though are a bit ridiculous: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SUBUR...Q5fAccessories

[-Greg72]

I just had to laugh...

Those photos show seats with fold down armrests built right in!



-G

[fun in dirt]

Originally Posted by tubbedII

I'm anticipating it to look more like fun in dirt's which also looks great! FID, do you know how tall the round stand is? Also, is that console the same dimensions as the one in lakeroadster's? What's it out of too?

I can't remember exactly how tall...I think about 5".
I can take mesurement for dimensions tonight if you want?
Console was out of a 90 suburban.

Originally Posted by -Greg72

I just had to laugh...
Those photos show seats with fold down armrests built right in!
-G

Yeah I figured someone would notice & say that. I actually built the console stand to have somewhere to put the amp not for arm rest purposes, but it all works the same.

[hotrodhomi]

I upgraded my seats for the armrests. That, and for the rear seat that folds down and is removable.

[hotrodhomi]

Oh, and if you decide to use a stock console. PM me, I have one in good restore-able condition a short trip down I-80 from you.

[tubbedII]

Originally Posted by fun in dirt

I can't remember exactly how tall...I think about 5".
I can take mesurement for dimensions tonight if you want?
Console was out of a 90 suburban.


Yeah I figured someone would notice & say that. I actually built the console stand to have somewhere to put the amp not for arm rest purposes, but it all works the same.

No need to measure, I was just curious. I'll have to measure mine when I get there either way, so it really doesn't make a difference.

Originally Posted by hotrodhomi

I upgraded my seats for the armrests. That, and for the rear seat that folds down and is removable.

hotrodhomi...you just wanted to show off your bad ass ride...ha! I always enjoy looking at pics of it. I noticed your seats mount pretty low for them being out of something newer. What are they out of and did you fab up lower brakets for it? Also, on the rear panel covers, what did you use to get the grooves in them, cut padding or is it all solid wood/plastic?

Originally Posted by hotrodhomi

Oh, and if you decide to use a stock console. PM me, I have one in good restore-able condition a short trip down I-80 from you.

pm on its way!

[hotrodhomi]

Originally Posted by tubbedII

hotrodhomi...you just wanted to show off your bad ass ride...ha! I always enjoy looking at pics of it. I noticed your seats mount pretty low for them being out of something newer. What are they out of and did you fab up lower brakets for it? Also, on the rear panel covers, what did you use to get the grooves in them, cut padding or is it all solid wood/plastic?

The seat mounts are modified stock from a '97 Tahoe. I had Kevin (Rokcrln) section them to sit lower. He also helped my with the rear seat mounts so I could use a third row seat from a '97 suburban.

[tubbedII]

They look perfect!!!

[cstanley]

i've been thinking about doing the same. how about using metal stud channel and building it onto a U shaped frame (leaving the rear open?) then paint or cover with vinyl or something. 6" stud track ought to do it...