Building fiberglass console

[DR2000]

I've been thinking for a long time for a way to construct a nice center console. Today I was checking out some stereo installs, and found this page: speaker pods (http://www.sounddomain.com/member_pages/view_page.pl?page_id=108770&page=3). The guy uses fiber glass to build custom enclosures for his speakers.

The cool idea that I like was that he created the shape first, and then used nylon (the thing from which the pantyhose are made) to give it body, and then used fiberglass to create actually sidewalls.

This sounds like a really great way to build a console. I could create the edges with wooden sticks, and then just pull nylon over it, and use fiberglass afterwards.

Now the questions are: will the end result be strong enough (fiberglass that is), and how the hell do I produce something of the fiber glass? Can anyone explain the tecnique (SP) of building something out of fiberglass, or share some links?

I think this could work, and I'm getting all excited...

[NYCNEWS]

Any of the custom center consoles that I have built I used plywood counter sunk the mounting bolts to the radios painted it black and finished the surface with black plexiglass that was screwed on. You can get the plexi custom cut on cannal st in nyc.
This has always created a nice strong center console. and the radios and switches are easy to access to service or change.

The fiberglass console will need to be backed by plywood. fiberglass is ok but it is messy it takes a long time to finish the console.

You can get fiberglass resin and supplys at any boat store
such as at kings plaza.

[Ree9c1]

THIS MIGHT BE A GOOD IDEA, I'LL BE RESEARCHING THIS. THE CONSOLES ON NAISSO ARE TOO EXPENSIVE, ID RATHER BUILD A CUSTOM ONE WITH THAT TYPE OF MONEY. DR2000 HAVE YOU STARTED ON THIS PROJECT YET? THIS COULD BE THE THEME OF OUR NEXT MEET?

[DR2000]

As far as I understand, if I use only plexiglass then my console will be too square. I need to have all kinds of round corners, and such, therefore it seems like something like fiberglass would be good.

As far as starting things up: I'm not too good with building things :). Also I can't seem to find any good tutorials on building something out of fiberglass, and what kinds of supplies I would need to start it off.

This thing needs more researching, therefore all kinds of information is welcome.

[NJ9C1]

I built a fake console for my truck for a show, out of expanding foam. I made a mold out of cardboard which had curves and no square corners(except for the bottom). I then made an inside mold, to go inside the first, so that I could spray the expanding foam into. It filled in the space, took the shape of the outside mold and was very smooth. It didn't have to be functional for my purpose and it took to painting very well. It could at least be a mold to lay your fiberglass on.

[NYCNEWS]

I actually forgot about the expanding foam as a mold.

Once it is hard it can be further shaped and molded with a xacto and sand paper.

I have seen many books at the Boat stores on fiberglass use


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[NJ9C1]

Also if you're good enuf, you can heat up the plexiglass to make your rounded corners....at least the front edge. After that, a bench grinder and jigsaw can help alot. I used to make light covers for my cars like this.

[NYCNEWS]

The 2 Plastic shops on canal street will make custom items
which will include bending the plexi for rounded corners

[82'redcomet]

Hey if you need help on building fiberglass consoles, dashes, door panels, or whatever, gimme a hollar. Ive built a few for some friends of mine before and i guarantee itz cheaper than buying them or having them made. They are made just like the pros make theirs. C-ya later.

[82'redcomet]

oh, by the way, i did not mean to sound like i was charging for the info.....itz just im working on my truck right now and dont have time to write out some details to it right now....ill try and post how to do it here in about a day maybe sooner

[82'redcomet]

Ok, sorry about that I guess I will have time to write it. Anyway, all you really need to do is to build your console to about a half inch maybe a quarter inch smaller than what you want it to be. I build mine out of processed wood like speaker boxes are made out of. Just build it to size and cut all of you holes (if any) that you will need...eg. cd player slot. After that take the console out of the vehicle (because using fiberglass resin Will get messy). If you want extra support to it you might want to pick up some fiberglass cloths (im not sure of the correct name of them but it is used to hold your fiberglass really well). I get my cloths and fiberglass from an automotive store. Anyway after picking up your supplies, cover the parts of the console that will have the fiberglass with the cloths. Next simply apply the fiberglass and let dry. Once dry, you can sand it to get it smooth and ready to paint. If you need any more help on the subject, just gimme a hollar.

[DR2000]

Thanks for the info. I think I'm going to try to make it. I'm going to build the countours with wooden sticks, and use nylon to create the body. This way I can implement all the custom curves that i wanted it to have.

How does fiber glass react to heat? The thing is that the heat ducts are right on the botton where the console will be. Are those going to melt it, or it's not going to be a problem?

Thanks.

[82'redcomet]

as for the fiberglass it wont be a problem being next to the heat, but put a few small vents in your console (they dont have to be noticable) that way the heat wont accumulate inside your console and create a problem with any nearby circuitry......the project is simple as long as you have a tiny bit of patience to keep sanding it into a smooth surface