Center Console Options (?)

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rb1971

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Has anyone considered or executed on the idea of putting a center console surround over/around the handbrake? I am considering this approach since I have some additional switches (fogs, etc.) that need locations to be sourced, and in my view the handbrake looks a bit naked sitting there on the transmission tunnel by itself.

I've looked at some recent model BMW center consoles to see if something could be adapted, but most of these won't work since the handbrake on modern cars is located towards the driver. Has anyone looked into this and found something that works?
 
For that area, I fashioned an arm rest by rolling up some heavy duty bubble wrap & then covering it with a small plaid blanket. I'd rather have something more professional looking.
 
Console options

I've had an adaptation console installed for a few years now. I like the ability to lean on something with my right elbow and the extra, handy storage space. I have slated the next month, or so, to several coupe projects and updating the console is one of them.

You are correct, rb1971, that attempting to find ready-built consoles in some doner cars at a parts yard is very time-consuming as hardly any cars had/have console configurations that will adapt readily to the coupe - as in CENTER handbrake location, narrow width, acceptable length, padded arm rest, etc. My present one is from an early '90's Mazda 626, but I had to seriousy modify (cut out) the sides in order for clearance when sliding the seats forward - those protruding inboard chrome seat hinge covers and seat belt lanyards have to be accommodated.

Using my experience with my present console, and trying to coordinate work on other projects (converting to electric front windows, relocating fog/driving light switches, installing additional courtest lighting, etc.), I went in search of another alternative. I believe I found one - the stock console out of a Volvo (70/80/early 90's models - sedans and wagons). These consoles come in many colors, have a center hand brake slot, padded tops, small storage box below the hinged top, a courtesy light in the storage box and one shining into rear seat foot wells, and, of particular good news to you, most have two integrated switches. While these switches were dedicated to heated seat controls, any similar Volvo switch (fog lights, driving lights) will readily fit these locations and look completely integrated. I even found a Volvo donor car that had a thick, padded, foam arm rest with a slide-out dual cup holder mechanism! This must have been a rare option back then. Oh, and did mention that these concoles are super easy to dismount? And, that there are hundreds of Volvos available?

Of course, I'll still have to do some serious carving of the shell to get it "right" for my coupe. But, that's the fun of the exercise, right?

Contact me directly ([email protected]), and I can send pic's of my present console, and the Volvo parts I've collected for my conversion. Good luck with your project.

Gary
 
rb1971 said:
Has anyone considered or executed on the idea of putting a center console surround over/around the handbrake?
Click to expand...

I have seen what you are describing on both an E10 and an E3 (same owner) that were "harmonized" with seat-matching materials. This was long ago in a land far away. I suspect the fabricator used something from AMCO, as a base, template or mere inspiration, since he had a collection of Triumphs and Bathtub Porsches festooned with similar add-ons from either AMCO or MG Mitten. (Old timers will recognize the names.)

I never studied the add-ons and therefore cannot state that any of these aftermarket arm rests are direct bolt ons, or what modifications were required for a relatively clean installation - in an E9. For what its worth, maybe there is an idea or two to be gleaned from the pictures below, and evidently, some of the armrests are still being produced for Triumphs, MGs 914s, and 240Zs, etc. Of course, if you are handy with plywood and/or fiberglass, and somewhat creative . . . . :wink:

http://www.triumphconsoles.com/index.html

http://www.mgexperience.net/archive/Reproduction_Amco_Armrests_for_early_MGBs/401330

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/thread36374.html

http://clarkandclarkinc.com/1032b_auxconsole.htm

armrest1.jpg
interior7.jpg

2004-03TriumphConsole023.jpg

2004-03Sandra014.jpg

2006Jan26consolepictures006.jpg
new-old.jpg
 
Center console

Hi guys, I have been trying for over a year to do what you have done....I like an arm rest as well as a little bit of extra storage . I'm have work done to my coupe over the winter and was going to use a local custom shop,to build what I want.
Would love to see how you did yours.....I could not see how or if it connected to the transmission console...any chance you could show more pics ???
Thanks and emery Christmas
 
I'd look at some of the mid-early Corvette (1960s to 1970s) options such as these:

http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/interior-parts-and-trim/interior-convenience/interior-storage.html

You might even be able to roughly match the interior color if you are lucky. The 1968 Corvette has a centered parking brake:

http://www.vetteweb.com/features/vemp_0608_1968_chevrolet_corvette/photo_07.html

as do other models up through the 1980s:

http://media.caranddriver.com/image...te-center-console-photo-525519-s-1280x782.jpg

Mostly what is readily available online in the center console category are JC Whitney-type plastic "one size fits all" models. Else you can hunt around for Mercedes, Volvo, Porsche and Jaguar add-on consoles that might fit.

The major problem with fitment in a CS is the parking brake and that almost does argue for custom work. I wonder if someone like Stefan at GTS Classics has made a center console for BMWs that goes along with his seats?
 
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center armrest/console options

A lady friend on the BMW2002faq has a couple cars fitted with console/armrest from a 92-95 Honda Civic...almost looks "factory"...four discrete screws in the tunnel (or could probably engineer with Velcro..) There are several on Ebay from ratty----to----brand new...I'm headed to the junkyard soon to try to find one for my 2002, and don't know why it wouldn't work on the coupe, as well...add one rattle-can of matching dye, and be done. Hard part is to find a pre-2000 junkyard around here...

Dave V. in NC
 
Early E24s had a factory centre console option - which is quite rare. One of these, if you could get your hands on one, would be closest to BMW's intent.

A couple of glimpses of the factory early E24 console can be seen if you follow the link below for an Alpina 635 in Europe, and check out the interior pictures.

http://www.autoscout24.com/Details.aspx?id=233594285&cd=635062040510000000&asrc=st|fs

Merry Christmas,

Rod
 
rodspock said:
Early E24s had a factory centre console option - which is quite rare. One of these, if you could get your hands on one, would be closest to BMW's intent.

A couple of glimpses of the factory early E24 console can be seen if you follow the link below for an Alpina 635 in Europe, and check out the interior pictures.

http://www.autoscout24.com/Details.aspx?id=233594285&cd=635062040510000000&asrc=st|fs

Merry Christmas,

Rod
Click to expand...

After I saw the first few posts in this thread, I started looking around for possible options on eBay and I saw one of those from an E24. It may not be the color that I am looking for, but I'll let everyone know if it fits. From the description, it's really more of a back seat console that is similar to the fold down leather armrest in the CS.

635%20csi%20center%20divider.jpg
 
Does anyone remember those old cup holders that fit over the transmission tunnel and had sand bags on either side to hold it down ? I'd settle for one if those if I could find them again.
 
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