Custom L400 Console

[glenn]

I've had my L400 for about a month now, and my first project has been to improve the function of the console. Now that I have finished the prototype, I can offer to make these for others. I have included a before picture of my van, I'm not sure how universally it will fit other L400s.

Two more cupholders, a tissue dispenser and a trash: all tucked neatly in front of the 4wd shifter. I hate putting my coffee in front of my stereo. Available in either Bamboo or Walnut veneer over maple ply. Hand made and finished with a durable oil-based urethane.

PM me or visit http://www.vurv.ca - $350

[Rising Sun Auto Import]

Looking very nice.
It can be useful for 1st Gen L400 owners.

Steven

[Mr. Flibble]

This looks fantastic. I would love an even longer one like this that allowed room for lots of gauges, 1 din devices etc.

I expect you will get good demand for these guys.

[glenn]

Thank's Steven! I haven't seen inside a series 2. If it is different, series 2 drivers will have to wait until I own one - ha ha.

Mr. Flibble - the design constraint is the 4wd shifter. I pushed it out as far as possible without interference. A longer design would also have to be thinner, or accommodate the shifter in some other way. This kind of piece is always a compromise between what you want, and what is practical or possible. I've also seen consoles that fit between the front seats. Here you have the parking brake to consider - plus it's nice to keep that area open to access the back of the van. Having said that, I do miss my nice comfy armrest in the cockpit of my L300 . . . .
Anyway, for me the nice thing about this is how unobtrusive it is, while adding a few important features within easy access.

[psilosin]

Not a bad deal considering how expensive the replacement cost of the goofy oem drink holder tray is...and that this handcrafted unit is more functional and sexy as hell. Nice work.

[glenn]

I have one of these in Bamboo finished and ready to put under the tree.

[Mr. Flibble]

Mr. Flibble - the design constraint is the 4wd shifter. I pushed it out as far as possible without interference. A longer design would also have to be thinner, or accommodate the shifter in some other way. This kind of piece is always a compromise between what you want, and what is practical or possible. I've also seen consoles that fit between the front seats. Here you have the parking brake to consider - plus it's nice to keep that area open to access the back of the van. Having said that, I do miss my nice comfy armrest in the cockpit of my L300 . . . .
Anyway, for me the nice thing about this is how unobtrusive it is, while adding a few important features within easy access.

I was thinking about accommodating the shifter with a temporary narrowing on one side of the Console, that then expanded past the shifter. I was also considering "raising" the front for additional stuff by covering the ashtray and ciggarette lighter. I have no need for an ash tray, and you could move the ciggarette lighter elsewhere in the console. That was my thinking anyways.

Also giving thought to a crazy idea of running ducting under the console to the back of the front seats, this way you could have the AC blow on your lower back when pointed at the floor.

[glenn]

Any Gen 1 L400 owners looking to add a little extra functionality for road trip season? I am offering this for $299 locally for a limited time. Choice of walnut, bamboo, maple, cherry.

[Gardenkeeper1]

Looks really nice!

[nxski]

Any Gen 1 L400 owners looking to add a little extra functionality for road trip season? I am offering this for $299 locally for a limited time. Choice of walnut, bamboo, maple, cherry.

Do you have some pictures of the 4 types of wood? I'd love to see examples of what they would all look like. More for curiosity though unfortunately since I have an L300 with a custom console already in it.

[glenn]

Unfortunately, I have only made a couple of these, both in bamboo. But, these are the available veneers, as shown on my petfeeders:
And thanks for the compliment, Gardnekeeper1

[nxski]

I'm really liking the cherry and walnut! Thanks for the pics, that gives a really good idea of how they would turn out.