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Custom L400 Console

Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 10:54 pm
by 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

Re: Custom L400 Console

Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 11:02 pm
by Rising Sun Auto Import
Looking very nice.
It can be useful for 1st Gen L400 owners.

Steven :M

Re: Custom L400 Console

Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2012 1:58 pm
by 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.

Re: Custom L400 Console

Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2012 2:37 pm
by 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.

Re: Custom L400 Console

Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2012 3:25 pm
by 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.

Re: Custom L400 Console

Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2012 1:40 pm
by glenn
I have one of these in Bamboo finished and ready to put under the tree.

Re: Custom L400 Console

Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2012 6:48 pm
by Mr. Flibble
glenn wrote: 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.

Re: Custom L400 Console

Posted: Tue Jun 25, 2013 11:11 am
by 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.

Re: Custom L400 Console

Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2013 10:50 am
by Gardenkeeper1
Looks really nice!

Re: Custom L400 Console

Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2013 10:56 am
by nxski
glenn wrote: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. :?

Re: Custom L400 Console

Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2013 11:04 am
by 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

Re: Custom L400 Console

Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2013 11:32 am
by 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.