Center console

[glenn]

Hello everyone, I am currently working on a replacement center console. I have completed one prototype that I have in my van, and I am eager to improve on it. Once I am satisfied with the design and function, I will be able to produce them for other deli owners. I'm guessing that the price will be in the $300 dollar range depending on the final design. What I would like to know is what people would like to see on such a console. The current prototype has two cupholders, and holds the existing window switch and little tray with slight modifications. It also has a larger storage bin. The cupholders alone make it worthwhile for me, but I curious if others have ideas/needs for this area. I'm also curious to know how much interest there is in such an item.

I'll keep you all posted on the progress, but don't expect much over the next couple weeks.

Oh, and don't be too critical of the following images, it really is just a rough prototype meant for me to understand the issues better. Right off, I got the geometry around the gearshift wrong and had to move it farther back than I had planned. I also think I would change the cupholders to a side by side arrangement - the window switch is confusing after rotating it.

I'm looking forward to your comments.

[FalcoColumbarius]

Nice prototype, Glenn. Does the big lump in the back open up? If so, how & what does it hold? As I have discovered working in the "Delica Space" is one is confronted by trade-offs at every turn ~ more storage space, less physical manoeuvrability, &c.. One thing I have a need for is a "map book holder". Does or can this console afford that?

Cheers! Falco.

[fishslapper]

Oh man that is nice !! I am lovin it !! Way too nice to be just a center console. Would you make a version with a comfy pad for your arm to rest on as well ? I find i actually rest my arm on the arm rest most of the time when driving. I am starting wear a place in the fabric !!

cheers

[The Pinkfingers]

Very beautiful. I'd like to see it opened up as well. It looks especially good with your fabric - not sure about my grey fabric though.

[BCDelica]

Wow, beautiful - true Delica art.

Regards,
Kev

[glenn]

Thanks for the comments, and compliments. It's got me motivated to get moving on this project. Yes, the back lump does open, and it holds a lot more than the stock console. It holds quite a bit of stuff. The next one will be a little bigger, and I can't decide whether to leave it as one open space, or segment it a little. I too have my elbow permanently planted on this armrest. While, it's a little too low and a bit too far back, I drove down to vegas and back with no cushion on the armrest, and to be honest, I didn't really miss it. Having said that, some kind of a pad would be a little more inviting.

[Adrock]

i think i saw one of your dog dish setups at a customers house. How widely is the stuff distributed?

Do other people do similar things?

[alpinecowboy]

Glenn
That is gorgeous! It has just been bumped into "must have" territory for me - I'd love to be able to complete the set with either a or console for the rear passengers as well... Mitsu had one in Japan that I have seen only in pictures - but nowhere nearly as nice as yours. Please keep us posted...
Koby

[Gibs]

That looks very stylish and I also like the idea of the larger storage area.

I would definately consider getting one when you start to produce these.

[The Pinkfingers]

The next one will be a little bigger, and I can't decide whether to leave it as one open space, or segment it a little.

Dunno if this is possible, but how about segmenting it into thirds, only make the dividers removable, so the person can segment it how they want.

[FalcoColumbarius]

Hey Glenn,
Have you thought about making variations of this console? With some of the changes I have been making in my truck I find things getting littered in the back of the van and could really do with storage of one sort or another and I like it to be stylish, to be sure ~ but I still like the option of being able to get between the cockpit and the cabin without leaving the vehicle, for instance; if I wake up and there is a big burly bear outside and I need to move the Miss Lil' Bitchi without presenting myself to the bear.

Another thing, have you seen the options catalogue for the Delica, it might give you ideas for more furniture?
http://delicasw.hp.infoseek.co.jp/delic ... /index.htm

Falco.

[Schwa]

I saw this van parked at the Tsawassen ferry terminal (so I parked next to it, or course) but it has one of the storage things!

[glenn]

adrock - It was probably my feeder. They are very widely distributed - mostly in the US, esp California, but as far away as Germany, the Netherlands, St. Petersburg, Japan, etc. There is one other manufacturer that I know of that does bent ply feeders, but they use a high pressure laminate with a wood pattern instead of an actual wood veneer.

Falco - wow, those are some funky extras! I love the shoe box. My van came with a "please remove your shoes" sign in Japanese. I've been told by a Japanese friend that it is very common to remove your shoes as one enters a vehicle. It explains why the interior was so clean. It makes me feel a little guilty about the way I treat the interior - the previous owner would probably be horrified at the way my kids have aged the interior.

My approach to the interior is to not reprogram the space in a major way. I am keen to do something with the shelf behind the front seats, but, first things first. The console I am working on is not much bigger than the original, it just uses the space better.

I do have one very simple and very useful mod for non-hot/cold box delicas. Princess auto has a stainless basin thing that fits in front of the transmission gearbox. I pop riveted a little clip here that attaches to the container. It serves as a catch all/garbage, and it can be lifted out easily for cleaning etc. If anyone is interested in specifics, I can post some details and more pics. All together it cost about $15 and takes about 15 mins to install.

[mriguy]

hey schwa,

that's my deli parked at tsawwaassen!!! but more about the ''hump" console---super useful for the kids as a fold out table/tray deal, especially on road trips. also a great place for extra storage, cds, maps, wipes, etc....not so good for getting to the back of the bus though. imagine jumping hurdles while crouching--not fun! even harder if you're 6'3''!!!yikes!!! but this hump console was original from japan, and i've been meaning to recreate it/improve on it's design, mostly because it's cheaply made (bad hinges and compressed fibre board) just have to get through a renovation, and then back into the wood shop!!!

brent.

[glenn]

brent - quick question - how do you open the hood with the shelf, doesn't it get in the way?