... a new, smaller center console? I'm not a big guy (6', 170lbs) but I find the center console *really* gets in my way. The square edge is major interference for my right elbow. There's a few console with cupholders and speakers and such that take up *more* room, but I want something that takes up less room, even if it means losing the storage cubby or the cigarette lighter. I don't use any of that stuff anyway. I don't know how much room there is to actually gain, but I'd be interested in whatever it is!
It's actually pretty small as it is. You cannot reduce the size of the center console components by much because of the skeleton underneath. It would require some extreme modification to the console skeleton, which itself is key to structural integrity of the entire center console assembly. Also running directly under the center trim is the shift cables and ALDL wiring (the ALDL can be relocated, but the cables are a different story).
About the only possible thing you could reduce is remove the center console door. A simple flat panel could be made in it's place to cover the ECM (vented of course, as those vents on the side do actually serve a purpose).
That's what I figured. I peeked in there and it didn't appear to be much room to save, but thought I'd ask anyway. Just trying to figure out how to maximize my ability to drive this car quickly.
Yes, I made a new, smaller center console. It required deleting the entire console / skeleton assembly, because the skeleton is pretty bulky in some spots. The new console that I built was basically just a piece of fiberglass wrapped around the gas tank hump. See photos below.
This kind of project is definitely not for the faint of heart. But the new console did take up noticeably less space than the original. And it also weighed about 15 pounds less.
Wow, that is positively fantastic. Any chance you grabbed some pictures of the modified skeleton? I've never even seen what's down there, so I have no idea what modifications would be necessary to get there - but steering a sticky Fiero is such an annoyance I think I'd be willing to try!
Mine is still under construction but this is the only pic I have of it. I have no back bone under it and it is only as wide as the carpet that is directly against the center structure. I even took out the plastic "things" that were under the carpet that make the center wider and house the Sub Amp and Cruise modual. My goal was to make the center console as small as possable.
If you want another view I can get a few pics soon.
When you do it yourself you have more options The curv at the rear end is for a pad. I rest my arm on the center all the time so I want to make a nice arm rest. It will be about the same hight as the console so it does not look strange.
[This message has been edited by Rickady88GT (edited 11-14-2013).]
That is looking great! I'm really excited about doing this - the center console is the sole thing about the car that's getting me down right now. If it wasn't there, I could drive it like I built it to drive!