Center Console With Engine Access Window

[Howard]

I recently completed the Mac relocation project, with materials and assistance provided by our much appreciated Shadowman. As with everyone else doing this project, I was faced with the prospect of buying a $1400 non-Mac console or cutting up the Mac console to remove the speaker enclosure. I decided to try to contruct my own, simplified console. As part of the project I replaced the metal engine access panel behind the console with a Lexan window (idea by Analog Designer). I then constructed the new console with a large opening to reveal the window. So far, additional noise and heat are undetectable. Here (I hope) are some photos.

Howard

 

[Thugboat]

That is GREAT!!! Love the idea of the window. Looks really nice.

Larry

 

[soroush]

thats sick!

 

[Specracer]

That is cool!

 

[fjpikul]

Wow. Did you get a gasket from Analog?

 

[shelbyelite]

Very creative. You are gonna have people copy this down the road. I already want too!

 

[Empty Pockets]

Now THAT'S just plain darn sneeky!!! :thumbsup :banana

'Only "issue"(?)/challenge I can see with having that window is CLEANING the engine side of it when/if needed. (Depending on the fasteners.)

 

[t32b]

What EP means is how he would have to STERILIZE it so that it matches his garage...
But really, that is very very cool. How tough is it to construct the frame/gasket/lexan? And I thought there were no more Shadowman subwoof enclosures? I really want to get rid of my stock subwoofer (albeit reversibly) so I can see that really nice spinning thingie on the other side of the rear glass...

 

[BlackICE]

Now THAT'S just plain darn sneeky!!! :thumbsup :banana

'Only "issue"(?)/challenge I can see with having that window is CLEANING the engine side of it when/if needed. (Depending on the fasteners.)

No problems with a dirty window if the car is never driven! :lol

 

[Empty Pockets]

What EP means is how he would have to STERILIZE it so that it matches his garage...
QUOTE]


...Well...as a matter of fact...uh...to put it more accurately...uh.....................'ZACTLY. :bored :biggrin

 

[Empty Pockets]

No problems with a dirty window if the car is never driven! :lol

Actually, that's what I though 32 was gunna say! :slap

 

[t32b]

Sadly, when I try to imagine your perspective, all I have to do is listen to my little OCD inside voice

What EP means is how he would have to STERILIZE it so that it matches his garage...
QUOTE]


...Well...as a matter of fact...uh...to put it more accurately...uh.....................'ZACTLY. :bored :biggrin

 

[Empty Pockets]

Sadly, when I try to imagine your perspective, all I have to do is listen to my little OCD inside voice



Dang! And here all this time I thought that voice only talked to ME an yew all were just jell-us!

 

[Shadowman]

You did a wonderful job

Thank you for letting me be a part of your project

Takes care

Shadowman

 

[Howard]

fjpikul: I used an Analog Design gasket procured from Shadowman for the Lexan window, but honestly, you could cut your own from gasket material. The surface is flat and uncomplicated.

EP: Cleaning the engine side of the window may be a challenge. I haven't tried it yet. But removing the four screws that secure the console and six that secure the window would take about five minutes.

t32b: The Lexan window was sourced from a plastics supplier. I specified an "AR" coating (abrasion resistant). Very simple and inexpesive. I just handed them the metal access plate as a template.

If I had to do it all again I would leave off the two sides of the new console. They are an unnecessary complication (and expense to upholster) and are totally invisible behind the seats. The visible face of the console is flat and modest in size. In fact, calling it a console is a bit over the top. It's just a flat, upholstered bulkhead cover.

Howard

 

[GTNJ]

Howard, that's beautiful work. Nice job !






--

 

[usmcfred]

I recently completed the Mac relocation project, with materials and assistance provided by our much appreciated Shadowman. As with everyone else doing this project, I was faced with the prospect of buying a $1400 non-Mac console or cutting up the Mac console to remove the speaker enclosure. I decided to try to contruct my own, simplified console. As part of the project I replaced the metal engine access panel behind the console with a Lexan window (idea by Analog Designer). I then constructed the new console with a large opening to reveal the window. So far, additional noise and heat are undetectable. Here (I hope) are some photos.

Howard

GREAT! Reminds me of my '72 Pantera engine view ... after removing the bulkhead trim and the center engine access panel. I'm sure those who own or have owned Panteras have been there, done that.

Congrats Howard, usmcfred

 

[Howard]

Thanks. If I did it again it would be even easier. The "bulkhead cover" could be cut from a wood panel and then upholstered. The whole job, including buying the machined Lexan window could be done for $300 or less.

Howard

 

[davisp]

That looks terrific Howard -- can't wait to see it up close. PD

 

[SYCO GT]

Beautiful! And very original.