Center console! Need help..

Alright guys, many of times you see this same thread from everyon else. And well, its my turn to ask! I need help on doing this. I already have the general idea of how I want the console to look. But, I have one problem. What kind of bracing do I need? I want to be able to have the console come apart in 4 sections! But I want it to come together and be solid. Because if its not braced down and bolted, it'll be rattling for sure!

I dont believe I'll be able to put up any pictures at the moment of what I want it to look like, but seeing some input from you guys, and what yours looks like and how you did it would help greatly!

I'm having some problems with measurements and being able to draw it out correctly. Its a pretty complicated matter IMO, and definitely is going to present a challenge for me! But hey, I like challenges!

What I'm trying to do is:

1. Section one will be a triangular "box" that is mounted to the floorpan and sub box. This will house my wiring for the sound system. I want to be able to stick a bolt in so I can ground my wires here.
2. Section two comes off section one. And takes up most of the space between the buckets up to the shifter. Nothing really complicated, except on the top I want to have a storage space. Under the storage the power and ground wires run through towards the shifter. To keep a low profile on wiring.
3. Section three proceeds off of section 2. Here, before the shifter, I want to be able to seat 2 cup holders. Wiring runs through this also under the compartment. And up to section 4. I want to be able to run the wires through smoothly to section 4 but I also need to be able to have an accentual look with the shifters boot. I figure just cutting a hole large enough for the shifter is fine, but not sure if it will show anything like the floorpan. Maybe buy some sort of cylindrical houseing would be good? Say a cardboard tube?
4. Section four. This section is a housing for the components amplifier. I don't have alot of space to work with and I gotta figure out how to get the wiring under this to come out the back where the heaters are at. My problem herein lies is being able to make it large enough to fit the amp and wiring without hitting the shifter. And also being able to have enough clearance for the ashtray to conveniently come out. Even though I don't smoke.

I want to be able to secure these sections so it can be one whole unit. But like I said, what kind of materials? L brackets, and I dunno what they are called, but its a piece of steel that has many holes cut into it. They use it to mount decks to the dash so it cant be ripped out.

After I build it up to what I want, I don't want to paint it, but rather upholster it. Think maybe some trunk carpeting will do...

So guys, what do you think of my intricate console design? Later on tonight I plan on getting in the truck, take some measurments, and sketch it up. But I need to be able to sketch it an angle, and I'm no artist! Aye, if only I had some sort of 3d program to make it...

well id like to start out by saying this sounds like it will be an awesome lookin console....if you take your time. but since your gona carpet it you have more room for mistakes, thats why i dont like fiberglass haha. but my biggest thing is, what kinda amp are you using? from what i can remember you were using a large system which most of the time takes a large amp to push. my amp is a 1200wt ma audio and i wont even think of putting that between my seats, id like to but it aint gona happen haha. altho if i jammed it i wouldnt have to mount it or ever plan on getting it out but anyways. sd for the shifter, why not use a plain black rubber boot, it would look nice, like out of the old camaros and fbirds. i like them. i like the idea of the triangle to run the wires and the hidden ground. i dont think the cardboard would really be nice looking or you could find a big enough piece. why not run your wires under thr carpet and/or under the shift boot. L brackets would be nice, also just dont glue 4 2x2 inch pieces down then just drill your screws into the wood and into the tranny cover then glur those 4 pieces down with super glue rather than spray. i hope i helped a lil. -bf

I'm usin another MTX amplifier for my components. Its the same size as the amps I use for my subs. It fits pretty nicely right in front of the shifter. gonna have to bolt that section down though, so no one can rip me off!

If I had a large amp like one that was 2'x1' I would mount it vertically between the seats enclosed in plexiglass! Then the problem lies in whether or not you want to see the front of the amp or the passenger! Could take the bottom off the amp to see the circuitry!

I already have a black boot for my shifter. I figure I'll have to cut the hole smaller than the diameter of the boot. I would like to get a plexiglass cover over the section that has the ground. Then get an etching it that says "ground zero" followed by neon lights!

I would have used the cardboard for a way to mock up the console. Not actually as the console! If any adhesive is used, its gonna be epoxy! Except for gluing the upholstery...

Below is a quick mock up image of what I want it to look like:

no show here. -bf

....as in its not showing?

if not just click on this then:

still not showing bud. -bf

i see it. looks good

its up now. sounds like a good plan now get yer ass off the computer and go get us some measurments. -bf

...wonder why it did'nt before... Well, I dunno when I'm actually going to work on this. but it definitely is going to get done soon! I wanna get my deck in first... I'll give this thread a post once I actually get somewhere with this.

looks good but why does it shot up in the back like that