Custom Centre console thoughts
 

Thinking of putting one of these in my Cab. any thoughts? Purists......if you are going to comment please be objective not subjective! After all it is reversible!
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1196481157.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1196481191.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1196481222.jpg

Don't seem very "Porsche" to me. With Porsche, generally form follows function.

What that piece does is simulate the look of a driveshaft tunnel in a front engine/rear drive car. So it looks out of place to me in a rear-engined/rear drive 911.

But I guess that's subjective. Objectively, I'm not sure what one could say about an interior addition like that.

Fair enough comment. Hadn't thought of it that way.

Looks reminiscent of the 964 center console...kind of a 90ish update, if you wish.

Seems like a lot of effort for very little utility:
- Hide the ebrake, so what?
- No way to get the heater levers.
- Lost the console behind the shifter (under the dash).

Seems like a lose-lose to me.

on a cost stand point, a very expensive peice from "better bodies" ! not sure if it's worth your while. however, you could modify an oem 964 peice for less than half the amount spent on this item.

looks like good craftsmanship! It's OK to be a bit different guys..... the 911 interior is pretty plain-Jane if you ask me, and could use a little sprucing up here and there.

Personally, I like the simplicity (I don't have a console at all) - but hey, do what makes you feel like being in it more!

Thanks for the replies guys. Just what I need. FYI heater controls are still accessible through the sliding panel.

it is your ride, do it up as you want. no matter what the upgrade, some will love it, others will hate it.

Lots of dead space behind the E-brake as well. Maybe if that was also a storage area, and the front extended all the way to the firewall to create a black hole to throw a bunch of crap.

Maybe have a relieved area near the brake/heater controls to leave it exposed?

I love the look of it but when I look at my car carefully, the front portion of it is too wide. If your seat(s) is not 8 way automatic, the levers will be on the way. What I mean is the seat won't be able to slide to the front.

Pimp my ride!

Why do I bother!
 

:rolleyes:

I might be wrong but I always think "pimp ride" has something to do with too flashy, too much color. Somethings like those wheel fan, gold wire wheel, air bag suspension, fur interior. Only a middle console can't "qualify" to be a pimp ride, especially match interior color (0_0)

All those late models with a similar console must be pimped up then I guess
 

;)
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1196501583.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1196501647.jpg

It would be nice to see the dead area behind the front seats utilized for storage.

Those aren't 964's.
I like the idea of a more integrated center console. I don't like how everything in my '84 seems to stick up out of the carpet separately. Especially the heater switch lamp - it's gotten bumped so many times it doesn't clip down any more.
That said, this one is lacking somehow. The sliding cover for the e-brake really bugs me.

Hey Dave, tough crowd those purists. One of the best things about a Porsche is that you can change (personalize) almost any part and it's still an amazing car. Changing the console is like upgrading the stereo by adding a subwoofer to enhance the sound...it probably doesn't need it but many have come to appreciate the improved sound quality. I think the console adds a finished look and provides some utility.

Hey Dave,

FWIW, I have added that console to my 84 (sorry purist) and I personally think it looks great as well as adds storage and somewhat of an armrest. I have had a number of compliments from both Porsche and non-P folks in that it really cleaned up the interior. In my opinion, I would agree in that the console does update the look to the 90’s era. I would also agree in that, although it adds storage, it is really more for looks in that it covers the e-brake and heater levers (which are still accessible). I would disagree in that it looks “pimp” or simulates a vehicle with a front engine… take a look at the interior of a 964 or 993.

I added it since my stock console was showing its age. If my 911 was completely stock (previous owner updated to 965 look) and had an interior in great shape, I would not have added. But since my interior was looking old, I added this console and couldn’t have been happier.

That console fits perfect and I didn’t even have to bolt down; therefore, it can be removed in a few minutes. I had mine made with Porsche carpet so it matches my interior perfect (recommend that route). And for the weight conscious, it is very light as it is made of fiberglass. The only thing I think you will lose is the ability to use the ashtray. And since I never use mine, this was no loss to me. As mentioned above, an alternative would be to use the 964 or 993 console. I have no experience with that but I am sure it can be done with some modification.

Therefore reasons to add this console: for improved looks (my opinion) and for added storage. Reason NOT to add this console: lose ashtray (minor) and if I had something to complain… a slight rubbing of my right leg (very minor).

I hope this helps and good luck.

Best regards,
Darrell

Darrell,
Thanks for the reply and detailed explanation. I would be fitting it for the aesthetic appeal only and I also do not smoke and do not allow anyone to smoke in any of my cars so it sounds good to me. I was going to send them samples of the leather and carpet as well.
Any photos you can post?
Dave.

I don't have any photos, but I will try to take some later this week. I highly recommend having it made with your sample carpet and leather to make it appear stock.

Take care,
Darrell

...the 996 twin turbo is rear wheel drive and rear engine, and has a console like that - what a POS, non form-follows-function, pimp-my-ride poser car that is... :)

If you can do it, I would make holes in the top of the slider for a drink holder. Looks like there is enough material for a soda can or medium sized fast food cup. Bonus points for having a wire loop attached to the bottom that would swing down to serve as the bottom, but slide over the e-brake and heater controls. Also I might leave the section above the shifter open, i.e. no cover panel. Seems less bulky. If it could be done in all plastic or fiberglass, I think it would look more OE. Not many new cars have vinyl/leather wrapped consoles... or at least not with batting behind the material. To me that is what looks "pimped": puffy vinyl coverings. All in all, if you like it I think you should go for it. If you were interested in how period correct it looks I doubt you would even have given it a second thought.

I like it but I'm a newbie. Where was it bought from?

I guess "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". As far as consoles in new 911's go, they seem to tie in with their interiors which are more modern in every way. Maybe it is "updating to a 90's look", but the rest of the interior isn't. From the photos in the beginning of the thread, the lines of this console just don't seem to go with the lines of a 911 interior. But, it's your car.

I did this upgrade earlier this year. Pictures are in this thread:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/363938-interior-upgrade-1983-sc.html

I did it for the looks at the same time that I updated to 993 seats and door panels. I think it gives the car a more completed look. I purchased a 964 console and planned to use that at first, but it required some serious modifications and would not have looked as good in the end so I sold it and purchased this one.

I did not like the way the seat belts came through the console and I ended up using the seat belt ends that bolt directly to the 993 seats.

Mike

I wonder if a Hargett shifter would fit under it?

Edit: Or through the e-brake access panel?

Great thread
 

Mike,
Thanks for posting this it is just what I wanted to see. Looks great to me.
Dave.

Actually, the 996 TT is not rear wheel drive, it is four wheel drive, thus it has a drive shaft going from the rear of the car to the front wheels.

That's why it has the console.

That sure looks better than the stock console on the '84 to '89 Carreras that always appeared to me to be dangling below the dash!

Here is what we did to our Carrera:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/378584-1986-carrera-interior-redo-idea.html

&highlight=1986+interior+redo[/url]

Now, we're onto something! This whole thread has driven into my head how out of place consoles are in general, I'm going to a RennShift or a Wevo shifter soon, and I'm considering keeping the whole thing out.