Center Console Redux

[Mitch Leland]

Tony,

I only met with my 4X4 pick up on the back bumper comment was that when you're on a "hill" at a light with a vehicle on your butt you need the emergency brake handy so you can immediately move forward without rolling backwards before engaging the clutch. For you flatlanders that's not a problem...

It's a great project... the best interior change I've seen. Thanks for sharing it.

[1topcat]

Originally Posted by RWebb

I could see doing something similar on an early car with stock shifter.

It would run along the tunnel.

How did you create the curved vinyl radii? Or were they built in on the 964 piece you started with?

Rwebb,

Thanks and the radii with vinyl is done with a heat gun as you pull out the corners and such as you apply the vinyl (contact cement on both pieces set up for a few minutes first). Some of the radii in the 964 piece were cut in by me, but if you are referring to the gentle curve along the top of the piece, that was there to start with and exactly what I liked and which gave me the entire inspiration. Our eyes must both like that curve, eh?

[1topcat]

Jack,

Mark and I had discussed this possibility and I look forward to see if we can make this work.

-Tony

[1topcat]

Originally Posted by Mitch Leland

Tony,

I only met with my 4X4 pick up on the back bumper comment was that when you're on a "hill" at a light with a vehicle on your butt you need the emergency brake handy so you can immediately move forward without rolling backwards before engaging the clutch. For you flatlanders that's not a problem...

It's a great project... the best interior change I've seen. Thanks for sharing it.

Mitch, Thanks for the compliment and clarification. Been a flatlander (lmao) so long, forgot whats its like.

Regards

[RWebb]

yeh - nice curve

Jack's idea re a production run might be interesting...

[jjwood]

General question on the e-brake issue---could it be reasonably located to the left side of the chassis ala 914, maybe even use the folding handle of the earliest 914's??

[1topcat]

Jeremy,

I considered putting it facing left/right in front of the drivers seat which could be done with extending the main cables and a pulley to turn it 90 degress, but never really persued it. I really like your idea on the left side of the chasis. I will have to look at a 914 to see how the system is configured. maybe someone will chime in on that solution.

-Tony

[efhughes3]

Flaming accolades from me......you do fantastic work. I'm envious of this kind of skill.

Now, having said that, I'm glad its in your car, too "Toyotaish" for me. But, I will say that the Hargett is a bit obtrusive in a full-interiored 911. In a stripped out or full race interior it looks better. I really think the stock no console look is kind of iconic....part of the character like the 5 gauges.

But, that's my opinion, and again your work is superb.

[1topcat]

Hey Ed,

Thanks and I totally understand your comment on the iconic look. It took me a bit of courage to give that up, but I took the dive and I really like it. It's not for everyone, but it was perfect for me.

Regards
-Tony

[Kroggers]

Really nice work. Would this possibly help with the access to the handbrake for you -



More here - Nice solution to the Hargett shifter handbrake problem.

[1topcat]

Hey, I like that, I will have to see if I can make that work. Thanks. Do you like the Hargett and what transaxle are you running?

[Kroggers]

Originally Posted by 1topcat

Hey, I like that, I will have to see if I can make that work. Thanks. Do you like the Hargett and what transaxle are you running?

I will assume this question was to me?

I have a 915, and love the Hargett. Took me a long time to get set-up, but once it was aligned it is a dream to use. The only issue I had with it was the access to the handbrake, so that is why I developed this extension - If you look in the other thread I posted, Shaun is looking to do a group purchase on these (if you are interested)

[rnln]

Hi Tony,
Beautiful. I always wanted to make my own high console but couldn't think of how to fit one in without interfear with the seats. Does your passenger seat has the left lever to manually move the seat forth and backward? If so, can you move your seat all the way to the front without interfearing with the new console side panel?

[kach22i]

I don't use my parking brake much, but have other "must do" things on my list.

Very nice work, thanks for posting it.

[1topcat]

rnln,

I have power seats so I cannot speak to how manual seat would be different. The auto seats move unimpeded and the passenger seat would have to be back at least half way to access the brake side access panel. Typically, the seat is almost all the way back anyway just for maximum passenger leg room.

[rnln]

I know, mine is always almost all the way to the back but sometimes I need to pull it up to the front to access to the underneath from the rear. Anyway, my passenger seat is 1/2 manual, 1/2 power. Sliding back and forth functions are manual.
Thanks Tony.

[DW SD]

A console is often a backbone in other cars which adds to structural integrity. Make it a weld in kit with sheet steel and you'd proably add to the structural integrity of the chassis.

Beautiful job and creative!

I wonder if you could use a solenoid activitaed e-brake. These are used by hot rod builders. I beleive kits exist. Maybe have a look at Summit or jegs. They are push button activated.

Doug

[1topcat]

Doug,
Yes there are kits. One is called a Park-lok and is described like this,

The Hydraulic Lock That Uses Line Pressure To Hold Your Brakes Locked. Apply Foot Brake, Depress Park-Lok, Release Foot Brake, It'S Automatic. Fits Any Vehicle. Eliminates Ring And Pinion Pounding When Trailering And Can Act As A Hill Hold.

They use they on R/V's and some 4x4 applications. They are considered a little unreliable in that over a period of time, say 24 to 48 hours, and as the temperature changes, the volume and pressure of the brake fluid can change and thus may lose the brake hold. I am not sure how much is true vs. hype, but I considered it and just got busy with other challenges of the project. Maybe someone with experience here will chime in. They look like this and are just tied into brake lines.

[DW SD]

I'm actually refering to solenoid activated cable brake pulls. I believe they exist, could be wrong.

The hydraulic line locks which you show is something different and not what I had meant.

Doug

[1topcat]

Sorry, I see now, and I like that idea better than line locks, but have never seen that type of system or kit. Thanks for the clarification.

-Tony