Customizing and building a console for your car is a fun way to personalize your ride. You can create your own center console out of masonite, which is a smooth and flexible hardboard often used on the surface of skateboard ramps. The completed console should sit flat on the floor of your car without large gaps between the bottom of the console and the floor.

Create Models for the Side Panels

Remove any screws or bolts that may hold the center console in place, and use a flat-head screwdriver to pry off the existing console. Use sturdy cardboard to create a model for the new center console. Set the cardboard perpendicular to the floor against the console area on the driver's side, and use a pencil to trace the shape of the floor near the bottom of the piece of cardboard. Use a utility knife to cut this shape out of the bottom of the piece of cardboard. Trace and cut as many times as necessary to make the cardboard fit flush against the floor of your car. Repeat this process on the passenger side of the center console area.

Create a Model for the Top Panel

Use another piece of cardboard to trace the shape of the top of the center console. Use a pencil to draw openings on the piece of cardboard to accommodate any features of the console such as the emergency brake, the gear shifter, ash trays, cup holders or coin trays. Cut out the piece of cardboard in the shape of your car's console. Cut out the openings for the features of the car console.

Cut the Panels out of Masonite

Set the cardboard cutouts of your center console onto a piece of masonite. Use a pencil to trace the shape of each cardboard cutout onto the masonite. Trace the openings for the features of the car console onto the piece of masonite that will be the top part of your car console. Use a utility knife to cut out each piece of masonite. Cut out the spaces that accommodate the features of the car console in the piece of masonite that will be the top of the console.

Shape and Attach the Panels

Use a razor blade to cut thin horizontal lines into the masonite so it is easier to bend over the curves of the console as you set it in place. Make cuts that are shallow enough to allow for easier bending of the masonite instead of deep cuts, which will cause the masonite to crack and break. Use filament tape at the front and back ends of the side panels as well as near the areas where the masonite curves against the console to keep the two panels lashed together. Place the top section of the center console on top of the side panels, and use filament tape along its edges where it touches the side panels. The console is sturdy enough that you do not need to attach it to the floor of your car. Leave it in place as a cover that you can remove if necessary.

Source:

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Department of the Interior