Making a pattern to plan a custom wood console (seeking advice or diagrams)

[chemicalcain]

I am dreaming up a custom wood center console for my 97 Ranger. It will replace the radio bezel and existing cupholders. The edges of the wood will need to sit right up against the dashboard plastic. This would be my first project cutting wood pieces that need to drop into place, though, and I'm not sure how to go about making a pattern. It's easy to trace the outside of something if I need to cover it with wood - it's a lot harder to trace the inside! Do you have any tips for measuring that will help me avoid wasting material?

Or, if anyone knows where to find detailed diagrams or STL renderings of the interior cab, that would help me a lot.

 

[Lefty]

Well, you probably have the right idea. Maybe look for a plastic console in a junkyard. Use it to copy the relevant contours. If that doesn't work, then trial and error is the only way, start with corrugated cardboard. Use a cheaper wood to make a mock up. I put a wood floor in my pickup bed for an old school look. You might want to consider that too. Keep us posted.

 

[chemicalcain]

Well, you probably have the right idea. Maybe look for a plastic console in a junkyard. Use it to copy the relevant contours. If that doesn't work, then trial and error is the only way, start with corrugated cardboard. Use a cheaper wood to make a mock up. I put a wood floor in my pickup bed for an old school look. You might want to consider that too. Keep us posted.

Thanks - I was trying to think of scrap material I can use to test out the fit and coming up blank. Cardboard might be my best bet. I think I can use small pieces to find the edge contours, then attach them together for a full pattern of the side.

As for the pickup bed: maybe someday! I have a plastic liner right now and I don't love it. I bet the wood looks really sweet. Sounds like it would take frequent upkeep, unless you like a weathered look.

 

[4x4prepper]

File folders can make good templates to transfer to MDF. Then use the MDF cutout as a template for your plywood or wood, screwed on the back, do the edges with a router round over bit. You can buy or build templates for perfect squares and round holes. Many hole saws produced ragged holes or oversized holes for the stated size, so, you might have to go a step smaller when doing two inch gauge holes, as an example. You can use rivet nuts as a base for the attachment bolts. I just bought some nice black bolts with round heads and internal hex drive for my dashboard, door panels, and console stuff. I bought them from Zoro Tools on E-Bay.

Fabory U51030.019.0100 #10-24 Button Socket Head Cap Screw, 1 In L, 100 Pk

Zoro Select U51030.019.0100 #10-24 Button Socket Head Cap Screw, 1 In L, 100 Pk | eBay

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Fabory U69135.019.0225 #10-24, 0.130" To 0.225", Zinc Steel Knurled Flanged

Zoro Select U69135.019.0225 Knurled Flanged Rivet Nut, #10-24 Dia./Thread Size, | eBay

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You might want to consider colored polycarbonate, it works well and is quite strong and the 1/4" thickness is much stronger then wood.