Anyone ever made a centre console for their 1600?
If so, any pictures, or info on how you did it?


Cheers.

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Regards, Graeme
Just trying to help...
http://nissanman.shutterfly.com/
graemes@internode.on.net

Thanks Nissanman, but I'm thinking about actually making a new one rather than simply installing one from another model.
Probably not done often, but thought someone may have given it a crack. Seems kind of simple??

best to talk to a motor trimmer. You can make one out of mdf and cover it in vinyl to make it match the rest of the interior

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there are a few around. But in my opinion they look pretty tacky.
If i was to do it though....
I'd just make a template and cut it out of mdf, then seal it with sunmaster or Prep with mixed with a bit of water to seal out moisture later. Use little L brackets or aluminium angle cut to size to hold it in shape of the top to the sides. Then rivet it into place.

Cover the lot in foam. Then put a cover of fabric or vinyl or whatever over the top. Shouldn't be too hard. But i've seen a lot done and they look pretty tacky.

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Ongoing Project: 1972 Datsun 510 S13 SR20Det. http://ozdat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=17898
New Daily: D22 Navara (The new workhorse)
Retired 12/2016: MY98 Subaru Impreza RX
Previous Car: Restored Green 1972 Datsun 510, Hot L18

Yeah, that's the kind of thing I have in mind.
Thinking of using MDF for the walls and having the flat section made of carbon sheet.
I'd make it very simple and minimalistic. Perhaps a little rise on the dash end to fit an I-pod cradle or hide a decent stereo or boost controller (or any other non 1970s devices) in it.
If it looks good or tacky will probably come down to if I can match the textured finish of the standar plastic trim. Don't think I'd go vinyl, just paint it a flat black. Any one know how to achieve that textured finish on MDF / timber?

You can use a textured paint. Might want to put a skim-coat of bog on it so it's nice and smooth first, otherwise it'll look like painted wood

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build-threads.com

Hey Shaun did you have a look at my console at Hanging Rock? I've got the same as the one Nissanman posted in that link, would have given you a good idea of how they look in a 1600.

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build-threads.com

200B centre consoles go in with a little work.

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green200b - aka Alistair

The fleet:

Australia:
'80 200B GX - the green200b - hibernating
'81 RX-7 - 12A extend port - daily
'74 RX-2 - 13B bridgeport - cruiser

Europe:
'93 200SX - CA18DET - tourer

I'm a fan of the 200b unit. Very easy to fit. Can adapt a R31 handbrake cable to fit too.
Step 1. Make a new bracket out of alloy to fit it to the front of the unit onto the trans tunnel near the firewall.
Step 2. Cut the little plastic stubs that the bolts go through at the rear down so they sit flush with the plastic trim at the side (then it will sit flush on the 1600 trans tunnel).

Covers up the lower heater vents into the car though. That's the only down side of using them. Could make some vents into the side. Might look into that with my one now actually.

But, you don't want one ready made.

What are you going to do? have a centre consol and adapt it so that it flows all the way up the fire wall to the heater panel? or is it just a centre part you want to make?

If you're going all the way up, how are you going to incorporate the heater vents? Are you going to mould it to the dash and have it extend back into the firewall cavity next to each side of the heater?

I'm liking the idea.

_________________
Ongoing Project: 1972 Datsun 510 S13 SR20Det. http://ozdat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=17898
New Daily: D22 Navara (The new workhorse)
Retired 12/2016: MY98 Subaru Impreza RX
Previous Car: Restored Green 1972 Datsun 510, Hot L18

Use green urethane foam.
shape it by gluing pieces together.
You can shape it easily.
Rubbing with you fingers will shape fine spots.
Then off to the model shop.
you will need some fine model aircraft glass weave.
resin & some micro ballons.
more details later if you want them.

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A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
www.datsport.com

"R.I.P. Baz. 29 April 2022. Thank you for all your contributions to the Datsun community over the years. You will be missed." - OZDAT

I've see some pretty trick looking consoles with stainless billet rings around the shifter etc.

Texture finishes are a little tricky, I have done some testing on reproducing modded dashboard skins (still testing - no questions on these yet!!!), have been able to almost reproduce std dash texture with a version of VHT Stone Guard. It's a matter of getting it right the first time with the density and then slightly leveling the surface with a hard board and some 600grit paper.

I can also vouch for the polyurethane foam (Green board). Veasy to shape, comes in assortments of thicknesses from 10mm up to 100mm and is very light if you only plan on making a one of.

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WARNING - DANGER TO MANIFOLD

Sounds good lads. Will look into the polyurethane!
Thanks!

Hi Shaun!

This was in a Datsun 1600 at the Goulbourn Datnats a few years back owned by a guy named Simon from Yass, thought it may help you in picturing what you want. Cheers!

Rexy

here is the one we made. We used cardboard as template, made it out of wood, covered with foam then vinyl.

Still needs a liitle more tweaking, especially the fire extinguisher lid needs to be recovered with less chunky foam and perspex attached to the under leaving a window to expose the extinguisher.

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