Page 1 of 1

Early plus 2 centre cosole

PostPosted: Sat Jan 07, 2017 12:07 am
by davie489
My first post so sorry if been done before...

Having recently purchased my first plus 2 in fact my first classic car I'm learning that it's hard to source an early centre console and it looks like people have made mounds etc and I'm thinking of moulding my one to cast a fibreglass one from this or even making a tool from the mould so I could find a company to vac from me a plastic one .
Has anyone done this or can think of a better way of casting one?. I'm thinking gel coat on a fibreglass one could scratch quite easily

Thanks

Re: Early plus 2 centre cosole

PostPosted: Wed Jan 25, 2017 8:45 pm
by Sixteen80
I too need a centre console. I have 2 +2's so have a spare we could use as a pattern, I also have a fibre glass man who could do it for us. Keith

Re: Early plus 2 centre cosole

PostPosted: Sun Jan 29, 2017 11:39 pm
by davie489
Hi Keith

I'm planning on moulding mine using silicone rubber and fibreglass case within the next two weeks. I have no problem casting one from fibreglass myself with fixings for the magnet in arm rest and screws for rest too.
I was planning on getting it professionally wrapped in vinyl. Would this have been your idea too?
If it comes out well which im sure it will....I could make you one? I'm toying with the idea of casting black fibreglass but I think vinyl wrapped would be better.
Also you mention you have plus 2s which is a different centre console to mine I believe ?

Re: Early plus 2 centre cosole

PostPosted: Sun Feb 05, 2017 6:31 pm
by bill griffiths
I attempted a post last night but it seems to have been lost in the ether!
I think the original material was royalite. Clearly not the best choice but perhaps importand to
seek the same external finish.
Regards,
Bill

Re: Early plus 2 centre cosole

PostPosted: Mon May 01, 2017 11:38 am
by type50
Hi - I too have an early +2 with a fragmented console. How did you get on with your project ?
Thanks ! Slim Pickings

Re: Early plus 2 centre cosole

PostPosted: Mon May 01, 2017 7:28 pm
by rdssdi
I am also interested in a new console (one piece) for the early +2.

I am located in the U.S. and would gladly share expenses and of course pay for the packing and carriage.

I wonder if a fiberglass replica could be molded with a similar surface pattern of the original as well as using a black gel coat so it would not require covering or painting. The pattern does not have to be as the original but I feel it is important as it will hide surface imperfections.


Bob

Re: Early plus 2 centre cosole

PostPosted: Thu May 04, 2017 8:42 pm
by davie489
Hi chaps

Just an update on the console ... I haven't started to mold it yet but will be shortly after a few events in the summer and start of new work contract where I can get materials easier.
I'm still planning on casting in fibreglass with a black gel coat from a silicone mold and if not happy with result I will make a texture free fibreglass cast that could be wrapped in vinyl. I'm sure I will be happy with one of these but as third option will make a tool for vac-forming in plastic just like original but could be costly.
Will post pictures soon.

Re: Early plus 2 centre cosole

PostPosted: Tue May 09, 2017 1:24 pm
by ditechspain
Just a few suggestions. I was lucky and got a new 5 speed console in glass that was so thin it had holes in it. I added another layer of light glass cloth and then lined it with silent coat sound absorbing pads. The sound level difference touring is amazing. The later ones are covered in foam-backed leather cloth and rather than glue it all down I used velcro along the edges and folded the leather cloth round it. It's still in position two years later. I'm toying with doing the same to the footwell carpets now!

The other thing I did was to use a Mk2 Cortina leather gear lever gaiter which has considerably less resistance than the original Ford Rubber one and vastly improved the gear change.

Good luck in your project.

Re: Early plus 2 centre cosole

PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2017 7:46 pm
by Bigbaldybloke
I'll also be needing a centre console for an early Plus 2 - looks like a marketing opportunity. I'd be interested if you do make a mould and are willing to make additional ones.
Simon Babb

Re: Early plus 2 centre cosole

PostPosted: Mon May 22, 2017 1:28 pm
by Davefettback
There's a couple of suppliers on the internet. Try Kelsport

Re: Early plus 2 centre cosole

PostPosted: Tue May 30, 2017 6:11 pm
by Bigbaldybloke
Eureka, got the builders in and had to get access to a restricted part of the loft, and laying there was my centre console!

Re: Early plus 2 centre cosole

PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2017 7:15 pm
by gus
Honestly fiberglass consoles have been done before for Elans and I think they look horrible, shiny, incorrect surface, just not right.

I would probably wrap one in vinyl, in which case i would probably make one from wood and plywood. One could easily fab the top surface from ~3/4 inch pine and the sides, cubby bottom and shift area floor from thin plywood. Wrap with appropriate grain vinyl. It would still not be 'right' but it would look better than fiberglass and feel better and age better.