New centre arm rests

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billymansell
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New centre arm rests

Post by billymansell » Sat Jun 28, 2014 8:31 pm

Two things I've always wanted to install in the front of my Freda were a flat surface (as a table for eating or using the computer and somewhere for the cat to sit) and some decent arm rests as I don't find the console on the newer vans of much use with its hard surfaces of curved plastic.

I'd considered building a whole new centre console out of wood or GRP or just butchering the existing one but then the other day I had one of my moments of absolute genius and realised I could cantilever a shelf off the hole in the console lid. As it wouldn't be fixed it could be easily removed and would cause no damage to the console.

I haven't done upholstery work in over 25 years but here's the result;

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All from an old bit of ply, a scrap of 1" foam , an old pillow case for lining and a fabric offcut left over from when I had the rear cushions upholstered so total cost was £0. I had the door stops (as seen in the last picture) laying around so added them for extra stability but it's quite solid without them.

I could probably add some backing to neaten the underside but as you generally don't see it I'm not too bothered.
The all black 2.5 V6 - "looks more like a pimpmobile than a playbus"
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Simon Jones
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Re: New centre arm rests

Post by Simon Jones » Sat Jun 28, 2014 11:38 pm

Very nifty. Any photos with the cat in residence? :).
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billymansell
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Re: New centre arm rests

Post by billymansell » Sun Jun 29, 2014 9:35 am

Simon Jones wrote:Very nifty. Any photos with the cat in residence? :).
Here you go.

!st attempt. She's got the right idea just the wrong way round
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That's better
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And ready for her first excursion on her new seat
Image
The all black 2.5 V6 - "looks more like a pimpmobile than a playbus"
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Simon Jones
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Re: New centre arm rests

Post by Simon Jones » Sun Jun 29, 2014 9:45 am

Brilliant :)
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mikeonb4c
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Re: New centre arm rests

Post by mikeonb4c » Sun Jun 29, 2014 11:55 am

Brilliant and it looks great. My kind of DIY ing. Make sure the cat doesn't leave any unsightly marks on that immaculate upholstery :lol:
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helen&tony
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Re: New centre arm rests

Post by helen&tony » Sun Jun 29, 2014 1:40 pm

Hi
As I've said before...great looking cat!...and don't take any notice Pussums....you get your muddy paws where you want to put them 8) 8) 8) 8)
Cheers
Helen
In the beginning there was nothing , then God said "Let there be Light".....There was still nothing , but ,by crikey, you could see it better.
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mikeonb4c
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Re: New centre arm rests

Post by mikeonb4c » Sun Jun 29, 2014 3:33 pm

helen&tony wrote:Hi
As I've said before...great looking cat!...and don't take any notice Pussums....you get your muddy paws where you want to put them 8) 8) 8) 8)
Cheers
Helen
It wasn't her paws I was thinking of :lol:
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mellon man
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Re: New centre arm rests

Post by mellon man » Sun Jun 29, 2014 8:34 pm

Great invention =D> - Another first :idea: - Dragons Den awaits :wink:
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billymansell
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Re: New centre arm rests

Post by billymansell » Sun Jun 29, 2014 9:23 pm

mikeonb4c wrote:
helen&tony wrote:Hi
As I've said before...great looking cat!...and don't take any notice Pussums....you get your muddy paws where you want to put them 8) 8) 8) 8)
Cheers
Helen
It wasn't her paws I was thinking of :lol:
:lol: Fortunately everything sticks to her fur and she gets the job of cleaning it off.
The all black 2.5 V6 - "looks more like a pimpmobile than a playbus"
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