New centre arm rests
Posted: 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;
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.
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;
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.
.
- Another first 
- Dragons Den awaits 