1952-59 Ford Center Console Project!

So, we upgraded one of our cars with Apple CarPlay and, for us, it’s amazing. Since I wasn’t really a fan of the stereo, or the cat food bowl cup holders (spoiler-they were too shallow to be worthwhile), in the Ford, I decided to upgrade.

Here’s a pic of what once was (I installed those speakers a while ago to get a bit more sound and bring the speaker total to 4).



Anyway, I decided it was time for a new, and hopefully better console. The new, double din CarPlay unit wasn’t going to fit the old console and I wanted better functionality for holding things, as well as better speaker placement.

Here are progress pix so far:




Hopefully, I’ll find fabric that better matches the upholstery. I also plan on installing a rear camera since the new unit has inputs for it. I’m really happy with the results. I completed the wiring today and tested the new unit. Almost done!

Anyway, wanted to share a project. Thanks for reading!

 

Pretty neat undertaking, I subscribed up and will be watching.

One day I would like to put a center console from a late 50's Thunderbird in the 55 Fairlane. I picked up this console at a swap meet a little more than a year ago. That heater control plate and levers are the same dimensions as the 55 even though this was late 50s Tbird. The plan I would have would be to install a period tachometer in that location, or keep the heater controls there, put a tach in the dash in the original heater control location - one of the two. Then get the mid 60s Tbird front seats and rear seat combination, completely redoing the interior. The only reason I did not pull the trigger to make all the mods to the sheet metal console was because I need to see how my transmission is going to work out. I may switch out transmissions in the next year or two and that would mean a different hole for the floor shifter most likely - where would that put the modification on this console? Who knows.

Question: how do you plan to secure the console in place?

 

That’s a really nice console! Quite an undertaking but I’m sure well worth the effort. I look forward to getting updates from you about it!

Fabricated metal stops are welded to the floor board, just inside both sides of the left and right panels. My plan is to find screws that match the interior (they hold the door panels and kick panels in place) and screw them through the panels and into the metal stops. I just need to find matching screws.

 

Nice job!

 

Thanks!

 

I like it, nice work.

 

Anxious to see it finished. I REALLY like your upholstery............color, quality, and design are all great. Love those straight seams and no wrinkles.

 

Thanks Texas! Let’s see if I can continue that trend with this project!

Going shopping today for material...

 

I should have asked...........who did the upholstery?

 

As much as I’d like to take credit, I honestly have no idea.

 

I think this is gonna work!

 

Almost there! Just need to get the console in place, attach it to the anchors, plug in the system and hope for the best.

 

That turned out amazing.Nice work.

 

I like it, great work.

 

As I started installing the console this morning, I realized something else needs attention. Once I’m done with the console, these are next (I should have an update later today).

I’ll use the remainder of the material from the console to upgrade the visors. They always seemed like an afterthought so hopefully, they’ll be a better match.

 

Well, I’m extremely pleased with the results. It fits better, looks better, and sounds better too. CarPlay is an awesome bonus!

 

Look's Great !!

 

Looks great but now where will you set your coffee?

 

Nice! Want to part with the old console?

 

This old guy? I had to strip it in order to get measurements. That’s old foam backing on the original wood box.

 

Well, the visors are finished. What a difference!! Just need to install them!

 

You are pretty good with the sewing machine, they look good.

 

yor doing a great job of your trim...looks great

 

Yes, those came out really nice Venom.

 

what model sew machine do you use?

Also - it looks like the p***enger side visor has a two-hole bracket that attaches to the ceiling making it so that the visor does not "swing" out like the driver's side. I have to say, I have never seen that before. Is that original to the car?

 

We’re using a Kenmore sewing machine.

You’re right about the p***enger visor. The pieces appear to be original. But, I’m not sure if they’re original to the car.

Maybe someone here can answer? I was always curious about it and just ***umed it was factory.

 

Visors installed! I’m happy with them and with actually completing some projects! Time to drive!

 

Looking good!