Center Console With Engine Access Window


Howard

Howard

GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Apr 26, 2007
1,161
Florida/North Jersey
I recently completed the Mac relocation project, with materials and assistance provided by our much appreciated Shadowman. As with everyone else doing this project, I was faced with the prospect of buying a $1400 non-Mac console or cutting up the Mac console to remove the speaker enclosure. I decided to try to contruct my own, simplified console. As part of the project I replaced the metal engine access panel behind the console with a Lexan window (idea by Analog Designer). I then constructed the new console with a large opening to reveal the window. So far, additional noise and heat are undetectable. Here (I hope) are some photos.

Howard
 

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That is GREAT!!! Love the idea of the window. Looks really nice.

Larry
 
thats sick!
 
That is cool!
 
Wow. Did you get a gasket from Analog?
 
Very creative. You are gonna have people copy this down the road. I already want too! :)
 
Now THAT'S just plain darn sneeky!!! :thumbsup :banana

'Only "issue"(?)/challenge I can see with having that window is CLEANING the engine side of it when/if needed. (Depending on the fasteners.)
 
What EP means is how he would have to STERILIZE it so that it matches his garage...
But really, that is very very cool. How tough is it to construct the frame/gasket/lexan? And I thought there were no more Shadowman subwoof enclosures? I really want to get rid of my stock subwoofer (albeit reversibly) so I can see that really nice spinning thingie on the other side of the rear glass...
 
Empty Pockets said:
Now THAT'S just plain darn sneeky!!! :thumbsup :banana

'Only "issue"(?)/challenge I can see with having that window is CLEANING the engine side of it when/if needed. (Depending on the fasteners.)
Click to expand...

No problems with a dirty window if the car is never driven! :lol
 
t32b said:
What EP means is how he would have to STERILIZE it so that it matches his garage...
QUOTE]


...Well...as a matter of fact...uh...to put it more accurately...uh.....................'ZACTLY. :bored :biggrin
Click to expand...
 
BlackICE said:
No problems with a dirty window if the car is never driven! :lol
Click to expand...


Actually, that's what I though 32 was gunna say! :slap
 
Sadly, when I try to imagine your perspective, all I have to do is listen to my little OCD inside voice :)

Empty Pockets said:
t32b said:
What EP means is how he would have to STERILIZE it so that it matches his garage...
QUOTE]


...Well...as a matter of fact...uh...to put it more accurately...uh.....................'ZACTLY. :bored :biggrin
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
t32b said:
Sadly, when I try to imagine your perspective, all I have to do is listen to my little OCD inside voice :)



Dang! And here all this time I thought that voice only talked to ME an yew all were just jell-us!
Click to expand...
 
You did a wonderful job

Thank you for letting me be a part of your project

Takes care

Shadowman
 
fjpikul: I used an Analog Design gasket procured from Shadowman for the Lexan window, but honestly, you could cut your own from gasket material. The surface is flat and uncomplicated.

EP: Cleaning the engine side of the window may be a challenge. I haven't tried it yet. But removing the four screws that secure the console and six that secure the window would take about five minutes.

t32b: The Lexan window was sourced from a plastics supplier. I specified an "AR" coating (abrasion resistant). Very simple and inexpesive. I just handed them the metal access plate as a template.

If I had to do it all again I would leave off the two sides of the new console. They are an unnecessary complication (and expense to upholster) and are totally invisible behind the seats. The visible face of the console is flat and modest in size. In fact, calling it a console is a bit over the top. It's just a flat, upholstered bulkhead cover.

Howard
 
Howard, that's beautiful work. Nice job !






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Howard said:
I recently completed the Mac relocation project, with materials and assistance provided by our much appreciated Shadowman. As with everyone else doing this project, I was faced with the prospect of buying a $1400 non-Mac console or cutting up the Mac console to remove the speaker enclosure. I decided to try to contruct my own, simplified console. As part of the project I replaced the metal engine access panel behind the console with a Lexan window (idea by Analog Designer). I then constructed the new console with a large opening to reveal the window. So far, additional noise and heat are undetectable. Here (I hope) are some photos.

Howard
Click to expand...

GREAT! Reminds me of my '72 Pantera engine view ... after removing the bulkhead trim and the center engine access panel. I'm sure those who own or have owned Panteras have been there, done that.

Congrats Howard, usmcfred
 
Thanks. If I did it again it would be even easier. The "bulkhead cover" could be cut from a wood panel and then upholstered. The whole job, including buying the machined Lexan window could be done for $300 or less.

Howard
 
That looks terrific Howard -- can't wait to see it up close. PD
 
Beautiful! And very original.
 
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