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Datsun 510/1600 Centre Console
http://ozdat.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?t=28632		 Page 1 of 6
Author:  VQ-510 [ Sat Apr 28, 2012 9:30 am ]
Post subject:  Datsun 510/1600 Centre Console
Hi to all,

I've been working on an idea/design for a new centre console for the 1600, and have finally got a working prototype ready to post up for comment.

I have been posting on my blog in further detail, but below is a picture of the prototype in place. note the prototype is a machined ABS, so please ignore the colour, this is the fitment trial.

[ img ]

[ img ]

http://www.gilsondesign.com.au/blog/

The part will be a textured finish black ABS (as close to original as possible) and will fit the stereo in place properly, and house 3x 2" gauges of your choice (keen eyes will note the boost gauge for testing!!). note the holes will be pre-cut.

I have to make a couple more design changes, and the part will be off to get the tool made, and then she's ready for sale. mainly I'm concerned with the viewing angle to the gauges.

Appreciate any comments or further ideas.

Cheers
Duncan
Author:  RJB510 [ Sat Apr 28, 2012 9:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Datsun 510/1600 Centre Console
I've seen pretty much what you've done there in a left handed version with the gauges pointing towards the driver. Perhaps you could do something similar?

Perhaps it would be handy to add an extra din section underneath the gauges too. Making it slightly longer but leaves room for a tray or different stereo location or something of the like?
Author:  macdatty [ Sat Apr 28, 2012 10:09 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Datsun 510/1600 Centre Console
That looks great. I too have seen them with the gauges pointing toward the driver, but I'm not into the look of it. It would be more user friendly, but doesn't suit the rest of the dash.
Have you tried tilting the gauges up? That might keep an original look, but make them slightly easier to read??
I like it as it is best, so long as you can read the gauges OK.
Or perhaps a rectangular panel for the gauges (rather than 3 x individual pods). With the slightest radius on the corners. That may make it look a little more factory, like the other sections above. If that doesn't make sense, let me know and I'll sketch it up.
Do you know how much they're likely to cost?
Author:  VQ-510 [ Sat Apr 28, 2012 8:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Datsun 510/1600 Centre Console
Thanks Macdatty & RJB510 for the comments,

I have also seen them pointing toward the driver, but agreed that it doesn't 'suit' the look. I wanted to keep the part as universal as possible so it would suit both left and right hand drive cars. I was thinking of tilting the gauges up further, this could help the viewing angle. i'll rig something up and test it out again.

I do like the idea of the universal rectangular panel, and have a left hand and right hand version 'plug' option for gauges or fit your own as a plate. will have a look into this as well - could be an interesting option.

Price wise I'm looking to sell them for around $85 each excl. postage.

RBJ510, i'm not sure what you mean by a din section under the gauges. can you elaborate?

EDIT - Apologies i'm a goose, DIN is in relation to the stereo sizing
Author:  butch510 [ Sun Apr 29, 2012 7:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Datsun 510/1600 Centre Console
Looks good mate. Are you gonna do them for 2 5/8 gauges? :thumbsup: Let me know cos i would be interested. I would also be interested in pods for the a pillar.

Cheers,

Richard.
Author:  rx510 [ Sun Apr 29, 2012 8:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Datsun 510/1600 Centre Console
Excellent work. If you have access to the machines to make these, Have you thought about replicating SSS dashes to fit the gauges in? Last one on EGAY sold for a ridiculous amount. Definitely would be demand for them.
Author:  VQ-510 [ Mon Apr 30, 2012 8:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Datsun 510/1600 Centre Console
Hi butch510,

I've noted that I need to accommodate the Autometer 2 1/16" gauges, will see if I can fit the 2 5/8". might be getting a little large though.

I'll report back on how they fit.

Also will add the 'a' pillar pod to the list, that'd be a good one to do as well.
Author:  VQ-510 [ Mon Apr 30, 2012 8:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Datsun 510/1600 Centre Console
rx510 wrote:
Excellent work. If you have access to the machines to make these, Have you thought about replicating SSS dashes to fit the gauges in? Last one on EGAY sold for a ridiculous amount. Definitely would be demand for them.
Hi RX510, the thought has crossed my mind!! will definitely take this on as the next project. first thing would be to get hold of one to scan/measure up. the gauges would have to be after market.

The manufacturing method I'm using (thermoforming) doesn't lend itself well to undercuts in tooling where injection moulding can as is the original part. but there lies the challenge! once i get the centre panel on-line, i'll start on that.
Author:  travm182 [ Mon Apr 30, 2012 8:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Datsun 510/1600 Centre Console
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Datsun-510-S ... 19cf1cf6f7
already been done, wonder if you could do it cheaper?
Author:  richardc [ Mon Apr 30, 2012 9:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Datsun 510/1600 Centre Console
Nice Work VQ510. I appreciate you are working to keep an original look to your product. I refuse to cut up original trim and body to bolt in a better sound sound system.

My suggestion is to extend your dash insert product lower to a transmission tunnel mounted bracket, with sides curved forward under the existing dash. The extended sides forward under the dash create flat panel spaces to locate decent speakers facing onto each footwell, for the sound system above, plus more facia for additional lights/switches/touchscreens?, and "hidden" space behind for any other non standard electrical accessories such as computer, security etc. Speakers located here can give good sound, and the location on the inside of each footwell is better than chopping up rare original door trims for speaker mounting and panels to allow cabling ducts. And door mounted speakers usually die, from slamming doors and water.

This extension of the facia to the tunnel could also make the further addition of a tunnel mounted storage console/drink holder, extending back over the gear shift a companion "product".

Congratulations on the initiative and your preparedness to seek other ideas to incorporate in your final design, whatever you finally decide on.
Author:  SR20Datsun [ Mon Apr 30, 2012 9:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Datsun 510/1600 Centre Console
Duncan,

Personally I love it, and reckon it's a great idea. Keep it simple (as per the original) and I reckon you're onto a winner.
You could do a variant which holds an ipod in it (and connects straight into the head unit) for those who aren't interested in oil/water temp and oil pressure/boost etc.
Author:  VQ-510 [ Mon Apr 30, 2012 9:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Datsun 510/1600 Centre Console
travm182 wrote:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Datsun-510-S ... 19cf1cf6f7
already been done, wonder if you could do it cheaper?
thanks travm182 for the link, could probably do it cheaper but will have to design it, and cost it accordingly.
Author:  VQ-510 [ Mon Apr 30, 2012 10:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Datsun 510/1600 Centre Console
Hi RichardC and SR20Datsun,

Thanks for the kind words, and to everyone else on the forum. really great to have everyone's input/support.

Sounds like there are a few spin-off project ideas that could be quite easily designed and manufactured in future. I'm doing this work as a side project to my full time work but will be making every effort to get this design to the next level over the weekend. will keep checking the forums and collecting the ideas to move forward.
Author:  Baz [ Tue May 01, 2012 10:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Datsun 510/1600 Centre Console
VQ-510 wrote:
travm182 wrote:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Datsun-510-S ... 19cf1cf6f7
already been done, wonder if you could do it cheaper?
thanks travm182 for the link, could probably do it cheaper but will have to design it, and cost it accordingly.
Why the question, can you do it cheaper?

I would ask " Can you do it better"
Author:  VQ-510 [ Tue May 01, 2012 9:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Datsun 510/1600 Centre Console
Baz wrote:
VQ-510 wrote:
travm182 wrote:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Datsun-510-S ... 19cf1cf6f7
already been done, wonder if you could do it cheaper?
thanks travm182 for the link, could probably do it cheaper but will have to design it, and cost it accordingly.
Why the question, can you do it cheaper?

I would ask " Can you do it better"
G'day Baz, Always up for doing it better!! That the plan for the design i'm working on. as quoted: "The design was to improve the layout, accommodate today’s stereo systems, and mount 3 of 2″/50mm gauges to your liking."
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