Center console/armrest

[GM]

At long last I finally finished my center console/armrest. It fits snugly into the existing center tray and can easily be removed.
The design was based on using an armrest that was originally for a W108,W109,W111 250, 280SE/SEL, 300SE/SEL (1971-1973) with manual transmission, which has a shorter center console (14” long x 5.5” wide) than the automatic.

[GM]

More pics

[Leester]

Beautiful work!

Lee

[Rahul]

very smart!

[mrfatboy]

I’m impressed. Nice job👍

[hansr433]

Great job and so practical.  Well done.

[kampala]

How did you do the upholstery?  Looks really nice and well integrated. 

[GM]

Thanks, all.

Oz, for the MB-Tex cover I took a long time to figure out how to do it. I didn't want a lot of seams, and it was complicated by the angles and curved corners. So to figure out how to do it in one piece, I mentally figured out the procedure to sequentially do it. I made a paper template that translated into the attached photo.
If you're interested in the whole process, PM me.

[mrfatboy]

I would be interested how you did it👍   You have my email.  Again, impressive 💪

[BartSt]

Hey,

Very nice.

I would be interested as well.

Be safe,

Bart

[zak]

Well done, Gary. beautifully made and very practical. I find myself leaning comfortably on the pull down armrest in my 107.
I am surprised some aftermarket maker doesn't offer something like this.
But you would lose points in a concours , haha .

jz

[GM]

Thanks, jz.
I'm too cheap to buy this - https://en.bracqheritage.com/product-page/accoudoir-amovible-en-cuir-une-r%C3%A9alisation-des-ateliers-paul-bracq

[Merc_Girl]

Thanks, jz.
I'm too cheap to buy this - https://en.bracqheritage.com/product-page/accoudoir-amovible-en-cuir-une-r%C3%A9alisation-des-ateliers-paul-bracq

That’s the one I sent you when we were talking about consoles 🤣🤣

Beauty of Gary’s design is the ‘insert’ can be taken out so he can win the concourse, but then pop it back in on his way home 🧐

Quick question Gary, is there another insert that the MB Tex slides under on the top view?

[GM]

...so he can win the concourse...

Ah, yeah, that won't be happening!
Katie - not sure what you mean "is there another insert that the MB Tex slides under on the top view?"
In the first two pictures, you see there is a step in the sides of the box - the lower part slides exactly into the tray opening, while the upper part rests on and flush with the outside of the tray - as it should! 

[mdsalemi]

Beautiful! I’m so used to a center console for an arm rest, when I’m in any car without one (or worse, one so low as to be a console only with no ability to rest your arm) I feel a bit lost. I’d imagine it’s like someone moving from a standard shift to automatic and not knowing what to do with the left foot!!!

[zak]

I like yours better than Bracg's , GM.

[SEB]

It looks really nice. And I see, that is not only my impression. I feel also lost in a car without an armrest.
So may be we could start a small production? It could be easier for all to get such half-product- what we could go to the upholsterer in order to match to colors?

[Brennie]

I know two people who would be very interested.. including myself.. adding ones own leather/M Tex would be the clincher… been looking for just this for a while.. so, if any progression is made.. I’d love to hear…
Well done.. it looks superb..

[SEB]

I think, that many people including me here could be interested in such blank frame- to process it further. It is up to Gary if he will give the licence rights? What means the drawings or dimensions.

[GM]

Thank you all for the kind words.
If you would like the supplies and procedure, just PM me. I have the dimensions of the raw wood form, but haven't made drawings yet.
I will make the drawings if anybody wants them.
Note that I designed this around the (short) Mercedes-Benz armrest, from 108, 109, 111 (14” x ~5.5” bottom), which are not growing on trees.  The odds of finding the armrest with the color of your interior is probably close to zero. I chose this armrest because of the size, shape and the fact that it has matching MB-Tex "grain" to my interior. I used SEM marine vinyl upholstery paint to match color.
Of course with the base unit, one could have an upholsterer make a custom armrest to your requirements.

[SEB]

It looks really nice, so I will contact you by PM to learn more details.

[mrfatboy]

Gary,

If you email me a a crude sketch with the dimensions I will do the “heavy lifting” and make a 3D cad drawing of the box. 👍

From there I can show you how (or I can do it) to make pictures of box with dimensions. It will look professional 😜 I can even provide you with the STL that you can 3D print it👍

[GM]

For those interested, here is the parts list and assembly instructions.
PM me if you need clarification.

[mrfatboy]

Here is the 3D file to go with Gary's documents. This should aid anyone who would like to build one for themselves.  There are minor differences on that way it was constructed but the measurements are the same.

There are two files attached.

Center Console 2.skp  -  Use for playing around and adjusting the dimensions and geometry.
Center Console 2.stl    - This is the file that is created from the skp and used for actual 3D printing.

Download the Google Sketchup file attached (skp) to you computer. Then load up Sketchup Web on your computer by going to:

https://www.sketchup.com/products/sketchup-for-web

Use the "orbit" tool (marked by red arrow in picture) to rotate the console around in 3D.  You will have fun just playing around with that

Technically, the stl file could be be 3D printed as is.  However, it has not been tested.  Try at your own risk and cost.  I have heard the pagoda console boxes can be slightly different sizes so you might have to make easy minor sizing adjustments to the file.  I can help with that if necessary.  Since the file was designed from Gary's wood box (Home Depot/Lowes hobby parts) both he and I agree that it could be optimized for 3D printing. Smaller thickness in some areas will reduce printing material.

This is the console box only.  It was designed for a specific 108 armrest cushion.  You can easily create your own cushion/lid.  It was designed to fit Gary's box with the defroster switch in it.  Again, adjust the length measurements accordingly if doing a wood box without defroster or adjust the 3d file.

Have fun.

[dirkbalter]

For those interested, here is the parts list and assembly instructions.
PM me if you need clarification.

Nice work
Thank you for sharing

[GM]

Fantastic work, Michael - thank you!

[mrfatboy]

Peter has made the changes to the forum & tech manual.  We now can upload Google Sketchup files.

I have modified my above post to include both the STL file (3D printing file) as well as the source Google Sketchup file (SKP).  Use the Google Sketchup file to play around and modify any dimensions or design.  Using Google Sketchup will allow you to rotate the 3D object and see all the dimensions easily.  When done with any changes you made export the file to an STL format and you should be good to go to 3D print.  There tons of Google Sketchup tutorials on Youtube.  It's easier than you might think

Have fun.

[SEB]

After I spoke today with some 3D printshops I have following remarks regarding the 3D printing.
First:
It looks, that it will be a hardware problem. Not all 3D printers can print such large part at once. Probably It has to be divided into smaller parts, and and assembled like Lego blocks?

The second:
Due to the fact, that it has a big volume it looks, that  wood will be the cheaper solution.

[mrfatboy]

I figured as much. 😜 I think Gary only spent $20 on wood.

I made the 3D drawings mainly to help Gary with his “How to” manual. Also it was a fun challenge 👍

For those that want to make one in wood definitely view the 3D model in google Sketch up. It has all the measurements and you can easily see how it is constructed.

[Merc_Girl]

It never ceases to amaze me the skills (and experience) of folks on this website. 😁

If only I could be so clever 😔