I have to say that I was never really happy with the design and layout of the center part of the dash on our Regency. So since I was redoing the dash heating/defroster system,, I got a case of the "might as wells". I decided to remove the small angled portion of the dash and build a console to house the gauges and switches. The new console will include two drawers and a small table top to hold the Laptop when on the road. I also plan to add two additional 12V cigarette lighter type outlets (one powered by the house batteries and one powered by the coach batteries and key operated) and a 120V duplex outlet that is powered by an inverter for use on the road to the instrument panel.

Project just under way, so wish me luck and I will try to post progress and final pictures of the project'


Looks like someone took a "Saws-all" to the dash



I hope I labeled all those wires correctly. That's a lot of wires.



Skeleton of the center console. Sides are covered with a white vinyl like the dash



The Aluminum panel for the gauge/switch cluster was cut from an old beat-up traffic sign.



Face frame for the front of the console and the two drawers have been built. You might want to notice those dovetail joints on all four corners of the drawers.



Hopefully this won't take all spring to complete. Will keep you posted.

Nick

I,ll take one in silver. By the way the Georgia State Dept of Transportation is looking for one of thier signs.

I couldn't help but notice the dovetails. Craftsmanship worthy of a Barth. Well done, can't wait to see the finished product.

Dovetail jig for the router, high-quality dovetail bit, and lots of practice (and patience) make it doable. Nick's got the "skillz".

It's a shame to cover up such nice joinery.

I am a recovering dovetail a holic. Too much wasted lumber forced me to just use a Whiteside drawer lock bit. I haven't done any strength tests, but I believe that with modern glues, a good lock joint is as strong as a dovetail.

My friend, the cabinetmaker, says he does dovetails because people love them and pay well for them.

As a kid, I was intrigued by the finger joints on dynamite boxes.

very Interesting. I have been looking at ours and contemplating what to do with that part of the dash. I too would like to change it and make it a little more useable. I look forward to see what you end up with!

I was thinking about modifying my Dash as well just this week... I will be removing the Dash A/C (should end up in the Swap Meet Section soon) and replacing it with a 21" LCD screen that will be used for Movies, Backup Camera and more. Thinking of doing a similar thing, running a 300w inverter off the coach battery to power it. This will be a standard Computer monitor. But will take inputs from my new DVD stereo that will replace the stock 8-track. (Again, might be up in the swap meet soon)

quote:

Originally posted by bill h:

As a kid, I was intrigued by the finger joints on dynamite boxes.

Yeap, I play with those also. Really fun when you use two different types of wood that really contrast with each other.





Got a little more done today. Made the drawer fronts, sprayed the drawers & face frame, and fitted them to the console.



Nick

You missed your calling Nick. It's a shame to think you wasted your talents being a bean counter when you do such nice "real" work!!

I agree that the dovetails and finger joints are really classy, but what I want to know is what did you use to turn that old street sign into that instrument panel?

quote:

Originally posted by Jack:
I agree that the dovetails and finger joints are really classy, but what I want to know is what did you use to turn that old street sign into that instrument panel?

Hole saws, router, jig saw, files, band saw, drill bits, countersinks. That's about all I can think of right now.

Nick

Installed the console today and am pretty happy with the way it turned out.



Drawers should collect more of that completely unnecessary stuff we all carry with us.



A close up of the instrument panel. Lower right portion is the two 12v and Inverter 120V outlets.



I also made a new panel for the top of the dash. Both the new panel and the table top have an oak frame around them that sticks up 3/4" to keep things from rolling off.



Like I said "pretty happy with it".

Nick

Beautiful Nick. Don't get your foot caught in that red hose thing!

Nice work! The fiddle boards are a good idea.

OK Rusty, I'll bite. What are fiddle boards?