Topic: Center Console

[crisco]

I was just wondering if anyone out here has a solution to strengthen the center console.
I had bought a new one and it just arrived. My original one cracked a couple of weeks ago.
Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

[TomatoSoup]

As many different solutions as there are opinions!

Some suggest some fiberglass mat and resin applied directly to the underside to strengthen it.

Others suggest a variety of support methods underneath
 - Wooden pillar cut to height
 - Cut/stacked pieces of dense foam
 - etc.

Personally, I fall into the latter camp, but I used a can of expanding foam caulk/sealant (such as "Great Stuff").  I squirted a blob into a zip-lock bag (not a lot - it expands like crazy over time).  I then stuffed the bag under the console and clipped it back in place.  I suggest a heavy weight on top, or the expanding foam will pop the console off.  Keep coming back to it every 10-20 mins and check on it/push it back down, until it sets.  Then you can take it out and carve off the sides and edges and shape it to make sure it doesn't interfere with the brake handle etc.

If you do this, the stuff is NASTY - if it gets on your carpet or seats it's NOT coming off.  So cover/protect everything well (including the console) beforehand.  If you get any on your hands clean them off well before you touch anything in the car.

[Sly Bob]

And take precautions to make sure it doesn't happen in the future. When you enter and exit the car if you use the console to support your weight, make a conscious effort to put your weight on the emergency brake instead of the console.

Mark's idea is a good one. My console is still in good shape but I might give that a try to make sure it stays that way.

[Gentleman Jack]

Nasty is an understatement. Be very cautious with this stuff. Make sure not to puncture the bag putting the console on for fitting. 

[crisco]

Thanks, after reading this I was thinking to get the low density kind that doesn't expand as much. Using the plastic zip lock bags.
I know this stuff gets ALL over the place if you are not careful, Trouble is that I sometimes get Bear Paw with stuff. I will try and be careful!

Tomato, did you fill in the squares first or did you just mash it down without anything in the squares.
Thanks!

[TomatoSoup]

Tomato, did you fill in the squares first or did you just mash it down without anything in the squares.
Thanks!

I mashed it down in the bag - let the expansion fit the squares.  Mine is 'loose' inside (it doesn't move, but it can be taken out).

[Jim]

I got some of that stuff on my hands and the only thing that would take it off was sand paper. I ended up wearing it for over a month.