Add a Shelf To Your Center Console

[Gadgetjq]

This easy mod and many others can be found on my Gen2 Edge Mods page: https://www.gadgetjq.net/edge

A Renovation Project For Your Console 
Take That Deep Dark Hole To A Whole New Level

I know, you've been waiting for a project that will cost less than ten bucks and doesn't require any modification to your Edge's electronics.   Well, this is that project!  This project will add a simple shelf inside that cavern we call the center console.  The result, there's still plenty of space for large things you rarely use (the old GPS, charging cables etc) and you'll still have the original little top tray (photo top) for the little things you like to keep handy but now you'll have an actual shelf for a second pair of sun glasses and other items.   Oh, did I mention this could cost as little as a dollar or as much as $10?  It's a beautiful thing having choices. What You'll Need   1 - Old file folder for making patterns.  Construction paper would work too. 1 - Sheet of Readi-Board.  This is a quarter inch thick foam board with paper applied to both sides.  The cost?  One dollar at....The Dollar Store Pencil, scissors, sharp blade and possibly a scroll or band saw if you choose to use the optional MDF as a finish material Optional: A 2x2 sheet of 1/4" MDF (enough to do this project 3 times over), Paint  How To Do It 1. Empty your center console.  Toss all the assorted clutter that's found its way down there over time. 2. Cut your file folder in half lengthwise and start making your pattern along one wall of the console.  The other wall will match exactly so you only have to do this once.  You can make the height any dimension you want. I chose to put my new shelf right below the 12V powerpoint.  While making your paper pattern you're going to notice whoever designed the console had a twisted sense of humor.  The walls aren't straight, the ends are sloped and then there's the emergency tray where you put your fob in the event the fob battery dies (or you can't remember your factory security code for the keypad).  As you can see in the pattern photo (right) I started with a full piece at the rear with a cutout for the built in light.  In the end I dumped that because of the slope and curvature of the wall.  The front is open so you still have easy access to the fob tray in the event you have an issue with the fob battery. 3. With your paper pattern made for the sides and lid (you might end up making several which is what the other side of the folder is good for) and tested for a rudimentary fit, transfer the patterns to your Readi-board.  For this a very sharp knife or other blade (not scissors) will be handy.  Do another test fit with your pencil and knife handy to make changes.  If something needs to be expanded a little, use a piece of file folder taped to the foam pattern.  4. Fit the lid with cutouts as necessary to get around the charging port and other (mysterious) intrusions.  You'll want to drill a hole in the lid for easy removal or install a knob of some sort.  Totally up to you. 5. At this point it would be a good idea to start stashing your stuff.  Does everything fit the way you thought it might or...would it be handy to have yet another shelf?  That's the beauty of this project.  You can do anything you want and to this point it's all just paper and easy to modify foam! 6.  You can now choose to rest on your laurels  You've got a perfectly serviceable shelf made from foam board.  Put a small dot of silicone glue on each of your new sides and stick them to the inside of the console (a tiny piece of Velcro would work too) OR  go one step further so you can be proud of your work. 7.  A small 2x2 pre-cut piece of MDF at The Home Depot will cost you about $4. With that in hand, transfer your foam patterns to the MDF.  If possible use a straight edge to keep everything in line (the foam edges are probably a little wavy).  Cut out your parts using a scroll saw, band saw or whatever you have. 8.  With your parts cut test fit them.  Sand or file as necessary to make everything fit correctly. 9.  Now it's time to make things pretty.  Paint your MDF in the color of your choice.  When the paint is dry you might want to glue a layer of felt on top of the new 'shelf' not only to make it look nicer but to prevent rattles. 10. You're Done!  Less than $10 and an hour or two of quality time inside your Edge has produced an entirely new center console experience you should be proud to show other Edge owners.

But wait, there could be more!  Now that you've got both sides and a lid how about adding a little divider?  Again, make it any height and location that works with the items you tend to keep down there.  Paper Then Foam Pattern Then MDF Place Divider Where It Works For You Add Your Stuff & Replace The Lid

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Edited May 15, 2020 by Gadgetjq
Added info to bottom

[txaggie]

This is cool, nice job!!

[vtchopperdude]

Cooool!

[WWWPerfA_ZN0W]

Excellent!  Keep em coming

[soUNTOUCHABLE]

Nice one Gadget!

[sandore]

That's a good idea to keep small stuff organized.