On many cars, the front panel has a console in the middle part, which rests on the floor and serves to accommodate a wide variety of equipment. The so-called beard of the VAZ 2107 model is a fairly functional interior detail. The central console is an excellent stylistic solution for the developers of the VAZ 2107 car interior, and it is also very functional. Tuning enthusiasts often make this unit with their own hands and give it original look. Added to the design additional elements, which increase the usefulness of this device and give it uniqueness. They often put on the beard:
- Watch.
- Radio or other multimedia device.
- Dimmer switch for instrument panel lighting.
- Switch block for electric fan, exterior lighting and fog lights.
- At the bottom of the gear lever there is a convenient pocket for small items.
Materials and interior preparation
Making this unit yourself is usually done from a plywood sheet with a thickness of at least 6 mm. For exterior finishing A wide variety of materials can be used, mainly leatherette, matched to match the upholstery of other interior parts. Advanced tuning enthusiasts go further; they cover the front panel, the inner surface of the doors, and some other parts with this material.
To make the center console for a VAZ 2107 car from the materials listed above, you use the following tools yourself:
- electric jigsaw;
- battery drill or screwdriver;
- angle grinder;
- tape measure, plumbing corner, pencil;
- assembly gun for glue;
- furniture stapler.
The beard, made by yourself, is installed in place of the standard unit. It must be carefully dismantled in order to free up a platform for a homemade console.
The procedure for dressing a beard
Each of the masters develops own design of this element for the VAZ 2107 car, allows you to achieve its maximum uniqueness. The beard is a spatial construct complex shape made up of flat parts. When making patterns for the side surfaces, it is recommended to use hard cardboard. This will make it possible to achieve maximum precision in the manufacture of individual parts.
The shape of the central console of the VAZ 2107 car, which is made by hand, can be completely different. Most often, craftsmen prefer to combine it with a box that is installed between the front row seats. This part houses the handbrake lever.
Individual parts of the “beard” for the interior of the VAZ 2107 car are cut out of plywood using electric jigsaw and are connected to each other using self-tapping screws and glue. The finished unit is covered with leatherette or other material. Then the console is installed in its intended place and secured. All devices are installed in the panel cutouts and the car is ready for operation with a do-it-yourself updated interior.
Such a disadvantage as the lack of an armrest can be easily eliminated. You can, of course, buy it, but if you make it yourself, the car will have an armrest that fully matches the interior layout and the car owner’s needs.
Armrest – luxury or necessity?
The driver's seat in a car should be comfortable and ergonomic. Car armrests are one of the necessary components of this comfort. When the hand rests on the armrest, it relaxes (the load is removed from the muscles of the shoulder and elbow group). Total load on the spine and back muscles is reduced (you can give your neck a more comfortable position, and even tilt your head back onto the headrest). As a result, driver fatigue is reduced (especially on long trips).
Universal armrests have additional convenient devices and features that make the trip even more comfortable:
- box (box) for small items - now you can always place the same documents for vehicles, as well as other useful and necessary things at hand;
- space for a small bottle of water or a glass – not all armrests provide space;
- components, several departments of boxing - not all;
- a sliding mechanism that allows you to move their upper support cushion to a position convenient for the hand or to open access to the box and cup holder - not for everyone;
- suitability in size and mounting method for installation in many car models;
- buttons and other electronic controls for some electrical devices of the car - common;
- other.
The following requirements are imposed on the design and quality of factory armrests. First of all, they must be safe and comply with the standards developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). When developing them, it is necessary to follow rules that take into account the anatomy of people of different heights; they were convenient for both those with a height of 140 cm and those with a height of 190 cm. The factory armrest must withstand loads of 110–120 kg; recline so as not to interfere with the use of the handbrake, high-speed steering, or the use of seat belts; have a sufficiently soft supporting surface under your hand. His appearance must harmonize with the car.
Where to start making a universal armrest?
It is not always possible to purchase a suitable armrest - the one you need may not be on sale, or may be too expensive. high cost. Under such circumstances, there is only one way out - to make a universal armrest with your own hands.
The manufacture of a universal armrest should begin with measuring the distances and dimensions at the location of its future installation in the cabin. Moreover, this must be done directly in your car, even if your neighbor in the garage has the same car at first glance and it would be more convenient to manipulate the tape measure together with him in his own car as a friend. Some nuances in the used interior elements and their layout for each specific car of the same model can significantly affect both the measurements taken and the final result.
It is better to enter the data of the measurements performed on a sketch prepared in advance with your own hands of the area of the cabin where the armrest will be installed.
This way it will be clearly visible between which parts certain distances are recorded, whose thickness or dimensions are indicated. Subsequently, you will have to run less to the car for any clarifications, and when designing an armrest, a clearer picture will be built in your head.
The following measurements must be taken:
- distances between the front seats;
- a level that is comfortable for the hand when it relaxes at the elbow - we measure it in a sitting position in the driver’s seat from the console between the front seats, while holding the steering wheel with one hand;
- the distance between the engaged handbrake and the back surface of the seat back - to ensure the safety of the armrest for the legs of passengers in the rear seat;
- the distance between the front seat belt buckles, at which they can be easily fastened and unfastened - the size of the armrest in this place;
- the dimensions of the engaged handbrake handle and the height of its lift, if it is assumed that a do-it-yourself universal armrest will be installed on top of some part of it;
- dimensions and dimensions of the location of the elements and fasteners of the console between the front seats - if necessary.
Design and production of universal armrest elements
Based on the measurements taken, we create a drawing or sketch. It is best to do several: separately for front, side, top and, if necessary, bottom views. We depict with our own hands the appearance of the armrest in all sketches in accordance with the selected projection for each specific sheet - front, side, top. Then, on all types, we mark the parts that will make up the design of the future universal arm support. After this, it is necessary to make as detailed a detail as possible of all the identified elements of the armrest on each of the sketches - you should indicate in detail for each detail:
- its dimensions, and for curly elements also the radii of roundings (bends);
- the place and method of fastening to other structural elements, indicating the distances to the edges of this part, the diameter of the fastening (if self-tapping screws are selected), the depth of insertion of the fasteners into the attached part or intermediate bars (on another sketch projection, where this will be visible).
For the armrest support cushion (also known as the drawer lid) and the wall to which the former will be attached, it is necessary to indicate the location and dimensions of the tilt-and-turn fastener ( furniture hinges and their connection points). Who is strong in designing and working with various materials and tools, can develop a sliding cover diagram.
Fixing the future armrest between the seats can be done both by its tight fit and by using specially designed and prepared fasteners. In the first case, it is necessary to provide cutouts and grooves on the side parts of the universal arm support that will fit on the interior elements located between the seats. Also, after making the armrest, but before covering it, you will need to decide in the car at the installation site the thickness of the lining material on the side walls of the support. If you plan to make special fastenings with your own hands, then for this you will need to tie the lower parts of the armrest to the interior elements or fastenings already existing on them. In accordance with the selected interaction diagram between the universal support and the interior, the fastening method and details are developed. For both options for fixing the armrest, we display the corresponding additions to the design in its sketches.
After this preliminary preparation further work should go like clockwork, unless, of course, a mistake was made anywhere. Therefore, it is worth checking all the sketches again - we look at them for compliance of the dimensions of the developed structure with the dimensions of the free space allocated for it in the cabin, the mutual coordination of all the parts and fastenings of the future armrest.
Selecting materials and making your own armrest
To make your own body and armrest cover, any wood material 8 mm thick. It can be plywood, board, chipboard or fiberboard. If the support pad and/or front wall must be curved (rounded), then only plywood is suitable for their manufacture - it can be bent over steam. To cover the armrest with your own hands, you can choose leatherette, leatherette, leather or other material.
We cut out all the details with our own hands from the selected material using a hacksaw, or better yet, a jigsaw (it will ideally handle all the shaped elements). Then we steam the parts that need to be bent and wait until they cool down. Only after this can the necessary cutouts be made in them, if provided (for example, for a handbrake in the front wall).
When all the body parts are ready, we fasten its structure with self-tapping screws or wood glue. If its fixation should be based on the spacer principle, then we decide on the thickness of the cushioning material, which can be thinner plywood or craigs. We glue the cut overlays to the sides or place them on self-tapping screws. Then the material chosen for this. It is advisable to first make patterns for the case from graph paper, and then cut out the fabric for fitting using them and sew a cover from the resulting pieces, which will need to be stapled over the case.
We give the support pillow softness and the desired rounded shape. To do this, we glue foam rubber or sponges for washing the body or dishes onto its top. We place the latter with their side ends facing the armrest cover and tightly to each other, and after gluing, we sew them together, cutting off the excess and protruding parts. Felt of suitable sizes is glued on top of such a lining, which is then attached along the edges to the lid. After that we tighten it. We install the lid and hinges for opening on the body. Finally, you can cover the inside of the drawer.
Expert opinion
Ruslan Konstantinov
Automotive expert. Graduated from Izhevsk State Technical University named after M.T. Kalashnikov, specializing in “Operation of transport and technological machines and complexes.” Experience professional repair cars for more than 10 years.
When purchasing an armrest, you should first of all pay attention to the reliability of the design and fastening. The body must withstand a load of up to 120 kg, because drivers come in all sizes. Universal models must have a height adjustment function for a comfortable fit for a driver of any height, and the armrest should tilt back as needed.
A universal armrest must match the dimensions of the vehicle and not interfere with the parking brake, seat belts, or gear shifting. The material used should be wear-resistant and durable options, For example, Genuine Leather or high-quality leatherette. Cordura and Oxford have also proven themselves well; these materials can be washed and washed if necessary. The armrest body must be metal or plastic. Color must match general design For interior upholstery, in the absence of such an option, it is better to give preference to the universal black color.
Car imagemust be complemented by comfort. The longer you spend behind the wheel, the more the car interior needs additions. Installing an armrest will create a cozy and comfortable environment during long trips.
The armrest itself is a multifunctional car accessory. Its first and main purpose is a surface for additional support. The armrest will help relieve tension in the muscles and relieve stress on the elbows and shoulder joints. Staying in long traffic jams or traveling long distances will become much more comfortable when you have the opportunity to relax your arms and place them in a comfortable position using the armrests.
We produce armrests for cars, some of which are equipped with a small box. This armrest can be used as a small glove compartment where documents or items needed on the road are stored. In addition to standard models of armrests, we produce multifunctional designs. Some types of armrests provide functions for controlling the climate control system or power windows. You can choose an armrest with a built-in mini-fridge. Additional comfort will be provided by installing an armrest with a sliding structure, which can free up additional space between the car seats.
Armrests, as an element of car tuning, are carefully developed and designed taking into account the features of the interior of a particular model and brand. We use only high quality materials and modern technologies, thanks to which the production of armrests for a car is one of the main services of our car studio.
A variety of colors and models of armrests gives every visitor the opportunity to choose the best option for your car, stylish and elegant.
Car consoles
Another opportunity to make your stay in the car as comfortable and ergonomic as possible is to install a console. The functional element of tuning also increases the image of the car owner. The console can be installed between the passenger seats and between the front seats.
Our service offer includes not only the production of the console in the car, but also a variety of additional work to improve and add more functions to the console.
Price from 10,000 rubles
Making armrests for a car, just like making a console in a car, is necessary to ensure maximum comfort when traveling and to strengthen the image of the owner.
Examples of completed work on console manufacturing
The price for making an armrest or console in our Tuning Studio is from 50,000 rubles. The final cost depends on the shape, number of additional niches, pockets, sockets, and the use of ventilation for rear passengers
KIA CARENS car
Before and After Photos:
1.1. Standard console. Top view, 1.2. Console based on Mercedes ML. View from above.
Based on the dimensions between the seats, the console of a 2010 Mercedes ML350 was taken as a basis. Materials used: aluminum, especially durable plastic, genuine leather, flock. In this project, at the request of the owner, the following are provided: 4 12V sockets. (2 back, 2 front, pocket for mobile phone, pull-out ashtray at the rear, two compartments under the armrest).
2.1. Standard console. Left view, 2.2. Console based on Mercedes ML. Left view.
