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Blue Blood

Member Since: 14 Jun 2022
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 128

1990 Defender 90 200 Tdi HT Bonatti Grey

Centre cubby box re-trim and drinks holder upgrade

Hey all,

So over the past couple of days I decided I was fed up with my grey centre console that was tired and had a puncture in the top cushiony lid bit...it came with the car and it really got to me. So I thought I would recover it

So to begin with I took it out (was held in by two bolts tightened within an inch of their lives, making the base practically cave in as there were no spacers). I will actually look to cut the centre out and put in a replacement stainless bottom which I will make removable.

From there I stripped that thing down to as bare as when it first came into this world...i.e I took the old vinyl off the MDF construction. After this I did contemplate pinning down the original fabric onto new fabric and cutting round that however, I stopped myself because the vinyl I took off was stretched and pulled out of shape. So plan B was to measure up and pattern cut all the pieces individually, thankfully my degree in fashion design came in handy (finally all these 14 years later). Anyhow I chose the design I wanted and made these patterns allowing for 1cm seam allowance and extra wrap around for the inside and underneath of the box.

Click image to enlarge

Finally I chose my fabric which were both black vinyl one plain and one perforated. These are specifically for automotive seating and trim (so hardy stuff) and used in Mercedes (very posh). I purchased high strength thread for the stitch you do not see and white contrasting thicker thread for the decorative top stitch. The key thing to note is that no glue is used for these covers at all to attach to the box (although I did use some contact adhesive to glue down the seams on the cushion lid top). Another thing to point out is that everything is pulled tight for attaching and so therefore the fabric has to be cut the correct way/direction depending on material.

I started by slipping over the main piece over the carcass and started attaching from the underside first and cut the insert cup holder area open.

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge

I also got to covering the lid

Click image to enlarge

And finally I pulled the tops in and fixed everything from the top making sure everything was nice and tight. I then reinstalled the hardware; hinges and lid stay making sure to line everything up and I reused the carpet lining on the lid and the inside. The last crowning jewel is the aluminium cup holder with specific cut out for carling switches (which is where I will eventually install my heated seats switches and make use of the removable bottom I will make up).

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge

I hope y'all like it. I know a lot of people sell cubby boxes but no one offers a retrim kit!

Buying a new cubby box seems a bit wasteful especially if the carcass is in good condition. I was thinking of creating some extra covers based on my patterns if anyone was interested as I bought a bunch of extra material. I know my box was produced by Britpart and am not sure if there is much difference between their box or other but if anyone were interested just let me know

Blue Out

3rd Jul 2024 6:52pm

gcc130

Member Since: 05 Jun 2015
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 760

Some very neat work there, well done👍

3rd Jul 2024 7:20pm

Zed

Member Since: 07 Oct 2017
Location: In the woods
Posts: 3345

2010 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Santorini Black

Cracking job mate, well done. WARNING.
This post may contain sarcasm.

3rd Jul 2024 7:33pm

Jabberwocky

Member Since: 27 Oct 2021
Location: Luxembourg
Posts: 224

Nice, I ripped mine out completely and replaced it with a fridge.

3rd Jul 2024 7:37pm

rustandoil

Member Since: 08 Sep 2012
Location: Cotswolds
Posts: 777

2005 Defender 110 Td5 XS DCPU Bonatti Grey

Nice job!..... Well done you 👍🏻

3rd Jul 2024 7:46pm

Blue Blood

Member Since: 14 Jun 2022
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 128

Thanks all I have now got it installed and it really does look the part so very chuffed. I'll try nab a photo of it insitu for you guys viewing pleasure

5th Jul 2024 8:09am

TexasRover

Member Since: 24 Nov 2022
Location: Paris
Posts: 1121

2002 Defender 110 Td5 DCPU Chawton White

Great job looking very neat. Having done something similar on a 1984 RRC, I can recommend the including of a simple LED light either lid activated or switched. Really helps finding things

5th Jul 2024 8:37am

Mo Murphy

Member Since: 01 Jun 2008
Location: Letchworth Garden City, Herts
Posts: 2271

1984 Defender 90 BMW M57 3.0 Diesel HT Auto Pennine Grey

Excellent job, looks really good 👍
Mo The Land Rover 90 - Many are called, few are chosen.

50 Shades of Pennine Grey

5th Jul 2024 5:28pm

custom90

Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 20588

Looks nice, can really appreciate the work that has gone into that. Not as easy as it looks at first glance.

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5th Jul 2024 7:48pm

kyvlle

Member Since: 22 Jul 2016
Location: Essex
Posts: 66

2004 Defender 110 Td5 XS CSW Epsom Green

That looks real nice! Bravo!

1st Aug 2024 6:23pm

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