[55 Chevy Dave]

To fill in the hole in the front of the console, I made a cardboard template to get the size I needed and then cut the shape out of 18 gauge sheet metal. I then cut (2) 3" diameter holes in it to accept the cup holders. After all, the cup holders are important, right?

I bent the sheet metal to match the bend in the console.

After getting the bend just right, I drilled holes in the sheet metal where I wanted the mounting screws placed. I drilled and tapped corresponding holes in the bent angle iron pieces previously attached to the console. I screwed the bent sheet metal to the console.

My plan is to paint the sheet metal a contrasting color against the lighter leather wrapped over the MDF console. To replace the zinc-plated phillips head screws, I picked up some stainless steel allen bolts that I will polish and then replace during final assembly.

In the future, the bent sheet metal will be easily removable if I need access to the wiring behind it.