How to Build an Inexpensive Glove Box

[SCFFR]

Like many of you, I decided to go with the “street” version of the dash on my MkIV. I looked at the available glove box kits, and although nice, I just didn’t like the padded doors that came with the kits since you would have to also install the padded vinyl on the dash itself to match. Anyway, decided to give a shot at making the glovebox. I got a good start by purchasing a street style dash from Glen at AST. Glen was nice enough to send me the glove box cutout so I could use it to make the door.

The next step was to buy some 5 ply 1/4" plywood that I got at the local hobby shop for about $8. The plywood would be used for the flange, a backing plate for the door and the back side of the box. Using the cut out in the dash as a guide, I cut out a ring/flange for the glove box making it about 3/4" wide. Using the aluminum cut out piece (i.e., door) as a guide, I cut out two pieces to be used as the backing for the door and back side of the box.

I also bought a sheet of 6" x 36" 1/32" balsa wood for about $5 to make the sides. I cut six pieces about 5" long and starting at one of the round ends of the box, started bending the balsa and fitting it inside the ply flange/ring (see pics). I worked my way around the box, using wood glue and masking tape to hold everything together. I used one of the ply door cutouts to help hold the balsa against the flange. Once the sides were done, I took one of the door-shaped pieces of ply and glued and stapled it in place. When the glue dried, I sat the box in place and then realized that the end towards the center of the dash would have to be notched to clear the dash support tube. As it turned out, it was much easier to cut the notch out after the box was done that trying to cut it out while making the box sides. I used a couple of small pieces of ply to fill in the notch and glued them in place. 117831178411785

[SCFFR]

Once that was done, the box was fairly rigid but the balsa is fragile so I glassed the outside of the box with a single layer of 1.5 oz fiberglass mat. I did put an extra strip of mat along the top and bottom of the box where a latch and door hinges would attach. I attached the box to the dash using some #10 flat head machine screws and lock nuts and used a countersink bit on the holes so the screw heads would be recessed. For the final fit, will use a little filler to cover the screw heads before I glue on the vinyl.
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[SCFFR]

The final product turned out pretty good. I plan to use some black vinyl or some heavy felt cloth to line the inside of the box. I have less than $20 invested so I can’t complain about the cost. All I have to do now is make the glove box door but that will be pretty easy................glue/screw the remaining ply cut out to the aluminum door and attach some hinges and a latch. There are several post by members who have done this which are great references.
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[jetheft]

Awesome Job!

[riptide motorsport]

Fantastic...nice work.

[Rootbeer Roadster]

I think a builder can get a lot of satisfaction from making their own parts verses buying them. I did that often in my build (including the glove box). Feels good doesn't it?

Jeff

[SCFFR]

Thanks guys. It does feel good to make something from scratch and you have the flexibility to make it as deep as you would like to fill the space. Admittedly not as nice as a molded unit but then again you're not going to see the inside of the box unless you open the door.

[Cobradavid]

Great job! Thanks for the detailed instructions and pics.

David

[CDXXVII]

Very nice job.

Did not think to make mine out of wood. Here is what I came up with. I still need to figure out the hinges.

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[frankeeski]

Great Job!

[adam42a]

who is AST i want to buy the same thing you did? Thank you..........Adam

[SCFFR]

Adam,

AST is one of the supporting vendors. Just click on the Vendor tab at the top of the page and find it on the list.

Ron