Since our mission for the RV-14 is to travel around the country on leisurely trips, we wanted to build a comfortable cockpit that can be flown from either seat without having to reach too far for buttons or switch's. I wanted a center console but was afraid it would take up valuable space, so I made a quick mock up made out of cardboard and then put both my wife and I (not small people) inside to see what it felt like. We were surprised that we didn't feel cramped. I then used angled aluminum to make a frame and then placed it in the cockpit and repeated sitting in it with my wife to make sure it was still comfortable. We did this many times to make sure, before I continued with such a big change. Although the frame stayed the same, I made several different panels and changed the location of switch's, cables, levers many times. I am now very happy with this current version. I secured the console to the center tunnel area using the existing plate nuts then secured the aft end to the flap motor cover(braced it inside also), I then attached the front end to both the CB bracket and to the lower instrument panel. It is very solid and definitely overbuilt. Although I had originally built the first aluminum console as a mock up only, I ended up using it because after putting foam padding and leather covering over it, you couldn't tell how ugly the mock up really was. Classic Aero Designs provided the extra leather, also an unbelievably good company. Due to the limiting vertical angle that you can use for the Garmin G5, I had to place the fuel selector in its current place which then required me to purchase an Andair Extension Rod and two universal joints to allow the fuel selector to work properly. This was not an easy task especially trying to align the correct position of the fuel selector to the face plate with the tank positions labeled (Left, Right, Off). I ended up using a throttle quadrant from Flyboy Accessories, a very well run company with great customer service. Opposite of that was Aerosport Products. They set me back over a month and now I will shop elsewhere. Every other company I have worked with has been more than exceptional. They were my ONLY bad experience the entire time I was building my RV-14. In the console is a glove box with a removable leather insert so that you have access to the tunnel below. The control cables were custom made by Vans and fit just right, length wise. I fabricated a cable bracket and also cable supports that work well. Unfortunately, once everything was installed, all cable adjustments had to be made on the engine side as access in the console was too tight. I placed a TOGA button just beyond the full throttle position for easy reach during take off and go-arounds. After cutting out the final panels, I had them hydro-dipped By “Covering Infinity Finishes” of Woodstock IL, to look like carbon fiber. Inexpensive and the lettering was also very good.