I made a custom center console insert piece for my car. My center console is way different than what you would need..... but I thought maybe it might give you some ideas.

http://www.mrmunsell.com/My_CRX/Audio_System/Center_Console/center_console.html

I made it by trimming the orignal console piece, and epoxying in new ABS paneling to get the overall shape I wanted and then using body filler to get the final contours. Since no glass is required, it wasn't too messy to build.... and no power tools required. Plus I did this in my smallish apartment in Los Angeles (I recommend just getting some plastic sheeting at your local hardware store, only a couple bucks, and cover your workspace to make clean up quick and easy). And do all painting outside!

http://www.mrmunsell.com/My_CRX/Audio_System/Sub_Enclosure/sub_enclosure.html

I also built this at my apartment complex, but without AC power tools and having to worry about pissing off my neighbors by making too much noise, it took a bit longer than similar projects I had done in the past when I lived at home (my parents had a garage).