So I got to work building an internal frame that would further stiffen the case and provide a strong base to attach the inverter to. I used strap steel to build this framework very snugly inside the computer tower case. The console had to be sturdy because my 87# boxer uses this area to perch his huge ass when he is riding with me. He's a hog. O.K.... a LOVABLE hog!
Next I trimmed the computer tower case into a size that would easily sit across my existing console.
This new case was going to replace my existing factory fold-down arm rests too, so I fabricated a large pad for the top of it using a couple 2X6 boards cut down and glued together. I heavily rounded the corners so they would be easier on the elbows while driving.
After I had the arm rest shape right, I assembled the pad base, the computer tower case and the frame, inserted the inverter, marked the place where the inverter mounting holes would be and drilled holes through all of it so it would sandwich all the components together with four mounting bolts when tightened. I installed "T" nuts into the top of the arm rest so these four bolts would thread into the armrest and secure it and the whole assembly together.
After all the assembly and a couple of test fits... I took the new armrest (along with my factory fold down armrests) to an automotive upholstery shop and had them cover all of them with a heavy gray vinyl that matched my leather interior (pretty close anyway). I had them add an inch of very dense padding to the top of the arm rest and they rolled it down around the sides of the pad area as well. It turned out to be the perfect pad density for an arm rest this size. It's very comfortable on the arm.
I assembled all the components to see how it would look with further work.