Tuffy Security is Interested

[roncruiser]

My center console is old, tired and worn. So, I wrote Tuffy expressing my disappointment that they did not offer a security console solution for the 80 series Toyota LandCruisers. Specifically for 93-97. I mentioned there would be others in the forum that would be interested in a solution as well. With that being said, I asked if they'd have any interest in producing a console for us poor souls. I received this response:
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Beginning of message:

Hi Ron,

My apologies for a late reply…

We can definitely make you a custom production run of consoles! The first thing that would need to be addressed is getting us a vehicle to work with. We’d then get a drawing for your approval. We’d also need a deposit of 50% of the job cost to get things started with 50% due at shipping. Do you have an idea of what everyone wants as far as features? Please reply when you can.

Thanks,

End of message.

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Tuffy's response was pretty quick considering I sent my email over the holidays.

So here it goes... I understand interest depends on final cost per console, but these three things need to happen first, before we even get to cost per unit. Not necessarily in this order.

1) Tuffy needs a vehicle to work with. I don't live in Colorado. We'll need a Colorado volunteer with time to leave their vehicle with them.

2) Beside cupholders, what features would you want on the console? We can narrow this list down as time goes on. Post your thoughts.

3) How many mudders are actually truly interested?! Again, I know final cost per console is a determining factor of interest. Lets assume the cost of the console is just above the average cost of the equivalent featured console currently shown on the Tuffy site. Put it this way... it aint going to be cheap, but if it's super expensive I wouldn't buy one either. If you've alway thought Tuffy Consoles were cool and have keen interest in purchasing, let me know with a post. Remember... you are not committing to a purchase.

When we take care of the aforementioned three listed items, Tuffy will have enough to work numbers for us.


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Updated: Jan 9th:
Creature Feature suggestions thus far: (Will narrow down because we can't have it all while keeping the price reasonable)"

- 2 front cupholders, removable or otherwise.
- 2 rear seat cupholders -removable.
- Taller than stock for arm rest.
- Padded armrest.
- Bi-level (Top storage tray and bottom larger storage compartment)
- Rear heater cutouts.
- Able to tumble rear seats forward.
- 12V outlets front and rear.
- Room underneath for an inverter or remote HAM mount spot
- Stereo Mounting Compartment.
- Insulation from heat.

 

[Downey]

Ron, I see you venturing into dangerous territory. Keep in mind that it doesn't cost a dime for a potential customer to say "yes, I want one", but it does then cost considerably more than the dime for them to actually buy one when available. I quit counting the times 3 guys drove us crazy to manufacture something, we had to manufacture 25 minimun, sold the 3, then spent the next 10 years trying to get rid of the remaining 22!!!!!! Just proceed with caution!!!!!

 

[roncruiser]

Ron, I see you venturing into dangerous territory. Keep in mind that it doesn't cost a dime for a potential customer to say "yes, I want one", but it does then cost considerably more than the dime for them to actually buy one when available. I quit counting the times 3 guys drove us crazy to manufacture something, we had to manufacture 25 minimun, sold the 3, then spent the next 10 years trying to get rid of the remaining 22!!!!!! Just proceed with caution!!!!!

Thanks. I hear ya. I'm not committing my money or anyone's money. I tried really hard to state that in my original post. I'm not selling. I might want to buy if the math works out, and we gain enough "real" interest and momentum, and real money is on hand. It's only dangerous if I commit only my money. No way no how am I doing that.

With that said, what kind of console features interest you guys?

 

[hntashdjian]

I would be interested if the price is not outrageous.

I would love to give my 80 to them since its not a DD, but I dont live in CO.

I think we will see a lot of interest in this group buy.




Harry

 

[Cruiserdrew]

With that said, what kind of console features interest you guys?

I would want it taller, so I can rest my elbow.

Cup holders would be good, but they need to be detachable.

It need to easily fit a Ham radio-at least a faceplace and speaker.

If ihad a clever way of holding a small lap top (like a "netbook") that would be extremely cool.

 

[str8nm]

Console

I would be interested if it were a minimum upcharge from the production consoles. I agree with slightly taller and good cupholders. I would love to loan my truck as well as it is not a DD, but nowhere close to CO. Maybe they could give you more exact numbers on how many they would need to get involved and what they would want for the 50% down (that would also determinr the final price. I would guess you will get more interest the more decisive they can be in their info. (but I also understand they cannot commit until they know some info as well) If we could work it out it would be great.

 

[cstamm81]

I would be interested if the price wasn't too high. Agree with CruiserDrew, should be taller than stock so to use as an armrest.

 

[AFinn]

i do live in colo, and may be willing to loan my vehicle for a bit. depending on how long. i would like the standard cupholder(2), maybe a rear cup holder option for rear passengers, on floor? maybe slightly wider and taller. just my 2cents.

 

[bpassmore]

like to make sure it will work with the pink pantie crowd too...

The PC mount would be great. cup holders, cb mount, place for power points, room to mount a power inverter below

 

[CreeperSleeper]

I would be very interested... However, I would be one of the people Jim was talking about: I couldn't justify spending the money on it, so it would never happen.

 

[wearsabrowncoat]

I would like to have blanks for adding or keeping previously installed OEM type switches (seat heaters/ lights).

However, if the price is slightly more than similar Tuffy consoles we are talking +$300 which will probably exclude me from ordering.

 

[Jomama]

I thought they had a model that would work pretty well in a 80, both with and w/out the locked stereo compartment.

It may not have been made specifically for the 80, but it worked and IIRC there was a install thread from way back about it in the 80's forum... maybe 5 or 6 years..

 

[NLXTACY]

I agree with DOWNEY but.... thats what I thought when I started the York Group Buy that is finally nearing the end. We originally figured 10, then a day later I was up to 20 and by the end of week 2 I had 30 names. Fast forward two months and I have 15, yes 15 people asking to be added to the list if there is a second run. My point being, it can go both ways.

Now for me the issue is my console is already heavily modied but I would be interested to see what they had to offer. I have already been looking into making a new cubby out of aluminum and making it lockable but if Tuffy came up with something good I would rather go that route.

Some things I would need to consider going Tuffy:
• The very front of the unit, where it goes under the shift console, would need to be notched out for wiring.
• The box must be lockable
• The unit would need to be a bolt in to the stock location which should be easy considering its just 4 side bolts.
• Ideally there should be enough room for a small MAC laptop. Care less about PC garbage.
• There would need to be space for an inverter AND a CB or HAM radio
• Speaker grill would be ideal for said CD/HAM
• Space to install my own ports/plugs and outlets would be a HUGE plus
• Cup holders for front and rear are a must

 

[S.CarolinaFZJ80]

Why not just send them a stock console. As for the armrest height. Run a string from door arm rest to door arm rest and simply measure the distance between this string and the top of the stock console. Viola, correct armrest height and no one is out a cruiser.
I too may be interested if the price is not outrageous, their product has stock size swith holes & holes for 12 volt power outlets and possibly even a rear and/or side outlets for 110V via an internally mounted inverter.
Holes for stock size switches, power outlets and mounting tabs for invertors, radios and CB's would be key in marketing this.

 

[PhrogsPhorever]

Why not just send them a stock console. As for the armrest height. Run a string from door arm rest to door arm rest and simply measure the distance between this string and the top of the stock console. Viola, correct armrest height and no one is out a cruiser.
I too may be interested if the price is not outrageous, their product has stock size swith holes & holes for 12 volt power outlets and possibly even a rear and/or side outlets for 110V via an internally mounted inverter.
Holes for stock size switches, power outlets and mounting tabs for invertors, radios and CB's would be key in marketing this.

Nuther idea, based on IY's install, getting a mounting bracket made that works with an existing console might be more appealing (and cheaper, and easier)) to Tuffy, maybe. With the right bracket, the 8" Deluxe consoles worked pretty good as long as you don't want to tumble the seats. They made a bracket to add the deluxe console to the 40 using stock mounting points, why not make one for the 80, or the 60

I mean, if IY can come up with a mounting solution, I'm sure Tuffy could

 

[IronYuppy]

...
I mean, if IY can come up with a mounting solution, I'm sure Tuffy could

You know I occasionally read this forum, right?

 

[PhrogsPhorever]

You know I occasionally read this forum, right?

Actually, I'm going to be mooching your install idea and hit our airframes shop some slow night to bend a little metal and make a one-piece, bolt on version of what you did up.

The no cup holder thing is killing me

 

[EricG]

I'd definitely be in. Agree on several of the features listed above ... higher, cupholders, ham radio slot, inverter space, etc.

I'm in Colorado, but nowhere near Cortez, which is out by 4 corners.

edit - and don't forget to accommodate the rear heater! Some insulation would be nice as well - the existing "cupholders" get pretty warm in the summer.

 

[fj80toyman]

I would be up for one, even a little higher cost than typical, Tuffy's are well-built and my stocker is a single-decker that is stuffed and tired.

I think all of the cool stuff has been mentioned, but my priorities would be...
- 2 front cupholders, removable or otherwise
- 2 rear seat cupholders, removable would be cool.
- armrest height, but the pad wouldn't need to be squishy soft, maybe 1/2" thick upholstered
- room underneath for an inverter or remote HAM mount spot
- space for 12V outlets front and rear (2 each?)
- two-level, upper and lower - is that do-able or practical? That would be cool
(top level would be rather shallow for plugs, glasses and other junk, lower deep enough to hold tools, cd's)

That's about my top wish list, hope this happens, I've seen what some build here, I'd rather have a Tuffy.

Dan.

 

[MB4wd]

I would be up for one. I have had a Tuffy console in on of my previous CJ's and was extremely satisfied.

I would think that a CB mount along with 12v outlets would be a "must have".

Patiently waiting...........