- Thread starter
- #21
A way to lock the oem center console?
- Thread starter alia176
- Start date
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LOL
this is by far the best tip I heared in a long time to waterproof an amp !!!!!!!! May be we should do it also for the ECU behind the glovebox !!!Seriously, move the amp to the rear quarter ASAP as I did on mine, it will work better, less chance to trip the overheating sensor, also it´s concealed location will be better against the thieves.
sketch of new console
ok it took longer than anticipated to get a version of this on the computer, my scanner bed isn't quite big enough for these to be scanned so it was a digital pic. that being said here is a sketch of what i'm working on, obviously its not to scale and the dimensions are off, the actual designs are drawn much better but this is the gist of it. I've already decided on some other changes as well. I will still stay with the 16 gauge steel as well as attempting to keep the OEM lid as an addition, unless i can find another leather console lid with slightly longer length. Also i've decided on moving the 12V outlets from both sides, to either both on PS or both in front of where the CB insert is, thoughts? As for the inverter that may be dropped due to the water issue previously mentioned in earlier threads. My pops did mention something of interest, he said that he uses several small inverters on his boats that hold up pretty well to salt water so that may be a route, or we may fabricate a good case for one. Since it had been brought up before i've also got a few ideas for a armrest that can be incorporated into the design utilizing a simple cam lock/detent to hold in the upright position when not down. Also i'm looking at the feasibility of using radius bends as opposed to breaks in the construction which would make it more appealing to the eye. Any feedback from you fellas would be appreciated.
ok it took longer than anticipated to get a version of this on the computer, my scanner bed isn't quite big enough for these to be scanned so it was a digital pic. that being said here is a sketch of what i'm working on, obviously its not to scale and the dimensions are off, the actual designs are drawn much better but this is the gist of it. I've already decided on some other changes as well. I will still stay with the 16 gauge steel as well as attempting to keep the OEM lid as an addition, unless i can find another leather console lid with slightly longer length. Also i've decided on moving the 12V outlets from both sides, to either both on PS or both in front of where the CB insert is, thoughts? As for the inverter that may be dropped due to the water issue previously mentioned in earlier threads. My pops did mention something of interest, he said that he uses several small inverters on his boats that hold up pretty well to salt water so that may be a route, or we may fabricate a good case for one. Since it had been brought up before i've also got a few ideas for a armrest that can be incorporated into the design utilizing a simple cam lock/detent to hold in the upright position when not down. Also i'm looking at the feasibility of using radius bends as opposed to breaks in the construction which would make it more appealing to the eye. Any feedback from you fellas would be appreciated.
the speaker grill is for an external speaker for the CB? I mounted my external speaker under the Tranny console. You could use that space for something else...
ext. speaker:
ends up behind the TLCA plaque. and it plenty loud without cuting holes in the plastic
(the wires from the cassette deck are for my Hi-tech I-pod adapter
)
and where are the cup holders?
ext. speaker:
ends up behind the TLCA plaque. and it plenty loud without cuting holes in the plastic
(the wires from the cassette deck are for my Hi-tech I-pod adapter)
and where are the cup holders?
maybe make the CB sleeve a Ham sleeve and use the speaker grill area to mount the face of the ham?
The title for you r project is inspiring
The title for you r project is inspiring
I like it.
- Thread starter
- #27
Excellent job my friend. I like where you're going with this.
Some more ideas...
-speaker area is too precious and I'd hate to waste it on a speaker. perhaps another slot for a HAM radio?
-love the DOJ lock on the lid. Can you make up another lid to hide the radios too with a lid and the same key?
-Umm, cup holders?
-Power inverter location will get extremely hot during long trips and you'll cook the inverter. just a thought. Maybe an oven down there for heating up burritos and such?
Seriously, you could make the compartment insulated and have a small door for the oven 
-agree on your thoughts on adding the 12plugs in front of the CB area or in front of the speaker grill.
-can you incorporate a flip out arm/elbow rest? Since we're dreaming here.....
Might have more ideas when I'm in the shower.....
I hadn't really thought about the HAM radio, but yeah i could prolly make that work if i can find one with the right dimensions, i'll start reading up on the threads regarding HAM radios, as for a lockable cover for the CB/HAM yeah i agree with that, have to try and figure out a way to make it be functional as well as flwo with the design, off the top of my head it could be done if the lid was completely removeable, so it would more than likely go in the glove box when not being used. I have considered the heat as an issue for the inverter, i'm actually keeping a log of the temps that that area will generate in the stock console, if it looks like it may be an issue a small forced air fan might be employed (the type used on amplifiers or laptop cooling pads- I've used the cooling pads in 130 plus desert conditions for 18 mos, on a very hot running laptop and had no problems) but the idea is to try out different stuff and see what works. Yeah i know about the cupholders still working on that one. funny though thats what got me started on this in the first place. As for the armrest yeah i have a few ideas on how to incorporate one, when i get a little farther on the designs i will upload a detail drawing of how to make it work.
ok, been reading lots of info HAM/CB set ups, haven't really found a "for dummies or newbies" guide, what is the most popular set -up for 80 series? as far as brands, and are most running both CB and HAM? or at a minimum what would be the ideal case specs? (LxWxH) when it comes to comms my experience is with all that high-falootin fancy dancy military stuff or handhelds.
ok, been reading lots of info HAM/CB set ups, haven't really found a "for dummies or newbies" guide, what is the most popular set -up for 80 series? as far as brands, and are most running both CB and HAM? or at a minimum what would be the ideal case specs? (LxWxH) when it comes to comms my experience is with all that high-falootin fancy dancy military stuff or handhelds.
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- Thread starter
- #29
Dual radios are common these days and I use both on the trails. I can only speak for the Yaesu radios so check out the specs for FT8800 or another popular one is FT2800. Others can chime in with Icom radios.
after talking with my brother and pops, about the cb/ham radio slots, with the fact that people use several different types of units I've decided that setting up two boxes as large as i can would be best, then it would allow folks to use whatever size they have with an insert, originally i wanted to stay away from inserts as i hadn't planned on putting a cover over the cb, but if its a locking cover then it would be feasible from a security standpoint. I have designed a way to incorporate an armrest but am running into a wall when it comes to sourcing one. Any suggestions? basically i need to find a good armrest that seems fits well with the design of the seats so prolly a PS factory armrest for something like one of the old captains chairs found in the conversion vans of the 70's /80's but not as bulky. I have found some manufacturers of console lids that have some great cupholders built into them and am awaiting specs. For finish i'm looking at Durabake or something similar, it holds up extremely well on weapons so i think it will work. If all goes well I may have a prototype made in the next month or so and am documenting all the steps including what doesn't work. Provided it i can produce these things at a decent cost, i will try and make them available but initially it would be on a pre-order type of situation. Thanks for all the feedback please keep it coming.
- Thread starter
- #31
Thanks for the leg work, much appreciated.
One option I was thinking about is to make the center console unit wider with a slot for the e-brake handle; sorta like the 4runner Cherokee center console. You can now have a wider lid up top which will double as an elbow/arm rest. Not sure of the viability of this due to the space constraints but it's worth looking into. The main reason why the OEM console is narrow it to accomodate the ebrake, right? With this much room in the center console, one can add all kinds of stuff inside!
Rather than reinventing the lid concept, would it be practical to see if any of the Tuffy console lid dimensions come close to the wider center console concept. I mean, you don't have to have the lid as wide as the rest of the body if you can source something that already exists currently. Tuffy consoles Check out #033, toward the bottom of the page. The cushioned lid is 10" wide.
Also, for the front end of your unit, will it some how integrate into the current shifter console? Meaning, will there be a gaping hole between the shifter console and your center console?
Just throwing some more ideas out there!
One option I was thinking about is to make the center console unit wider with a slot for the e-brake handle; sorta like the 4runner Cherokee center console. You can now have a wider lid up top which will double as an elbow/arm rest. Not sure of the viability of this due to the space constraints but it's worth looking into. The main reason why the OEM console is narrow it to accomodate the ebrake, right? With this much room in the center console, one can add all kinds of stuff inside!
Rather than reinventing the lid concept, would it be practical to see if any of the Tuffy console lid dimensions come close to the wider center console concept. I mean, you don't have to have the lid as wide as the rest of the body if you can source something that already exists currently. Tuffy consoles Check out #033, toward the bottom of the page. The cushioned lid is 10" wide.
Also, for the front end of your unit, will it some how integrate into the current shifter console? Meaning, will there be a gaping hole between the shifter console and your center console?
Just throwing some more ideas out there!
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i've thought about making the unit wider and am playing with that design but it may not be feasible because of the extra labor, still playing with the idea though. as for how it integrates into the shifter console it should mesh in almost the exact same way that the OEM one does, maybe slightly wider than now.
The most simple solution is to built a metal box with locking lid that fits directly in the bottom compartment of the center console. It can be bolted directly to the vehicle floor using the existing console bolts on the floor of the console.
Something like the Auto Vault, Gun Safe, Laptop Safe, Hand Gun Safe, Gun Vault, Portable Safe, Laptop Briefcase, Safe Manufacturer,Security Briefcase
Something like the Auto Vault, Gun Safe, Laptop Safe, Hand Gun Safe, Gun Vault, Portable Safe, Laptop Briefcase, Safe Manufacturer,Security Briefcase
Anything new on the build??? Looks really cool....
I've finished the cardboard mock-up but am at a loss for finding a source for the arm rest. Hopefully on my next trip to So-Cal i'll be able to swing by some hot rodder buddies shops and look through some bins. I should also be able to meet with a few fab shops to see about cost for production of the pieces in quantity. If things go as i hope I may be able to get several sets done and either assemble all of them myself or sell them off at cost and assemble yourself in a kit form which would allow for more customization on the end user's part.
On the locking lid for the cb/ham portion i've designed it to nest just inside a lip around the portion, hopefully i'll be able to put a rubber seal there to help keep errant liquids out. On the top of that lid will be the sought after cupholders.
On the locking lid for the cb/ham portion i've designed it to nest just inside a lip around the portion, hopefully i'll be able to put a rubber seal there to help keep errant liquids out. On the top of that lid will be the sought after cupholders.
What about gutting the factory console and then lining it with 16 gauge steel? Or making a box that fit inside of a gutted console? Bolting the box to the floor and fitting the gutted console over it. The locking door would be beneath the flip up armrest.
I've had my console out and if I remove the cd player and subwoofer, there is a bunch of room. I've wanted to do something like this ever since I purchased the truck. But, alas, I have zero metal working skills.
-jim
I've had my console out and if I remove the cd player and subwoofer, there is a bunch of room. I've wanted to do something like this ever since I purchased the truck. But, alas, I have zero metal working skills.
-jim
- Thread starter
- #40
I don't have any specific to lock up; simply looking for a way to lock the center console for the times when I feel the security of the vehicle contents is in jeopardy. I can toss the registration papers, small gadgets and other misc stuff inside the center console. I can disable the vehicle from getting driven off using my own methods
Perhaps this is not possible to do in an elegant fashion but folks here have plenty of creativity so I thought I'd throw it out there.
Thanks.
Perhaps this is not possible to do in an elegant fashion but folks here have plenty of creativity so I thought I'd throw it out there.
Thanks.