BJ74 Storage Console Idea

[Glenn-BJ74]

Here are a few pictures of my storage console I built for my expedition BJ74. I first considered a Tuffy console (Tuffy Products), but they were all too long for the BJ74, which has the emergency hand brake by the drivers seat.

The objectives were to maximize storage space (within easy reach) and raise the height of the original console to a height that provides a comfortable arm rest while driving. The rear heater, which takes up most of the of the original console was not being used as I have diverted that hot water to a heat exchanger for my on-board shower in the engine compartment.

 

[Glenn-BJ74]

More pictures

The console measures 16 ½” high, 6” wide, 15” long. The flip-top storage is 6” high x 5½” wide and below is a lockable slide-out drawer that is 5½” wide by 11 ½” long. The slide-out drawer is raised up to clear the transmission hump. I painted the inside white to help with visibility in low light conditions. Below the slide-out drawer there is a 2½” storage space that can store infrequently used items. The console is made of 16 and 18 gauge steel.

The pull-out drawer uses 8” roller ball drawer sliders on either side, secured by a combination lock. The flip-top box has a hinge stay to hold it up in the open position. The paint is a ‘hammered grey’ which hides imperfections and I finished it off with a clear coat to protect the paint. It is secured to the floor using the original 6 mm heater captured nuts. The top has a padded armrest in black.

 

[ForealBoreal]

looking slick

 

[audaciousduo]

Nice Work!

 

[Rigpig]

That looks awesome!

 

[77cruiser77]

top rate!

 

[Malahki]

Saweet!! |I'll take mine in gun metal grey please

Seriously though, I recently started one in fiberglass to sit in front of the original console and house my compressor. I aborted it because it left no room for a drink holder.

Have you incorporated a drink holder anywhere else in the vehicle?

 

[Glenn-BJ74]

The step there was for 2 plastic drink holders, which I thought would be safer than making them out sheet metal. But one broke in the cold weather so I need to make somthing else.

 

[Greg_B]

That looks really nice Glenn. Well done.

gb

 

[77cruiser77]

Very well done. I like it

You might be able to make some money off of this, if you were interested. If you consider making more in the future to sell PM me

 

[gotoy]

Good looking sturdy console box. What is the weight?

 

[Glenn-BJ74]

I did not weigh it but I guess close to 20 lbs. The drawer front is 18 gauge, but should have used 16 gauge as I had to to reinforce it because the cam lock tended to push the front out. My cheapo bender does not do 16 gauge. After making this one the Tuffy boxes are cheap considering the labour involved in make one custom.

 

[lulo]

Great Console BOX!!!

 

[fireball]

Hi @Glenn-BJ74 This looks great, do you have any photos of it installed?!

Nice work!