Mike's Overhead Console Build (1 Viewer)

[78fj40mg]

I started out by cutting out a piece of 8"x1/2"x6' pine from Home Depot, and shaping it to fit the roof curvature and length to fit and rest under the roof. I also cut a hole for my CB radio.

I dry fitted console and placed it above the dash.

I used perforated angle iron to secure the console above the doors channel. Cut offs to clear sun visor mounting brackets.

I covered the entire console with automotive fabric with a layer of foam underneath, then stapled it to the wood console, this is the final product. There's plenty of room to add future gauges and a clock.

I also cut a hole under the CB where the speaker is located. The brackets holding the console in place were ultimately painted black and they fit right in.
I used the OEM rear view mirror mounting holes to secure the center of the console.

The speaker hole will be covered with a grill.

More pics coming hopefully will be better quality.

Future clock

 

[Franz]

Thanks for sharing. The PO of my '78 built one from alu checker plate. Ugly as sin so I took it off, but now have nowhere to go with the CB radio. Might steal you idea with the foam and fabric to make it presentable. Will have to glue it to the alu though.

 

[donniefj55]

Nice job looks real tidy

 

[78fj40mg]

Thanks for sharing. The PO of my '78 built one from alu checker plate. Ugly as sin so I took it off, but now have nowhere to go with the CB radio. Might steal you idea with the foam and fabric to make it presentable. Will have to glue it to the alu though.

Thank you Franz!

 

[78fj40mg]

Nice job looks real tidy

Thank you Donnie!

 

[murf]

nice - I like that you mounted it high enough not to interfere with the visors, Looks great

 

[skidplate]

I like how you think. I bet it didn't cost that much to remedy a storage and mounting solution.

 

[FJsnoozer]

I have some scrap roof-liner from SOR. I may use it to upholster one of these. i was looking at mounting 6x9s in mine to have a less annoying speaker option.

 

[78fj40mg]

nice - I like that you mounted it high enough not to interfere with the visors, Looks great

Thanks Murf!

 

[78fj40mg]

I like how you think. I bet it didn't cost that much to remedy a storage and mounting solution.

Thanks Skidplate! The whole project was about $50 and took couple of days to complete.

 

[78fj40mg]

I have some scrap roof-liner from SOR. I may use it to upholster one of these. i was looking at mounting 6x9s in mine to have a less annoying speaker option.

Roof liner should be great and seamless, give it a shot.

 

[melvinjo]

Damn fine idea Useful and look like it belongs here

 

[78fj40mg]

Damn fine idea Useful and look like it belongs here

Thanks.

 

[Tancruiser]

Nice work maybe cut some cubby holes for storage.

 

[78fj40mg]

Nice work maybe cut some cubby holes for storage.

Great idea thanks!

 

[78fj40mg]

I recently upgraded my console by adding a clock and switches for interior overhead lights and fogs.

I haven't installed the revised console as yet.

Still need to find a speaker grill for the CB speaker hole

New fog lights from SOR

 

[warpdriv]

One more to add to the list. Nice build!

 

[GA Architect]

Great work on your overhead compartment. Looks very professional.

It appears you have all your electrical lines coming over to the drivers side, but how are they coming down?

 

[78fj40mg]

Great work on your overhead compartment. Looks very professional.

It appears you have all your electrical lines coming over to the drivers side, but how are they coming down?

I'm using an existing hole which is located down the left windshield column along an existing power run that feeds the interior light on the driver's side just above the rear door jam. The hole is on top of the column but it's only maybe 1/8 inch dia. a bit too small for all the wires I need to route down to the fuse block, so I may have to elongate the hole, another option is to divide the wires to left and right, the right windshield column has a hole as well, I'm on the fence as to which way to go, do you have any ideas?

 

[78fj40mg]

Great work on your overhead compartment. Looks very professional.

Thanks for the kind words! I'm trying to do my best, as a dumb engineer, retired.