Center Console

getitdone · 12-28-2005, 05:49 PM

I had the day off today and got some progress on one of my many projects.
This one involves making a center console that incorporates my radio and fits my body better. The old one has cracked arm rest material and does nothing to complement my custom 2" seat lift that I've had for a while now. Since the recent theft of my old stereo, I have decided to put the new one(JVC KD-AR560) behind locked metal.

I'm sort of making a cross between the stock 2 inches higher, and Brians console from Tuffy. I am just jumping into this with a general idea of the finished product. I haven't drawn up any dimensioned plans.

Here is my progress...

Cardboard idea

After cutting and bending using lots of guess/check.

Better pic. This was my stopping point for the night.

I should have some time to work on this tomorrow. We shall see.

This ad is not displayed to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Yotatech!

Bob_98SR5 · 12-28-2005, 05:52 PM

hey chris,

cool project! i like stuff like this

is there a reason why you put your stereo in the center console though? i would think it would make it a pain in the ass, not to mention, a little dangerous to have your eyes focused down and center while driving.

bob

getitdone · 12-28-2005, 06:07 PM

I think it would make things easier. I can have my hand at the radio anytime without hassle and I usually memorize where the buttons are pretty fast. Plus it has a certain cool factor in my eyes.

...also I am sort of leaving the spot where it used to be open for a carputer screen.

msw0085 · 12-28-2005, 06:10 PM

chris..

I dig that muchos.. let me know if oyu want a hand sometime with it.. if thats a cd player, be sure to check the angle its going to be mounted at against the owners manual.. i know that past a certain angle it wont hold a cd

Bob_98SR5 · 12-28-2005, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by getitdone

...also I am sort of leaving the spot where it used to be open for a carputer screen.

well in that case, DO IT!!!

carputers are awesome. hehe

are you going to make a lockable, hinged cover plate? i can't recall where i've seen that, but i think tuffy makes one for heeps

bob

Bob_98SR5 · 12-28-2005, 06:18 PM

oh yeah one more thing: are you going to make it out of metal? the entire thing? that is something that i would like to do. or at the very least, make the storage bin thing metal and bolt it down. the 99-02 cupholders in the 3rd gen 4runners are plastic and held down by two bolts. its flimsy.

bob

getitdone · 12-28-2005, 06:32 PM

Matt-Yea I checked the manuel. It said something about how I shouldn't mount it 30 degrees or mor...blah blah blah. I'm just going to do it anyway and see what happens.

Bob-Yea the whole thing will be out of metal with a lockable flip around door over the stereo, with locks on the storage compartment as well. I have some sheet stainless steel laying around, and I also have tons of 1/8 inch diamond plate steel. The stainless will make up the walls(what I have done so far) and the diamond plate will make up the top. I will use angle iron as a frame structure and bolt it like a rock to the floor.

Does anybody know what the rules are for welding stainless? I can't remember so I kinda figured I would just bolt it instead of weld it.

Eric DeCastro · 12-29-2005, 12:09 AM

I'm interested in how this all works out. like angle of the radio and what not. I was looking into this myself was afraid of the angle. good luck.

Bob_98SR5 · 12-29-2005, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by getitdone

Matt-Yea I checked the manuel. It said something about how I shouldn't mount it 30 degrees or mor...blah blah blah. I'm just going to do it anyway and see what happens.

Bob-Yea the whole thing will be out of metal with a lockable flip around door over the stereo, with locks on the storage compartment as well. I have some sheet stainless steel laying around, and I also have tons of 1/8 inch diamond plate steel. The stainless will make up the walls(what I have done so far) and the diamond plate will make up the top. I will use angle iron as a frame structure and bolt it like a rock to the floor.

Does anybody know what the rules are for welding stainless? I can't remember so I kinda figured I would just bolt it instead of weld it.

Man, this shall be most righteous when you finish this! i hope it turns out well. i don't envy the wiring extensions you will have to do for the stereo though

if you are talking about welding down this custom center console to the body, i wouldnt. have the flexibility to remove it if youre not satisifed or if you want to redesign it. besides, two bolts (three is better---one towards the front of the console) would be plenty strong.

bob

getitdone · 12-29-2005, 07:17 AM

No No, I wont weld it to the body.hahaha
Yea that would be funny.

I am welding the diamond plate to the angle iron and would like to weld the stainless to it as well. I will just try some scrap and see what happens.

As far as the wiring, I am not proud of the PO's previous work sending wire to the speakers and will be redoing most of it.

Napoleon047 · 12-29-2005, 09:49 AM

are you using MIG, stick, or flux core?

you will need some stainless electrode or stainless wire. what all is stainless? is the angle stainless? or just the sheet?

honestly, i would just make the whole thing out of stainless, or the whole think out of mild steel.

these are the ones we sell:

all aluminum, light weight and lots of storage room.

getitdone · 12-29-2005, 11:44 AM

All one material would be ideal I agree. It's just that I have some stainless sheet and some mild daimond plate and angle iron. So that is what I am using.

I zapped some scrap together as a test and they work great.
I am mig welding with 100% co2 on my lincoln 175 pro.

btw what is that sitting in front of your box in your pic?

Intrepid · 12-29-2005, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by getitdone

All one material would be ideal I agree. It's just that I have some stainless sheet and some mild daimond plate and angle iron. So that is what I am using.

I zapped some scrap together as a test and they work great.
I am mig welding with 100% co2 on my lincoln 175 pro.

btw what is that sitting in front of your box in your pic?

Looks like a cup holder, something that definitely needs to be incorporated into your center console!

getitdone · 12-29-2005, 11:52 AM

Here is the progress as of now.

This is much easier that trying to bolt the stainless up.

All tacked together.

This stuff is 1/8" thick. Around 200#!

First piece cut out.

Trust me that diamond plate looks SOOO much better cleaned up and painted flat black.

Dig?

getitdone · 12-29-2005, 11:53 AM

That cup holder looks tiny, or is it just me?

WATRD · 12-29-2005, 12:15 PM

Looks familiar!

getitdone · 12-29-2005, 09:16 PM

Here is the end of the day progress.

This is the bracket that holds the radio in place.

This design only allows the radio to be removed from underneath. Good luck stealing this!

Getting some character.

Hopefully I can make some more progress on this in the next few days after work, cause I don't have another day off untill next week.

deathrunner · 12-29-2005, 11:49 PM

Nice!!!!!!!!!!

99_Runner · 12-30-2005, 05:44 AM

Very cool idea. Can't wait for more pics.

Cebby · 12-30-2005, 05:50 AM

How did you bend the steel? Clamps and a straight edge? Or do you have access to a sheet metal brake?

4rnr · 12-30-2005, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by getitdone

This design only allows the radio to be removed from underneath. Good luck stealing this!

Underneath you say, hmmmm now everyone knows

Are you going to put a pad on the top. Otherwise in the summer you'll have a BBQ everytime you rest your arm. Sweet build ill pobably end up doing the samething

getitdone · 12-30-2005, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4rnr

Underneath you say, hmmmm now everyone knows

Doesn't matter. You will have to completly unbolt the console to remove it. Which will only be accessable from the inside, which will have a lock.

I plan on having the truck open during the summer(doors and top off) so I am slowly building things to be safe from thieves.

Definatly will have a pad. Although, I don't know where I will get one. Probably just make one from scratch.

I bent the metal with clamps and a staight edge along a grove I cut with a grinder. It took a lot of guess/check to get the right angles.

My biggest challenge now is making the linkage to get both doors locked and figuring out what I want to do about the hinge on the flip door to the radio. The rest is cake.

I wanted the seam to the radio door to be totally hidden so no one would even know it was a door. But I can't think of any way to have it flip all the way around and keep the hinge hidden. I will probably have to go with the big dumb looking hinge on the front. Any ideas?

Napoleon047 · 12-30-2005, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by getitdone

That cup holder looks tiny, or is it just me?

the cupholder is designed to hold a can in a coozie.

FR_Javier · 12-31-2005, 04:31 PM

nice project

You might be able to find some hidden/reversible/double hinges at a local metal supplier or scrap yard. Aerocatch mfg's some nice flush mounting locking mechanisms too. www.aerocatch.com Are you going to vent the console for the radio?

getitdone · 01-02-2006, 09:22 PM

Those latches are pretty nice. A little overkill for this project though IMHO.
I hadn't thought about venting the console. It won't be very air tight. I suppose I could keep it in mind.

Here are some more pics of how it sits now. I made the back plate for the face of the radio.

Someone wanted to see a close up of the bracket. The nuts are welded on for easy install/uninstall.

Got the diamond plate cleaned up and the back plate tacked in.

The diamond plate is just resting on the console right now. Which explains the red thing up front.

DON'T WORRY! The plates aren't crooked, its just a weird angle and the fact that they are just sitting on there.

It's turning out pretty cool.

I am still trying to think of something original/cool to do about the hinge thing. Kinda hard to get an invisible 270 degree hinge. Especially in the amount of space I have to work with. Please post your thoughts!

12-28-2005, 06:07 PM	#3 (permalink)
getitdone Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ft. Collins, Co Posts: 1,006	I think it would make things easier. I can have my hand at the radio anytime without hassle and I usually memorize where the buttons are pretty fast. Plus it has a certain cool factor in my eyes. ...also I am sort of leaving the spot where it used to be open for a carputer screen. __________________ Chris Fischer 3D 85 4Runner SR5 \| 33" BFG M/T on flat black rims \| Chevy springs \| Custom Grab cage with overhead cb mount \| Custom fabbed center console \| Freshly rebuilt axle with IFS hub/caliper swap \| Rock Sliders \| Lots more... In Colorado, Dig.

12-28-2005, 06:10 PM	#4 (permalink)
msw0085 Contributing Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Southlake/Lubbock, Texas Posts: 1,988	chris.. I dig that muchos.. let me know if oyu want a hand sometime with it.. if thats a cd player, be sure to check the angle its going to be mounted at against the owners manual.. i know that past a certain angle it wont hold a cd __________________ TOYOTA\|moving forward 1996 3.4 Litre \| 4-Wheel Drive \| 5-speed Manual Transmission \| Magnaflow Exhaust Deckplate \| Intake Silencer Removal MasterDebater

12-28-2005, 06:32 PM	#7 (permalink)
getitdone Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ft. Collins, Co Posts: 1,006	Matt-Yea I checked the manuel. It said something about how I shouldn't mount it 30 degrees or mor...blah blah blah. I'm just going to do it anyway and see what happens. Bob-Yea the whole thing will be out of metal with a lockable flip around door over the stereo, with locks on the storage compartment as well. I have some sheet stainless steel laying around, and I also have tons of 1/8 inch diamond plate steel. The stainless will make up the walls(what I have done so far) and the diamond plate will make up the top. I will use angle iron as a frame structure and bolt it like a rock to the floor. Does anybody know what the rules are for welding stainless? I can't remember so I kinda figured I would just bolt it instead of weld it. __________________ Chris Fischer 3D 85 4Runner SR5 \| 33" BFG M/T on flat black rims \| Chevy springs \| Custom Grab cage with overhead cb mount \| Custom fabbed center console \| Freshly rebuilt axle with IFS hub/caliper swap \| Rock Sliders \| Lots more... In Colorado, Dig.

12-29-2005, 12:09 AM	#8 (permalink)
Eric DeCastro Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 49	I'm interested in how this all works out. like angle of the radio and what not. I was looking into this myself was afraid of the angle. good luck. __________________ 1992 VW Corrado SLC 2001 Toyota Tacoma S-Runner Supercharged 1985 Toyota 4Runner SR5

12-29-2005, 07:17 AM	#10 (permalink)
getitdone Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ft. Collins, Co Posts: 1,006	No No, I wont weld it to the body.hahaha Yea that would be funny. I am welding the diamond plate to the angle iron and would like to weld the stainless to it as well. I will just try some scrap and see what happens. As far as the wiring, I am not proud of the PO's previous work sending wire to the speakers and will be redoing most of it. __________________ Chris Fischer 3D 85 4Runner SR5 \| 33" BFG M/T on flat black rims \| Chevy springs \| Custom Grab cage with overhead cb mount \| Custom fabbed center console \| Freshly rebuilt axle with IFS hub/caliper swap \| Rock Sliders \| Lots more... In Colorado, Dig.

12-28-2005, 05:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
Bob_98SR5 Contributing Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 10,092	hey chris, cool project! i like stuff like this is there a reason why you put your stereo in the center console though? i would think it would make it a pain in the ass, not to mention, a little dangerous to have your eyes focused down and center while driving. bob

12-28-2005, 06:18 PM	#6 (permalink)
Bob_98SR5 Contributing Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 10,092	oh yeah one more thing: are you going to make it out of metal? the entire thing? that is something that i would like to do. or at the very least, make the storage bin thing metal and bolt it down. the 99-02 cupholders in the 3rd gen 4runners are plastic and held down by two bolts. its flimsy. bob

12-29-2005, 09:49 AM	#11 (permalink)
Napoleon047 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Columbia, MO Posts: 995	are you using MIG, stick, or flux core? you will need some stainless electrode or stainless wire. what all is stainless? is the angle stainless? or just the sheet? honestly, i would just make the whole thing out of stainless, or the whole think out of mild steel. these are the ones we sell: all aluminum, light weight and lots of storage room. __________________ -Peter 86 4runner SAS - Trail Rig 94 FZJ80 - DD the dirt cheap SAS Marko Customs Last edited by Napoleon047; 12-29-2005 at 09:52 AM.

12-29-2005, 11:44 AM	#12 (permalink)
getitdone Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ft. Collins, Co Posts: 1,006	All one material would be ideal I agree. It's just that I have some stainless sheet and some mild daimond plate and angle iron. So that is what I am using. I zapped some scrap together as a test and they work great. I am mig welding with 100% co2 on my lincoln 175 pro. btw what is that sitting in front of your box in your pic? __________________ Chris Fischer 3D 85 4Runner SR5 \| 33" BFG M/T on flat black rims \| Chevy springs \| Custom Grab cage with overhead cb mount \| Custom fabbed center console \| Freshly rebuilt axle with IFS hub/caliper swap \| Rock Sliders \| Lots more... In Colorado, Dig.

12-29-2005, 11:52 AM	#14 (permalink)
getitdone Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ft. Collins, Co Posts: 1,006	Here is the progress as of now. This is much easier that trying to bolt the stainless up. All tacked together. This stuff is 1/8" thick. Around 200#! First piece cut out. Trust me that diamond plate looks SOOO much better cleaned up and painted flat black. Dig? __________________ Chris Fischer 3D 85 4Runner SR5 \| 33" BFG M/T on flat black rims \| Chevy springs \| Custom Grab cage with overhead cb mount \| Custom fabbed center console \| Freshly rebuilt axle with IFS hub/caliper swap \| Rock Sliders \| Lots more... In Colorado, Dig.

12-29-2005, 11:53 AM	#15 (permalink)
getitdone Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ft. Collins, Co Posts: 1,006	That cup holder looks tiny, or is it just me? __________________ Chris Fischer 3D 85 4Runner SR5 \| 33" BFG M/T on flat black rims \| Chevy springs \| Custom Grab cage with overhead cb mount \| Custom fabbed center console \| Freshly rebuilt axle with IFS hub/caliper swap \| Rock Sliders \| Lots more... In Colorado, Dig.

12-29-2005, 12:15 PM	#16 (permalink)
WATRD Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Duvall, WA Posts: 5,109	Looks familiar! __________________ -Rob Slightly Modified 2001 Tacoma - WATRD.COM WATTORA is becoming NWToys! Tread Lightly! certified Tread Trainer Search 100+ Toyota tech sites, including this one: Toyota Tech Search

12-29-2005, 09:16 PM	#17 (permalink)
getitdone Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ft. Collins, Co Posts: 1,006	Here is the end of the day progress. This is the bracket that holds the radio in place. This design only allows the radio to be removed from underneath. Good luck stealing this! Getting some character. Hopefully I can make some more progress on this in the next few days after work, cause I don't have another day off untill next week. __________________ Chris Fischer 3D 85 4Runner SR5 \| 33" BFG M/T on flat black rims \| Chevy springs \| Custom Grab cage with overhead cb mount \| Custom fabbed center console \| Freshly rebuilt axle with IFS hub/caliper swap \| Rock Sliders \| Lots more... In Colorado, Dig. Last edited by getitdone; 12-29-2005 at 09:22 PM.

12-29-2005, 11:49 PM	#18 (permalink)
deathrunner Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 2,971	Nice!!!!!!!!!! __________________ IFS IS FOR LOSERS Decroded Piece of Crap

12-30-2005, 05:44 AM	#19 (permalink)
99_Runner Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 1,115	Very cool idea. Can't wait for more pics. __________________ Drew 99 4Runner SR5, auto, 3.4 V6, factory rear locker, 265/75 Yokohama Geolander AT+II Stock for now, but hopefully not for long.

12-30-2005, 05:50 AM	#20 (permalink)
Cebby Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 11,246	How did you bend the steel? Clamps and a straight edge? Or do you have access to a sheet metal brake? __________________ UZswap.com A site dedicated to sharing info for swapping the Toyota/ Lexus UZ (V8) engines into Toyota Trucks and 4Runners. My 4Runner 1993 4Runner, 1UZ (V8) auto dual ultimate crawler, double locked, 35's on beadlocked SR5 alloys, low lift, hacked fenders, tubbed firewall, custom armor TOOLandFAB.com A discussion forum dedicated to tools, fabrication & workshops. See my JD2 Bender Hydro Conversion BUY THIS 2008 CALENDAR

12-31-2005, 04:31 PM	#24 (permalink)
FR_Javier Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: hot hot heat AZ Posts: 27	nice project You might be able to find some hidden/reversible/double hinges at a local metal supplier or scrap yard. Aerocatch mfg's some nice flush mounting locking mechanisms too. www.aerocatch.com Are you going to vent the console for the radio? __________________ www.full-race.com

01-02-2006, 09:22 PM	#25 (permalink)
getitdone Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ft. Collins, Co Posts: 1,006	Those latches are pretty nice. A little overkill for this project though IMHO. I hadn't thought about venting the console. It won't be very air tight. I suppose I could keep it in mind. Here are some more pics of how it sits now. I made the back plate for the face of the radio. Someone wanted to see a close up of the bracket. The nuts are welded on for easy install/uninstall. Got the diamond plate cleaned up and the back plate tacked in. The diamond plate is just resting on the console right now. Which explains the red thing up front. DON'T WORRY! The plates aren't crooked, its just a weird angle and the fact that they are just sitting on there. It's turning out pretty cool. I am still trying to think of something original/cool to do about the hinge thing. Kinda hard to get an invisible 270 degree hinge. Especially in the amount of space I have to work with. Please post your thoughts! __________________ Chris Fischer 3D 85 4Runner SR5 \| 33" BFG M/T on flat black rims \| Chevy springs \| Custom Grab cage with overhead cb mount \| Custom fabbed center console \| Freshly rebuilt axle with IFS hub/caliper swap \| Rock Sliders \| Lots more... In Colorado, Dig.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
center console	89red4x4yota	The Classifieds GraveYard	2	02-14-2007 11:35 PM
Center Console	AJwhoisthat	The Classifieds GraveYard	3	08-02-2006 09:32 PM
new center console	photoleif	86-95 Trucks & 4Runners	9	06-27-2006 12:14 AM
Center console	Jesters_taco	95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners	2	03-09-2004 09:10 AM