bockford

Hi guys, I did a few forum/Google searches and found some great center consoles, but I am specifically looking for someone who has relocated their head unit into a custom console. My idea is to completely redo the center and move the head unit up to where the factory center vents are located (using a double din touch screen), and the vents to the old stereo location. (I know you have trouble reaching your volume too, right?)

Anyway, anyone ever done this or heard of someone taking it on? Sorry if I missed a post, but searched pretty thorough.

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

Seems easier to get a remote

Or move your HU to a lockable Tuffy center console.

I'd think putting a HU up like that would just be inviting a thief to tear apart your whole dash.

I had an asshat put a HU in the center vents but custom is not the word I'd use to describe it.

:wabbit2:

Daenerysdad

+1 on the remote. I have a clarion head unit, and the only time I touch it is to pull out and replace cd's.

krack

I'd just not worry bout it and hit the woods with a Walkman

bockford

Well, I'm doing it Will post final pics when done





Faceplate from a 2000 Ford Windstar Van


Where I made my cuts

bockford

rokblok

iTrader: (1)

I can't believe you put Ford(domestic) parts in a Toy....

Blasphemer!!

Your Toyota card should be revoked.....

bockford

'Merica!

bockford

bockford

Discombobulated

Dang man!!! That actually looks really good and I mean it by your first pics I was like that dash is so nice nooooooooooooooo don't hack it up, but the end result looks real nice good job!!!

So give us some more info on how you did the vents and the controls? And what that little digital meter is on the bottom?

bockford

Thanks Discombobulated, I really appreciate it! Tryst me, I was a little worried from the get-go, but am really pleased how it tuned out, the pics don't do it justice.

The front panel & A/C controls are from a 2000 Ford Aerostar. I originally was going to use my Toy cable controls, but they were short, and I figured I may as well try to adapt the electronic controls from the Ford. It wasn't a nightmare, but it took a while to track all the circuits (if you guys ever need complete wiring diagrams for anything, the Autozone.com website is amazing).

I used a vaccuum control valve from a 74 Chevelle (simple one) to turn my heat on and off, and used the speed control unit from the van as well as other parts to adapt to my truck. It took a while, but I have the benefit of it looking factory, except when people scratch their heads when they see my rear A/C controls in an 84 Xtra cab, lol. I have a lot of extra controls I plan on using for different things in my truck.

The console is rotated towards me about 10 degrees so I can see it better. I didn't have to cut very much (the dash being the biggest piece to hack). The lower console I patterned to fit with cardboard templates so it would be nice & clean. I don't like how they connect together, used industrial velcro, but this created a little gap. Design flaw on my part not having a place to screw them together easily. I have a solution just haven't done it yet.

Anyway, the little blue gauge is a volt meter so I can monitor my battery life when the key is off. The lower console is going to have a Rhino gaughe/switch package when I get the money...gauges are expensive, lol. The cover plate there now is a temp. This is the Rhino one:

The vents I rerouted to blow out under the dash, as I don't have A/C. If I ever do install it, this may be a regret, but I still have both of my side vents.

All in all, the A/C controls re-wire was the hardest part, but it's kinda cool having modern controls instead of the clunky older manual ones. I would do it all over again just for the fact of reaching up and easily twisting my volume knob, and seeing my head unit. I can't wait for some Yota guys to see it and wonder what happened, lol.

I'll be glad to answer any deeper questions if anyone has any! I'll post some more pics of my O/H console etc. I built as well.

bockford

bockford

aviator

Looks pretty sweet... fwiw you probably won't miss the dash vents... I have AC and I never use the dash vent position I find I get the best all around results with the split defrost/foot position winter heat or summer cool.
Though I would second some of the comments regarding thieves... with the second doghouse for the audio gear you may make yourself more of a target for the tweakers... make sure you have a really good alarms system.

Discombobulated

Dang dude!!!! All the work looks so wonderful!!! Where has the build thread been?? This is preposterous next time you sneak all this work by us I won't be so nice

bockford

thanks Discombobulated, you're too kind...i really need to start one, maybe you've motivated me, lol.

bockford

last pic - all done

aviator

What is that overhead display? Looks kind of like a 7" pad computer.

bockford

Hi aviator,

it is just a 7" monitor...because of my flatbed with the tire mount, can't really see out of the back, so I use it for my full time rear view mirror (I have a backup camera in the bumper). I can see more than my regular mirror, I really like it! Night vision too...

**Edit - PS2 slim in the glove box for watching movies/games on trips.