So I am going to start this thread as Build thread even though I am half way done with the major stuff that I wanted done. Bumpers, sliders, winch, lock right rear. The rest of the stuff is add on type things that will make longer trips easier for myself and my family. My ultimate goal is in tune more with the expedition style off road rigs than a crawler. Future mods will probably consist of I small lift, a jump to 33's, a roof rack of the light weight variety, a tire carrier and some small things here and there.

My latest add-on was a copy of malteserunner's 87 center console. Here are some pics of what I did.

removed the center console, Mind you my runner is an 86 with an auto so i had to get a little creative because of the extra switches.

test fitting - I had to do many tests fits to make sure I was not cutting to much off the original plastic. which i did anyways but that was off the first cut. trimmed some plastic on the ammo can to match up holes where the original attached to the runner.

after getting holes drilled and everything sitting properly, I made an arm pad with a piece of light wood some upholstery batting and some vinyl. then I added my usually camo color effects to the box and attached the pad to the box

All done, well kinda, it is in but during the last install I decided that the ammo can would be a great safe dust free space for my camera so I have fast easy access to it. so now I am working on a divider solution. since I do not need to get into the box that often except for the camera.

 

Nice work man!
definitely original.

 

Creative idea! It looks great!I may have to copy that idea for the pad on top of the ammo can. I have a 30mm round ammo box that I'm gunna make into a center console for my truck here soon.

 

it is super easy. wood, scissors, jig saw, staple gun, batting, and vinyl.
I would suggest 3way stretch vinyl if you can find it. I tried when I was doing my rear seats and could not find it at walmart or Joannes fabrics.

I also wanted to point out at the bottom of the 3rd pich you can slightly see a hole. that is for me to run cords through such as my USB for my ipod receiver. Not a big issue with dust getting in but I do plan to seal it with silicone.

 

Since I mentioned the rear seat I thought I should at least show a picture. The old seat we in pretty bad shape and years of dust in the cloth and foam. I spent about 3 hours removing all the old stuff and rebuilding this. I am not much of an upholstery guy but I have built a lot of custom pods and enclosures for car audio over the years.

 

John,

Great idea on the console! I like it! How did you paint it? Is that a sponge technique?


.

 

well I have to thank maltese for the idea on the console. I just added the arm rest. Much better than the stock setup for me.
The paint is a branch technique lol. When I was younger and my dad used to bow hunt he used to paint his bows a solid light color such as tan or grey then take evergreen branches and spray over those. I use a spruce I believe but almost any evergreen will work although the wider the branch the better it tracks down. I have since added my own touch by slapping the still wet branch on areas with concentrated color splashing paint all over.

 

looks great buddy!! need to get some overall pics of the runner and some closeups of the things you have ALREADY done...
and make sure you get a pic of your "BLINGIN" gold Limited badge...

 

haha blingin gold limited badge is the only dang thing on there that is limited. I have yet to see another. that and an 86 with an auto. pretty rare to see one of those to. you know that auto actually does a good job though. being only the second auto I have ever owned it surprises me even off road. the bad part is I think it also causes me to have worse fuel economy.

 

Well yesterday while it was mostly nice, I spent some time relocationg my CB from a floor mounted RAM mount to an aluminum diamond plate ceiling mount. Now I can actually hear when some one is talking to me.as well as being able to hear the weather station, which by the way is kinda cool, although I doubt I use it to much. anyways here is the old location upright. when the seat moved forward it had to be tucked under the dash some what.
Original location

And the new location

 

looks nice... how hard of an install was that?

 

Not bad at all. Had to dig out the old panel puller for the pillar trim because of how brittle it is but other than that is was a breeze. Bend the plate by hand to match the head liner. Line up the holes from the mirror onto your plate. About 2 hours total because I had to un install existing wires.

 

What kind of tires are you running on your rig?