Decided to build a replacement center console for my 2000. It started when I could not find a suitable place to install my switch panel for the airbag inflation switch's and gauge. So I removed the center console and built a mock up out of cardboard and went from there. The cardboard mockup was 4 inches longer than the wooden one. I decided to attach the CB to the front of it.

I ended up with a console 14" wide x 17" long x 15" on the back side(passenger side). It is 9" high on the drivers side and makes a nice arm rest. The panel is going to 16 gauge steel. I have to finalize the gauge layout and cut out the rough holes with the plasma cutter.

I picked up some fabric that is a little darker than I like but it was the closest thing I could find. I am moving 3 switches to the console right now and the Pacbrake air bag controls. I wanted something I can add more to in the future. I will post more as I go. Plan to work on it a little during the week since I brought it in the house out of the cold. I also removed the seat belt for the center seat.

ABennin you might want to peel the protective paper off the high idle switch face plate.

I know it looks like that.  I used a 4" x 6" blank label. 

 

I had a pinup girl sticker on there and found the Rat Fink online, I like R.F. more, she got the "boot" lol

Ahhh.. You want a flat mount face? I've got one on my desk right now you can have...

Sure I would be interested in it.  I will send you PM.

Ed did get a hold of me on the fooler and I never received a email notifying of the PM, I just found it today.  I just wanted to set the record straight and apologize.  My fault.

Hotmail blacklisted the site and no hotmail or live account have been functional for awhile. So I apologize for the email issues. I'm still working on the email issue right now I got to jump through some more hoops. 

Ahh ok, I started receiving emails at Hotmail a few days ago.  I know very little about computers and thought I didn't have something turned on in my settings somewhere. 

The console has worked out very well. I did have a issue with the mounting bolts coming loose but I used Loctite on them and so far so good. I added a cell phone holder, which I like very much. The holder uses a solid aluminum rod which was 20" long and I cut off about 6 inches to get the height where I wanted it. I use the GPS on it often and the holder is steady which makes it easy to read. Next I added a 12v power outlet, 2 USB chargers and a Volt gauge. It was PITA to install with the console in the vehicle though. I did not want to remove it because there is a lot of wiring to remove. It has its own fuse in the fuse panel in the console and it is turned on and off with the master switch. I use it to charge the phone and I have an IPod that stays in the truck to listen to music. I use the USB for charging that.

Edited May 16, 20159 yr by ABennin

That's pretty slick.

 

Hey Andy did you get the face plate for the high idle? No picture of it?

That looks really great. Very professional

Yes I did receive the faceplate and thank you for sending it.  I put it on after I took the pictures I put up last night.  Here it is installed. 

I should have put up a final picture after I was done for the night.  I used a sharpie to color the edge of it because the white from the plastic stuck out against the darker background. 

Thank you Royal Squire, it was a fun project.  One interesting thing I encountered is people working in the drive thru's are curious about it.  I try to explain what everything is quickly but I feel most of it goes over their head. 

Edited May 16, 20159 yr by ABennin