Attention all experienced installers!!!

[W3MOT]

Well, it's that time again... time to do another install. Although I'm only doing about two radios, I'm still looking for suggestions. For what you may ask? Well, a custom console. What materials should i use? I was thinking (obviously) wood, and to finish it off, Marine Vinyl. I'm looking for absolutely any suggestions at all involving a custom console. If anyone here has done a custom (wood) console, please definitely post pics of your finished product. I'd appreciate any ideas!

Thanks!!!

[tvsjr]

Why build a custom console? Do you have special mounting requirements, or are you doing it just to be different? There are all sorts of various consoles and equipment mounts out there these days - if your time has any intrinsic value, there's no way you can build something cheaper than buying something.

[W3MOT]

Well, all the money went to DF equipment and two XTL's.... I'm kinda broke, and not to mention, there really isn't a company out there that makes consoles for an SUV with the center shifter...unless it's an Explorer, which it's not. I'm definitely SOL when it comes to a regular console, because I'd need the console, and then the 5 brackets. I just don't have the money for all that.

[tvsjr]

Generally the consoles come with one full set of brackets (a 12" console will come with 12" worth of brackets, your choice). By the time you figure out the number of hours involved, buying the wood (wood isn't cheap these days), the vinyl, hardware, other parts and pieces, I bet you're going to spend $100 easily.

What are you trying to mount, and in what vehicle?

[W3MOT]

One MCS remote mount, one CDM1550, two XTL5000's, and a Maxtrac. It's all getting done in a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee...

[W3MOT]

Woops! Make that an 04' Jeep...

[tvsjr]

Ugh. I'm not sure how you're going to get all of that to fit in a Heep - custom console or no. Heeps pretty much universally suck for install...

[W3MOT]

I get what your saying... Well my plan is to (like I said) make a console. I'll dismantle the current console and try to replicate it's general shape in wood (I'm pretty good with wood working). Once I've done that I'll fabricate a location for the radios with as much professionalism as possible...

[tvsjr]

I get what your saying... Well my plan is to (like I said) make a console. I'll dismantle the current console and try to replicate it's general shape in wood (I'm pretty good with wood working). Once I've done that I'll fabricate a location for the radios with as much professionalism as possible...

You're planning to replace the entire existing console? If you can make it work, make sure to post pictures... I don't think I've ever seen someone do that, at least on a vehicle with floor shifters. You'll definitely have to do a custom job.

If I were you, I'd suggest building something that uses a rail system similar to Gamber-Johnson, Havis/Troy/Jotto, etc. That way, you can build your console, but buy the prefinished faceplates from them. When you choose to swap radios around, you aren't having to make major modifications to the console - you just swap faceplates.

Good luck - I'm afraid you're gonna need it!

[W3MOT]

Eh, don't worry... I'm confident! By the way, did I mention I'm using all Magnet Mounts?











HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!! JUST kidding!!!
<giggles while you cringe>