Custom center console
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Custom center console
Alrighty. I have looked before trying to find pics and threads for custom center console time and time again. And never find anything. So I am starting one since I built my own.
Here we go.
Here is what I started with. My factory center console was in pretty good shape but I wanted something different.
So I took it out.
Started building the box.
Cover the box, put a cushion on the lid, built and covered the sides, cut the top out of steel, trimmed it, and made an access panel on the side.
Installed the CB, switchs with indicator lights, 12v outlets, and cupholders.
I just got it together tonight. I have worked on it for almost a week straight with a little help from dad and one of my uncles.
I still have to wire everything up still but at least I got it all in.
Here we go.
Here is what I started with. My factory center console was in pretty good shape but I wanted something different.
So I took it out.
Started building the box.
Cover the box, put a cushion on the lid, built and covered the sides, cut the top out of steel, trimmed it, and made an access panel on the side.
Installed the CB, switchs with indicator lights, 12v outlets, and cupholders.
I just got it together tonight. I have worked on it for almost a week straight with a little help from dad and one of my uncles.
I still have to wire everything up still but at least I got it all in.
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Thanks man.
I will warn you it is a big project. I spent a lot of time on it. A lot of it was new to me... box building and upholstery. If you do one up, make sure you post some pics.
Sorry I didn't get more of the wood working pics in. Just had to keep measuring and tweaking to get it right.
I will warn you it is a big project. I spent a lot of time on it. A lot of it was new to me... box building and upholstery. If you do one up, make sure you post some pics.
Sorry I didn't get more of the wood working pics in. Just had to keep measuring and tweaking to get it right.
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I will try and save a switch for lasers lol 
Driving lights when I put them on in the next few days, going to wire one up to the 12v outlets for easy turning off my radar detector and other things I like to plug in. The others are still up in the air, just wanted to get the console ready for whatever.
The bottom of the cup holder will unscrew, I can get to them through the access panel on the side.
Driving lights when I put them on in the next few days, going to wire one up to the 12v outlets for easy turning off my radar detector and other things I like to plug in. The others are still up in the air, just wanted to get the console ready for whatever.
The bottom of the cup holder will unscrew, I can get to them through the access panel on the side.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,452
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From: Santa Fe Tx
ive built speaker boxes and all kinds of stuff out of wood so the wood part is east to me and as far as upolstery thats easy to me too im bout to tackle the door panels and dash in the chevy i just got
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,452
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From: Santa Fe Tx
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thats the big question. lol
If you are talking about material or the extra tools I had to get along with it lol.
I would say material ran me around... best guess around $200-$250
i already had the CB (roughly a $150 value if you went and picked up a new one). The cost does not include the CB antennas and the lights that are going on the front. Thats another $150.
I think I dropped another $100 tools I needed.
If you are talking about material or the extra tools I had to get along with it lol.
I would say material ran me around... best guess around $200-$250
i already had the CB (roughly a $150 value if you went and picked up a new one). The cost does not include the CB antennas and the lights that are going on the front. Thats another $150.
I think I dropped another $100 tools I needed.
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From: southwest michigan
wow, really cool thread. I've got a friend that would probably really like to see this. He always complains about the lack of a real center console in these trucks.
While i don't think I would do this in my 96, because it's still in its "pretty stage", this is exactly the thing I want to do my 95-97 f250, 460, 4x4, reg cab that I hope to one day own
. The one on imaginary 35" tires at this point. Some day...
While i don't think I would do this in my 96, because it's still in its "pretty stage", this is exactly the thing I want to do my 95-97 f250, 460, 4x4, reg cab that I hope to one day own
. The one on imaginary 35" tires at this point. Some day...
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Santa Fe Tx
thats not to bad i already have all the tools needed but i dont think i personlys would go with that many switches i dont have the need for them lol but i would like to reses my aftermarket gauges in it though man i cant wait to start mine lol
Posting Guru
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From: southwest michigan
You can never have too many switches. I figure, think of every accessory you know you would like your truck to have, then add about 2 switches.
If you really have to make them all do something. I would recommend a blackout switch. One that would prevent the interior light from coming when you open the doors, or kill the brake lights. But oh man, if you ever make a switch that does that, make sure it has a flip down cover so you don't get rear ended, on the off chance you hit the switch on accident.
If you really have to make them all do something. I would recommend a blackout switch. One that would prevent the interior light from coming when you open the doors, or kill the brake lights. But oh man, if you ever make a switch that does that, make sure it has a flip down cover so you don't get rear ended, on the off chance you hit the switch on accident.
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From: southwest michigan
Also, while discussing what else you could add, a 120v inverter might be nice. Hook that up to a toggle switch and plug in any ac devices you may need.
I always carry an inverter and an extension cord in my toolbox in case the need arises.
I always carry an inverter and an extension cord in my toolbox in case the need arises.
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An inverter is on the list. I got a battery jumper/inverter/light etc. in the tool box, but one mounted in the cab is a thought. I got a custom bedcap in mind (spring time maybe) with a few lights up high, and a set facing towards the rear. That would eat up the switches I mounted.
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