Looking to build a floor console (mobile radios)

[Raptor05121]

I'm thinking about building a "box" to fit in the "hump" of my front seat on the floor. one thing I need to tackle is that my truck is a stick shift. secondly, I'm wodnering what layout I will use. I'm trying to shoot for 3 slots for mobile radios to slide into, and two slots for handhelds to dock. I might also be isntalling little external speakers to the side to hear calls come in better. can someone with expereince point me in the right direction to get a mild idea where to start?

i want to possibly build it out of wood, I guess, with everything wired right, and over the wood maybe foam padding and over that matching gray vinyl to match the interior? what do you guys think?

 

[rico47635]

I think it all depends on how much room it takes to change gears. I had an old Ford with a 4 speed on the floor. There was no way I could have ever built a hump mounted box for it. I haven't driven one of these newer trucks to know how to pull something like this off. If you get it built, be sure to post the pictures.

 

[W6KRU]

i want to possibly build it out of wood, I guess, with everything wired right, and over the wood maybe foam padding and over that matching gray vinyl to match the interior? what do you guys think?

You just print more money when you run low? :lol: Bent sheet metal with a little paint is a lot cheaper.

 

[Raptor05121]

why sheet metal? most of the interior of my truck is plastic, I dont think I want something hard. i dont think it will cost that much. vinyl is about $8/yard, about the same for foam padding. the wood would be the only problem. I saw someone with a cardboard mock-up, so I might try doing that. i am still measuring the distance of the throw on the stick, but i think i can do it.

anyone know where to get those din boxes that hold the radio onto the panel?

 

[rico47635]

why sheet metal? most of the interior of my truck is plastic, I dont think I want something hard. i dont think it will cost that much. vinyl is about $8/yard, about the same for foam padding. the wood would be the only problem. I saw someone with a cardboard mock-up, so I might try doing that. i am still measuring the distance of the throw on the stick, but i think i can do it.

anyone know where to get those din boxes that hold the radio onto the panel?

Are any of the radios you are planning on using radios that will also transmit? If so, those din boxes aren't a very good idea because of heat buildup. I've heard there is a company from Australia where din boxes can be bought, but I don't know the name of it.

 

[KJ4NFP]

My two cents...

A while ago I custom made a console for my POV. I made the box from wood, sanded it completely smoothe and took a piece of the interior trim to the paint shop to match. The console was painted the exact color as the interior of the car. I ran my Hot and ground leads from the engine compartment to the console and mounted a Buss Fuse panel and a grounding bar inside with an 80 amp circuit breaker under the hood (for maintenance). I installed three units - A scanner and two motorolas (remote mount). I ordered the faceplates from Jottodesk and cut the appropriate hole in the wood. The faceplates were made for the radios so they fit perfectly. Some black screws help them down and Voila... a console was born. My console was custom fit around an automatic floor shift. I used the trim around the shifter for a map light, some accessory outlets, some switches and a cellphone mount. I realize I said a lot here, but I hope it helps. I found the jotto website very helpful with the plates as well as other accessories (cup holder lock box, etc.)

 

[swstow]

i think it would help to know is it a bench or bucket seating
do you want it near the dash or futher down the center

 

[Mstrfxit12]

One compromise between buying and building that might work for is to build the box yourself but buy the faceplates for your radio gear from someone like jotto-desk. This would give you a nice standardized look as well as a consistent dimension for your side rails.

 

[n8emr]

I'm thinking about building a "box" to fit in the "hump" of my front seat on the floor.........

i want to possibly build it out of wood, I guess, with everything wired right, and over the wood maybe foam padding and over that matching gray vinyl to match the interior? what do you guys think?

Most of the modders are building consoles and boxes out of MDF, Very easy to work with, takes paint very good. You can pad over it. There are a couple of examples on this form and in the shack pictures but a search in custom audio consoles will pop up lots of examples that can be used.