When I set up my Expedition originally, I did it in a hurry and it was pretty sloopy in my opinion. Everything worked, but it wasn't ergonomic. Basically, I grew to dislike it real quick.
I shopped around for a console that was big enough, and found one with Troy Products/ I couldn't bring myself to shell out over $500 for a console so I decided to build one like it instead. What you see in the pictures below is the result.
I used 1/2 MDF for the whole thing. I made a couple of mistakes, and will correct it the next time. IT is angled to match the floorboard and extends all the way back to the edge of the front seats.
Everthing has a face plate and bracket system made out of MDF as well. Each piece can be individually removed and replaced with something else. After completion, I realized I should have used solid wood for the inside rails and the brackets on the equipment as the MDF tends to split when pressure is placed on it from screws or bolts.
The Jotto desk will go in when it comes in. I had designed my own setup with the old console before. Now that everything is lower, I won't have an annoying blind spot on my front right side while driving.
The only new equipment is the Kenwood TM-G707 Dual Band. I replaced the extra 800mhz antenna on the roof with a tuned dual band antenna for VHF & UHF.
It is not 100% completed as I need to install a fan inside the box that will be mounted to the cover that goes over the back. The cover encloses the rear section and has holes in it for airflow. The front of the console is open as well to help. The cup holders right now are for decoration. I am still trying to find a way to make an actual inside part that will hold the cups up and catch condensation.
All in all, I am extremely happy with how it turned out, and will be working on another one after some other projects are completed. It figures that I came up with some better ideas after getting it in the truck and installed.
OKC CSI
I shopped around for a console that was big enough, and found one with Troy Products/ I couldn't bring myself to shell out over $500 for a console so I decided to build one like it instead. What you see in the pictures below is the result.
I used 1/2 MDF for the whole thing. I made a couple of mistakes, and will correct it the next time. IT is angled to match the floorboard and extends all the way back to the edge of the front seats.
Everthing has a face plate and bracket system made out of MDF as well. Each piece can be individually removed and replaced with something else. After completion, I realized I should have used solid wood for the inside rails and the brackets on the equipment as the MDF tends to split when pressure is placed on it from screws or bolts.
The Jotto desk will go in when it comes in. I had designed my own setup with the old console before. Now that everything is lower, I won't have an annoying blind spot on my front right side while driving.
The only new equipment is the Kenwood TM-G707 Dual Band. I replaced the extra 800mhz antenna on the roof with a tuned dual band antenna for VHF & UHF.
It is not 100% completed as I need to install a fan inside the box that will be mounted to the cover that goes over the back. The cover encloses the rear section and has holes in it for airflow. The front of the console is open as well to help. The cup holders right now are for decoration. I am still trying to find a way to make an actual inside part that will hold the cups up and catch condensation.
All in all, I am extremely happy with how it turned out, and will be working on another one after some other projects are completed. It figures that I came up with some better ideas after getting it in the truck and installed.
OKC CSI
Looks good! When my 2000 explorer craps out I'm thinking about your body style expedition. I also have the large amount of crap like you do, so I'm taking some ideas in.
