1997 Dodge 3500 console build

[parkerbs]

This weekend we started building the console for a buddy's 97 Dodge 3500. The equipment to go in it is
Uhf astro spectra
Vhf Kenwood 2180?
Motorola Cdm1550 lowband (converted to 6 meter)
As well as a whelen siren.

So far we have it built. He is gonna take it to work and finish sand it ( he is a bodyman and mechanic) and next weekend when we both have off we will cut out the holes for the radios and cup holders. Then a paint job. He decided to go with a slate color texture paint. That way we can fill in some of the little imperfections in the plywood.

***For anyone wondering he is Lt with his fire dept thats why he has a siren***

 

[scannermanner1]

Nice ! Any public safety lights on the vehicle or just the siren ?

 

[parkerbs]

He had a mini whelen Led bar on top. I forget the model number.

 

[firetaz834]

Like the start of what I'm seeing, will be waiting to see how it goes to completion. Now, for my two cents it is sad that we now have to go to the point of clarifying why a person has a siren unit and lights. I'm like to see good installs and the process it takes to get there. I'm sure the person is aware of the ramifications of having lights and siren and not being authorized to have/use them.

Good job so far, and I'm sorry I had to use your post to add my 2 cents to. Will be watching how the install continues.

 

[parkerbs]

I agree with you, but I keep it civil. People see a siren and freak. Thanks for the comments. This console is coming along great. The next phase is the nerve racking one. I have to cut out the holes for each piece of equipment. All I have is a jig saw. Eventually as funds are available I believe he is goimg to go with something like havis or jotto console brackets that way he can easily swap equipent without having to re cut a hole. Cause I know him, he is just like me. We get board easily and our radio setup is for ever changing. Lol

 

[fourthhorseman]

Whats the thickness of the material,1/2-5/8,3/4?..
Been thinking of building my own console for my Tahoe,
But Not sure of the thickness of the material to use,,
MDF is nice,but its also pressed particle,,Plywood it
sturdier,but the finishing to make it clean.is a PITA...

About the radio inserts,,

Whaty about some heavy gauge KYDEX..Its easy to cut,and
get the contours, inexpensive...looks nice and clean..tough..

Keep the pix coming!!

 

[parkerbs]

Its 3/4 in. Kydexs is a good idea. Still out sode of his budget right now. When I built my console for my tahoe I did it in mdf. It was easier to cut with just a jigsaw and it sanded down well but I had to do alot of internal bracing that I didn't have to do here.

 

[DJ11DLN]

I agree with you, but I keep it civil. People see a siren and freak. Thanks for the comments. This console is coming along great. The next phase is the nerve racking one. I have to cut out the holes for each piece of equipment. All I have is a jig saw. Eventually as funds are available I believe he is goimg to go with something like havis or jotto console brackets that way he can easily swap equipent without having to re cut a hole. Cause I know him, he is just like me. We get board easily and our radio setup is for ever changing. Lol

People freak out when they see a siren in a POV because in many states, including mine, a siren in a POV is a very big no-no. And people often think that whatever laws pertain where they live are the same everywhere. A broader-minded attitude wouldn't hurt any of us.

Back on topic, I'll be watching this one...I've got a pickup in that series, and I've long wanted to replace that hard-as-a-rock center seat section with something the same height for radios etc and retain the factory armrest-console-organizer thing, just flip it up out of the way as needed. Looks like you're off to a great start. And you can do a lot with a jigsaw, just make sure you have a steady hand.:wink:

 

[kjfswkr]

Looks good and good for the siren, people worry too much! Yelp, yelp, yelp

73' kevin