2008 Ford Escape Custom Console Mount

[1099-J2]

Here are some photos of my Company car and the radio systems that I use in my work as a news photographer. I primarily chase news stories in a two state area, so multiple radios are necessary to pick up all the agencies. I used to drive a Ford Crown Victoria which had a hump mount so a multi- radio rack was not a problem. Last fall I was put into an 08 Ford Escape with very little radio mounting space. The Company that we dealt with in radio installations mounted a BCD 996T under the passenger seat and used a remote head mounted on the dash. Not only was it a lousy install, I couldn't hear the radio or access the controls. They had mounted the GE 2-way on the far right side of the console and it couldn't be reached also. The first weekend I had the vehicle, I studied the existing console, removed it and measured for "dead space". I found plenty of space behind the shifter all the way back to the rear seating area. I planned my project and within an hour search of auto salvagers, found a console out of an 08 Escape. What luck, $50 and the same color. The console arrived and I made my measurements and cut the thing up into the desired height, width, and length. I knew how many radios were going into the unit so I managed to leave the cup holders. I split the console so that the portion that holds the radios is removable by itself for easy access to the connections, antennas, ect. All in all, it was a pretty easy project and only required about two hours to complete. The unit bolts securely to the floor using the factory bolts and has no rattles or squeaks. I hope this will help you out if you are wondering about ways to mount your stuff.

In the photos:
(2) Uniden BCD 996T radios
(1) Uniden BC796D radio
(1) Motorola MaxTrac 800 Trunked Radio
(1) Custom made power switch control (all units wired into this for on/off functions)
(1) GE 2-way radio 450 Mhz

All radios have external speakers mounted under the seat and rear of console. Yes it's like hearing "cops" in stereo.

 

[SIGG]

Wow excellent setup. You sure did fit a lot in a pretty tight space.

 

[emd001]

looks great...but i gotta ask, wheres the antennas?

 

[b7spectra]

Nice setup, just hope you don't have to look down to see who is on what channel!

 

[eddie412]

very nice

 

[j86u]

Awesome setup!

 

[N1SQB]

Nice!

You would'nt think all those radios fit in there like that. Very nicely done!

Manny

 

[burner781]

Wow. Very cool!

 

[K7CB]

That is very nice. My Tacoma has a similar center console that is used for storage and I've thought about using it for radios. I just haven't done it. One thing stopping me right now is money. The second...I'm not quite sure if that's where I want to put the radios because I do use the center area for storage. In addition, I've found I don't like having my radios mounted vertically. Dust and lint tend get all over the display very easily and it bugs me. So, I'm checking other methods before I try this. But it really is a nice clean install. Nice job.

 

[1099-J2]

My Escape

Thanks for all the nice comments about the setup. I might add that the salvage console that I used was easy to work with. It's a hardened plastic that scores easy and cuts great with a Dremel Tool. On the cut edges at the top I used "push-on" door edge channel strips from the auto parts store. Installs easy and is self adhesive. Makes for a nice finished look. Used four strips for a total of about $4. The radios are mounted inside the console with metal support strips from the hardware store. They are the strips that are about 4 feet long and have the pre-drilled holes in them, spaced about 2 and 1/2 inches apart. Lucky because the radios rack mount perfect with the spacing already provided. I set each radio in place so the face would flush mount to the top of the console and measured the hole spacing and set the metal in place. The radio mount screws go through the plastic side of the console then through the metal holes in the strip. Perfect spacing and support for the radio units. My total outlay on hardware was about $10.
The led switch control box was made so that I can power all or individual radios from one central point.
I picked up an overhead console accessory switch plate from an RV dealer parts shop for $12 and made a box to mount it from scratch. I put in a power post plate and ran my hot power from the battery to the positive post. There are six legs for output power that I used for each radio. This allows me to be able to switch my radios on and off and leave the volume set and the power on. I have learned that on a scanner this is the part that tends to get the most abuse and wear out. I don't get the scratchy volume or loose knobs anymore. All in all, with the salvage console, materials and odds and ends...my setup cost me less than $100.