Eric Pennal
Well-Known Member
This is a modified center console I’ve been working on for the past several months. It’s finally finished and installed.
<img src='http://www.zjstech.net/~library/3497/Center%20Console%20Mod/Center%20Console%20-%20Installed.jpg'>
A little background:
I wanted to add a video monitor for navigation, DVD’s, and a backup camera, but wasn’t completely happy with my available options. The in-dash units I’ve seen have small 6.5†screens, and the single DIN, motorized retractable monitors block the A/C vents. Plus, their mechanisms can malfunction or break.
I was inspired by Ryan Eylander’s modified console, in which he molded an 8†Kenwood touch-screen monitor with fiberglass. But, I didn’t want my monitor permanently exposed to sunlight and debris, or to thieves.
My solution was to design & build a console with a manually retracted 8†monitor that could be easily hidden inside the console when not in use. The new console is installed using the existing rear anchors that snap in place like the original console does. I added two screws on each side near the bottom edge of the lower panels (front and rear corners), for more stability. I included the lower panels in the design because the new upper console is slightly wider than the floor-mounted panel. I didn’t want it sticking out over the sides of the lower console half. Here's a better view of the lower panel, which is covered with vinyl to match the OEM panel.
<img src='http://www.zjstech.net/~library/3497/Center%20Console%20Mod/Center%20Console%20Installed-4.JPG'>
I wanted the modified console to appear as “factory†as possible – something that looked like it was designed by Ford. Since I was concerned the monitor compartment lid would look like it was hiding something worth stealing, I asked WebXtremes (SeattleSportTrac) for a Sport Trac decal that I could apply to the lid to give it the look of a typical Ford style badge.
The following sequence shows how the monitor extends from the console. The “drawer†mechanism in the monitor compartment allows the monitor to extend, then pivot into place. The monitor stays attached to the mechanism and is secured firmly in place with velcro during use, though it can easily be removed, when necessary.
<img src='http://www.zjstech.net/~library/3497/Center%20Console%20Sequence%20Pics/1.JPG'>
<img src='http://www.zjstech.net/~library/3497/Center%20Console%20Sequence%20Pics/2.JPG'>
<img src='http://www.zjstech.net/~library/3497/Center%20Console%20Sequence%20Pics/3.JPG'>
<img src='http://www.zjstech.net/~library/3497/Center%20Console%20Sequence%20Pics/4.JPG'>
<img src='http://www.zjstech.net/~library/3497/Center%20Console%20Sequence%20Pics/5.JPG'>
<img src='http://www.zjstech.net/~library/3497/Center%20Console%20Sequence%20Pics/6.JPG'>
<img src='http://www.zjstech.net/~library/3497/Center%20Console%20Sequence%20Pics/7.JPG'>
I have pictures of the project’s construction progress in my library. There’s also a PDF image in there of the concept drawing I created, that shows how the new design fits into the original console.
<img src='http://www.zjstech.net/~library/3497/Center%20Console%20Mod/Center%20Console%20-%20Installed.jpg'>
A little background:
I wanted to add a video monitor for navigation, DVD’s, and a backup camera, but wasn’t completely happy with my available options. The in-dash units I’ve seen have small 6.5†screens, and the single DIN, motorized retractable monitors block the A/C vents. Plus, their mechanisms can malfunction or break.
I was inspired by Ryan Eylander’s modified console, in which he molded an 8†Kenwood touch-screen monitor with fiberglass. But, I didn’t want my monitor permanently exposed to sunlight and debris, or to thieves.
My solution was to design & build a console with a manually retracted 8†monitor that could be easily hidden inside the console when not in use. The new console is installed using the existing rear anchors that snap in place like the original console does. I added two screws on each side near the bottom edge of the lower panels (front and rear corners), for more stability. I included the lower panels in the design because the new upper console is slightly wider than the floor-mounted panel. I didn’t want it sticking out over the sides of the lower console half. Here's a better view of the lower panel, which is covered with vinyl to match the OEM panel.
<img src='http://www.zjstech.net/~library/3497/Center%20Console%20Mod/Center%20Console%20Installed-4.JPG'>
I wanted the modified console to appear as “factory†as possible – something that looked like it was designed by Ford. Since I was concerned the monitor compartment lid would look like it was hiding something worth stealing, I asked WebXtremes (SeattleSportTrac) for a Sport Trac decal that I could apply to the lid to give it the look of a typical Ford style badge.
The following sequence shows how the monitor extends from the console. The “drawer†mechanism in the monitor compartment allows the monitor to extend, then pivot into place. The monitor stays attached to the mechanism and is secured firmly in place with velcro during use, though it can easily be removed, when necessary.
<img src='http://www.zjstech.net/~library/3497/Center%20Console%20Sequence%20Pics/1.JPG'>
<img src='http://www.zjstech.net/~library/3497/Center%20Console%20Sequence%20Pics/2.JPG'>
<img src='http://www.zjstech.net/~library/3497/Center%20Console%20Sequence%20Pics/3.JPG'>
<img src='http://www.zjstech.net/~library/3497/Center%20Console%20Sequence%20Pics/4.JPG'>
<img src='http://www.zjstech.net/~library/3497/Center%20Console%20Sequence%20Pics/5.JPG'>
<img src='http://www.zjstech.net/~library/3497/Center%20Console%20Sequence%20Pics/6.JPG'>
<img src='http://www.zjstech.net/~library/3497/Center%20Console%20Sequence%20Pics/7.JPG'>
I have pictures of the project’s construction progress in my library. There’s also a PDF image in there of the concept drawing I created, that shows how the new design fits into the original console.
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