Aftermarket Center Console Options?
- Thread starter TonyB66
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TonyB66
New member
Thanks Brian.
jgue467, hopefully you are able to see the ones Brian posted.
On my phone I cannot see the images in the first post, but on my computer I can. Regardless, I imagine all can see the one's Brian posted...
If one of these can fit between the front seats for us (I have aftermkt ones), I'd be inclined to give it some serious thought. The e-brake and rear heater might present some challenges.
jgue467, hopefully you are able to see the ones Brian posted.
On my phone I cannot see the images in the first post, but on my computer I can. Regardless, I imagine all can see the one's Brian posted...
If one of these can fit between the front seats for us (I have aftermkt ones), I'd be inclined to give it some serious thought. The e-brake and rear heater might present some challenges.
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Brian.
Member
And parking brake...
It's just a simple "box", anyone could bend one up at home with very minimal tools (maybe not Super neat bends, but functional). The trick is fitting it around what you want to keep and don't want to re-route. Parking brake ought to be easy enough to revert to the T-handle pull that was on my T100, and most people are doing away with the rear heater anyway (though removal of the coolant lines). Pre-99 also have a few switches there IIRC....
Then you get to think about integrating it with the forward console that houses the shifter and 4wd handle. As I think about this more, I suspect I'd use what was there as a "plug" for a fiberglass (or carbon fiber) mold. Add to the "plug" with foam/clay/playdoh/used bubble gum to get the shape you want and then tape it up (clear packing tape takes release agent well). About 3 layers would be enough for structural to pull the plug, then add whatever interior supports, cut the top and add a lip for the lid, etc... it'd fit the space perfectly, blend into whatever you wanted to leave behind, etc...
A good bit of work, but nothing outlandish. The other option is to get it into the computer as a 3d model, then make adjustments to size/shape as desired and "flatten" the pieces for cutting out of a sheet stock before folding up. This would be more robust (does it Need to be robust?), easier to scale up into mass production (I doubt there's THAT much market), etc...
Last option is to take something that's "close" and a cut-off wheel to make it fit. Add back with similar gauge steel, and just drill/rivet the patches/addition into place. More "Mad Max" looking.
I guess it all depends on what you're looking to get out of the change? One could fully customize with a specific light holder, holster clip, neatly arrange pen and pad holders, etc... if that was the desire. Shoot, design it right and you could "false bottom" a hidden lock-box into it should you want to break-bad.
TonyB66
New member
Good stuff Brian. I had actually added the e-brake to my prior post in an edit, but yes, that too. I like your thinking!
Measurements, drawings, and a cardboard mock-up are dancing in my head... And maybe modification of an existing product, like a Smittybilt, will do the trick.
The desire, or aim, for me at least, would be:
- More storage capacity
- Security (lock)
- More surface area for accessories (power, switches, etc)
- A larger more useable armrest
Thinking replacement of this segment.
Measurements, drawings, and a cardboard mock-up are dancing in my head... And maybe modification of an existing product, like a Smittybilt, will do the trick.
The desire, or aim, for me at least, would be:
- More storage capacity
- Security (lock)
- More surface area for accessories (power, switches, etc)
- A larger more useable armrest
Thinking replacement of this segment.
Reno - 3rd gen
New member
This looks pretty appealing. I swapped my stock seats for subaru forester heated seats so I have a little more room between the seats and the center console which might make this easier in my case. The E-brake seems like it may be the trickiest part. I'd love a little more elbow room on the arm rest and some added storage. it looks like Amazon has the Smittybuilt center console for $80, so I may take some dimensions and pull the trigger on it this weekend. I'll update if I end up installing this.
TonyB66
New member
If so, please do share here, even if just dimensions. Thanks.
EDIT/ADD: Front to back, about 24" is fine, the max, probably not much more. Width-wise, from the rear, 9" wide is ok for me (Corbeau Moab seats), but between the seat cushions, no way. More like 7 to 7.5". I'll look what's on the mkt, but this might be best as an original production...
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Brian.
Member
That's the parking brake from a Toyota T100, mounted under the dash on the right side ~ pull towards you to set, then twist the T-handle to release and it pulls back in. There was no "center console" at the knees on the T100, so there was more room (and it was probably set over towards the center).
Just wanted to put this here for folks who might want to move the parking brake. I know some Other vehicles have a left-foot pedal to depress and a higher release handle, which might be another option. And finally, I can completely envision an e-brake setup being adapted. All you need to do is move the cable a little to set the brakes (lol, I use mine every.single.time. but know there are some who could simply delete the parking brake and never think twice), not exactly a complicated procedure. Have an actuator that pushes/pulls or rotates a set distance, mount under-body somewhere and run a simple signal-wire and power.
Just thinking out loud here....
Reno - 3rd gen
New member
Thanks for that Brian! Now you've got me thinking this might be easier than trying to modify that smittybuilt console. Mine's a 5 speed so I definitely need a working E-brake. I'm curious how the handle connects to the brake cable, maybe just a simple crimped metal end piece? In looking on ebay it looks like 95-00 tacomas might have used a similar handle. Not sure if this is gunna be a great modification or just turn into a big headache, either way I wanna give it a try.
ryanoarnold
New member
2002 4runner sr5 2wd
Put some lights in there!
Put some lights in there!
theesotericone
New member
Any early 1st gen tacoma's brake will work. The handle is held in by a bracket that mounts to the dash support. The cable attaches to that with a small pin and cotter. Then there is another bracket with a roller in it that the cable goes through on it's way through the floorboard. From there the cable connects to a spring loaded bracket on the drivers side frame rail. From here back the system should be the same.
You'll loose the brake light as the Taco's switch is on the brake handle bracket. That should be as simple as cutting and splicing from the 4runner's switch located under the center console to the Taco brake switch.
I also own a 95 Taco and have replaced the cable and roller. I don't think it would be a hard swap as long as you pull everything mentioned above from the donor Taco.
Reno - 3rd gen
New member
Well I did a little investigating on my rig this weekend. First it looks like the smittybuilt console's width will work (at least with my different seats). 2nd dimension to check was height. Stock console is about 10" - 10.5" tall (this has always felt a little low to me anyways). Smittybuilt's is 12" tall which should be fine.
Last and most challenging dimension is length. Stock is roughly 16" if I cut it halfway around the E-brake lever. Smittybuilt's is 22" long. I have extra room behind stock console so I don't mind if it creeps back.
My only real challenge now is to either cut up the new console to fit the E-brake in the stock location, or to relocate E-brake lever. I'm a little worried about doing the taco or T100 "T" handle retro-fit, although this seems like cleanest option (probably most difficult as well). My other thought is if there's a way to move the lever forward and to the side. This could also be clean and allow the new console to shift forward minimizing the butchering of the new console. Does anyone have any experience or thoughts on how tough it would be to shift the stock lever (or any aftermarket one) forward and to a side a few inches?
I included a few images with dimensions, and the comical photo showing why this mod seems worthwhile (since the stock consoles only fit about half a forearm on them). (SORRY for the giant photos)
Last and most challenging dimension is length. Stock is roughly 16" if I cut it halfway around the E-brake lever. Smittybuilt's is 22" long. I have extra room behind stock console so I don't mind if it creeps back.
My only real challenge now is to either cut up the new console to fit the E-brake in the stock location, or to relocate E-brake lever. I'm a little worried about doing the taco or T100 "T" handle retro-fit, although this seems like cleanest option (probably most difficult as well). My other thought is if there's a way to move the lever forward and to the side. This could also be clean and allow the new console to shift forward minimizing the butchering of the new console. Does anyone have any experience or thoughts on how tough it would be to shift the stock lever (or any aftermarket one) forward and to a side a few inches?
I included a few images with dimensions, and the comical photo showing why this mod seems worthwhile (since the stock consoles only fit about half a forearm on them). (SORRY for the giant photos)
Attachments
MarkBlack
New member
Those are some messed up image links, WTF does ih8mud do with their image handling?!!?!
That looks so sick!
