Bozman
Well-known member
One of the things that bothers me about all the other center consoles out there is that they are set below the upper dash pad, which seems awkward to me, especially considering how the driver console sits flush with the top of the instrument console. So, here is my solution.
I used a new right hand drive instrument console ($125) along with the SafariHP aluminum bezel support cowl ($95).
No cutting required (except for the light gray plastic vent panel on the back of the dash). The support cowl screws right into the dash substructure with some self-tapping stainless screws. The vent knobs are still useable. And I like the symmetry of the center console next to the instrument console. I also am able to maintain the existing clock and cigarette lighter location.
Since I use my iPhone for navigating and music, I don't need a full sized radio. So, I used a 4" JBL marine radio with Bluetooth. It fits perfectly into the speedometer hole, and I may spray some flat black paint over the chrome ring on the radio as that feels a bit out of place. For instruments, I added the VDO boost gauge, EGT gauge and oil pressure gauge in the center. I plan on fabricating up a cubby to slide into the spot where the warning light panel would go.
The one item I would like to address is the gap between the cowl sides and the "floor" of the dash. I just don't want all kinds of junk getting blown under there, so a few "curbs" will need to be made that extend up to the cowl sides.
I used a new right hand drive instrument console ($125) along with the SafariHP aluminum bezel support cowl ($95).
No cutting required (except for the light gray plastic vent panel on the back of the dash). The support cowl screws right into the dash substructure with some self-tapping stainless screws. The vent knobs are still useable. And I like the symmetry of the center console next to the instrument console. I also am able to maintain the existing clock and cigarette lighter location.
Since I use my iPhone for navigating and music, I don't need a full sized radio. So, I used a 4" JBL marine radio with Bluetooth. It fits perfectly into the speedometer hole, and I may spray some flat black paint over the chrome ring on the radio as that feels a bit out of place. For instruments, I added the VDO boost gauge, EGT gauge and oil pressure gauge in the center. I plan on fabricating up a cubby to slide into the spot where the warning light panel would go.
The one item I would like to address is the gap between the cowl sides and the "floor" of the dash. I just don't want all kinds of junk getting blown under there, so a few "curbs" will need to be made that extend up to the cowl sides.
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