Under dash console - Help, please

[Phoenixmsb]

Good evening everyone,

I'm considering building a under dash / center console similar to the Whitby Motors one but my idea is to cut the trans tunnel cover just behind where the console will sit on the tunnel. This way I can get wiring and installations done without putting the tunnel cover on and making my life harder for transmission installation.

Is this a dumb idea or will it work? If I do this, am I screwing myself over by needing that area open for more work?

Please let me know what you think. Whitby picture attached for a visual idea.


Thank you,
Bruce
Phoenixmsb
124101

[GoDadGo]

I made an under dash console that houses several of my switches and stereo.
You can see it between 1:35 and 1:45 seconds into the video shown below:

https://youtu.be/_wnHDNgnNqs

Knowing what I know today I would NOT have installed a stereo because my car is CRAZY LOUD so I can only hear it when I'm parked or taking it really, really easy.
I also purchased a tunnel top from Factory Five Metal and made it fit so that it can be removed with removing the stereo console.
I can actually get my drive shaft out and slave cylinder too because both are removable.

Good Luck & Have A Great Build!

[Phoenixmsb]

Thank you for that great link. I saw how you did the trans tunnel in 2 pieces. I'll copy that great idea.

I'm mostly installing the stereo for hanging out at car shows and secluded beach runs with the wife.

Bruce

[GoDadGo]

Thank you for that great link. I saw how you did the trans tunnel in 2 pieces. I'll copy that great idea.

I'm mostly installing the stereo for hanging out at car shows and secluded beach runs with the wife.

Bruce

Just be really smart about your speaker placement (Not Like Me) and sizes.
A lot of guys have done some really cool stuff so see what you can find out there because I only wanted the radio so I could listed to Talk & Sports Shows.

[Phoenixmsb]

I ended up just doing a Boss marine radio up between the seats and 5" marine speakers on either side on the back wall. Small 4" speakers down in the side kick panels. All marine grade.

[SJDave]

Good evening everyone,

I'm considering building a under dash / center console similar to the Whitby Motors one but my idea is to cut the trans tunnel cover just behind where the console will sit on the tunnel. This way I can get wiring and installations done without putting the tunnel cover on and making my life harder for transmission installation.

Is this a dumb idea or will it work? If I do this, am I screwing myself over by needing that area open for more work?

Please let me know what you think. Whitby picture attached for a visual idea.


Thank you,
Bruce
Phoenixmsb
124101

No, not crazy..and a great idea in my opinion. I did the same thing on my 2008 Mark 3.1, but I designed my own console and under dash hinged panels. In the pictures attached, you will see where I cut the trans cover aluminum and painted the plate under the console Black. I also cut the sides off the trans cover, then screwed and glued the aluminum left to the bottom of some 1" marine grade plywood, so I had room vertically for two cup holders above the TKO tranny. I just used (6) 1/4x20 Rivnuts in the tranny frame structure to attach the vinyl covered plywood with super thin allen head screws. But running the rear electrical up through the front sub plate was so easy and time saving, also the wires running to the engine bay can exit forward from this area also. I don't regret making this change at all.

Good luck with your build, fun for many years to come....I'm working on a bimini top for mine right now!

If you want the drawing for my console, PM me.

Dave

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Did not have a need to cut the trans cover as nothing came up from below. Dropped all the wires through a Everson dash under tray. Have a number of things in my console.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=124123&d=1584368600
MARK I

Pull knobs are for the footbox blast gates & switches are for the inline vent fans. Indicator lights are non functional. :confused: did not work out.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=116423&d=1571680123
MARK II

Current in progress project is replacing the instruments with custom Speedhut gauges.

[GWL]

I used Dave's design above and I think it looks great.

I have a pdf I made of its construction I can send you if interested. PM me.

Dave's design is done on the computer and well detailed.

George

[Brian76]

This is what my father and I are working on for a center console. The plan is to have (2) heated seat switches, (2) auxiliary switches and a center rotary style disconnect switch.
We're waiting for the upholsterer to work his magic.

124196
124197

[RBachman]

Dave,

I like that shift stick. Can you share the model and source?

Thanks!


No, not crazy..and a great idea in my opinion. I did the same thing on my 2008 Mark 3.1, but I designed my own console and under dash hinged panels. In the pictures attached, you will see where I cut the trans cover aluminum and painted the plate under the console Black. I also cut the sides off the trans cover, then screwed and glued the aluminum left to the bottom of some 1" marine grade plywood, so I had room vertically for two cup holders above the TKO tranny. I just used (6) 1/4x20 Rivnuts in the tranny frame structure to attach the vinyl covered plywood with super thin allen head screws. But running the rear electrical up through the front sub plate was so easy and time saving, also the wires running to the engine bay can exit forward from this area also. I don't regret making this change at all.

Good luck with your build, fun for many years to come....I'm working on a bimini top for mine right now!

If you want the drawing for my console, PM me.

Dave

[SJDave]

TKO tranny with midshift conversion from Mike Forte. Forte shift lever which has never been on his website, you have to call him. Tremec shift knob from Forte. I made a 1" spacer between the shift lever and tranny stub lever to center the knob on the console.

Cheers and stay safe!

[RJD]

This is what my father and I are working on for a center console. The plan is to have (2) heated seat switches, (2) auxiliary switches and a center rotary style disconnect switch.
We're waiting for the upholsterer to work his magic.

124196
124197

That's the making of a real cool looking center console. Would love to see pictures of the finished product.

[RR20AC]

Here is a couple of my center all done. The dash support does make it impossible to remove the top which I wish I could do....

[copythat]

That turned out super clean.

[tbl100]

Here is a couple of my center all done. The dash support does make it impossible to remove the top which I wish I could do....

I see you have the wilwood brake bias adjuster. Can you show a photo of how you routed the cable out of the petal box area? thank you. Sorry this doesn't have anything to do with the OP.