Center console modification/repair

[jballard81]

I've had little luck with a good replacement console when looking at the boneyard. So I figured at least for now, I would fix up my original console.
The aluminum thing that gives it strength was broken.

So I butchered some flat stock into roughly the appropriate shape

It fits in there. Will those little machine screws hold? No idea hopefully!

Will add some more pics as I get it back together. It was pretty nasty so a good cleaning was required.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I think this fits on the 93 and newer trucks. I'm putting on in my 06.

If your fix doesn't last... may measure things up and do a security console.

https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/smittybilt-security-stereo-floor-console-black-31815/_/R-DSBP-31815?ppcfon=1&gp=1&&ecmp=s:google_18703735379___&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SC%20Shopping%20-%20House%20&%20Brands%20-%20Performance%20Max&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2uiwBhCXARIsACMvIU1l8-AfKyhsfQOTqAOzJJAfnp-N2VdRcx9TOUIq_GbTTJAuO_Ri7AIaArDjEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[jballard81]

I think this fits on the 93 and newer trucks. I'm putting on in my 06.

If your fix doesn't last... may measure things up and do a security console.

https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/smittybilt-security-stereo-floor-console-black-31815/_/R-DSBP-31815?ppcfon=1&gp=1&&ecmp=s:google_18703735379___&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SC%20Shopping%20-%20House%20&%20Brands%20-%20Performance%20Max&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2uiwBhCXARIsACMvIU1l8-AfKyhsfQOTqAOzJJAfnp-N2VdRcx9TOUIq_GbTTJAuO_Ri7AIaArDjEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I definitely like the price! My seats are about an inch-ish wider than stock buckets so I will def have to measure it out. I'm hopeful I can get the original back together and functional for a little while. Need it back on the road, feels like all I do is fix stuff on it lately

 

[jballard81]

Update time! It's all back together and feels good. I'm actually pretty happy with how it turned out. Will be good enough at least until I find something better in the future.

First issue: these screws had rusted to where they no longer tightened down in the console:

Nothing some 'adjusted' drywall screws can't fix

Complete for now:

I really can't believe how well the fabric cleaned up. Used some degreaser and then scrubbed it with dish soap in the sink.

 

[RobbieD]

Great job, great write-up.

In my opinion, these "here's how I fixed this" posts are some of the most valuable ones on TRS.

 

[Brain75]

I should have taken some before pix of mine... wow... I "saved" a smoker's unit that was rolled and the front windshield was totally smashed out.. just imagine the smell of wet swampy ass cigarettes on the 4th of July after a week plus of late June 100% humidity rains. It was the only SHORT one in the lot that wasn't a 1st gen in way way worse shape (I have a manual - so had to be short to clear the shifter). I wish you and I were closer... between the trim parts you said you have and the fact I could have brought home 3 of the alu center supports last week if I wanted to...
Don't know if it was the roll, general abuse, or a bad design by Ford but one of my feet is broken too... thankfully my brother-in-law has a full service farm that comes equipped with a TIG station... I'm a good MIG guy, but here's to trying my hand at TIG.

 

[jballard81]

I should have taken some before pix of mine... wow... I "saved" a smoker's unit that was rolled and the front windshield was totally smashed out.. just imagine the smell of wet swampy ass cigarettes on the 4th of July after a week plus of late June 100% humidity rains. It was the only SHORT one in the lot that wasn't a 1st gen in way way worse shape (I have a manual - so had to be short to clear the shifter). I wish you and I were closer... between the trim parts you said you have and the fact I could have brought home 3 of the alu center supports last week if I wanted to...
Don't know if it was the roll, general abuse, or a bad design by Ford but one of my feet is broken too... thankfully my brother-in-law has a full service farm that comes equipped with a TIG station... I'm a good MIG guy, but here's to trying my hand at TIG.

I'm teaching myself to weld, but I'm starting very slow. I wouldn't stand a chance with TIG yet .

Wild that the feet broke in a similar way. Maybe it's the strain of having one lean on it from only the driver's side for such a long time?

Regarding the smell, mine was a smoker too. But apparently sat long enough for it to settle if that makes sense? You could see the tobacco brown colored water when I was washing the seats and console.

 

[Brain75]

even if "unbalanced load" were the cause I would call that bad design by ford

 

[jballard81]

even if "unbalanced load" were the cause I would call that bad design by ford

They should be able to gauge their target audience well before 94'