Playing around with dash stuff this weekend

[Cowboy Medic]

Well I tried one of those Brolin Mounts but the wife didn't like it because then she couldn't slide over next to me in the truck. SO I have been playing around with the cb trying to mount it back in the dash. I had my CB scanner combo like that for a while but the scanner started crapping out and the service has since switched a to a digital system that my scanner couldn't use anyway, plus I will have a portable radio issued to me so the scanner becomes redundant anyway. So for ideas I went ahead a pulled the case off the CB to see how things were layed out inside and found it is pretty darn easy to make the face a remote unit and just mount the main board somewhere else (behind the dash). This is by no means a finished project just an initial mock up. I am actually contemplating putting the face down closer to the shifter column and putting the original dash piece that has the little storage hole in it back in the dash. Then taking the mic terminal and routing that someplace else so that the mic cord comes out of the dash where the cord isn't going to be in the way of anything else and the controls are easy to read just by looking between the shifter and the dash area.



Also I bought one of those stereo brackets that has the half din slot in it and mounted the comp box in there. I really like that part and will probably use the space on the sides to run electric switches, for my lights, etc. I will update this more after this weekend when I get it finished properly.



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And this is how it was before when I had them in the dash originally. You can see how much further back the face of the CB sits now vs. then.



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[ndurbin]

Thats a pretty good looking mount for the Edge and a pretty cool way for mounting the CB remotely to save some room.



I still haven't found a good place for my CB yet. I had it down similar to your orginal set-up (except mine doesn't have the cubby hole) and it's no up in place of the overhead console now. The only problem w/ it being up there is the mic cord hangs down alil to close for my tastes. Maybe one of these days I'll figure out the best place.



Nathan

 

[Cowboy Medic]

I really contemplated placing just the face piece up there, but that is alot of wires to be running that far. The way I am leaning right now I am only talking about 6 to 10 inches of wire (x the 30 some wires going to the face).

 

[Alphacowboy]

looks good. You copied me though! lol, JK, I really like the box in the stereo slot, mine looks likes an EQ for the stereo or somthing. I wish the faceplate I got was like yours though. mine actually is an open slot, so no switches can go in there. I am contemplating just makeing a piece of plate aluminum for the stereo and box. Where did you get you stereo adaptor?



here is my setup



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The bracket is kinda flimsy so I need to do something with it so the box doesnt look like its below the edge of the dash trim.

 

[Cowboy Medic]

I ordered the mounting piece from crutchfield, it is a Scosche brand. Actually I did copy you, kinda. I had contemplated doing the half din slot for switches for a long time but always had other projects going, then when I saw your writeup I decided that would be a good combo.



The plate that fills the half din slot is actually just a piece of plastic that I painted black. The one that came with the kit was not the right size for the opening and I liked the look of having the plate behind the cutout. I got two screws from the hardware store that are just slightly longer than the ones on the comp box and cut the hole in the plastic just large enough for the internal components to pass through. That way the box is securely mounted to the actual plate. Nice part is that the whole box still surrounds the comp box including the rear plate so it will get no more dust on the components that it would any other way. Then I just used some extra plastic brackets to fill the space between the comp box and the stereo and used to mounting tape to secure it. So the box is very solid, no need to worry about pushing on it too hard. Alphacowboy you should easily be able to mimic that part of it with yours.



I am looking to find some switches right now. Not exactly sure what my configuration will be. I know I have aux reverse lights, cargo lights, off road lights and driving lights, power inverter control, and Air compressor. I have a dash plate to put the gauge for the air pressure next to the stereo on its way from Geno's. I am seriously considering buying the BOB v shifter kit or making one on my own, so that I can have the 2wl setup and have a more finished look for the shifter knob. Then probably mount an indicator light in there as well for the e-brake. Just have to see. I saw one setup that uses some smaller more square rockers and those are ok, but just want something that really blends well with the rest of the dash. That is one of my biggest reasons why I am constantly redoing the interior mods is because I want it all in there but I want it to look really good as well. So right now it is the quest to find a good set of switches, also need to track down a high amp relay to actually power the inverter and just use a low power switch in the dash.

 

[ndurbin]

Eventually I am going to put my switches in my cup holder I got from Geno's. I intentionally got the 98+ for the different direction of the cubby hole on the edge. I had to modify it some w/ Mr. Dremel to get it to fit right. And I'll make a box to make the front even all the way across (as now it cuts bock in some). That should give me room for about 8-10 switches if I ever get that many. It's going to take some wire but I'll run them under the carpet and come out under the dash. I don't know if this idea would work well with a manual as your arm might hit the switches when shifting. But for me I think it well work well as I always rest my arm right there.



Nathan