My 1st mod: Gadget panel

[gakman]

Had my Expy for about a month now just got done with my first mod: I need to install a Beartracker scanner and a PA amp, plus switches for other future gadgets. I sacrificed that bin in the center console to put everything. Here it is.

Just got it wired up today and I am quite happy with it =)

 

[gakman]

This is the "before" pix

This piece is held down with friction clips, comes off quite easy

The bin as removed

The face plate with the cutouts

 

[gakman]

Starting the wiring

Wiring complete, scary?

 

[gakman]

The base needs to be modified to make room for new stuff

A chunk of it cut off

Trying for fit

Finished

 

[mgtsldr38]

holy gadgets batman!

 

[AvroAero]

Wow the amazing. I wish I had that for all my aux stuff. Is that plate a custom fit for your truck or did you make it yourself?

 

[gakman]

The faceplate is a custom piece. Originally I was going to have that in aluminum (cut by CNC waterjet), but it cost too much for setup and stuff (about $200) so I had a plastic shop cut that for me in black plastic, also CNC cut but much cheaper (about $60)

For those of you who are interested in the procedures -

1. I used a cardboard and traced the organic shaped opening with a felt pen.
2. I scanned that and used a draw program (Corel) to draw in all the other openings (after measuring precisely all the crap I am planning on installing..)
3. I exported that to AutoCAD and then gave the DXF file to the plastic shop and they just feed that to the computer.

Much better than trying to cut those holes manually. I don't have a shop, in fact I don't even have a garage, I had to do the whole project on my dining table.

 

[ELVATO]

Very nice.

 

[gakman]

Thanks El =) Remember I was asking you guys how difficult it is to remove the center console and you showed me where the screws were? This was why...

Now I got the "CIC" put together, next step is to add the "weapon systems", ha ha.

 

[ELVATO]

No problem. Glad I could help a little bit in making such a bad ass install possible.

 

[Doug1762]

I am a Volunteer Firefighter... So that looks like the best way for me to mount my Equipment in my 97 EB ...... I have be hesatent on placing the radios in there but I have portables so I don't have to drill holes in the truck .. Thanks for sharing your project .

 

[gakman]

 

[Resqtech]

Nice work

Yeah bringing this thread back from the dead.

I've got an 04 Expy EB and am looking to do a similar thing with the tray in my center console.

I see the clips on the pictures but it feels like there is more holding mine in place, any thoughts?

 

[gakman]

Only clips that hold the top piece down to the bottom half. Gravity keeps it down anyway so there is no need for a screw or bolt

The thing that may keep it from coming out could be the wiring harnass.

Just give it a good yank.

 

[Resqtech]

Thanks for the quick reply

 

[dgray69]

holy, does it fly? more gadgets than a 747

 

[gakman]

Latest picture - one year later

If I have anymore gadgets I won't be able to see out.
(and then it will have to be IFR all the way...)

 

[nvycrmn]

im guessin ur in the navy gakman? im an corpsman

 

[gakman]

WAS an 0-5, i am all done with the Navy now. Have to grow up sometime....
now i just play Modern Warfare 2 =)

 

[nvycrmn]

hahah. thats funny. i get out next year. guess im gonna finish my 8 years strong as HM2. might join the reserves though to get that retirement. we will see.