Critical of those giant consoles

[PhotonFanatic]

Somebody has to say it, so I guess it's me!

Does anyone else think those large, elongated car-like consoles look out of place in a single cab truck? I think a lot of these home builders are seeing them in cars and forgetting that trucks generally don't have them. For these kinds of things, I like to rely on the factory. You need only look to what they would have done. Which is to make a shorter, somewhat taller center console. It also seems like most of these huge consoles don't even make use of all the space inside of the enclosure. It's mostly just wasted. I could probably understand if you really wanted the extra storage, and you needed it right there accessible while driving. Can't argue with that.

But most of the time it looks like they're built to simply use up the rest of the space in an already small single cab. That's probably my main criticism. If all the square body trucks were extended cab or 4-doors I wouldn't have much against them. Anyway this is just a discussion. Thoughts, opinions?

 

[CalSgt]

I've decided to build a large console for my K10... More from necessity than preference.

I need a space to mount my PCM, a touch screen, stereo receiver (hidden double DIN), back up cam module, hands free mic, and a whole pile of Dakota Digital modules (RTX gauge, TPMS, Gear position, PCM interface, remote locks, Innovate interface, Etc.), and still need to hide a TC shifter in it somehow.

The primary reason is the screen, I didn't want to cut it into the dash anywhere but also need it in a convenient user friendly spot or it's useless. My goal was to add a bunch of the modern conveniences to my truck without really altering it.

If there's a better way than a large console I'd like to hear ideas.

Here's what I was going to copy:

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[dusterdude]

Cal,thats a cool console

 

[RecklessWOT]

A console between buckets like a Blazer/Suburban is fine (even aftermarket in a pickup is fine, it's nice having the storage), but those ones that totally cut the cab in half on a pickup and get rid of any free space in the middle is too much for me. It looks claustrophobic most of the time and is usually only done for the sake of being "modern" looking because that's how most new stuff is set up. New stuff was designed around that though, they're already all bloated and plastic and bulbous in every regard so that type of cockpit looks right at home, where the same look seems way out of place in a square IMO. I can understand that some people have a need for it in rare circumstances, but for the average truck I'm not a fan.

 

[Redfish]

One must be careful when criticizing the modifications that other folks do to their vehicles. For example you might not like large consoles but the guy with the large console might not like lowered trucks or aftermarket oversized wheels that are not period correct.

I think that everyone has the right to do what they want and can afford to do to their OWN vehicle. I think we should be supportive of what our fellow forum members do, we should respect the work and the craftsmanship that goes into their modifications and if nothing else try to learn something useful from some of their efforts. I personally like to see these trucks either completely original or if they are being used I like to see them with period correct mods that improve their usefulness. Everyone doesn't feel that way and I respect and appreciate that.

My 2019 2500HD has the smaller of the two factory offered consoles and I find it to be extremely useful. I miss it when I am driving my '87 but there is no way I would install a console in that truck. I need the bench seat for my son and wife to both be able to ride with me and I don't want to alter the factory interior any more than absolutely necessary.

YMMV

 

[pnwnvrdn]

I wouldn't install one, or high back bucket seats, or a visor, etc. The point I'm trying to make is we all have different taste.
The only one who should care/concern themselves about your mods, are you.
If we all thought alike imagine how boring we all would be.

 

[SquareRoot]

I recently sat in a Gen8 corvette. I felt like I fell in a toilet bowl.

 

[Blue Ox]

I've decided to build a large console for my K10... More from necessity than preference.

I need a space to mount my PCM, a touch screen, stereo receiver (hidden double DIN), back up cam module, hands free mic, and a whole pile of Dakota Digital modules (RTX gauge, TPMS, Gear position, PCM interface, remote locks, Innovate interface, Etc.), and still need to hide a TC shifter in it somehow.

The primary reason is the screen, I didn't want to cut it into the dash anywhere but also need it in a convenient user friendly spot or it's useless. My goal was to add a bunch of the modern conveniences to my truck without really altering it.

If there's a better way than a large console I'd like to hear ideas.

Here's what I was going to copy:

You must be registered for see images attach

That's really nice, but how are you going to engage the transfer case?

 

[SquareRoot]

T

That's really nice, but how are you going to engage the transfer case?

That's what I was a thunken

 

[oldretiredafguy]

This photo shows what I've always used in a bench seat square. Photo is from @burbboysgc photo album.

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Always worked for me to catch all the misc. crap we think we have to carry with us.

 

[StickyLifter]

I have one of the cup holders from LMC that slides into the ash tray hole. It works for me, but I certainly understand why a larger console would be handy.

 

[CalSgt]

That's really nice, but how are you going to engage the transfer case?

T

That's what I was a thunken

I ordered a billet cable shifter kit so I can orient the shifter wherever in needs to be to make it work. I had an idea to either have it poke up through a slot on the top, or mount it on it's side and poke through a slot on the side with just the knob exposed... Not totally sure just yet, I will need to have my cab assembled before I can even design the console or start solving the puzzle.

Here's the project so far:
https://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/80-k-10-squircle-build.34732/

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[SquareRoot]

An nv4500 and Twin Stick Np205 pretty much eliminated that space in my truck. lol

 

[Redfish]

I have one of the cup holders from LMC that slides into the ash tray hole. It works for me, but I certainly understand why a larger console would be handy.

It isn't perfect but I can put the truck back to original condition in about 15 seconds so I went with that as well.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[CalSgt]

Cal,thats a cool console

That's not mine BTW, just an image I used. I plan to build something very similar though, I came across the picture after several hour long google searches looking at different consoles.