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Need a console
Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 9:09 pm
by Raptoracer24
About time to get everything powdercoated and put the soft top on so I need a console so I can at least leave a few things locked up. I know there is the Tuffy one and airbur has one that I looked at not sure what kind. For those that have the Tuffy, is it worth the $250? If anybody has any other console I'm completely open to anything.
Re: Need a console
Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 9:23 pm
by Justin
Smittybilt makes one that is carried by 4wheel parts. I think it runs about $90 and is reasonably close to the Tuffy one. I doubt it is as good, but I'm not sure I'll be able to rationalize paying 2 1/2 times as much for the Tuffy.
Re: Need a console
Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 9:43 pm
by Entourage
I am still debating over console or a path to the rear seats. I like the Smittybilt for lots of reasons. It is avaialble with a locking stereo slot or without for about $10.00 Less. The cup holders appear to be nice. I will watch and see what you decide. AIrbur's is nice and a great option - I think it has rear cup holders too.
Re: Need a console
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 4:43 am
by airbur
Hey Chandlar...this is the one I have:
http://www.amazon.com/Rugged-Ridge-1310 ... sbs_auto_4I looked at all the others and while I really like the SmittyBilt and Tuffy, I went with this one because the padding comes forward enough to actually be used as an arm rest, and also because it had the cup holders in the back for my boy's stuff. I really like the material it's covered with as well....we have already stepped on it many times getting into the rear and it's holding up nicely.
I don't think you can go wrong with any of the 3 brands above....it's really personal preference.
Re: Need a console
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 4:57 am
by BNC04
airbur wrote:Hey Chandlar...this is the one I have:
http://www.amazon.com/Rugged-Ridge-1310 ... sbs_auto_4I looked at all the others and while I really like the SmittyBilt and Tuffy, I went with this one because the padding come forward enough to actually be used as an arm rest, and also because it had the cup holders in the back for my boy's stuff. I really like the material it's covered with as well....we have already stepped on it many times getting into the rear and it's holding up nicely.
I don't think you can go wrong with any of the 3 brands above....it's really personal preference.
I like that.. Do you happen to have any pics with it installed?
Brett
Re: Need a console
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 5:00 am
by airbur
Here you go.....
Re: Need a console
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 5:03 am
by BNC04
Thanks...
Click.. Added to wish list !
Thats a very nice looking interior!!!!!
Brett
Re: Need a console
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 7:10 am
by BFD305
We have the smitty console. It works great and seems real secure. The one problem we saw was to scoot it forward you need to use a bracket that it comes with on the back and that puts it too high. We cut the cup holder portion off then reattached it so it is up on the trannie hump anf the rest is still low on the floor. Works great and can't even tell we altered it.
I like the loooks of airbur's, but reading the description I think it is wood and plastic, not as secure for the stereo.
Re: Need a console
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 11:52 am
by dsmith01
I have a Tuffy but only because it came with the Bronco. A buddy has had one in his CJ5 for about 8yrs. They make great products but I'd be looking at other options too if it were me. Just too spendy.
Re: Need a console
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 11:58 am
by airbur
If someone wants to get into a center console, I don't think it matters if it's wood or metal.....2 seconds with a pry bar and "pop" it's open.
Re: Need a console
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 12:05 pm
by akaFrankCastle
airbur wrote:If someone wants to get into a center console, I don't think it matters if it's wood or metal.....2 seconds with a pry bar and "pop" it's open.
x2
I can't speak for either product, but generally manufacturers of this type of stuff us a simple wafer lock cylinder to secure compartments. If someone doesn't want to carry a pry bar around, a simple large blade flat tip screw driver will get you in just as quick.
The big thing to keep in mind when it comes to anything security related in your vehicle, is to notify your insurance company that it is installed. Nothing is going to keep someone from stealing your stuff if they truly want it. However, your insurance company, if properly educated as to what you have and how you are protecting it, can quickly reimburse you or make repairs.
Re: Need a console
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 2:42 pm
by Moab Mike
akaFrankCastle wrote:airbur wrote:If someone wants to get into a center console, I don't think it matters if it's wood or metal.....2 seconds with a pry bar and "pop" it's open.
x2
I can't speak for either product, but generally manufacturers of this type of stuff us a simple wafer lock cylinder to secure compartments. If someone doesn't want to carry a pry bar around, a simple large blade flat tip screw driver will get you in just as quick.
The big thing to keep in mind when it comes to anything security related in your vehicle, is to notify your insurance company that it is installed. Nothing is going to keep someone from stealing your stuff if they truly want it. However, your insurance company, if properly educated as to what you have and how you are protecting it, can quickly reimburse you or make repairs.
I agree, I have always been told a lock will only keep an honest person honest.
Re: Need a console
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 3:31 pm
by Raptoracer24
I really like Eric's but the only thing is it doesn't have a stereo compartment. That's why I like the Tuffy but the only issue with the Tuffy is the pad seems too far back on the console that has the locking stereo compartment. The Smittybilt looks good but on their website and on 4wheelparts but it doesn't have a Bronco option?
Re: Need a console
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 3:44 pm
by goldenboy_cp
i got a 1991 ford explorer center console. i went to harbor freight and got there lock set for tool box seams to work ok.... i bought it at a pick n pull they got here in springs for 10 bucks all center console are 10 dollars they got over 800 cars im sure any will work, this is just for something in the back though with my bucket seats my front will be special if you go on my albumn you can see my locking one i will be getting theres pictures there or go to this link
http://motormogul.com/product/Command-C ... 66-77.html
Re: Need a console
Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2011 7:46 am
by Entourage
The Command Center looks awesome. Looks like BC Broncos carries it for $350.00. The console bar has been raised.
Re: Need a console
Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2011 8:33 am
by Justin
I hadn't thought of adding a 12v outlet to the console. That makes an absurd amount of sense since I'll be running power to the stereo anyway. I'm planning to but a Smittybilt, may have to mod it.
Re: Need a console
Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2011 6:01 pm
by Rox Crusher
I am going to build my own to mimic one I had in a CJ7 years ago...............I think we used 3/16 plate..........ain't no screw driver gonna get in there

Re: Need a console
Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2011 7:38 pm
by goldenboy_cp
this is my center consol from ford explorer 1991
Re: Need a console
Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2011 10:42 pm
by Raptoracer24
I ordered my Tuffy last night. Just decided to be safe and got the one without the stereo mount.
Re: Need a console
Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2011 7:46 am
by rtreads
Justin wrote:Smittybilt makes one that is carried by 4wheel parts. I think it runs about $90 and is reasonably close to the Tuffy one. I doubt it is as good, but I'm not sure I'll be able to rationalize paying 2 1/2 times as much for the Tuffy.
This is what I have. Its GREAT for the price!!!
Re: Need a console
Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2011 3:58 pm
by Cortez
I like to shop at the pull and pay - mine was $25 and with a fresh coat of paint looks good. Just missing cup holders so I may have to go back for another shopping trip...I like the explorer one.
Re: Need a console
Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2011 5:50 pm
by goldenboy_cp
cortez, what is your center console one of these days the stars will align and i will go to the breakfast , definitly if it is in south in colorado springs, just leaving for week so ill miss it, but next month it my birthday so who knows playing by yr
Re: Need a console
Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2011 6:24 pm
by Cortez
Mine's out of a minivan, but can't recall the exact model. I think it was a Ford or Dodge. I missed today's breakfast...had my gall bladder removed two days ago so I've been layin low. Can't wait to get back on the project, I'm midway through addition of my auxiliary tank.
Re: Need a console
Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2011 5:43 am
by airbur
Raptoracer24 wrote:I ordered my Tuffy last night. Just decided to be safe and got the one without the stereo mount.
Sweet! I'm sure you'll love it. Post up pics after you get it installed.
Re: Need a console
Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2011 10:18 am
by Entourage
Congrats raptor - I think that is the route I will goas well.
Re: Need a console
Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2011 7:24 pm
by Raptoracer24
Will do for sure.
Re: Need a console
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 12:35 pm
by Jesus_man
On the cheap:

J.D.
Re: Need a console
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 3:58 pm
by Raptoracer24
Ahhh now you give me the best one of all!
Re: Need a console
Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2011 7:49 am
by Jesus_man
Raptoracer24 wrote:Ahhh now you give me the best one of all!
Sorry, just saw the thread. I'd like to do something like that someday. Weld brackets to the bottom to bolt it down and I think it'd be easy to add something to be able to lock it.
J.D.
Re: Need a console
Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2011 9:17 am
by akaFrankCastle
Very easy to lock. Simply weld the hoop side of a lock hasp to the can, under the handle, so the hoop protrudes through the circular opening on the handle. We do it all the time. Of course, you'll need to use a pad lock to secure it. For max security, I'd recommend an American series 200. Nearly impossible to pick or bypass and a hardened shackle making bolt cutter use pretty damn tough. We usually just use the grinder to cut them off.