Ken,
I haven't done any hacking to the vehicle yet but you bring up some valid points-
WRT to the AC portion- The factory console I bought (ebay-$125) had the duct that runs to the back. I'm ditching that so no real concern about tying in the vents on the aft end. There are several "shells" that can be used- some have the vents others do not. I'd rather not have the vents or rear speaker controls (mine just has a cubby hole). No one but the dogs and wife ride back there (don't let dog read this!).
This is the one piece console although there is a two piece you might investigate, they seem to be cheaper and more plentiful.
The front bottom cubby seems to be the right size (it will be when I'm done) for the AC controller on the dash. While I haven't pulled the controller out, pics on the interweb reveal its not real deep and should just be a matter of extending wires. I'm not sure of it runs servos or vacuum pots but either way not too difficult to mod.
BTW there is only a duct (easily removed- 4 screws) in the console so don't let that hold you back.
Slim BlueRay DV tray just above the moved AC controls on the console.
Probably the cooler part for me is I'll kill the console rear cup holders but keep the access door, mount the CPU so all panel access is right there behind the cup holder door. If I engineer it right I should be able to remove the CPU without removal of the console. Maintenance and access are big thing for me. Also in retrospect I'll probably keep the rear vents as cooling fan exhaust for the CPU.
Since my factory head unit eats CDs I am hoping to go with the AM-FM PC unit seen hear on the board and ebay and ditch the head unit all together.
The surround around the AC/Head unit/Speedo Cluster just needs the little cross bar removed to accommodate the the 10" and some small cosmetic work- Should look very factory when done.
And YES you do need to get the glove box surround and maybe even the panel underneath the steering wheel. You never see that offered with the ebay sales- got mine from a junkyard- $25.
Since I have the 2X drive I don't have the concerns of shifters though I may have to modify the auto shift handle just a bit. In drive it falls across the AC controls which would be the bottom portion of the touch screen.
A little properly applied heat should do the trick.
I'm sourcing the CPU and screen now and hope to start in the next few weeks. I'll be posting a build log (I hope) with pics and look for feedback.
Post a pick of the shifter area and I'll offer my thoughts as to what you might do.
Like I said about reinventing the wheel why if you don't have too.
I laboriously read the thread about a guy here with Durango that has been building a console (or three or four) for over a year. Thats just mental masturbation to me. You could build a custom console using foam as the base then 'glass it up, remove the foam and you're custom! He is using MDF for everything (and now some ABS I think) and (really really sorry, no dis intended) but it really really looks home-made at this point. I do understand, for some folks its about the build- for others its about the end result. I'd rather get the shyte working and enjoy it!
Anyway post if you can!
Larz
Linear Mode
