FIRST CONSOLE UPDATE
November 24, 2022 By Nick Viggo
I have been trying to figure out how to share my updates with the design process for the center console. Please bare with me as this is incomplete at this time, below is just my first concept. I will likely have a couple more revisions before I’m ready to sell. As pictured we are still missing some items like the t-case shifter. Right now my idea is I will offer something that will attach to the side for the OEM shifter. If the original shifter has been removed there no need for that part. I would like to offer a mount for the atlas shifter(s) but that will just need to come a little later.
I have made the center section as universal and modular as it can get. It is wide enough to fit FM/VHF/UHF radio equipment, and we will offer universal mounts for them. This has made the console pretty wide and a tight fit between the seats. This may be unacceptable to some and I may need offer a narrow version later on if that is a real concern. There’s a small pocket that accommodates access for the factory hand brake, all be it a much smaller space for your hand than OEM. about 5 inches.
I will offer several modules that can be configured starting at the front you can see the 3″, 2″, and 1″ blank plates. You can do what you like with them. Then the pocket for the hand brake. I may offer an all electric alternative to this where we can 100% eliminate the park brake handle and the park brake is operated by a switch. Next is some basic cup holders that will have some removeable pockets for easy cleaning and they are big! It will fit a large tumbler. Last is a locking cubby for anything you want locked inside of a 8.3″x 12″ x8″ space. I may need to shorten that up a little when it comes to the final part but this is pretty close.
The shifter will sit somewhere in front of the handbrake pocket but not all the way forward. I think I will offer a few options for the shifter. I can do a flanged plate and a boot for a manuel and a slotted plate with a brush or rubber to keep anything from falling down the slot. I have also been made aware of a B&M shifter that may fit near perfectly in the console. I would also like to make a plate for a gated shifter may even move it a little higher and pitch it at a better angle for more ergonomic operation.
Currently I have some drawings that I think are close that I have send off to the laser house for cut and bend. I should be able to start the first round of revisions maybe next week.
The comments and input from you guys in the XJ of off-road community has been so valuable. Your input has moved me into new thoughts and ideas. Thank you so much for your input.
Some things still needed to be sorted out.
mounting to the floor
shifters
t-case shifter
electronics charging module
overall fitment.
module for gauges
module for rectangle switches
radio mount modules
Next update should be some physical fitment work and new modules