Center Console for bench guys?

[TruckZor]

I am considering installing an Alpine IVA-D900 but I want to get it down lower in the vehicle and I had some other plans for the stock radio lacation. I was wondering if it's possible to replace the entire "20" section of my 40/20/40 split bench with the console from a bucket seat equipped Avalanche.

Does anyone know if the console will fit between the seats in my Avalanche?

 

[SnowTrojan]

Yes... other members have done this, and others still have taken out the console and put in a bench.

Keep in mind that you won't have the armrests built into your seats like the factory console seats do, and the console is too low to put your elbow on. Also, it'll take some work to get the rear air ducts working.

 

[TruckZor]

Thanks for the info...I would really miss having a place to put my elbow...I found a picture of a guy who just used the front section of the console...maybe I will give that a try and see if I like how it looks.

 

[bjkirk]

Hello TruckZor,
I did this mod on my 02 Avy, where you just installed the front section of the center console. It was an easy mod. The only thing is there was quite a bit of plastic to cut away to get the Din size unit to fit in the top pocket of the front portion of the center console. The part's I ordered from one of the site sponsors and it was around $100 for all the parts. The only thing different I would have done is taken it to a Stereo shop and had them make the front plate to cover the hole that the rest of the center would attach into. I used lexan on mine and it doesn't look stock.

 

[TruckZor]

bjkirk,

Thanks for the info. Yours must be the one I found a picture of. Can you tell me the part # for that section of the console or do I have to buy the whole thing? Which sponsor did you work with on that?

Are there any drawbacks to cutting the slot for the DIN sized receiver or was it just a little extra work? Are you happy with the screen location? Sorry for all the questions.

I can most likely have my father's shop make me a custom fit stainless plate to cap the front but I was also thinking of just having a stereo shop cover it and then smooth it with fiberglass or something. Then I guess I would have the thing painted to match the grey or maybe body color? (Pewter in my case) What do you think?

Thanks again,

Ross

 

[bjkirk]

Hello TruckZor,
I bought mine from VanDevere Chevy, and Dal helped with the part #'s, but they aren't a site sponsor anymore as far as I can see. I would suggest doing a search for Chevy OEM parts online and just go with the cheapest you can find. Gandolph if you read this, you can show your sponsors what advertising here will do for them. You can buy just the front portion of the console and then just take it to a Big Stereo shop. They have the material to match the grain and color of the rest of the console. I do not have the LCD screen of my Nav unit mounted down on the console but Avalanche Rookie mounted his screen in that area and says he is very happy with the results. The only drawbacks with the mount I did was cutting away so much plastic that it weakened the top section with the clips. The clips snap into the Dash piece to hold it more securely. My console feels very secure but mostly this is due to bottom mount not the top.
I don't have the part#'s any longer and I'm sure it is different from year model to year model. I would suggest going to local dealer and ask to see break down. You will need the metal bracket for the bottom mounting point. You will need the Main front section of the console made out of plastic(it may come with the above mentioned metal bracket for mounting, I don't remember). You will need the plate that has the two cubby hole pockets. I also ordered the inside of the pocket for the top cubby hole but this was an accident because I knew I would be cutting out that area. I used a cage mount on my stereo to install it and then bought a face plate to hide the edges of the cage and where I trimmed away plastic. If your not comfortable making your cut out get a Stereo shop to do it. The charges for cutting and fabricating a front plate to exact OEM color and grain should be around $50 and certainly less than $100. One thing to consider is making a door out of the front section this would be a good place for trash or maybe even a CD Holder. The area is tight between the front plate and cup holders but I'm sure something could be designed. We want pictures when you finish.

 

[TruckZor]

bjkirk,

Thanks again for all the input. I'm going to be getting all the parts together in the next week or so and then I will just take it to a stereo shop for the install.

I'm not sure how to post pics but I do have a digital camera and I would be happy to e-mail pics of the finished product to anyone who is interested.

I have an appointment for a Magnuson & full exhaust system installation at the end of the month and my goal is to have this work all done by then because I want to use the stock stereo location for fuel pressure & boost gauges.