Late model center console in my '68

[dkn1997]

My 68 already has late model Sebring seats in it.  i want to change out my original 68 console for something that looks better, has cup holders, functional arm rest (high). id also like it to kick up in the front to meet the bottom of the dash.  i like that look and it could house an aftermarket stereo, speakers, etc.

while alot of guys have done some incredible work on custom one-off consoles, id rather have more of a factory look....clearly not old factory...just more finished.  ive seen some late model consoles on ebay, most for about 100 bucks.  they would require some "field fabrication" but thats ok. 

has anyone done this?  i searched all over and i cant find many pics.  Any ideas on something thats close already? 

[dkn1997]

was thinking something like these

[kab69440]

Start with the underdash from a G body. Lots of room for stereo equipment. I'd then go with a center from an early 90's XJ.

[TexasStroker]

I drew up some sketches this weekend for my custom console while working on a way to make a lower radiator support brace...

I've considered going the late model route as well...I will definitely follow along.  I know of a guy putting a late model SRT interior in, but he has yet to report back on the console aside from it needing to be widened a bit.

[dkn1997]

got one from a chrysler 200.  ill keep you posted!

[TexasStroker]

Sweet, looking forward to seeing how it turns out!

[dkn1997]

Just got it..better than I thought.  didn't realize it had those round holes...I'm thinking gauges.  has usb slot, 12v power port in cubby, another 12v power port inside console compartment.. 

[dkn1997]

cubby...I could make a plate for it and install a double din sized radio...maybe something with a nav screen.  my ultimate goal is a 3g hemi swap and cross country road trip

[JB400]

I'll have to wait and see how this one turns out.  But, from a preliminary view, I think it's gonna be a little on the short side.

[dkn1997]

I'll have to wait and see how this one turns out.  But, from a preliminary view, I think it's gonna be a little on the short side.

2" shorter than stock one.  But...the stock console goes almost to the firewall.  this one will meet the dash 5"-6"before that.  I'll likely be trimming it because it will end up too long.

[TexasStroker]

Can't wait to see it mocked up...

I have tricked the Mopar 10 out and would like to apply some of that to the Charger.

I will say this on the double din nav units...My original plan was to "keep it factory."  That was a horrible idea...The factory 130-4 Speaker set-up on late models has to be the worst stereo I have ever heard...I wouldn't put it in a taxi cab headed for duty in the middle east.  The factory nav units were in transition from tele-atlas (2010 back) to garmin (2011 _+).  Just my luck, the new units were not available and the old ones were sold out nation wide (short of pulling from inventory and replacing with lower grade or making that car wait).  Even with my discount, the price was ridiculous.

I decided to go aftermarket...My plan was to get a sweet double din that I could have a custom background on, dial up the perfect audio, and use as a navigation interface.  The price to go from a nice double din to the navi version in any line is pretty much 2x.  I was drawn to Alpine, but didn't like their lack of "customization."  Pioneer fit the bill and I'd had great luck with them in the past, but their maps were horrible.  Kenwood always gets touted and features Garmin, but at the time their units had that big time lag...You'd hit a button, wait it out, and then be greeted by the screen...They just didn't have the processor power for all the features.  It was finally in Vegas I got to try out a lot of the top of the line stuff and even the base Kenwoods lagged on me...

I loved the Pioneer, but knew I'd hate their navi...

I finally decided to go with the Pionner head unit and a stand alone Garmin unit.  The price for the head unit and navigation basically let me get the Alpine Amp and a pair of the Kappas for what I'd have paid for the 7" navi unit.

I know the all-in-one is a nice draw, but for me it just wasn't worth it...That said, just since early 2011 when all this was going down there have been big strides...Android finally had the equivalent "app mode" where you can essentially dock the phone and view google maps etc from the head unit.  That is another option if you are happy with a navi app on your phone etc.

The nuvi, or TomTom etc, would fit nicely in the new console or glove box and you could then use it across your entire fleet...much better upgrades as well, and without the price tag.

Again, can't wait to see it mocked up...The console is an awful lot like the late model Challenger.  The heater knobs are huge, I never thought to measure the slots for 2 1/16" when I had everything apart for the stereo upgrade...Could be the golden ticket!  That little slot on the side of the cup holder gives you a point to mount up a billet plate and run switches for your fuel pump, elec. fans, etc if you go that route.

Definitely hope to see pics soon...if you ever wind up coming thru Amarillo let me know and we'll get some cars out.

[dkn1997]

Can't wait to see it mocked up...

I have tricked the Mopar 10 out and would like to apply some of that to the Charger.

I will say this on the double din nav units...My original plan was to "keep it factory."  That was a horrible idea...The factory 130-4 Speaker set-up on late models has to be the worst stereo I have ever heard...I wouldn't put it in a taxi cab headed for duty in the middle east.  The factory nav units were in transition from tele-atlas (2010 back) to garmin (2011 _+).  Just my luck, the new units were not available and the old ones were sold out nation wide (short of pulling from inventory and replacing with lower grade or making that car wait).  Even with my discount, the price was ridiculous.

I decided to go aftermarket...My plan was to get a sweet double din that I could have a custom background on, dial up the perfect audio, and use as a navigation interface.  The price to go from a nice double din to the navi version in any line is pretty much 2x.  I was drawn to Alpine, but didn't like their lack of "customization."  Pioneer fit the bill and I'd had great luck with them in the past, but their maps were horrible.  Kenwood always gets touted and features Garmin, but at the time their units had that big time lag...You'd hit a button, wait it out, and then be greeted by the screen...They just didn't have the processor power for all the features.  It was finally in Vegas I got to try out a lot of the top of the line stuff and even the base Kenwoods lagged on me...

I loved the Pioneer, but knew I'd hate their navi...

I finally decided to go with the Pionner head unit and a stand alone Garmin unit.  The price for the head unit and navigation basically let me get the Alpine Amp and a pair of the Kappas for what I'd have paid for the 7" navi unit.

I know the all-in-one is a nice draw, but for me it just wasn't worth it...That said, just since early 2011 when all this was going down there have been big strides...Android finally had the equivalent "app mode" where you can essentially dock the phone and view google maps etc from the head unit.  That is another option if you are happy with a navi app on your phone etc.

The nuvi, or TomTom etc, would fit nicely in the new console or glove box and you could then use it across your entire fleet...much better upgrades as well, and without the price tag.

Again, can't wait to see it mocked up...The console is an awful lot like the late model Challenger.  The heater knobs are huge, I never thought to measure the slots for 2 1/16" when I had everything apart for the stereo upgrade...Could be the golden ticket!  That little slot on the side of the cup holder gives you a point to mount up a billet plate and run switches for your fuel pump, elec. fans, etc if you go that route.

Definitely hope to see pics soon...if you ever wind up coming thru Amarillo let me know and we'll get some cars out.

excellent info! 

[TexasStroker]

No prob...Things like that are always improving/changing...I think Kenwood was supposed to give in and upgrade the processor.  Still, after researching and playing around with it for months, I ultimately decided that the nice double din (minus navi) was the way to go...With the new app modes across several brands it is even easier to justify that route. 

I am looking forward to seeing the console installed, mocked up, or just sat in place for a rough fit...Idk how the 200's will be, but the Challenger (at least 2010+) has the lighted cupholder ring...you can swap that or modify it to match your interior lighting or ext. paint color etc.  I'd want to say the 300 should for sure have it, but I've never been in a 200.

[TexasStroker]

Have you gotten to play around with test fitting it yet?

[nvrbdn]

im late to the game here and see that something is already started. i was just wondering how the early (67-68) mustang/cougar console would work for this also. it has the older look vrs. the newer car look. just didnt know if they had the same width as the charger. im interested in this attempt also to see how the more modern console will look with the existing interior.

[6spd68]

I'd really like to see how this ends up as well...  Going to need to start thinking full interior in a year or so with mine.

[Ghoste]

Even though I prefer the look of the stock interior myself, I really have to hand it to you guys who are able to make these other products fit.

[Budnicks]

Even though I prefer the look of the stock interior myself, I really have to hand it to you guys who are able to make these other products fit.

me too... I will be watching myself... Interesting option...