Date: Sun, 2 Nov 2003 19:10:40 +1300
Reply-To: Andrew Grebneff <andrew.grebneff@STONEBOW.OTAGO.AC.NZ>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Andrew Grebneff <andrew.grebneff@STONEBOW.OTAGO.AC.NZ>
Subject: Re: Center Console....Want One?
In-Reply-To: <3FA3D350.3020802@alum.mit.edu>
Content-type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=us-ascii
>Two knob radios were ok as a long reach, and out of front sight
>line. But digital mumbojumbo written in microscopic type and too
>many options, makes modern radios a hazzard. And all the more so
>with the long reach in our vehicles. I solved it with a remote
>controlled unit. Is good from back too, and the IR even goes through
>my curtain.
> But a console that brought the radio more comfortably to the driver
>would be good.
> Cup holders yes. Spill protection by design yes. Multiple glasses
>holders (felted?) yes. Cd/tapes holder (say 5). Relativly hidden
>checkbookj/wallet holder. Toll holder. Tire gauge and pen holes.
>Actually, the only thing I like about my Toyota Echo (other than the gas
>mileage) is the center mounted instrument cluster. For once the wheel isn't
>blocking my view of the speedo and gauges. And I can still see the road
>quite clearly while glancing at them.
I can't stand the Yaris (=Echo) design, and it's echoed in the FWD
Estima (=Previa) too... it doesn't at all fitr in with Toyota's
otherwise superior quality.
>I agree that down would be bad though.
It is! This is why I hate stereos set in center consoles.
>I agree...if it's more than a foot or so below my normal line of
>sight I'm not going to be able to look at it often enough to be
>useful.
>
>I fiddled around for a while and decided the ideal location for
>gauges on my Vanagon was on top of the instrument cluster cover. I
>used a multi-pin connector to hook up the gauges so I can still
>remove the cover completely if I want to. The Vanagon has a low
>enough dash that the gauges don't block my view at all.
I have thought of this. For the tall it would be fine but it could be
visibility-limiting for shortstuffs. I have thought of making a
fiberglass full-width dashtop extension with room for a hidden
headunit and two dust-tight gloveboxes (no cupholders, note!). It
could fit flush with the existing binnacle cover or replace it; if
the latter, it could include room for gauges right by the existing
gauges. Maybe some day I'll even do it.
>A center console might be an OK spot for gauges you don't have to
>look at often, or only will be looking at while stopped. In campers
>you could put a voltmeter for your auxiliary battery there, for
>example.
--
Andrew Grebneff
Dunedin, New Zealand
64 (3) 473-8863
<andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz>
Fossil preparator
Seashell, Macintosh & VW/Toyota van nut