secure center consoles and seats for an OBS

[nj_m715]

what options do we have for center consoles in an obs?
I don't normally want to give up seating in a truck, but I have a crew cab now so more storage might be more better than more seats.

I guess a bronco/excursion console should be close, but are there any other options?
something like this: https://www.tuffyproducts.com/p-88-series-ii-security-console-12-12-wide.aspx I measure closer to 18" between the seats. not 12"

I thought about welding up a box and reattaching the factory flip down seat back/center arm rest. then I'll have the best of both worlds. secure storage that could still be used as a seat in a pinch.

now on to seats. my driver seat has seen better days. replacement seats are pricey. has anyone used a common junkyard seat? in my jeep days we would pull nice seats from a newer toyota or accura and make then fit.

thanks

 

[IDIoit]

I took a set of seats from an 01 Escape and made a frame for them.
the frame grabbed both holes on either side and the seat belt hole.

 

[nj_m715]

did you keep the factory ford frame? I have a big one piece (at least it looks one piece) sub-frame all three front seats bolt onto making it more like a split bench than captain chairs with a console.
the subframe is nice and flat, it should be a good starting point for a build

 

[reklund]

I have a tuffy box in mine. It works out great. At the time I installed a nice Galaxy CB in it, but have since removed it and installed a proper HAM radio for chase truck duty.

 

[nj_m715]

thanks, radio installation is on the list. I have a rci-2970. I figure locking it in the console is better than waiting for crack head to smash the window and rip it out of the dash.

does the 12" console fit ok? it doesn't look too small in your pics.

 

[nj_m715]

well, I scored some '05 exscape seats too. there were in great and almost the same color.

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I ripped off the legs and bolted them to my seat frame.

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I had to notch the frame to clear the lever on the passenger side.

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driver seat is power and almost dropped right in.

 

[nj_m715]

now to fill that empty space between the seats. I couldn't find a tuffy box over 12" wide, I have 18" so I dug out the welder and scrap steel.

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first step, mock up something and make sure it clears the shifter and sits high enough to be a comfortable arm rest

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cutting, cleaning and priming

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starting to come together

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test fit

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padded top, radio installed

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done! locks installed, even included cup holders, extra cigarette lighter plugs and a 110v outlet wired to an inverter behind the seat

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[IDIoit]

I dig it!