Center consoles

[TURBO2GO]

Guys who makes a good center console? I am trying to install a single DIN radio in my car, specifically this:

I would like it installed neither in the lower DIN section nor the upper but in between. I was going to use two SOS parts to do this:

But I am not sure how well this console will fit. I know that some others have used various CF consoles before. And from everything I read, nothing fit like OEM. I don't want some saggy ill-fitting piece. Has anyone used these or something else they can recommend to me?

 

[davidf]

I had the SOS console up until Tamoskes came. As far as I'm concerned, the SOS was/is closest to OEM fitment. I was very happy with it. No sagging, very sturdy. Everything attached to it perfectly. I only wish they offered it in carbon/single din.

 

[TURBO2GO]

Were you able to attach the coin tray in the standard manner? From what I remember this thing was missing the screw holes for that? I don't even want to lose my ashtray... But I guess I have no choice. Wasn't there also a car stereo place modding these nicely and reasonably? HCA highline or something like that...

 

[Chris NSX]

This was done with the OEM console for my Alpine 7998 Phantom Face radio. Now replaced with an Alpine iDA-X305.

 

[davidf]

Were you able to attach the coin tray in the standard manner? From what I remember this thing was missing the screw holes for that? I don't even want to lose my ashtray... But I guess I have no choice. Wasn't there also a car stereo place modding these nicely and reasonably? HCA highline or something like that...

Mine had all the factory retaining screw holes including coin tray.

 

[davidf]

This was done with the OEM console for my Alpine 7998 Phantom Face radio. Now replaced with an Alpine iDA-X305.

That is painted correct? Looks fantastic.

 

[NetViper]

Guys who makes a good center console? I am trying to install a single DIN radio in my car, specifically this:


I would like it installed neither in the lower DIN section nor the upper but in between. I was going to use two SOS parts to do this:



But I am not sure how well this console will fit. I know that some others have used various CF consoles before. And from everything I read, nothing fit like OEM. I don't want some saggy ill-fitting piece. Has anyone used these or something else they can recommend to me?

If you are only doing a single DIN it might make more sense to modify your OEM one.

 

[Stephen@NCAutoUSA]

Anyone have feedback on the Dali carbon fiber consoles?

 

[NetViper]

I have always heard Downforce are the best in the biz, but I am not sure they are still in business. Their new website SUX.

 

[davidf]

Anyone have feedback on the Dali carbon fiber consoles?

I had one about 3 years ago. Bad fitment, huge gaps, removed it after a week. Now that was 3 years back so I can't tell you if they've been redesigned. Mine was actually carbon layed over fiberglass.

 

[TURBO2GO]

I don't trust Dali, and I've heard nothing good about that console. The DF is carbon, I don't need or care for that. Procar has a very good carbon too, if I wanted that. I just want my factory 2005 silver which I'll have to paint, and I want it to fit.

Netviper dave, why do you say mod the stock if single din? What about the tape deck part? so far looks like SOS is best but I have to cut and paint and I lose my ashtray/power plug. I don't smoke, I just don't want to cut another hole in the car for power when it's fine where it is. Maybe I'll forget this radio, wait for the o'dock, and attach it to a blank plate that covers the factory radio. Leave the console alone.

 

[cwood1388]

I don't trust Dali, and I've heard nothing good about that console. The DF is carbon, I don't need or care for that. Procar has a very good carbon too, if I wanted that. I just want my factory 2005 silver which I'll have to paint, and I want it to fit.

Netviper dave, why do you say mod the stock if single din? What about the tape deck part? so far looks like SOS is best but I have to cut and paint and I lose my ashtray/power plug. I don't smoke, I just don't want to cut another hole in the car for power when it's fine where it is. Maybe I'll forget this radio, wait for the o'dock, and attach it to a blank plate that covers the factory radio. Leave the console alone.

Turbo,

It's actually pretty easy to modify the console. If your worried about fitment issues nothing fits better than an oem console. I've heard stories of older aftermarket variations being uneven and having poor fitment.

This kind of gives you an idea of the route i took. In essence you dremel out where the bose unit used to sit and glass/ bondo over to smooth. then you can just cut out your din..and go from there. For me it was the best option. as long as your not worried about going back to stock.

 

[scorp965]

Wow, that's a seriously ugly deck, not to mention clearance concerns with the rotating dock and heavily-angled NSX center console.

Why not using something like the App Radio from Pioneer? Stash the iphone in your center console, and still retain full control of apps.

 

[HIJACKER]

Wow, that's a seriously ugly deck, not to mention clearance concerns with the rotating dock and heavily-angled NSX center console.

Why not using something like the App Radio from Pioneer? Stash the iphone in your center console, and still retain full control of apps.

Link to said suggested radio?

 

[Ric]

From my experience, I have no problem getting downforce parts if I order thru SOS. These guys seem to get a hold of DF better than some of us.

I have always heard Downforce are the best in the biz, but I am not sure they are still in business. Their new website SUX.

 

[JW]

I had this oem center console modded by Angus. You can put your single din anywhere in the lower section. I also got him to install the switch in the bottom of the console below my double din to be able to raise and lower the antennae.

91 NSX Red/Black
09 VW Jetta TDI

 

[TURBO2GO]

Wow, that's a seriously ugly deck, not to mention clearance concerns with the rotating dock and heavily-angled NSX center console.

Why not using something like the App Radio from Pioneer? Stash the iphone in your center console, and still retain full control of apps.

I don't think it is ugly at all, I think it is the most functional deck I have found to date and am installing one today in my other car. It has no clearance issues at all in the NSX, and the way you can pull it out and angle it puts it closer to me and right at my fingertips. I find it to be almost perfect for the NSX. It's better than any "deck" IMO.

The Pioneer App radio is kind of an underdeveloped POS, you need to read the reviews on it to see some of its very serious flaws. It's also extra weight in my car, and frankly, totally unnecessary.

Link to said suggested radio?

Read my thread here.


<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_hmFpVCQ3_I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[TURBO2GO]

BTW after an exhaustive search, I have found no proper mounts for the iphone. They either have external wiring that will be a problem when you rotate the phone (visible and they turn outside the mount), or they are bulky and ugly, or they don't tilt and swivel. The best I found was the TomTom mount but that unit too has external wiring and the NAV commands do not come out of the audio out port, but rather through its built-in cheesy speaker.

So only proper mount is the O'dock, and that is not going to be released until after CES in January. One option is a blank radio plate and the O'dock mounted to it. I am going to hold off butchering the console until I have one of these in my posession and see what can be done with it versus the O'car. Being an actual radio, the O'car has buil-in amps and although it is light at around 2 pounds, it's still extra weight. The O'dock should weigh next to nothing. I have external amps so I am leaning toward it as it saves weight and allows me to leave my console alone and go back to stock anytime.

 

[HBui39]

Guys who makes a good center console?

But I am not sure how well this console will fit. I know that some others have used various CF consoles before. And from everything I read, nothing fit like OEM. I don't want some saggy ill-fitting piece. Has anyone used these or something else they can recommend to me?

I got mine and first off, the finish is rough... you HAVE TO paint it. I wasn't planning to, but it really is in rough shape. Additionally, there are no provisions for mounting the shifter boot and coin tray. They recommend you use silicone. Needless to say I wasn't happy. If I had to do it again, I'd stick with the OEM center console. It is a sturdy piece though and I doubt it would sag. The fit I will find out when the silicon dries and it is installed.

 

[Bogie Bog]

This was done with the OEM console for my Alpine 7998 Phantom Face radio. Now replaced with an Alpine iDA-X305.

Who did this? Very nice...especially in converting to what looks like an actual usable cup holder....

 

[davidf]

I got mine and first off, the finish is rough... you HAVE TO paint it. I wasn't planning to, but it really is in rough shape. Additionally, there are no provisions for mounting the shifter boot and coin tray. They recommend you use silicone. Needless to say I wasn't happy. If I had to do it again, I'd stick with the OEM center console. It is a sturdy piece though and I doubt it would sag. The fit I will find out when the silicon dries and it is installed.

I'm confused here. My SOS came with all fact. mounting holes and the finish "satin} was rather smooth. Unless they've changed design! All the retaining holes were there and looked incredibly OEM. Maybe Chris should chime in on this.

 

[NetViper]

I got mine and first off, the finish is rough... you HAVE TO paint it. I wasn't planning to, but it really is in rough shape. Additionally, there are no provisions for mounting the shifter boot and coin tray. They recommend you use silicone. Needless to say I wasn't happy. If I had to do it again, I'd stick with the OEM center console. It is a sturdy piece though and I doubt it would sag. The fit I will find out when the silicon dries and it is installed.

Yeah, I was disappointed when I heard you had to glue it also. That is why I didn't order it.

 

[cwood1388]

That sucks. but Silicone? I've only seen one SOS console and that was an older variation I did a wrap on and on the backside epoxy putty was used to secure the ashtray unit, shift boot, and coin tray. There has to be a neater way to do this.

 

[TURBO2GO]

I'm very confused on this console now, have heard differing things. Someone should call SOS and get some clarity about the current inventory.

 

[Stephen@NCAutoUSA]

That sucks. but Silicone? I've only seen one SOS console and that was an older variation I did a wrap on and on the backside epoxy putty was used to secure the ashtray unit, shift boot, and coin tray. There has to be a neater way to do this.

There is...

It's mark the holes and angles of the OEM setup and use screws with nuts. Put some JB weld covering the screw heads and use nuts to lock them in place. It's annoying but once you get the layout right it works fine and you can unscrew them to change your shift boots/coin tray/whatever any time you want.