Just purchased a 2006 STX and after driving it a few weeks realize that the useable storage space in the center dash area is non-existant. The center tray on the top of dash is a "launch pad" for whatever you place there. Moving down the pop-out cup holders are OK. Below that the cig lighter just takes up valuble space. And below that the indash tray (only 3" deep) with no downward rake holds nothing. Place something in the tray it ends up on the floor when you accelerate. The indash coin holder is useable, if you can stand the jingle of loose change. Does anyone else feel the same way about the layout? Are there any mods or ideas you guys have to increase the useable space. I like to keep my cell phone and garage door opener within arms reach and not in either the glove box or closed center console. I will say the large glove box is user friendly! I have the 60/40 bench with the fold down console, must say, roomy box w/ lid there holds lots of stuff. I bought this truck to tow with and use as a work truck. Doing those tasks I rate my STX a 10.

 

i actually like the tray on top for my cell phone, doesnt even slide around. i agree the bottom tray is totally useless and the coin holder is just retarded. my garage door opener clips onto the visor. layout could be better, could be worse i guess.

 

Can't please everybody

 

I don't remember the brand name, but there is a sticky pad that looks like leather you can use. It prevents things from rolling around. I use it in the tray on top of my dash, works great. I've seen them at WalMart, Target and even Bed Bath and Beyond. They don't use glue and if it gets dirty you just rinse it with water to get it sticky again. They are cutable and cost around $7-$10 each.

 

I wish there was an ash tray somewhere in that wasted space.

 

You don't have an ashtray? Mine is between the cup holders (in the slide out). Did they get rid of that in 06?

E...

 

Would anyone be interested in a small storage cubby-hole type thing that replaces the coin holder?

I hate my coin holder, and want a place for my cellphone.

My Dodge had a pidgeon hole in the dash that was about 3.5 wide x 2.5 high, and about 4 or 5 inches deep. It was perfect for my cellphone, sticking receipts, etc.

Since so many people on this site hate the coin holder, I have had thoughts of designing a plastic molded cubby hole that would replace it. The catch would be that you'd have to cut the hole larger than the coin holder in order to make it useful. The cubby could be around the size of the one from my Dodge, and have an outer lip that would cover the edge of the hole you'd cut in the dash.

I have worked with plastic molding before (injection, vac-formed, and rotational molding). I would design it so that a small simple two-piece mold shouldn't cost that much, but I have to justify the cost by lining up a large number of people that would definitely buy one.

It would be designed to pop into a rectangular hole that you would cut around the coin holder hole with a template. Anyone know how deep the clear space is behind the coin holder?

I've been thinking about this since the day I bought my truck, and will get serious about it if enough, and I mean a LOT, of people come forward and say they would want one. If the mold cost 3 grand (which is probably a little low), and 50 people wanted one, it would be $60 a person plus the cost of the material. Material cost would be low relative to the mold, probably less than $10.

CJ

 

my 06 STX has the ashtray as an insert you put in one of the cup holders down by the 4wd

 

They are great for 'tray' applications.
My wife has one in her vehicle and I was skeptical at first.
I'm a believer now, cell phone doesn't budge, even dry cleaning tickets stay put.

 

Hell yeah! Those things are sweet. I put one in the tray below my radio and I keep my iPod and cell phone in there and they don't budge for ANYTHING. I got mine at Best Buy on clearance for $1.99, which makes it even better!

 

I have the same truck. I took out the coin holder located where the 4x4 switch would be and made a plate to cove the hole. Took an extra cell phone clip and mouinted it to the plate. Works good for like trips when I want to charge my phone and not wear it. As far as the lighter i don't like it ether (non smoker) so my plans for it are to mount my edge evo there. I may have to desigen something to make it work, but I think it can be done.

 

There are several on here that have modified the coin holder and the cig lighter for other uses.

 

I pulled the coin holder out with needle-nose pliers. Took a small screwdriver to pop off the bottom piece helps hold the coins in...then cut off the excess plastic area where the coins sit. I bought a cell phone holder on a website that starts with an E and ends with a Bay (LEDs light up when phone rings)

Took the remainder of the coin holder, drilled a hole thru the back of it where the useless 4x4 wiring was...
Took the piece that would normally be "stuck" the the dash off of the holder
popped the back off and drilled through the middle of it. Screwed it together, placed the coin holder back in the dash and PRESTO, Cell Phone Holder! Hey, if a girl can do it anyone can right??

I'll get some pics up.