I currently have a narrow top center console in my Lariat F150. It was really cheap, so I jumped on it. Really easy to install since my truck already had a center console.

Now, I want to buy a wide top console, but I have no idea what to do with the A/C and radio controls that come with that style console. Any ideas? The lightning rodder guys put gauges in the front and reupholster the rear panel and lid. Seems a little expensive, so basically I'm looking for a cheap (not ugly) alternative.

 

I took out the radio controls on mine. Stripped the radio controls from the black faceplate. Then took a piece if 1/8th inch masonite a little bigger than the hole and painted it graphite gray. I put it behind the hole and took the old stripped face plate over it and reused the origonal screws to fasten it back on. If you have Captians seats you will need to delete the armrest or the lid won't open. Hope this helps!

 

^^ Yea, I guess I'll have to do that. I never thought to use the old faceplate, tho. I just have buckets, no armrests.

Eventually, though, I will end up with either 3 gauges or the 2011 F150 badge in the front A/C area, and maybe a volt gauge or something in the rear, which has both A/C and radio controls. Will a F150 tailgate emblem fit in the recess for the A/C controls?

 

They also have a front pocket option without the rear AC controls. Its just one big pocket

 

Well. I just scored another center console. Tan, wide top, came out of an Eddie Bauer... Should be here before Friday.

 

ZOMFG Wide top is here!

 

Installed... I'm thinking F-150 emblem in the back, and a auxiliary switch panel in the front.

 

Looks good

 

Great job -- did you mount the front bracket from the Expy console? or just "float" the front end & use the rear bracket?

 

I used both brackets.

 

nice work so far!

 

oh and here's what i did with my console, not cheap tho. So don't even ask

DSC03778.jpg?t=1299461618


https://www.f150online.com/forums/19...e-shifter.html

 

Thanks! Did you ever do a write-up on properly prepping and painting dash panels to be super glossy?

 

looks good