I know this isn't the first time this mod has been done, but I am glad the job is finished, and thought I would share the results.

I purchased a tan 98 expy console on ebay:
http://home.cfl.rr.com/mudfoot/jpgs/tanconsolelr.jpg

Sanded, primered, and painted the console using Duplicolor Md. Gray #8, and Dark Gray #11:
http://home.cfl.rr.com/mudfoot/jpgs/panels.jpg

I had originally painted the cupholder section black, but didn't like it, and went dark gray to match the dash:
http://home.cfl.rr.com/mudfoot/jpgs/finished1.jpg

After the paint was finished I covered the console lid in a really cool granulated vinyl, with headliner cushion underneath for padding:
http://home.cfl.rr.com/mudfoot/jpgs/newinterior2lr.jpg

The seat cushion was cut and restitched at Maitland Auto Upholstery, the same guys who have 2 motorcycle seats for me. They were awesome, same day service, great price, and enthusiatic about working on a Lightning project.

After assembly, I wanted to add a little more theme to the interior, so I upholstered the back plastic panel in the same material as the console lid:
http://home.cfl.rr.com/mudfoot/jpgs/backpanel.jpg

And its finished! Got a lot of the parts inexpensively, ebay rocks. And the Ford OEM parts I bought from Randy Stinchcomb at Liberty Ford in Maryland. SVT really should have done this console as a stock offering.
http://home.cfl.rr.com/mudfoot/jpgs/newinterior5lr.jpg

Joe

 

Looks great man!! If I didnt need my center seat for my little girl I would do the same.

 

Great job! Looks awesome!

 

Very nice! Looks great!! I agree that it should be a factory option for the guys who don't need the 3rd seat. One of the best mods I did to my truck!!

-dennis

 

Yep, its just me and wife. The two dogs can either stay home, or appreciate the wide-open airry feeling of the truck bed! That middle seat ("for lack of a better term") was useless.

joe

 

Looks great - I've got the exact same console coming my way for my 02.

Herb

 

Herb, holler if you have any specific questions. Its fresh in my mind, so I might be able to help you on any sticking points.

joe

 

02Thunder, I purchase a console a while ago and just recently assembled all the parts but I can't figure out how the front bracket works. It has those three tabs sticking up along with two bolt holes for the bolts that secure the bracket to the floor but how does the console secure to the bracket? Are there supposed to be bolts that go in from the top of the console and bolt the console support to the bracket? Sorry if my description kinda sucks but I'd appreciate your help. Thanks.

 

I can take some photos this evening to describe the brackets, but here is an explanation...

The front floor bracket attaches to the floor, and the console bracket slides forward into a locked position. With the cup holder piece removed, you are able to insert the 2 screws that hold the brackets together.

To insert the console into the truck, I found it easier to disassemble the console, and build up from there.

joe

 

looks awesome, wish i didnt use my middle seat. grrr.

 

That looks real good dude. Nice work

 

Thanks for the offer for guidance Joe. I'll look at what I'm in for when my console arrives and I'll most likely be in touch.

Herb

 

MyRedRocket, did my explanation cover it? If you still need the photos to show the bolt locations, I can take them today.

Joe