Mud centre console

[travelrover]

Anyone fitted one of these consoles to their Defender? The instructions seem pretty comprehensive but are there any tricks to fitting them?

[manic]

I mounted as instructed, except for a row of screws at the bottom edge to lower dash panel (if I remember correctly). Basically I had the plastic shell mounted with four screws at the sides.

Mines been on for years, but some hardcore corrugations worked it loose and it cracked the plastic around the mounting holes. I fixed this by bonding some thin aluminium plate over the cracked sides and drilling new holes. Problem solved.

As for tricks, I would use all the recommended fastner positions and replace with rivnuts, bolts, loctite and fibre washers where possible. And I would place the stereo head unit in the top slot that is angled facing up - they are quite heavy for hanging on plastic so best to use the strongest position.

Ive never been 100% happy with the fit, there is a bit of a gap at the base but that is likely down to the amount of kit I have wedged behind it.

If I could go back and choose again, I would seriously reconsider the raptor dash. Looks much more durable!

[travelrover]

I mounted as instructed, except for a row of screws at the bottom edge to lower dash panel (if I remember correctly). Basically I had the plastic shell mounted with four screws at the sides.

Mines been on for years, but some hardcore corrugations worked it loose and it cracked the plastic around the mounting holes. I fixed this by bonding some thin aluminium plate over the cracked sides and drilling new holes. Problem solved.

As for tricks, I would use all the recommended fastner positions and replace with rivnuts, bolts, loctite and fibre washers where possible. And I would place the stereo head unit in the top slot that is angled facing up - they are quite heavy for hanging on plastic so best to use the strongest position.

Ive never been 100% happy with the fit, there is a bit of a gap at the base but that is likely down to the amount of kit I have wedged behind it.

If I could go back and choose again, I would seriously reconsider the raptor dash. Looks much more durable!Thanks Manic

I was in two minds as to where the radio should go but you have answered that. Do you have a/c and if so does the bottom of the console or should it maybe, fit in the gap between the top of the a/c unit and the original dash? Any photos?

[manic]

No under dash AC on mine. I have seen them fitted with underdash AC. If you can slip the bottom edge of the mud console between dash and AC that would look neat.


Pics not great, its dark out. But you can see my stereo unit is trying to pop out. I should have put it in the top slot! And bottom edge is adrift.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180814/aa2bd114a0256235650f619626ab5972.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180814/b7351806a8a5e84f1c14bce640a1e7a2.jpg

[travelrover]

No under dash AC on mine. I have seen them fitted with underdash AC. If you can slip the bottom edge of the mud console between dash and AC that would look neat.


Pics not great, its dark out. But you can see my stereo unit is trying to pop out. I should have put it in the top slot! And bottom edge is adrift.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180814/aa2bd114a0256235650f619626ab5972.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180814/b7351806a8a5e84f1c14bce640a1e7a2.jpg

Thanks again Manic

Very helpful. Yes I think you are right I should be able to slip the bottom edge in the gap.

[VladTepes]

Yes I think you are right I should be able to slip the bottom edge in the gap.

Indeed you can.

One thing to watch out for, which I have found by a personal screw up - make sure there will be sufficient clearance for any switches, radios etc you plan to fit.

I cut mine out for a UHF in the top position (angled) and stereo in the bottom, figuring I'd put Carling switches in between. Got a switch panel cut out for it and glued it in. Tried fitting switches - insufficient clearance with angled UHF cage. [bigwhistle]

Yep, what an idiot right. Now I've pretty much rooted the console and will have to remake one in metal I think.

[travelrover]

Indeed you can.

One thing to watch out for, which I have found by a personal screw up - make sure there will be sufficient clearance for any switches, radios etc you plan to fit.

I cut mine out for a UHF in the top position (angled) and stereo in the bottom, figuring I'd put Carling switches in between. Got a switch panel cut out for it and glued it in. Tried fitting switches - insufficient clearance with angled UHF cage. [bigwhistle]

Yep, what an idiot right. Now I've pretty much rooted the console and will have to remake one in metal I think.

Thanks Vladtepes

Yes that has been a concern for me too (the clearance). I have looked at as many photos as I can find on the web of various configurations and i am still not sure. I hope to fit three gauges in a row , a row of switches and a radio. I bought a cheap half depth radio ($25) of eBay just in case but as yet haven’t cut any holes. Still pondering

Cheers Simon

[VladTepes]

I think it might be best to use it in combination with a mud pod where you could locate the switches or possibly the gauges.

MUD Pod - MUD Stuff - Products (https://www.mudstuff.co.uk/products/mud-stuff/mudpod.html)
or
MUD Mini Pod - MUD Stuff - Products (https://www.mudstuff.co.uk/products/mud-stuff/mini-mud-pod.html)

[travelrover]

I think it might be best to use it in combination with a mud pod where you could locate the switches or possibly the gauges.

MUD Pod - MUD Stuff - Products (https://www.mudstuff.co.uk/products/mud-stuff/mudpod.html)
or
MUD Mini Pod - MUD Stuff - Products (https://www.mudstuff.co.uk/products/mud-stuff/mini-mud-pod.html)

Yes I have a mini pod with a clock, boost and pyrometer gauges. Some of the mud promo shots have gauges switches and radios in different configurations in the center console similar to what I am proposing but am just not sure it will fit in reality. :-(