Roof Console

[Ranga]

Anyone fitted a roof console to their 95 (or similar off shape) Defender? I'm looking at getting one for mine that runs down the middle, but I can't find anyone who sells them.

I chatted with a helpful bloke from Rono consoles RoNo Consols Australia, 4x4, Truck, Custom Made Consoles & Door Pockets (http://www.ronoconsoles.com.au/index.htm) on the Sunshine Coast. He hasn't done one either, but is willing to give it a go. Unfortunately, my roof lining is sagging a little, and he can;t really do too much without me taking the lining off.

Basically, the plan of attack will be:
* removing the lining
* taking it to him for inspection/measurement
* getting the lining replaced/repaired
* taking it back to him for another inspection/measurement
* he makes one and we fit it (hopefully!)

As said, he's a genuine fellow, and he's been making consoles for 25 years and very much seems to know what he's doing. The big down side for me is the travel distance (about an hour each way). Whilst I'm willing to go to that effort, I was keen to see if anyone else already has them and might save me some hassle.

Anyone got any ideas?

[Allan]

ARB used to sell them in Perth. WE had one on our old Defender. I seem to remember they were producd in Queensland. After fitting we had to get a trimmer to shorteb the interior sun visors. I think by the same company that built drawer systems for the rear of 4x4's. Hope this is helpful.

Allan

[Ranga]

ARB used to sell them in Perth. WE had one on our old Defender. I seem to remember they were producd in Queensland. After fitting we had to get a trimmer to shorteb the interior sun visors. I think by the same company that built drawer systems for the rear of 4x4's. Hope this is helpful.

Allan

It might have been an Outback - they're made in Cairns, but unfortunately only now make them for a 02 onwards.

[Larry]

2003 Defender, but the shape is much the same. Not too hard to make yourself either.;)

[Larry]

Bugger, try again.:angel:

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/49505-over-head-console.html

[Mrlandyman100]

You could try consoles.com.au

[Ranga]

You could try consoles.com.au

Thanks - I emailed them earlier tonight, I'll see what response I get.

[Ranga]

Bugger, try again.:angel:

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/49505-over-head-console.html

Very nice - almost enough to convince me to give it a try. I've got plenty of ply lying around too!

Did you use the existing power from the original light to power the radios/new light? And did you use anything to pad it under the vinyl?

[Larry]

Did you use the existing power from the original light to power the radios/new light? And did you use anything to pad it under the vinyl?

I ran a new power cable from the 2nd battery to power everything.
Under the vinyl there is a thin layer of foam to soften the outside in case you bump your head getting in or out.:(
It's worth a go, you can have it how you want it then.:D

[tazd]

just made one and fitted it to my 110 ute with a uhf and cd player with the original light fitted in the middle plus a couple of extra speakers . works a treat. i ran power and speaker wires up the left piller, just need to hard wire the radio in as when i turn the key off no music :(
i just need to work out putting pics up then you will see what ive done. i have a spare one that i made to start with, just not big enough to fit the speakers.

[Ranga]

After speaking to another reseller/installer, and being quoted about $800-$900 fitted, I'll be attempting a DIY effort! Any photos of before and/or after shots would be appreicated.

I have a dual battery under the fron passenger seat, so maybe I can run the power directly from there.

[Nera Donna]

Put a ‘Department of Interiors’ roof console in my last truck (Patrol) not cheap, $600 odd but a great unit. Easy to install, fitted well. UHF radio, Dual Battery control (mounting in it buy them), toggle switches and good amount of storage space for maps and sunny’s etc.
I'm in Perth and their in Sydney, everything was done over the phone, easy as.

[Scallops]

OL fitted the outback one to Xavie's 07 defender - so anything is possible. Let's face it - nothing has changed up there - so there is no reason it won't fit any Defender.

[Ranga]

OL fitted the outback one to Xavie's 07 defender - so anything is possible. Let's face it - nothing has changed up there - so there is no reason it won't fit any Defender.

I spoke to them, they reckon from 02 onwards they're different?

[Scallops]

I spoke to them, they reckon from 02 onwards they're different?

Well, as I say - I know of an 07 Defender with the outback roof console fitted - perhaps PM Xavie and ask him if they needed to do anything special to fit it. :)

[dullbird]

we have an outback console in ours? but I'm lost do you want it for a newer defender or an older one...the design did change they got LED's though it now etc all we had to do to fit ours was chop the sun visors.....;)

ours is an 07 defender

as you can see on the pic on the left hand sun visor Ian never cut the material right to fold and stick it back over so we are having them recovered by department of interior when we go in to have our draw finally built

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/05/964.jpg

[Sith]

I brought one today goes across the froont from drivers side to pass side with no modifactions needed $250 cash

last one in captivity they said ... she is a little rippa;)

[Jeff]

I brought one today goes across the froont from drivers side to pass side with no modifactions needed $250 cash

last one in captivity they said ... she is a little rippa;)

Well where's the photos.

Jeff

:rocket:

[Sith]

Comming , i will be fitting it this weekend hopefully ... my front wheel bearing have **** themselves and i have no brake pedal so they come first amigo

[scott oz]

Put a ‘Department of Interiors’ roof console in my last truck (Patrol) not cheap, $600 odd but a great unit. Easy to install, fitted well. UHF radio, Dual Battery control (mounting in it buy them), toggle switches and good amount of storage space for maps and sunny’s etc.
I'm in Perth and their in Sydney, everything was done over the phone, easy as.


I've got a Department of Interior roof console (Defender 2001 TD5) and they are a nice and well made unit.

The only thing I found was that when crossing central Australia the screws worked loose. The console's are attached by four large wood screws (course thread) to the metal roof chanel.

The reason why they use the course thread wood screws is that the units are designed so that the screws don't screw at 90 degrees to the metal channel. Plus the channel is enclosed and you would have to remove the roof lining do use any other method

If you can I'd remove roof lining try and get some rive(?) nuts or something.

Anyhow they are a nice unit and well made but you do pay for it. Then again its the first thing most people comment on.

[Sith]

TRY lOCTITE

[Bigmark]

I am about to make my own for my 95 defender.
My roof lining was sagging badly so i ripped it out, bought some grey fleck trim carpet (almost felt like) and glued it to all the panel sections in roof (this only took 1 day)- next ill be cutting carpet strips to wrap around all the roof support ribs.
The best thing is it looks a 1000 times better than i thought and now i can put lights, dvd players, roof consoles or roof pockets where ever i want- just screw away.
The only thing i have to say is use a good quality SPRAY adhesive that is heat resistant to around 140c.



Anyone fitted a roof console to their 95 (or similar off shape) Defender? I'm looking at getting one for mine that runs down the middle, but I can't find anyone who sells them.

I chatted with a helpful bloke from Rono consoles RoNo Consols Australia, 4x4, Truck, Custom Made Consoles & Door Pockets (http://www.ronoconsoles.com.au/index.htm) on the Sunshine Coast. He hasn't done one either, but is willing to give it a go. Unfortunately, my roof lining is sagging a little, and he can;t really do too much without me taking the lining off.

Basically, the plan of attack will be:
* removing the lining
* taking it to him for inspection/measurement
* getting the lining replaced/repaired
* taking it back to him for another inspection/measurement
* he makes one and we fit it (hopefully!)

As said, he's a genuine fellow, and he's been making consoles for 25 years and very much seems to know what he's doing. The big down side for me is the travel distance (about an hour each way). Whilst I'm willing to go to that effort, I was keen to see if anyone else already has them and might save me some hassle.

Anyone got any ideas?

[Ranga]

Thanks everyone. After some thought and discussion, I'm gonna pull out the roof lining, line it with carpet, and have a crack at building a console myself. Worst case scenarios means swallowing my pride, opening my wallet and buying a ready made unit. Best case scenario is saving hundreds of dollars and being proud of doing something for myself. I'll try and post a worklog of how it goes.

[lardy]

I am about to make my own for my 95 defender.
My roof lining was sagging badly so i ripped it out, bought some grey fleck trim carpet (almost felt like) and glued it to all the panel sections in roof (this only took 1 day)- next ill be cutting carpet strips to wrap around all the roof support ribs.
The best thing is it looks a 1000 times better than i thought and now i can put lights, dvd players, roof consoles or roof pockets where ever i want- just screw away.
The only thing i have to say is use a good quality SPRAY adhesive that is heat resistant to around 140c.

Hello big boy got any pictures of the finished article ?
and brand of the glue used ?
Cheers matey

[VladTepes]

Good question i too am interested as its on my "to do" list as well.

[Ranga]

Good question i too am interested as its on my "to do" list as well.

I've got a couple of litres of glue here you can have that I bought off the auto trimmer. I chickened out before I used it.

[Ranga]

Hello big boy got any pictures of the finished article ?
and brand of the glue used ?
Cheers matey

If you're interested, check out the last page of the thread in my signature. I recently did mine (or at least the auto trimmer did it). I also lined mine with high density foam, and it came up really good. Came out almost flush with the ribs.

[lardy]

That does look neat I like it and would think there is enough space without the cardboard lining to stick a shelf in across the top of the windscreen (made out of ali maybe) great place to stash uhf sat nav and stereo any thoughts old chap ?

[VladTepes]

I should read more carefully i thought someone had made a console !

[lardy]

I should read more carefully i thought someone had made a console !

same?!