Product review: Deluxe dash console

[walkingupstream]

Hello, I just installed one of these Eurocampers dash consoles last night in my '91.

I didn't need to cut or do any other modification for it to fit, I just let it settle on the lip of the dash, then drilled into the dash to secure it (I don't think I have the same lip as the guy in those first photos). The back overhangs a little on the passenger side (toward the windshield), but I just used a 2 1/2" screw and put a piece of vacuum tubing over the screw to act as a spacer/hide the screw shaft from view. I also installed a dual USB port on the top side between the driver's cup holder and the ashtray, and drilled a hole and fit a grommet to hold my Bluetooth stereo's microphone. I used the gray screw caps we have in our vans to cover the screw heads...that looks pretty nice (better than screw heads).

My question though, is how did you fit the gauges to the front? I believe I have the same size gauges as pictured, but it seems they won't fit without interference from the cup holder/ashtray molding (maybe the cupholders are molded deeper than before)? I have 2 gauges I'd like to mount to the there, but don't think they'll pop in there without cutting the bottom off the cupholder.

Finally, I tried to do the hinge thing as another talked about here, but didn't think it through all the way. I put the hinges on the front side, mounting behind the plywood that lines the front, but didn't realize that wouldn't really allow it to flip up properly (but I'd already put two holes in the dash for that spacing by the point I realized and didn't want to tear up the dash further with more holes). It'll flip up about 75-90 degrees if I loosen the dash screws, but it's kind of a pain. If I did it again, I'd figure out how to put hinges on the backside (though like I said, there's some overhang on the back so that'd bring up its own problems) or I'd dremel out the sections I'd need from the plywood in the front to place the hinges flush with the plastic). As it stands, my hinges really just serve more as brackets than hinges.

In any case, it looks nice, provides much of what I wanted in a dash console and wasn't too hard to figure out how to mount (some work with precise measuring for the dash holes with the hinges).

I hope my wife appreciates the computer tray, as she wished for one on our last trip (she can't stay off the computer in the car on longer trips...groan...), and this led me to pull the trigger on the purchase.

I bought from Bus Depot; the first one that came had some dent damage to the passenger corner (right in your face when you open the door). They had me take and send them some photos and a new one arrived within days...I'm still not sure if they want the daamaged one back or not Anyway, I'm happy with having been sent a replacement (that was packed much better

[syncromike]

I'm going to order the tray with the map table from eurovancamper.com, is about $18.50 cheaper than other sources right now. I don't like the idea of more holes in the dash but the PO drilled 4 holes to mount a fan and switch so I want to cover them up, so the damage is already done.
http://www.eurocampers.com/Vanagon-Deluxe-Dash-Console_p_441.html

I'm going to add some gauges as well. A few months ago on Amazon I saw a dual digital voltmeter gauge from a marine supplier, would be perfect to monitor the house battery and alt. However, I don't see it any more. Does anyone know a source for something similar? I like the look of analog gauges, but don't have the precision for trying to monitor charging, solar, consumption, etc.
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'91 Syncro w/ Country Homes PopTop

[Timwhy]

[SCM]

[Bman]

Tim,

Yeah, that one hole I do have freaks me out, I'm seriously leaning toward abandoning this accessory, I just don't think permanant holes in an excellent dash are worth it. That small one you tried, did it just slide into your ashtray? That might just be perfect for me, I just need a place to place my coffe man.
_________________
~Bryan
1990 Burgandy Tintop (Wife's Daily Driver)
1989 Tiico Westfalia "Taj"




2WD Doka build thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=503578&highlight=
FaceHook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/VW-T3-DokaSinka/129026087217120?ref=hl

[Timwhy]

[Bman]

Product Review of the BusDepot dash console http://www.busdepot.com/j13123

The item is a special order and took at least a month to arrive. Comes with no special instructions or explanations. Yeah it is two pieces of molded plastic that you need to press together, it has a tendency to repel each half and so does not stay closed without the screws. SCREWS? yes screws to the dash. I attempted to install with the provided black screws, drilled a pilot hole throught the flimsy plastic console and into my dash, however the supplied screws seemed too short to reach and grab the dash through the console. My thought was to anchor this one corner down and then drill the pilot holes for the rest of the anchor points. The dash has a tendancy to want to slide off the dash and the one hole I did drill is ugly.

Here is a shot that shows the 2 piece nature, backside:

Top side with what I assumed were drill points:

I stopped here, especially considering the rarity of a beautiful early non padded dash in black. I don't know, will I really put stuff in this thing to clutter my dash up? I am now extremely hesitant to add any further holes to my dash at all. This console is starting to appear like it truly is, over priced plastic accessory nonesense. Syncrodokas idea of OEM cup holders down by the floor sound more appealing.

Are the consoles with a tray made of sturdier stuff? I mean they are only $20 more than this one was.

Anyone know how to repair small holes in the dash?
_________________
~Bryan
1990 Burgandy Tintop (Wife's Daily Driver)
1989 Tiico Westfalia "Taj"




2WD Doka build thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=503578&highlight=
FaceHook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/VW-T3-DokaSinka/129026087217120?ref=hl

[syncrodoka]

[Bman]

[cris torlasco]

This was my first attempt. Worked well, but visibility of the gauges was not optimal, maybe cause I am on the tall side of things. I then installed a new dash tray with the slanted accesory shown earlier in this thread (got them on eBay) and that made things much better. I will post a photo when I can, for comparisson. Wasn't easy to get the gauges to hold firmly with the slanted angle, but in the end I managed. Yes, the ashtray and cup holders are gone. I placed a low profile black plastic tray over the holes, which you can still take out in case you want to service the gauges.

[debbiej]

I too would like to find out about the glove box/tray under the dash. my glove compartment has sort of been broken/displaced by the aftermarket ac in my van. I've thought about a wicker tray like you see in bugs. but I need something!

[jsmitch11]

[Bman]

So where do you drive the screws in, underneath the final console (it says 2 part fitting)? Does the screws remain in plain sight if you take the console off and revert to stock? I don't want any ugly holes to be present in an otherwise perfect early model black dash.
_________________
~Bryan
1990 Burgandy Tintop (Wife's Daily Driver)
1989 Tiico Westfalia "Taj"




2WD Doka build thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=503578&highlight=
FaceHook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/VW-T3-DokaSinka/129026087217120?ref=hl

[syncrodoka]

[jsmitch11]

[Bman]

Bump and questions....

I have NO options to have a drink in my 84 Doka and I am not a big fan of the center isle consoles, so I have been looking at the following from the Busdepot:

https://www.busdepot.com/j13123

Does anyone out there have a review or any experience with this type of console? BD seems hopelessly vague about it. Is it true that you DRILL into your dash, does it mount by sliding into the ashtray hole?

The map table console seems a bit much for me, I don't see why my passenger can't just open it on their knees. Eurocamper also has a small console that allows you to keep your ashtray free, and it attaches by an adhesive. So besides trimming (which I shouldn't have to do on my 84 non-padded dash) what else is involved with the install? SCREWS?
_________________
~Bryan
1990 Burgandy Tintop (Wife's Daily Driver)
1989 Tiico Westfalia "Taj"




2WD Doka build thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=503578&highlight=
FaceHook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/VW-T3-DokaSinka/129026087217120?ref=hl

[smaurer]

for reviewing this dash unit. I've been eyeballing it for a couple weeks now. Very helpful information. I have a 83.5 Westy so it should be a straightforward install utilizing all the tips listed here. I took a chance and ordered a 2" digital tach and scouted a single pivot pod so hopefully I'll be able make them all work together. Still need to repair my clock but all other gauges work fine. Thanks again!

[joetiger]

They were an option (or maybe standard?) on early air-cooled models; I've pulled a couple in junkyards and sold them. I've also seen them in pictures of stripped-down german dokas. I considered using one, but figured everything would just fly out of it over bumps, so I stuck with the glove box.

I was shocked by how sought-after they were. Sold them on Ebay back before Ebay was horrible.
_________________
Joe T.

'86 NAHT Vanagon GL Syncro/ supercharged ABA 2.0 "Pigpen"
'04 GTI 1.8T
'04 Golf R32

"get metaphysical with it. if it's simply a means to get to and from places, it will let you down. if it becomes your zen, it can't fail you." -dabaron

"Still, it's good to be afield."--VWagabond

Available Now! Vanagon to Louisiana--A Two-Lane Reckoning Through Past and Present

www.josephtrussell.com

[4x4BNB]

[quote="goffoz"]Tell me about that glove box/tray unit under your dash
....

[jsmitch11]