Custom dashtray

[koolmoe]

Soon after getting Savannah, the former bug I had with my '82 Westy quickly came back - way not enough up-front storage space for my crap. I searched this forum, others, and the web for weeks checking the various solutions. The 'premade' dashtrays for the Vanagons, I just really did not like. So after way too much net time searching for options, I hit upon simply using a 'desk organizer'. I originally though of using a fancy wood one, but then the wife came home with this and I figured, 'good enough', and the price was right ( $8 ).

Here's the organizer. The three screws hold the wood block to the back. Notice the offset.

Here's the standard dash with the ashtray removed (surely a familiar site to many tweakers here)

I measured the ashtray hole a few times, cut a wood block, and sanded it roughly with a dremel tool til it fit snugly (but could still be removed easily)

I mounted the block on the tray so I could place it one way or another, unsure whether I wanted the large area in front or the three compartments.

I kinda like that way, but ultimately decided on this way:

Here it is with various junk in it. It's very stable, easy to lift out as needed, and has plenty of room for even more junk (The ancient ARCO notepad is where I track my mileage/fillups).

Shortly thereafter, I picked up a 12volt splitter. It sweetly and snugly sits between the console and dashtray - no play at all. Just wish I found a switchable one as I currently remove the source 12v plug and leave it hang so I don't drain the battery needlessly.

Next simple project, building something around the AT shifter to hold cups and other junk. I really don't like those fold-down holders that seem the default. I'll come up with something cooler. In fact, the bus came with a fold-down holder mounted to the front of the shifter...that was already broken. Will see what I can come up with.
KM
_________________
--
Current: 1990 Westy GL (Savannah. Good to be back!)
from '95 til 2008: 1995 Pathfinder (frame rusted out, charitable parts donation)
from '91-'95: 1982 Westy Diesel (Smokey. Traded in for far too little!)
from '87-'91: 1980 VW Rabbit (my econoPorsche - passed on)

[Gauche1968]

Nice mod! Is TJ Maxx still in business?
_________________
1984 Vanagon GL
1984 Vanagon Westy

[markz2004]

Very nice and simple.
_________________
87 Westy, 250k GW 2.4 - 2.0 , 16" wheels

[RCB]

Wow, nice job. Contact Terry K here on the Samba he has a center consol that fits perfectly and has enough cup space for 4 tall cups of Java.
Thats about enough coffee to stumble through the mornings and the consol looks cool and the price is just as cool .

[koolmoe]

Thanks so far. It's a simple thing but suits my needs well, and I like simple.

By 'console', you mean one that sits on the floor between the two seats, right? If so, I appreciate the recommendation but I want to keep that passageway open. I'll rig something close-around the AT shifter...

SewFine has a cool 'console' in their Vanagon catalog. I doubt I can make it and won't pay $140 for it, but I can do something similar/more basic. Will see...
KM

(oh, and I thought the wife said she got it at Target...but the tag...so not sure if TJ Maxx is indeed still around or not!)
_________________
--
Current: 1990 Westy GL (Savannah. Good to be back!)
from '95 til 2008: 1995 Pathfinder (frame rusted out, charitable parts donation)
from '91-'95: 1982 Westy Diesel (Smokey. Traded in for far too little!)
from '87-'91: 1980 VW Rabbit (my econoPorsche - passed on)

[iiigoiii]

for a center console, i'd recommend the case logic center console - has 6 pockets, a rubberized bottom to keep it from sliding, and met my primary criterion - it's short enough to step over on your way to the back:
http://www.ebags.com/case_logic/center_console_organizer/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=57184

it's about $12-14 depending on where you get it.
_________________
1984 Westfalia Wolfsburg Ed. w/ Subaru EJ22 power

[1621]

[koolmoe]

That might work ok, that console bag thing... Still gonna have a shot a making something to fit up and around the shifter... With two kids in the back, plus just general movement, I'd rather not have anything at all in the way of my big feet! Will see.

I've thought about adding a jump seat. They not only fold up but are also removable, right? As is, when we finally get to camp in the bus (weather dependent) - Wife and I in the fold down bed, two boys in the pop-up, and the 2 y.old girl will go in her porta-crib right where the jumpseat would go.

My former '82 had the child cot above the front seats. I've thought about adding that (wish I'd kept that cot!) but not sure it's worth the money for the maybe 2 more years she'd be able to fit up there...
KM
_________________
--
Current: 1990 Westy GL (Savannah. Good to be back!)
from '95 til 2008: 1995 Pathfinder (frame rusted out, charitable parts donation)
from '91-'95: 1982 Westy Diesel (Smokey. Traded in for far too little!)
from '87-'91: 1980 VW Rabbit (my econoPorsche - passed on)

[1621]

[Destructo]

Here's a thought. Do a search on google for Nylon Saddle Bags. If you find one that is small enough, you could cut a square out of the middle for the auto shifter to poke through and both the Passenger and the Driver would have some storage.

Like this, but with more pockets:

http://www.kathys-show-tack.com/cases/covers/bags/..._3900.html

You may have to bust out the sewing machine to make it the perfect fit, but if you look around I think you can find one that would be perfect.
_________________
1985 Wolfsburg Edition Westfalia Camper Bostig conversion

Dude, where's your van?

[tencentlife]

I picked up the CaseLogic soft-box thing at the FLAPS awhile ago, and I like it more than I expected to. Sits between the front seats, I can swing my legs over it to go thru to the back, and if I have to do that a lot, the center handle lets me lift it right out and put it someplace else, like on the floor in front of the shotgun seat. The dividers can be moved around, so you can set up a couple narrow boxes to put drinks and water bottles in. Stays put. Holds a ton of little stuff. Plus there's little slip pockets for pens, tire gauge, etc., that little crap that ends up all over the place otherwise.

I like the dash console thing that started this, but I can't use something like that on my road. It's an offroad adventure to reach my place, and there are bumps that taken at almost any speed heave the whole van up like cresting an ocean wave, and anything loose stored up high goes airborne when you drop on the other side. Nice idea, but more accommodating to an urban crowd, I'm afraid.
_________________
Shop for unique Vanagon accessories at the Vanistan shop:
https://intrepidoverland.com/vanistan/

Please don't PM here, I will not reply.

Experience is kryptonite to doctrine.

[fairweather]

Here's a few ideas

[PDXWesty]

Great ideas, but I personally don't like to carry things on the dash that can fly around, spill, or cause damage. The floor center consol is a much better place to have all those items and I feel safer with them below eye level (my personal experience). I have never been inconvenienced by it and it's easy to step over. My $0.02

[rockfish]

I (too) was thinking that I'd want to go back and forth between the front and rear, so I picked this up when I was last at GW ($15):

Two things I like the most - cup holders and coin holders. Slots for each of the four common coins, plus a horizontal slot that fits more quarters (you can never have enough quarters for those campground showers!). I position the console in the opposite direction that is pictured above - cupholders and coin holders toward front/gear shift. There are teeth on the bottom of the console, so it doesn't move around at all.

The reality is that I'm too old (50) for the gymnastics required to go back and forth (at least that's what I tell my wife). So I'm thinking of getting the larger console - which allows for additional (covered/locked) storage.

GW also sells the larger sized center console that TK sells (GW price is $90):

_________________
89 Westy
GW 2.5 5-speed trans

"It's what you learn after you know it all that counts."
- John Wooden

[mccabe]

Here's a link to a console I made out of the cheap GW console that i posted a while back. I had been planing to refine it a bit but I haven't got around to it. I really find it very useful, and I like having the space between the seats free for walking through or tossing a bag. the catch is at the height I made it you would need to get a short shift kit.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=293701&highlight=center+centre+console
_________________
1991 Carat 2.1wbx
vans "checkerboards" size 9.5

[PDXWesty]

The center consols the vendors sell are all Wolf brand. They can be found almost anywhere that sells auto accessories including Walmart. They come in many styles and colors.

http://www.autobarn.net/consoles1.html

http://www.webcovers.com/WolfConsoles/

[DWC]

Here's what I use for a center console.
It doubles as storage for CDs, sun glasses etc. when I'm not using it to heat or cool drinks. Also good for those last minute items that won't fit in the fridge on long camping trips.
I found mine at Target for $14.
DC

http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/rewilliams_2027_1671332

Travel Cooler & Warmer with Freezer Ultra Console (9 Liter)

Features Include:

* BUILT-IN BATTERY AUTO SAVER PREVENTS FULL DISCHARGE OF VEHICLE’S BATTERY
* Efficient thermoelectric system cools up to 40 F below ambient temperature and heats to approximately 120 F (depending on surrounding temperature)
* Rests on vehicle seat, tailgate hatch or floor for easy access
* Plugs into vehicle or boat 12 volt DC outlet or any other 12 volt DC power supply
* 12 can, 2.3 gallon (9 Liter) capacity
* Dual can and cup holders
* 17"L x 10"W x 13"H
* 10 LBS

Specifications:

* Extra long 6' power cord with fuse protected 12 volt DC power plug
* Automatic shut-off protection for over-warming
* Cool/warm LED indicators
* ON/OFF cool and heat switch
* CFC-free insulation material

* Easy clean aluminum liner
* Padded top
* Detachable shoulder strap
_________________
83.5 Westy Waterboxer
71 Squareback
81 Westy
59 Panel van