72 Suburban Custom ipad mini Console build
 

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m...1ef423656b.jpg

This is my bagged 72 suburban. I will be building a custom console to house: an iPad mini, 10" subwoofer down firing, a head unit, cup holders, arm rest and switch panel. My goal is to make it look nice and fitted to the truck yet custom enough to turn heads.

I started by removing the center section of the seat. I believe they are from a newer chevy crew cab truck.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m...6d7c31c582.jpg

I'll be mocking up the sides today as long as the snow holds off till later tonight.

Re: 72 Suburban Custom ipad mini Console build
 

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Nice Burb. It will be interesting to see what you do with the console.

:welcoem: to the board.

LockDoc

Re: 72 Suburban Custom ipad mini Console build
 

Right on! Are you using the Soundman kit? As seen here-

http://www.soundmanca.com/

Amplified is fun to watch, too.

Re: 72 Suburban Custom ipad mini Console build
 

No I use a kit made by Fifield Fabrications. I used it in my old Denali and it worked out great. It's also a 1/4 of the price of the sound man kit

Re: 72 Suburban Custom ipad mini Console build
 

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m...2cd8e57695.jpg

I got some goodies today

Re: 72 Suburban Custom ipad mini Console build
 

Awesome, subscribed.

Re: 72 Suburban Custom ipad mini Console build
 

subscribed.. this looks fun

Re: 72 Suburban Custom ipad mini Console build
 

Here's a linky to a iPad mini docking station. We use them in aircraft that need a secure mount for the iPad that we use for GPS displays.

http://www.chiefaircraft.com/agz-pd-ipad-mini.html

Re: 72 Suburban Custom ipad mini Console build
 

I scored some crystal clear head lamps with HIDs so I started off my weekend by installing them. Eventually I will replace these with Truck Lite LEDs.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m...1d2d883566.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m...8521FF55D7.jpg

I also replaced the cluster lights with LEDs. So much better at night, couldn't even tell they were on before. Looks even better in person
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m...41DE94F0A5.jpg


I didn't take any pics of the console as I was cutting the wood but here's where I'm at so far. I did this install in my parents driveway where I keep the car so I didn't have access to a table saw which really would have sped up this build.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m...5fb835bf96.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m...5498a3644c.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m...e578d2a195.jpghttp://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m...2ef8f5646f.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m...F5D5000E2B.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m...8EE7AB8455.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m...B5B05113D1.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m...842803D4CA.jpg

Re: 72 Suburban Custom ipad mini Console build
 

Lookin good. What did you use to cut the mdf?

Re: 72 Suburban Custom ipad mini Console build
 

Jig saw and router. Really needed a table saw to keep everything square

Re: 72 Suburban Custom ipad mini Console build
 

Where did you buy the cup holders and switches from???? I am interested to see what you do here. I am in the process of building a console from my '74. I am starting off with 3/4 plywood instead of MDF, just because that is what I had laying around. I am not very far along yet. Mine will have one 15 inch JL sub built into it. My sub needs 2 1/4 cubic feet. I like the shape you have come up with. Are you going to use fiberglass? I am playing with Fiberglass for mine. I am looking for tips and tricks, but so far I have learned everything the hard way.

Re: 72 Suburban Custom ipad mini Console build
 

I bought everything on amazon. You will def have airspace if uou keep the console high. The enclosure I built into mine is .78 sealed. Perfect for a moderate 10". Don't use plywood unless it's birch. Mdf is much better than regular ply. Building stuff like this is a lot of trial and error. Ive been professionally fabricating audio systems for 10 years now and I still have so much to learn.

Re: 72 Suburban Custom ipad mini Console build
 

the local boat store will have a nice selection of cup holders, abs plastic and stainless.

Re: 72 Suburban Custom ipad mini Console build
 

Boat store: That sounds like a good idea, it is just that I live in the middle of no-where..LOL and the closest boat store is 2 hours away. I will look on Amazon to see what I can find.

MDF: I think I will switch up to MDF and do this right. I don't remember what "grade" MDF to use??? I didn't think that Lowes/Home Depot carried the grade that we are suposed to use???

I have some car audio experience, but not as much as I would like when it comes to building custom stuff. So sorry if I ask too many questions, but I am looking for a lot of ideas. I want to build a console with one 15" sub, the floor shifter, two cup holders, and I am not sure if I want anything else in it. Maybe the head unit? And then I want to make custom door panels with pods for the component system speakers. This is for my '74.

Re: 72 Suburban Custom ipad mini Console build
 

Wow. I got on Amazon , looking for the cup holders. Very cool. I never would have thought about finding those on Amazon. Thanks for the info. I ordered one to try out.

Re: 72 Suburban Custom ipad mini Console build
 

Very nice suburban and nice start on your console! I'm thinking of making a console for my Longhorn so I can put my gps there.

Re: 72 Suburban Custom ipad mini Console build
 

MDF is the "grade". Medium Density Fiberboard. The other stuff is called particle board & is not dense enough for subwoofer applications. 3/4" is the thickness you need. You might want to re-think the 15"sub in a center console application. A ten is about max for function. A 15" sub requires too much air space & would require a massive center console if you are going for a sealed enclosure that still looks like a center console. Lowes & Home Depot both carry MDF in 3/4" thickness. Hope this helps.

Re: 72 Suburban Custom ipad mini Console build
 

Got a little body work done. Hopefully have the iPad dock and switch panel flushed, head unit hole cut and cup holders cut by the end of the weekend.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m...c65750e036.jpg

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m...f26b4c1ef3.jpg

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m...4092b1b601.jpg

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m...e2e70d35e8.jpg

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m...ea5daabb36.jpg

Re: 72 Suburban Custom ipad mini Console build
 

I prefer lightweight (trupan) mdf from lumber yards. Lighter and cuts easier. No way you'll fit all that with a 15". Def room for a ported 10 if you get creative

Re: 72 Suburban Custom ipad mini Console build
 

Thanks for the info guys. I should have known better on the "Medium" Density Fiberboard.

I bought this pair of 15 inch JL subs 20 years ago, so that is why I am using a sub this big. I agree that normally a 10" would be the right size for a console. This sub requires 2.25 cubic feet sealed and something (that I forget) bigger ported.

It is not easy to get 2.25 cubic feet in a console, but I did it. I am going to go out and take a couple pis of what I built. Now, I am going to rebuild this box in MDF instead of the plywood that I have it in right now.

Re: 72 Suburban Custom ipad mini Console build
 

Neverenuffbass: I love the shape. I would copy that idea, but I want to put my floor shifter in there. Are you using body filler in the latest pictures? My first cup holder just came. I got the exact same one you have I think. I really like it.

Re: 72 Suburban Custom ipad mini Console build
 

Yeah it's just body filler. Easier than kerfing mdf to try and make it bend

Re: 72 Suburban Custom ipad mini Console build
 

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6578622

I don't want to hijack this thread so I will just post a link to my build where I just put pictures of my proto-type box with 2 1/4 cubic feet. It is wide and high in order to get that much volume. But I think it works. Let me know what you think. It's an evolving project, so suggestions are welcome.

Re: 72 Suburban Custom ipad mini Console build
 

It's def possible to get that kind of cubic feet there. I have 4 15s that will be going in the back of my suburban. I just don't have the time or money to do it right now so I built this to hold me over. I like your seats