Apparently subfreezing temps and 23 year old plastic don't mix.
Went to remove it this morning to remove last of the conversion companies add-ons and the cover broke horribly and it got put in the toss pile.
I thought I'd seen a custom one on here but have seen a few and would like to queue it in line for things to do. For now it'll be another thing to grab on my next JY run.
After taking a load to the trash, I've been wishing I'd kept a power socket and maybe the side pieces for attempting something custom.
Do them custom ones typically just sit on the floor or mount the same as factory?
No, I didn't take any pics. I was removing a couple last things and then buttoning everything back up to run up to get it inspected and was dropping trash off on my way so without thinking just tossed it.
The dash sure does look odd w/o it.
I removed mine when I was doing my post purchase tuneup and left it out while making interior changes. Got use to the extra room up front without it installed so decided to eliminate it altogether. The power sockets, the cup holders and glove box didn't seem to justify the real estate it takes up, though YMMV. I did it because I'm doing a camper conversion, so it makes it a lot easier to access the rear area.
I built a crude wood panel finish it off and give me the potential to add accessories down the road. Would eventually like to build a more finished console but that on the back burner for now. I think I tossed all the OEM stuff or I'd help you out.
I like that, nice and minimalist
I'd want to add a little more, cup holder, USB/power outlets.
I had been envisioning something to the floor, but after seeing that I'm thinking short and sweet.
I like that, nice and minimalist
I'd want to add a little more, cup holder, USB/power outlets.
I had been envisioning something to the floor, but after seeing that I'm thinking short and sweet.
Thanks. There is a removable bottom to my panel that closes off most of the under dash wires in that area. I did that so as you suggest I could mount possible outlets, cup holder, gauges by hanging them below. That may seem like I'd have been better off keeping the console, but IMO the full console with the huge glovebox isn't needed and deleting it frees up floor space. The cockpits on these things are tight enough. I did also add a fabric panel that molds to the exposed doghouse and vent ductwork.
Literally lost this battle yesterday installing a Bluetooth dongle on my stick radio.
She crumbled like a saltine cracker.
Found one at the junkyard this morning, scrubbed it clean, moved all my bits over to it, but... the damn rope/side pocket won't snap in. All clips are melted/broken.
*sigh*
Just starting down the rabbit hole of what options are out there...
I'm trying to decide what to do with my doghouse cover. The whole doghouse experience is such a pain. Who designed that mess? Ideally, you should loosen a couple clamps and the whole thing lifts out. Should take five seconds max. Instead it's this ordeal by a thousand cuts. Today, when I was reinstalling it, the two top 8mm bolts (that go in on either side of the plastic cover) wouldn't screw into the nuts. Couldn't get them aligned well enough to bite into the threads. I wasted more than a hour on that job. Plus, every time I have to remove the passenger seat to get the doghouse out of the van. As far as I'm concerned the dumb doghouse spoils what would otherwise be a well-designed van.
First, maybe only?, time I took mine off it was a major PITA reinstalling, in fact even had to walk away. Wish I had a tip for ya, but once I got it I was like well that was easy lol
I'm trying to decide what to do with my doghouse cover. The whole doghouse experience is such a pain. Who designed that mess? Ideally, you should loosen a couple clamps and the whole thing lifts out. Should take five seconds max. Instead it's this ordeal by a thousand cuts. Today, when I was reinstalling it, the two top 8mm bolts (that go in on either side of the plastic cover) wouldn't screw into the nuts. Couldn't get them aligned well enough to bite into the threads. I wasted more than a hour on that job. Plus, every time I have to remove the passenger seat to get the doghouse out of the van. As far as I'm concerned the dumb doghouse spoils what would otherwise be a well-designed van.
I don't know man, unless you have conversion van seats you shouldn't have to remove any seats. Plastic bag over the seat makes it easy to not get it dirty but they left just enough room to remove everything.
How often are you having to remove it though, once every 5-10 years?
I'm trying to decide what to do with my doghouse cover. The whole doghouse experience is such a pain. Who designed that mess? Ideally, you should loosen a couple clamps and the whole thing lifts out. Should take five seconds max. Instead it's this ordeal by a thousand cuts. Today, when I was reinstalling it, the two top 8mm bolts (that go in on either side of the plastic cover) wouldn't screw into the nuts. Couldn't get them aligned well enough to bite into the threads. I wasted more than a hour on that job. Plus, every time I have to remove the passenger seat to get the doghouse out of the van. As far as I'm concerned the dumb doghouse spoils what would otherwise be a well-designed van.
I don't know man, unless you have conversion van seats you shouldn't have to remove any seats. Plastic bag over the seat makes it easy to not get it dirty but they left just enough room to remove everything.
How often are you having to remove it though, once every 5-10 years?
I installed a swivel on the front passenger seat, but it sits quite a bit farther back than the driver's seat. Still no way to get the doghouse out without removing the seat. At least it's not as bad as the V6 Toyota van that requires you to dismantle the front of the van to access the rear spark plugs. I was thinking of getting a 4 cylinder Toyota van, but it drove like a dog.
Yeah, I've learned how to get mine out no prob with the seats in. Just put both back all the way, pull the cover back, rotate it clockwise so the end is against the corner of the driver's seat, and then lift the front up. Squish the gasket and it clears the little trim clips under the radio. Super easy.
Though I'm sure a video would make 1000% more sense than writing it.
Yeah, I've learned how to get mine out no prob with the seats in. Just put both back all the way, pull the cover back, rotate it clockwise so the end is against the corner of the driver's seat, and then lift the front up. Squish the gasket and it clears the little trim clips under the radio. Super easy.
Though I'm sure a video would make 1000% more sense than writing it.
I was trying to find a video of doing it like that, but I couldn't find one.
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