I tried looking on XOC using the search function for the "how-to" on removing and repalcing the center console with the bigger Steel Horse console, but couldn't find it? I think it was a Canadian X owner who has done this. Any help finding the link would be greatly appreciated!

At least I won't catch shit for asking it here!

Thanks!

here you are sir (http://y42.photos.yahoo.com/bc/x_canuk/lst?.dir=/Center+Console&.src=ph&.order=&.view=t&.done=http%3a//y42.photos.yahoo.com/bc/x_canuk/lst%3f.dir=/Center%2bConsole%26.src=ph%26.view=t)

it is by Xcanuk btw.

Thank you my friend!! I'll start on it tonight after work! :D :D

Rick not sure if you bought the console yet but I was looking at the new Bestop model they have out...very, very nice looking and can come with a light, power points and 4 cup holders.

They look great.
Here is the link http://www.bestop.com/storage (http://www.bestop.com/storage/#)

The Steel Horse one I recieved today is the 31511, Denim gray. It has four cup holders, change holder, sunglass holder, and a huge locking storage area!!!

www.steelhorseautomotive.com just click on the consoles, then jeep. Ultimate model. I got it for $69.00 at another jeep.com somethingorother site.

Take pictures when you do the install please. I would like to see how easy it is.

Looks like a nice console.

This is where I bought the console.

http://www.thinkjeep.com/manufacturers/steelhorse/consoles/

I'll do step by step photos for those who would like to install one also.

Rick,

Andrea in PNWX has one in her X.. .maybe you should get together with her to take a peek.

Originally posted by FSRBIKER
Rick not sure if you bought the console yet but I was looking at the new Bestop model they have out...very, very nice looking and can come with a light, power points and 4 cup holders.

not sure these are going to fit.

the steelhorse which we know fits, is 27.25”L X 8.75”W X 12.5”H.

the bestop is 10"W x 13-1/2"H x 24"L.

it is more the 1.25" wider aspect that i am concerned about.

i do like the look and feel of te bestop better than the steelhorse.

I think it will fit, I talked with Bestop about two months ago about this console and they said the measurement is taken at the widest point which is the cup holders and they should clear the seats. I just haven't had the time for the install so I have not ordered one yet, but I too like this console better than the Steelhorse one...BTW I had the Steelhorse one in my CJ...it has MUCH more room in it then the Nissan console but my only concern is it's durability...mine had some seams seperating after a year or so but maybe it was a fluke.

ok, but then the question is, which model of bestop console do you get. what is the difference between all the years of CJs. is it the exact same console and the year thing is for the color match? or are there variances between the models for particular vehicles?

The model I was talking about is the Trailmax or Trailmax Pro, if you go to applications they list several Trailmax consoles but the first few I believe are the Classic models, you want part # 81675 or 81677.. the other numbers are a color code...grey or black will work for a 2000 since our dash parts are black and the Nissan console is grey. Almost any 4x4 shop will carry these, I have seen the Trailmax for about $99 and the Pro for $125...this was in a Jeep only catalog and you can probably do better at a place like 4 Wheel Parts Wholesalers, 4x4 Connection, etc.

this is confusing.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/product.jhtml?CATID=176010&BQ=jcw2

Originally posted by Synchro
what is the difference between all the years of CJs. is it the exact same console and the year thing is for the color match? or are there variances between the models for particular vehicles?

All year models of CJs are pretty much the same. The body of the CJ5 is shorter than the CJ7, but that shouldn't affect the console.

Okay, it took me two hours and only cost $6.00 in aluminum to install. I used 1" L-shaped bracket that is 1/8" thick, cut to 24" long. If anyone wants further instructions just ask!

That looks great!
How hard was the install?

Looks very nice. My question: How is the height of the console (right elbow wise). I know you're a tall guy, but I wonder if it's a bit high for resting my elbow against while driving.

Looks very nice, but the elbow height is of great concern. This is especially true of us MT owners.

Are you coming to the next PNWX outing? If so I think we'll all be piling into your rig to check it out!! That looks great and could be exactly what I need.....

I'll do a big right up tonight when I get home!
Most of you guys know I am 6'4" and I am pretty sure the new console sits an inch or so higher and gives me a little bit more elbow support. I don't have any problems shifting or bumping my elbow. ToeJam I'll be at St Helen's in two weeks, hope you are going! I also have my EOE sliders bolted on and welded them permanently on Saturday. They sure are nice and heavy duty. I also have pictures on how you do thae one man install for the sliders! :cool:

from the pics, it looks like the steel horse one fits in pretty snugly. is there any wiggle room on either side. if so, how much? from that pic, i just do not see how the bestop console would possibly wit in there, even if it is just the cup holders that is that wide. especially since the bestop one 3" wider at that point.

FSR u can guinea pig that one.

Yeah, I don't think there would be room for my ass if I put one of those in. The other problem I would have is that if it's taller than the factory one I wouldn't like it. The factory one is already too tall and my elbow starts hurting after awhile from resting on it. I'd actually rather just have a storage console and no armrest there. Looks sweet though! :)

If anything I think the Steelhorse console has a much softer lid. I have the same problem with a sore elbow after a day of wheeling, I got a blister once.

Brent

I put the foam below the bracketing this morning and took some more pictures. There is very little "wiggle room" with the new console. The seats when tracking back and forth touch the console, but just barely. It keeps me more in place on side hills. I have also been looking at replacement seats. I just need a little bit more hip and leg support being 6'4"! :flash:

http://www.mastercraftseats.com/seats.html

I said I'd have more pictures today but I worked a 14 hour day yesterday!! So maybe tomorrow for new pictures?

This is a shot of the 1" x 1" aluminum L-shaped frame that supports the new console.

To keep dust of the module and reduce any chance of vibration from metal to metal.

Holes through the side are 1/4". This allows the four factory bolts to pass through the aluminum bracket. Six 3/16" holes attach the brackets to the console, I used the supplied sheet metal screws to attach the console.

All done ready for seats to go back in!

Originally posted by OffroadX
If anything I think the Steelhorse console has a much softer lid. I have the same problem with a sore elbow after a day of wheeling, I got a blister once.

Brent

see and i don't have a problem with my elbow getting soar on the console. my left elbow gets soar cause i rest it on the door sill. after a 10 hour drive back from tellico, damn i was hurting. i have been thinking of making a pad for there and bolting it into the door plastic.

Synchro, Mine gets sore from resting it on the window sill also! Am trying to think up something to pad it with also? I was at the upholestry shop yesterday, and saw some 1/2" closed cell foam in a medium gray that might do the trick?

then you are further along than I am. :) let me know what you come up with. i was in the "cool idea" stage. i hadn't gotten as far as looking up an upholstery place.

The steel horse console cupholders are not very deep so I modified them. I ground off the bottom of the cupholder and then bought some 3" ABS drains and ABS glue from the hardware store. Works great for pop cans, no more spills!!! :)

If you really wanted to impress me you would hook up your climate control to the cup vents so you could keep your drinks either hot or cold. :D

One thing I remember about Moab is how hot my pop would get sitting in the cupholders.

WTF is pop?






Yeah, I know, but nobody 'round here sez that.

Brent

I did the same thing on mine, but didn't bother with the cap. This way I can use it for cans, water bottles of different sizes and depths. I store 2 different boxes of different heights under the holders to provide the right setting. When not in use, I have a flat cap to block the hole.. ( which stores in the rear cupholder as needed ). If you want to keep things cool.. a deep tupperware bin filled with ice stored under the holes does the trick, but I used those plastic ice packs, no spilling.

Xcanuck..wish you would have sent me a pic of that I would have done it like that! But steel horse does give that 6 pack holder so I'll just keep my cold reserves in there! I also have a Coleman AC/DC 40 qt cooler hooked to the rear power outlet for BEER and a small bag of pretzels! ;)

Sorry, I've been busy with losing my front wheel and all.
I guess I should also mention I added an open bin to the rear of the console ( doesn't interfer with the seats when folded down ) I use it to store large water bottles upright. I used to use the bottle pocket on the pass. seatbacks, but it was hard for the Mrs. to reach.

Originally posted by OffroadX
WTF is pop?






Yeah, I know, but nobody 'round here sez that.

Brent

What do you call a drinking fountain?
I have a friend that calls it a bubbler, and yes she is a cheesehead :p

So what is the temperature in Moab going to be like when we get there? anyone know of a place i can check? maybe a zip code or town i can type into weather.com? i am asking cause of the cooler issue with food, sodas and what not.

I just have Ouray and Moab saved at Weather.com!

Water fountain=water fountain

Moab weather:

http://www.accuweather.com/adcbin/local_index?nav=home&thisZip=84532&btnzip=Go

Nice! :)

I downloaded this program called "Weatherbug". It's a neat little prog. I'm on cable so it's connected all the time with current weather for my area. It also has a "travel WX" area so you can check out the weather in other areas. I've been running it for quite awhile and have had no problems.

I hope the Steelhorse consoles are better than their other garbage....everyone I know who has steel horse stuff is unhappy with the quality...like stainless steel parts that rust within a week, wheelwell flares that look more like Halloween costume props,....etc. The other steelhorse particle board/cardboard structure consoles all fell apart from wear and tear. If they have upgraded their quality...thank god....if not, caveat emptor.

(Don't mean to rain on your parade, its just they all look good when new...and If I can save one of you from a steelhorsed disapointment...then I'm happy....and If Steelhorse HAS improved their quality...and is now a genuinely good buy, I'm ALSO happy.)



- Lance

It's the piece of crap console that came in the Xterra that needs replacing! The steel horse is perfect, with the addition of the one small mod I made to it! :finger:

You did a nice job installing the rails actually...and I hope years from now, that the new console will fit on as well. ;)



- Lance

Originally posted by rednec
I downloaded this program called "Weatherbug". It's a neat little prog. I'm on cable so it's connected all the time with current weather for my area. It also has a "travel WX" area so you can check out the weather in other areas. I've been running it for quite awhile and have had no problems.

Where'd you download it from? Sounds useful....can you have displays of several areas at once, or you just pick one default location?


- Lance

Originally posted by Lance
Where'd you download it from? Sounds useful....can you have displays of several areas at once, or you just pick one default location?


- Lance

You can get it at www.weatherbug.com. It's a free download. You can only have one default location, but when you do the "travel" thing it basicly switches to that area and shows you current conditions and 5 day forcast.

The steelhorse console was my first little mod back in Feb 2000, I knew I couldn't live with the original lack of space. 1 1/2 years later, its still solid, the lid and armrest are not showing any wear, and that is even with my dogs using the armrest as a lookout perch ( 70 pound dogs ). I know some of their stuff might be cheap, but this unit is holding up nicely.

Thanks for the weatherbug info! :)

That's great about the better console construction too! :)

What a relief!

- Lance

Ditto to what Xcanuck said! I leaned on my steel horse console from the back seat with my knee last time to unplug my GPS before going to sleep! No wobbles, no worries mate!

Figures...the weatherbug isn't Mac compatible. :(

For those of you with the SteelHorse console.... will a console that is .75" wider, 1.25" longer and about 3" taller be a problem? How close are the back seats when folded down to the console? Can the seats slide easily, will the wider console now prevent this? Will my elbow now be too high?

Thanks in advance!

It is about 1/4" wider, so it fits in snug, but not tight. ( I even have seat covers on ) Its been a while, but I think the original console has a slight gap between the top and the seats, so now you are flush.

It sits about an inch higher ( with it in place ontop of the rails ) More comfortable IMO, sets up nicer with a manual shift.

Overall length is equal to the original, floor space including the cupholders, doesn't interfer with the rear room at all, folding flat nor moving the driver/pass seats. With the seats folded down, I still have a few inches between the rear edge of the steelhorse and the edge of the folded seat... enough to put 2 large water bottles back there in the pit it forms.

All of that! I have some pics I never published if that would help anyone.

Direct comparson between the 2 units, the Steelhorse is just a squared up version of the original