My Overhead Console Install
#1
My Overhead Console Install
So I am walking around the local Pull-A-Part this weekend and I saw a late model S-10 Blazer sitting there. Roughly a '98-'99 model with a sunroof. Then I saw it....the 'stubby' overhead console. It has two map light, Homelink garage door opener, compass, temp, etc...
I thought to myself... "Self. I bet we can make that work in the P.T. Killer."
So here is my progress so far. Enjoy.
Here is the console I pulled. The extra arm holds the compass sensor:
First I covered the headliner with wide masking tape:
Disassembled console for test fitting:
Test fitted...need more tape:
Tape added:
Traced console outline:
Removed pillar covers, removed visors, etc... and dropped headliner for access:
Cut headliner for console wiring and support bracket:
Mounted console using factory bracket from the donor S-10 Blazer
Currently I only have the lights and the Homelink connected. These connections were made at the factory domelight. This allows the maplights to work as a factory dome light (even dims with the others) and as map lights as needed.
I will update this post when I connect the remaining functions.
This will add a compass feature that the car currently does not have.
The second temp sensor will be placed where I have my amps mounted to monitor air temps in the nearly-enclosed space.
I thought to myself... "Self. I bet we can make that work in the P.T. Killer."
So here is my progress so far. Enjoy.
Here is the console I pulled. The extra arm holds the compass sensor:
First I covered the headliner with wide masking tape:
Disassembled console for test fitting:
Test fitted...need more tape:
Tape added:
Traced console outline:
Removed pillar covers, removed visors, etc... and dropped headliner for access:
Cut headliner for console wiring and support bracket:
Mounted console using factory bracket from the donor S-10 Blazer
Currently I only have the lights and the Homelink connected. These connections were made at the factory domelight. This allows the maplights to work as a factory dome light (even dims with the others) and as map lights as needed.
I will update this post when I connect the remaining functions.
This will add a compass feature that the car currently does not have.
The second temp sensor will be placed where I have my amps mounted to monitor air temps in the nearly-enclosed space.
Last edited by Putter; 01-03-2011 at 03:48 PM.
#5
Nice job....... There's all kinds of mods like this people could do if they just thought about it, and "junque yards" are great sources....... So many just want "bolt ons" like everybody else has. I bet you get asked where you got the HHR "kit" for that mod......
Better to be different!
Better to be different!
#7
And you started with a 2009!
This would be a different fish with a 2008 (non-SS) or 2006-2007 setup. The earlier cars have the LED "light wash" without which the center-mounted window controls become invisible at night. I had thought about upgrading my dome lights to the factory 2009 version, but dropped the idea when I realized I would lose night visibility for the window switches. I know that there is a conversion (on earlier threads in this forum) to put rims of light around those switches instead, but that's too much work for me. The best HHR for this modification would be the 2008 SS, which moved the window controls to the doors, but has the earlier dome light. It still has the "light wash" but the objects it was designed to illuminate aren't there any more.
#9
Really nice job to the OP.
Doctuh.......use this mod and install backlit lighting on the window switches. I think there is a thread, way back, that illustrates how someone did the backlighting.
Doctuh.......use this mod and install backlit lighting on the window switches. I think there is a thread, way back, that illustrates how someone did the backlighting.
#10
Doctuh, I don't see why you couldn't fit the 'light wash' into this console. From the info screen back to the homelink buttons, there is nothing but space. Heck, if I had a lightwash module, I could fit it in there for ya! I will try and find one of the lightwash thingies online somewhere. I have never seen one so I don't know the size of it.
If anyone has a pic, please send it my way or post it up here so I can see.
If anyone has a pic, please send it my way or post it up here so I can see.