As a new owner, I'm currently struggling with how much I want to modify my new truck. I have a '74, and it's in pretty decent shape, and has no obvious modifications, except for this console. I'd like to add little comforts here and there, as long as it doesn't take it too far from the factory look. At the same time, I love looking and day dreaming about all of the heavily modified vehicles as well. I guess I need two!
I say all that above because this console has been invaluable for adding some comfort to the Pinz without changing the look too much. I wish I could take credit for it's design and fabrication, because it's rock solid and practical, but credit goes to some other guy.
We had a minor catastrophe the first night we owned it. I had to leave it parked outside until I could modify my garage. The previous owner had taken the antenna mount off to accommodate his garage, and hadn't really sealed up the hole. It poured that night, and soaked everything in that box, including the maintenance manual. The book is a little wavy, but fine. I've since sealed it it up, so future crises have been averted. The only real issue besides that is that the original maintenance cover has been lost, and didn't come with the vehicle. It's not a big deal I suppose, as I don't think I'd ever want to replace this console with it, but it would be nice for the next owner, if there is one. They aren't terribly expensive on EI, but I don't plan to spend money on something just to put it in storage.
Except for the hinge, clasps, and poles (plastic) it's made of wood. When I purchased the truck, the previous owner mentioned how the cup holders were too small, and boy, they were. For a couple weeks until I could get around to boring them out it drove me and my wife nuts how every cup, mug, and water bottle we owned would just almost fit. So, we opened them up some and chamfered them. I haven't painted the exposed wood yet. It's also at a good height for resting your arm. It's great for storing extra earplugs for other people riding in the vehicle, little tools, registration, etc.
I wish I had plans to share them, but I reckon most Pinzgauer owners are handy enough to build one if they wanted.
