I just wanted to get some opinions an overhead console that I may build and eventually sell.

I almost purchased one of the Tuffy console until I saw one person. Cheaply made, too expensive, and provide no real structural support between the windshield frame and the roll bar. So, I will be making my own. For the most part I only need it for my CB, but I figured if I was going through the effort I may as well make it structurally sound. My intent is to create and overhead console that could, in the event of a roll over, support the weight of the Jeep and prevent the windshield from collapsing. Of coarse these functions are normally provided by an aftermarket roll cage, but many people are not in a position to buy, build or install, a roll cage. So, there is the market, or at least in theory. So, what functionality would you build into a console if you were going to make one for yourself? The Tuffy concept of the collapsible and lockable compartments is a good one which I may use. My small team of four guys already has a prototype design, but I believe there is extra room for added functionality.

Any ideas( real ideas.... not Side Mounted Porno Container..... althougt )? And would anyone be interested in getting one for testing and review purposes( no charge), when and if they are produced. Just thought I would run it by some of you.

I think that you are barking up the wrong tree by making something in lue of a full cage. I'd tell you to go market this to JU but..it really isn't the safest thing and they would probable buy it. While the unit itself might be able to sustain the damage and live, the windsheild frame may not. Why not make a tuffy design one but stronger. One that bolts to a full cage. And if you do, put me in line for testing one out;)

It sure seems like the cost of one of these will be a lot anyway, due to the fact that it will need to be very stout. If that is the case, then the marketing point of view should reflect this, but if you claim to have a console that will support/help support the windshield, doesn't this make you very easily liable should it not support it? For example, "I smashed my skull open like a pumpkin on Halloween because this console didn't do what it said it would. Had I known it was going to fail, I would have put in a full rollcage, but they said this was strong enough." Sure you can just say that it isn't supposed to aid in a rollover, but then I can just buy a tuffy and get the same thing, right?

How is that even possible, to support the weight of the Jeep...Sure it's tied into the cage in the back, but up front, if it's just tied into the frame, it would provide no support whatsoever...

I almost purchased one of the Tuffy console until I saw one person. Cheaply made, too expensive, and provide no real structural support between the windshield frame and the roll bar



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thats becuase they do not want to open that can of worms..

selling anything that is designed not to crumple is serious buisness dude..

DO NOT give people false confidence that a shelf thingie will save them..

Maybe you could make it stiffer and help the windsheild frame and only advertise it as a windsheild saver..

to go beyond that you are looking at hiring a certified welder who can and HAS built alot of cages -
then you will end up selling a whole custom cages with a shelf for the shelf thingy to work truly as a "cage"

not nocking the idea - just tellling you to account for the super dumb that will think it will save their life..

IMO I wouls just make a better one than tuffy and thats it!


ALSO
:flipoff2: newbie

I agree with the liability issues, and I wouldn't advertise it as a replacement for a roll cage, or even promise or insinuate. But, the design is very strong and it is very heavy duty which will speak for itself( it is much different than the Tuffy desing aside from the compartments). As far as the manufacturing aspects, I have all the machinery and material at my desposal, to inclued plastic pressure modling machines, so cost will be minimal. I plan to make a few to try out and to send to friends for there review and ideas. But so far, can anyone think of something they would like built into something like this( example: mag light brackets?)

Originally posted by Little Elm Raven
But so far, can anyone think of something they would like built into something like this( example: mag light brackets?)

One thing I'd like to see built into one is a convenient laptop mount and a sturdy adjustable arm that can hold a detached screen in a variety of positions in the driver's side field of view (for GPS/map tracking and miscellaneous web surfing). Have you ever seen those swingaway office computer systems? Same principle as that. Otherwise, all the normal gadgets you'd keep in a console (compass, CB, lights, etc.) but CUSTOMIZABLE so you're not forced to take a bunch of junk you don't want to get the four or five things you really do want. And yeah I'd love to be a guinea pig if you get to that stage.

Originally posted by 92xj


One thing I'd like to see built into one is a convenient laptop mount and a sturdy adjustable arm that can hold a detached screen in a variety of positions in the driver's side field of view (for GPS/map tracking and miscellaneous web surfing). Have you ever seen those swingaway office computer systems? Same principle as that. Otherwise, all the normal gadgets you'd keep in a console (compass, CB, lights, etc.) but CUSTOMIZABLE so you're not forced to take a bunch of junk you don't want to get the four or five things you really do want. And yeah I'd love to be a guinea pig if you get to that stage.

http://www.jottodesk.com/

Originally posted by Little Elm Raven
...But so far, can anyone think of something they would like built into something like this( example: mag light brackets?)
If you go this route, make DAMN sure that the mag light will ONLY come out when the driver wants it out. Essentially making it permanently attatched (i.e. a wingnut, etc). I have been in two accidents where a mag light became an airborn projectile. One instance the end of the flashlight (6D) was resting on the floor of the truck and a clamp was used to attatch the top to the front of the dash. It came loose immediately. The other, the light was attatched parallel to the seat backs of the truck, behind the seats and it ended up on the passenger side floor.:eek:

Remember, not everyone will be using your product in a trail-only vehicle.

Just things to keep in mind. If I were purchasing one, I'd like to see a mounting point for a flashlight, maybe even fire extinguisher?

Originally posted by Old Scout


http://www.jottodesk.com/

Good link, thanks. The build looks similar to the office one I saw, maybe same company. I've seen a flimsier articulated arm-thing that mounted on the tranny hump but it looks like it would be in the way and wouldn't hold up to offroad jarring. That one looks sturdy enough but it would still be in the way. An arm coming down from above seems more out of the way, easier to brace plus it would hide away the computer somewhat more.
The setup I have in mind would be just a detached screen and mouse or touchpad on the arm, so the moving part would only weigh about 1/3 what a laptop weighs. For cases where you had to type I'd use an aux folding keyboard. Also, the laptop should be secure but easily removeable.
And before the liability lizards get started on how the screen could turn into a projectile, I'd paste a big sticker on it that says CAUTION IF YOURE A DUMBASS THIS THING CAN KILL YOU and let it go at that.

Well I am not too sure about the Jotto Desk thing quite yet. I believe that may be a little beyond our current capability..... You have to take into account, this idea came up between friend over a few beers and was first jotted down on a bar napking. However, our little group is made up a drafters, and industrial machine shop owner and a couple IT guys. As I said before, we have the design, but we havn't started cutting metal yet. As far as a maglight bracket, I couldn't agree more. I too have been wacked in the head from with one that mounted with cheap brackets. No fun to say the least. I had thought about the fire extinguisher mount as well, but I am not sure about having something that big, right abouve my head. Plus it would stick out far enough that you could potentialy smack your head if you are tall and going over good terrain. Over all, I want to be able to make these consoles very heavy duty, without rattles, simple to install, and cheap to produce, so that they can be sold for much less than the Tuffy. I am not looking to make 10 thousand units a week, I only want to make a few at first and see if people like them. So, with only a few being made initialy, I can afford to make them out of the best materals.( ie. very heavy gauge steel)The lights are not a bad idea and there is plenty of room within the current design, and it can be done quickly and for little money. Any other ideas?